Remember way back, when there was that Alfred Hitchcock horror movie called, The Birds? I remember being quite young watching the terrifying film and being petrified by those pesky black crows and squawking seagulls that came swooping down and attacking the people. It was awful to watch. So what did I do? I watched it again! Ha!
This time around, the beginning of the movie was hilarious to watch because the birds were so fake looking. However, the cinematography was incredible. My sister thought it was odd that I was laughing hysterically (until the end of the movie – euuuwwww!). Anyhoo – I had no idea that, The Birds was filmed in Bodega Bay, California. No clue. Until now. So I put it on my list to venture out and see what the town was all about.
Bodega Bay is approximately two hours north of the Bay Area and it was a nice, evenly keeled drive, and not too windy. It was fun passing through some small and charming towns such as Sebastopol. We needed to find a pet-friendly place for yes, (I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned about my dog) Carmella! She’s an adorable Havanese…a full-bred from Havana, Cuba. Okay, a blog on pampering pets coming soon to your inbox!
So, with Carmella in tow, we stumbled upon a place called the Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa in Bodega Bay. It is a family and pet-friendly vacation spot that’s just a quick car ride to Duran Beach. That particular weekend, the weather was divine. At Duran Beach we located a nice picnic table facing the bay. It was in the ‘70s on a beautiful December day. Our picnic basket was, of course, chock full of cheeses, olives, breads, pickles and various meats. It was a feast for sure! Need to know how to pack the perfect picnic basket? Just ask!
So back to…The Birds. If you recall, one of the scenes in the movie took place at a schoolhouse with those terrible, black birds pecking at the children. Well, that’s the location I just had to visit! I know I have a morbid wit (like Mr. Hitchcock) and I kept watching my back for a black bird to come soaring down and attack us. The schoolhouse and the church all looked about the same as they did in the movie with of course a few facelifts. We then walked down from the church and ventured into the Bodega Country Store, which also played a pivotal part of the movie. Evidently this store holds the largest collection of Hitchcock memorabilia.
Our adventure was a fun one-night stay and all the birds were kept at bay. Don’t forget to watch The Birds and make some of my favorite peppermint bark popcorn for some yummy munching (while closing your eyes!). Need the recipe? Just ask!
