Many of the paintings decorate the wall behind the front desk. Innkeeper John Porter's innkeeping philosophy shines through everything. The inn's collection of 250 movies, including old classics, certainly exceeded ours. One place to watch them is in the movie room decorated with vintage movie posters. Back in the lobby, you could imagine Gable or Bogart coming through the lobby, heading to the lounge for a late-night drink.
Guest rooms are upstairs in the main building or in adjoining buildings.
Our room had a big four-poster bed with beaucoup mahogany. A patio with table and umbrella looked out onto a grassy area above Benbow Lake. Southern Humboldt County is perfect for day trips, with the Benbow Inn your ideal base. And don't miss the wineries and vineyards of Mendocino County to the south. Surrounding the Avenue is Humboldt Redwoods State Park, with the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world.