Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the season, there is nothing more fun or relaxing than to do your holiday shopping in a small town. No parking meters. No crowds. Friendly merchants.

Yet, there are plenty of unique shops with lots of interesting gift choices. You might even consider making it a tradition: rather than fighting and pushing your way through a mall with traffic jams and long lines, combine shopping in Fort Bragg with local adventures: ride the special Skunk Train Christmas Express, walk in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, take the Oddities Tour (ask your innkeeper for a guide), or kayak on Noyo River.

Did we mention Glass Beach, our California National Coast Monument, great art galleries and outstanding restaurants? And, there are plenty of places to stay. Sound like a pat on the back?

Come check for yourself. You won't be disappointed.