Tucked away in verdant coastal canyons or nestled against the roaring Pacific, each one of these select vacation destinations offers the ideal California experience, enjoyed by stars and celebrities of every generation, including the same Montecito cottage John and Jackie Kennedy chose for their honeymoon in 1953. Romancing the Coast’s 68 ideal getaways range from urban luxury to rustic coastal charm. Descriptions include recommendations for spectacular wedding sites and honeymoon destinations, samplings of fine dining experiences, highlights of spa facilities and special services, tips on activities near each location, and notes on the unique characteristics and history of each fabulous locale. Thomas C. Wilmer is a travel writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications. He has been travel correspondent for NPR affiliate KCBX, and a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association. Between travel adventures, he lives in Morro Bay, California. Manka s Inverness Lodge 30 Callender Way Inverness, CA 94937 Phone: 4156691034 Fax: 4156691598 Email: mankas@best.From my first step into the main lodge, it was as though I d been transported to an enchanting and calming woodland hideaway. Sally Dobbins, the soft spoken and infinitely gracious host, wasted no time in making me feel right at home. She greeted me with a cup of hot tea and offered a seat by the crackling fire in a cozy room filled with old hickory rockers; vintage fishing gear; and Louie, the lodge Labrador who was dozing sleepily on the plaid Craftsman couch. With Tomales Bay at its feet and the Pacific Ocean at its back, the main property is a small compound of eight rooms, a suite, two cabins, and a widely acclaimed restaurant. Down the road and on the bay you ll find an extension of Manka s offerings, including an 1850's cabin on a couple of acres at the water s edge, a dramatic 1911 boathouse built over the water, and the intimate boatman's quarters above the boathouse. A centerpiece of Manka s is the restaurant in the main lodge. Owner and Chef Margaret Gradé ­akes sure the daily changing menu offers fresh, locally grown fare from some of Manka s closest neighbors, who offer fresh fruits and greens, olives, organic dairy and eggs, and much more. Among other courses, I feasted on a tender piece of lamb atop creamy herbed polenta. For dessert, a homemade caramel vanilla ice made with local coastal cream, complete with homemade oatmeal cookie still warm from the oven for dipping. Manka s also serves up an impressive breakfast, though only to house guests. You can dine fireside in the parlor . . . . Used Book in Good Condition