If you've never been to Mendocino then you are in for a treat. This seaside village is everything a town that looks like this should be: pretty, exuberant and welcoming. The best part about living in a spot that hosts tourists is that there is a secret feeling of belonging when you walk down the street and greet other "locals." Living here you notice that the tourists want to be transported to this "Brigadoon" — if only for a short time. This knowledge gives validation to your choice of lifestyle.

A National Historic District, the look and feel of the town has been preserved so completely that you can easily forget that you are at the edge of the earth in Northern California and not in a New England fishing village. The town is surrounded by open spaces which are part of the California State Parks system. It's no wonder these streets have been the backdrop for many television shows including Murder She Wrote and over 40 motion pictures such as East of Eden and, more recently, the Jim Carrey movie, The Majestic.

There are several fine restaurants and great coffee places to sit and enjoy the local fare. The shops offer everything from luxury linens, fine art and elegant jewelry to shirts and caps to memorialize your visit. If you love live theater, the local company offers several shows a year. Often a local comedy improvisational group, augmented by alumni at work and acclaimed in the wider world, put on performances to packed houses. Classical music concerts are plentiful, including a two week music festival during the summer. There is even a very local lending library. For $5 a year you can borrow best-selling hardbound and audio books.

If you want a first run movie, you won't have to wait in line or order tickets in advance. Just drive up the road to Fort Bragg, 8 miles north, and appear at the box office about 15 minutes before show time and enjoy!

Fort Bragg also hosts two large supermarkets: Harvest Market — a gourmet delight with groceries over and above the regular fare, including an olive bar and an extensive selection of organic fruits, vegetables, meats and fresh, local seafood — and Safeway, which features many local products and in-store banking.

With widening cell phone coverage and DSL and satellite internet, the world is at your fingertips but the hassle and congestion are far behind when you chose to make Mendocino your hometown.