Since its recurring presence in the national media during the government’s high-profile, late-1980s raids on local marijuana plantations, Garberville has returned to its previous sleepy self. The US-101 freeway bypasses the town, which stretches for a half-dozen blocks along Redwood Drive, the well-signed business loop off the highway.
Enjoy an early-morning breakfast with the old-time locals at the Eel River Cafe (707/923-3783) at 801 Redwood Avenue, or enjoy an espresso and healthy food at the Woodrose Cafe (707/923-3191), a block south at 911 Redwood Avenue. Garberville also has all the motels you could want, including the Motel Garberville (707/923-2422) at 948 Redwood Drive.
Just west of Garberville on the old highway, Redway is worth the short side trip for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Mateel Cafe (707/923-2030), a health-conscious gourmet haunt along Redwood Avenue at the center of town.
Along US-101, four miles south of Garberville, one of the region’s most characterful places is the stately Benbow Inn ($100–200; 707/923-2124), a circa 1926 mock Tudor hotel with a nice restaurant offering afternoon tea and scones on a sunny terrace overlooking Lake Benbow.
