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History
In 1867, John Rule bought 4,000 acres of the Nuniz Rancho, at
the mouth of the Russian River. Charles Jenner, a literary man,
came to the area a year later. Rule invited Jenner to build
a house on his land, while Jenner was looking for material for
his writing. The gulch where he built his home, was called Jenner
Gulch and the town that grew there was named for him. In 1904
a Mr. A.B. Davis erected a lumber mill. A hotel with a post
office was also built in anticipation of the economic activity
that would come. The mill operated for ten years and supplied
the construction materials needed to rebuild Santa Rosa and
San Francisco after the 1906 earth quake. In 1914 Mr. Davis
died and his son decided to close the mill. In the years that
followed, a small village developed with approximately 50 homes
and a two room school house (note: the school house is still
standing and is located right next to Castle Crag). In 1948
the original hotel was destroyed by a fire. It was rebuilt by
Swedish ship builders and became a multipurpose structure. With
no lodging inside, it served as a lodging office where it rented
the tiny cabins that overlooked the old mill grounds. It also
served as a post office, general store, tavern and fish house.
In 1979 the historic building was purchased by Richard Murphy
who converted it to a restaurant and bar, which is still open
for business. According to the 1999 Rand McNally Commercial
Atlas, Jenner now has a population of about 200. It has become
a very popular tourist and vacation destination with two restaurants,
a gas station, a post office, a souvenir shop and its own volunteer
fire house.
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Climate
The
climate in and around Jenner can vary considerably,
even with in the same day. Because it is a coastal town
some morning fog and afternoon winds during the summer
months can be expected. It's worth noting that Jenner is
fairly well protected by the steep terrain to the north.
Glorious weather conditions can be experienced all year
round but the best months seem to run from January to
June. It's always best to take a variety of clothing items
that can be layered to accommodate the varying
temperatures.
For current weather conditions and a short-term forecast
for Jenner visit the Weather Underground Web site.
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Restaurants
& Shops
From Jenner there are a number of excellent restaurants and shops
to visit in the nearby towns like Bodega Bay, Monte Rio and Guernville.
There are also, however, several establishments within Jenner's
borderlines that are well worth a visit while you are in town.
Gift Shop (five minute walk from the house)
There is a gift and souvenir shop on the river bank that carries
a large and interesting collection of items. It features gifts,
art and crafts with a definite coastal/nature theme. There are
lots of the usual items like shirts, jewelry and books. There
are also some very nice items including a large selection of beautiful
copper wind chimes and some really nice artwork that can run in
the $100 to $500 price range.
Sandwich, Snacks and Espresso (five minute walk
from the house)
Located in the same building as the gift shop, there is a small
service counter that offers a variety of foods and beverages.
The menu includes sandwiches, snack foods, clam chowder, chili,
smoked salmon, frozen yogurt, sodas, coffee, espresso and beer.
There are benches outside and a protected patio that looks out
onto the river. There is also a comfortable grassy area on the
river bank that is perfect for an impromptu picnic (bring a blanket
and buy everything else).
Gas Station & Mini-Market (five minute walk
from the house)
The local gas station includes a mini-market with all the basics,
a small deli, and a limited selection of meats, dairy and fine
wines. It also has an ATM and a very small selection of video
rentals. Things are overpriced (especially the batteries!) but
if you need a few things and don't want to drive to the Safeway
in Guernville (15 minute drive), then it will do in a pinch.
River's End Restaurant (three minute drive or
a 10 minute walk)
11048 Hwy. One - Jenner, CA 954500 - (707) 865-2484
Seasonal hours; please call for schedule. Breakfast - Lunch -
Dinner
The River's End restaurant features a full bar, quality food and
a dining room with great views of the river and pacific ocean.
It is with in walking distance of the house but guests need to
be extremely careful of traffic on Highway One as there are no
walkways.
From an Article in Steppin' Out Magazine
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S WINE COUNTRY MAGAZINE
Dining at River's End Restaurant with its spectacular view is
a visual as well as a culinary treat. The several times we've
stopped in, we've been impressed by the view and the convivial
atmosphere —cozy and intimate. We observed people making
connections there - a place where guests feel comfortable enough
to turn to a stranger at the bar and share a story or two.
Full Article
Sizzling Tandoor Restaurant (7 minute drive)
9960 Hwy. One - Jenner, CA 954500 - (707) 865-0625
Lunch: 11: 30-2:30 Dinner: 5:00-10:00 Closed Tuesdays.
The Sizzling Tandoor restaurant features authentic Tandoori dishes
as well as good old American cuisine (perfect for families with
kids).
Voted Best Indian Food in Sonoma County - Metro Active's Best
Food and Drink Reader's Poll
From a lengthy restaurant review on The Sea Ranch Association
Web site.
"Yes, I’ll definitely go back. The spell of Mom’s
dreaded curry has been broken. The food was well prepared and
delicious. Full Review (see link to Restaurants: Sizzling Tandoor
at the top of page)
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| Local
Activities and Places to Visit
From Jenner there are a limitless number of
activities that visitors can seek out if so desired. The list
below gives you an idea of just some of them. Most can be found
within a 20 to 30 minute drive from the house. As we collect
more information on specific activities and places to visit
we will post it on the Web site.
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| Places
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| Bodega
Bay |
Monte
Rio |
Armstrong
Redwood Forest |
| Tomales
Bay |
Guerneville |
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| Mendocino |
Sebastopol |
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