Willits

The City of Willits was originally a town of loggers and ranchers. In the wake of San Francisco's Summer of Love, an influx of hippies changed the character of the populace to today's mix: first, second, and third generation hippies coexisting with third, fourth, and fifth generation settlers. Add a sizable cohort of the artistically and liberally inclined with a certain tinge of New Age beliefs, and you definitely have a town with people watching possibilities while shopping the local galleries and craft shops.
Many of these boutiques are not easily seen by the passing traveler. One has to stop and look about to wring the greatest satisfaction from the Willits experience.

The City of Willits is 135 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 101. The highway passes south to north, bisecting Willits as Main Street; highway addresses change to city addresses at the city line. In the center of town, just after passing under the Heart of the Redwoods arch over 101, Highway 20 runs its winding way westward to Fort Bragg.
Coming from the Sacramento Valley, take Williams exit 578 from I-5 westward onto California Highway 20. When it merges with Highway 101, turn north. Again, you are entering Willits from the south.

A visitor to Willits will find the majority of its attractions are located the two blocks before the Commercial Street light, or just around the corner on Commercial Street as far as the Center for the Arts. Downtown Willits is easily walkable; this less than half mile flat loop will take you past an eclectic array of shops, eateries, and galleries.
Willits' central location makes it an ideal hub from which to explore the rest of Mendocino County on day trips.

The 1 Willits Rider bus (Mendocino Transit Authority, +1 707-462-1422 or +1-800-696-4682, MTA) supplies local flexible route service 10 times per day.

Attractions are listed from south to north.

Black Bart's boulderOn the southern edge of Ridgewood Summit, marked by a historical marker "honoring" the poetic bandit.
Heart of the Redwoods ArchOffers photo opportunities to those who missed it when the arch was still Reno's "World's Biggest Little City" sign.
Frontier DaysThe oldest continual Rodeo in the State, over the Fourth of July week, complete with the Black Bart Gunfighters shooting it out in the streets (with blanks, of course).

Besides Willits' good old-fashioned walkable downtown featuring shops full of arts, crafts, and goodies, it also offers other attractions. Handily enough, the attractions begin in that same downtown block that ends at Commercial Street and Main Street.

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An easy walk from shopping takes one to:

Willits Community TheatreFeatures semi-professional theatre and occasional musical soirees. From Main Street, take the last possible left before the Commercial Street light to find this hidden treasure. For tickets via credit card, call 707-459-0985. Price of admission: $10/$15, depending on the performance.
Noyo TheatreThe offers digital projection of first-run movies in a lavish 1930s movie palace. Price: $7.50 tops, with a $1.50 upcharge for 3D. Kids, seniors, matinees at $5.50.
The Willits Center for the Arts

phone: +1 707-459-1726

address: 71 E. Commercial St
For exhibitions by local artists.
Bud Snider ParkHas a kiddie playground under tame redwoods.

The other attractions are a bit further down; the traveler may want to drive to them:

Skunk Train

phone: +1 707-964-6371

address: 299 East Commercial St
Ride in vintage railway cars through the Redwoods on the world's crookedest railroad.

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Mendocino County MuseumThe contains fascinating material concerning the unique cultures of northern coastal California. Open from 10AM to 6PM Wednesday through Sunday. Admission donations: $4 per adult, $1 per youth ages 6-18, under age 6 free.
Roots of Motive Power

phone: +1 707-459-7782

address: 420 E. Commercial St
The adjacent Roots of Motive Power is a community volunteer project under the auspices of the County Museum; it is a specialized exhibit of lovingly restored antique locomotives, railroad rolling stock, and steam-powered logging equipment. Call museum first for details.
Recreation GroveAcross Commercial Street from the County Museum and the library, this recreation area has public BBQ pits, sheltered picnic tables, kid's playground, and sports fields.
Frank Grasse Dog ParkYour canine will love this park, further out E. Commercial Street across from the Rodeo Grounds.
Sherwood Valley Rancheria Casino

address: 1 Kawi Pl
Located on the outskirts of town and good for those desiring gaming entertainment. The souvenir shop features low prices for tobacco, with cartons of all-natural cigarettes from $23.50 to $31.50.

Downtown Willits offers travelers a beggar's dozen shops in two short blocks; a quarter mile stroll can reach them all. From south to north, and back again:

Roselina Books & Antiques

phone: +1 707-459-0932

address: 217 S. Main St
An old-fashioned San Francisco-style antiquarian book store with 34,000 items, plus book-related antiques.
Body Rituals: A Center for Massage and the Healing Arts

phone: +1 707-459-2300

address: 91 S. Main St
Offers a calm setting where health, beauty, and well-being can flourish.
LightupCoats.com

phone: +1 707-354-3665

address: 39B S. Main St
Offers unique hand-crafted custom clothing and accessories.
Off the Cuff

phone: +1 707-459-9500

address: 39A S. Main St
Features fine women's clothing and accessories.
Cat's Meow

phone: +1 707-459-6201

address: 29 S. Main St
A contemporary mercantile boutique.
Blue Sky Gallery

phone: +1 707-456-9025

address: 21 South Main St
Gallery dealing in paintings, photography, prints, sculpture, wood, glass, jewelry, and fine art.
Buttercup Children's Boutique

phone: +1 707-459-3199

address: 15 S. Main St
Offers stylish kid's clothing, toys, and accessories for ages 10 and under.
Mazahar

phone: +1 707-459-3034

address: 38 S. Main St
Offers ladies fashions with an exotic and/or naughty flair.
Tiger Lily's Boutique

phone: +1 707-459-0512

address: 150 S. Main St
An eclectic selection of women's contemporary fashion.
Monkey Wrench

phone: +1 707-456-9647

address: 154 S. Main St
Offers quality men's and women's clothing.
The Book Juggler

phone: +1 707-459-9709

address: 182 S. Main St
Used and new books, music, and movies, with over 80,000 items available.

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Cafe 77

phone: +1 707-459-2233

address: 77 S. Main St
Cafe 77 opened in 2018 and offers classic diner food with plentiful options for all types of eaters.
Al's Redwood Room

phone: +1 707-459-2444

address: 207 S.Main St
Diner's choice of Thai-American or steakhouse food.
Loose Caboose Cafe

phone: +1 707-459-1434

address: 10 Wood St
Salads, sandwiches, and soups in a funly funky setting, with patio dining available. Moderate prices. Cash only.
El Mexicano

phone: +1 707-459-5702

address: 166 S. Main St
Locally owned Mexican restaurant serving Willits for over 30 years.
Buster's Burgers and Brew

phone: +1 707-459-3233

address: 150 S. Main St
Great, giant burgers, and other bar-type food with local beers on draft in a casual atmosphere. TV's so you don't miss a sports game.
Anna's Asian House

phone: +1 707-459-6086, +1 707-459-3897

address: 47 E. Mendocino Ave
Diner's choice of a sushi bar and/or Szechuan cooking.
Scoop's Frozen Yogurt & Deli

phone: +1 707-272-9646

address: 110 N. Main St
Offers refreshing alternatives to chain fast food with fresh yogurt and deli treats.

Al's Redwood Room

phone: +1 707-459-2444

address: 207 S. Main St
Sports bar with an Old West patina; in business since 1901.
Shanachie Pub

phone: +1 707-459-9194

address: 50 South Main St
An Irish-style pub with live music on weekends and in midweek.

Best Western Willits Inn

phone: +1 707-459-5800

address: 1777 South Main St
Edgewood Motel

phone: +1 707-459-5914

address: 1521 S. Main St
Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa

address: 101 Gregory Ln
The only hotel in Willits that sits one turn off the Hwy in a quiet cul-de-sac. Complimentary hot homemade breakfast.
Western Village Inn

address: 1440 S. Main St
Lark Motel

phone: +1 707-459-2421

address: 1411 S. Main St
Pet friendly.
Pine Cone Motel

address: 1350 S. Main St
Old West Inn

phone: +1 707-459-4201

address: 1221 S. Main St
Offers theme rooms to the weary traveler. No worries if you wake up in Jail!
Super 8

address: 1119 S. Main St
Pepperwood Motel

phone: +1 707-459-2331

address: 452 S. Main St

Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital

phone: +1 707-459-6801

address: 1 Marcela Dr, Willits, CA 95490
Willits Fire Department, 74 East Commercial Street, +1 707-459-6271.
The Willits News

phone: +1 707-459-4643

address: 77 West Commercial Street.
Willits Police Department, 125 East Commercial Street, Suite 150, +1 707-459-6122.

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