Mendocino: pizza and ice cream

            Frankie's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor in Mendocino

The secret pleasures of travel are often those diversions away from well worn paths -- those serendipitous discoveries when you wander away from Main Street. 

In the village of Mendocino, Main Street overlooks spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and leads to the bluffs with steep paths to the beach.  
You shouldn’t leave the village of Mendocino, however, without exploring the back streets.  There are Victorian cottages, water towers, boutiques, and countless places to grab a quick bite. 

You might not expect to go to one of Mendocino County’s gourmet destinations for pizza or ice cream.  That would be because you haven’t heard of Frankie’s Pizza and Ice Cream Parlor at 44951 Ukiah Street, Mendocino.  

This is not your father’s pizza parlor.  Frankie's pizzas are made with organic flour, sauces, and herbs. They feature primarily organic vegetables.  Their dough and sauces are vegan. Check out their menu.  If you don’t find anything irresistible, they let you create your own.   The finishing touches of their pizzas:  parmesan cheese and minced Italian parsley. 

In addition to full, half-sized, and split choices, pizza by the slice is available from 11:30 AM until 5:00 PM.  The ice cream is Cowlick's, handmade locally -- and suitable for the most discriminating connoisseur of ice cream.

The village of Mendocino has been a haven for artists for years, so naturally you can expect to see the work of local artists at Frankie’s.  If you’re there in the evening (beginning at 7 p.m.), Thursdays through Saturdays, there will probably be local musicians. 

It might be American folk, jazz, latin, swing, acoustic -- or some other rhythm to get your toes tapping and your shoulders swaying.

There's even Wi-Fi.  But, must you work?  It's Mendocino!  Which part of "secret pleasures" wasn't clear?  Well, okay, one quick message to the family back home, but that's it.

Check out Frankie’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor online or call (707) 937-2436 for details.  Better yet, just drop by.  You wanted to explore, right?

If you decide to linger for a while, learn more about what to do on the Mendocino Coast. 
Visit Mendocino is your source for advice and lodging assistance for all of Mendocino County. 
For art and music venues, the Arts Council of Mendocino County is a good source of more information.

Need driving directions?  You can get anywhere with Google Maps.

Photos courtesy Frankie's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor

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