visiting the land
Directions
The physical address is 18501 VanZandt Resort Road, Philo, CA 95466. Coming from the Bay Area it’s Hwy 101 northbound and then exit 522 CA Hwy 128 West towards Fort Bragg/Mendocino/Boonville. Turn left onto Rays Road (by the Anderson Valley Inn) off Hwy 128 on the west edge of the town of Philo. When the road splits stay on the lower road and follow signs to VanZandts. When you arrive to VanZandt entrance you will see The Land’s white gate and keypad on the left. (Get the gate code from your event coordinator prior to your visit.) Follow the signs to the Land. Enter the first white gate to the left as you exit the bridge. If it is closed, you may instead go straight ahead on the dirt road and follow along the fence line and up the hill to the second white gated entrance. As you enter the property drive to the check in point by the big Redwood trees.
Airports
The Sonoma County Airport, named Charles Schultz Sonoma County Airport, named after the famous Snoopy/Peanuts author is 61.6 miles from The Land. There are ample ground transportation options from the airport to the Land. Both San Francisco and Oakland International Airports are approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from the Land by car or bus.
Check in and Check out
Check in time is from 2pm to 6pm and Check out time is at 11am. You are welcome to stay on the Property until 1pm and have lunch on the day of your check out.
Vehicle Use
To minimize unnecessary sound, traffic and dust pollution, we ask that you do not drive your vehicle on the property to move from one location to the other. We have golf cart transportation should you need assistance getting from one building to the next. The maximum Speed limit on roads inside the Land is 5 mph. Please drive safely to keep our animals and people safe.
Food
We do not have storage for food for guests, but we do have three meals a day and snacks for the duration of your trip with us. If you do have a very specific dietary or medical need for refrigeration, please let us know. We ask that you refrain from bringing food into your cabins or tents, so as to deter animals from entering. Let guest services know any dietary needs you have, and we will be sure to accommodate you as best as we can.
Waiver
All visitors are required to sign the Visitor Waiver prior to being welcomed onto the property.
Internet and Phone Usage
AT&T and T-Mobile tend to get reliable service coverage on The Land, Verizon does not work well. The Land has fiber optic internet and WIFI service around the lodge, cabins, and houses. The campground does not have WIFI service.
General Safety
The Land is on 162 acres of preserved wilderness and we take great care for our natural surroundings. We encourage safety, conservation, and responsible use of the property. Always walk in pairs, especially at night - with a flashlight!, and let other people know where you are going. All guests must be 18+, no exceptions.
Fire Safety
As evidenced by California’s record-breaking wildfires in 2017, the fire danger in rural areas is always high. No candles or open flames are allowed anywhere on the property, and you may smoke only in the designated smoking area, the gazebo by the pool. Fires are only allowed in pre-approved locations and must be supervised by a Land staff member.
Flashlights
We encourage all guests to bring flashlights and to always have them accessible at night. (Mobile phone flashlight apps work well.) Limited lighting is placed around the cabins, houses, and roads to preserve the night sky.
Septic
Septic systems, by rule, are delicate in nature, and ours is no different. Please be mindful of only flushing down the toilet paper provided and natural waste. Please do not flush feminine products, facial tissues, moist towelettes, and paper towels.
Water
Bring a water bottle! The Land has its own well and filtration system which distributes water all over the property. We do not provide cups and glasses in the cabins. Houses are stocked. The Land is very fortunate to have a strong water supply, and we encourage short showers, mindful use of water in the faucets, and good conservation practices as we are in a drought.
Conservation
To conserve energy please always turn off lights, appliances, and turn down your heating when you leave your cabin or house for the day.
Poison Oak and Ticks
There is poison oak on the property, so make sure you brush up on your poison oak identification. Please stay on walking paths/roads and areas around the property that have been mowed close to the ground. There can also be ticks in the high grass so stay on the roads/trails. We recommend helping each other do a quick tick-check after outdoor activities.
Health + Emergency Services
The Land has no medical services or pharmacy on site. If you require medical attention or supplies during your stay, please come prepared to administer to your own needs. There is a health clinic in Boonville 15 minutes away and a hospital in Ukiah 45 minutes away. Anderson Valley has an excellent Volunteer Fire Department and EMT service, both of which are located within 15 minutes from the property. If there is a life-threatening accident, injury, or illness, immediately dial 911, and notify Amanda Dunham, Director of Operations, 619-538-3064.
Clothing
Please check the weather report in advance of your stay. The Land gets cold in the winter and hot in the summer, so dress accordingly and bring layers when you can. Wear comfortable shoes - waterproof in winter. We are in the great outdoors. Bring a swimsuit for the river or pool during warm weather.
Alcohol, Drugs + Smoking
We are an alcohol-free, cannabis-free, and illegal-drugs-free retreat center, meaning these substances may not be consumed on the property, regardless of the event. Violations will result in expulsion.
As fire safety is of the utmost importance, cigarette and vape smoking is permitted in a designated area only. Smoking is not permitted in any indoor spaces such as accommodations or meeting rooms.
Toiletries
Please bring your own toothpaste, toothbrush, personal toiletries and medications. Also, bring sunscreen and bug spray when seasonally appropriate. Body wash, shampoo, and conditioner will be provided.
Pool + River Swimming
We have a saltwater pool and access to the Navarro River on our property. Both are open sunrise to sunset during the summer. Note, we have no lifeguard on duty so swimming in pairs is encouraged.
Animals
Please know that we have free-roaming and penned farm animals on site – chickens and outdoor cats. They love visitors. Please do not feed the animals. Allow them to come to you. No dogs are allowed on the property without prior written permission. The property is very safe and the wild animals in this area are afraid of people and generally keep their distance. Having said that, please do not approach or attempt to pet deer, rabbits, coyotes, or other wild animals.