Discover a Secret Cocktail Bar in California’s Redwood Forest and the Only Way to Get There Is Aboard the World-Famous Skunk Train
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2023 • 4 min read
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Deep within the heart of the California Redwood Forest, hidden from the well-trodden paths of tourists and hikers, there existed a place known to only a few. It was a cocktail bar like no other, nestled amidst the towering giants of nature. This secret haven was called Glen Blair Bar, a name that paid tribute to both the ancient redwoods and the hushed voices of those who knew of its existence.
Glen Blair Bar is a well-kept secret, accessible only to those who dared to take a ride on the historic Skunk Train. The Skunk Train, an old steam locomotive that has been chugging through these woods for over a century, is the only means of reaching this enchanting place. It runs along tracks that wind their way through the dense forest, offering passengers glimpses of towering trees and trickling streams.
On an evening with a taste for adventure, find yourself aboard the Skunk Train. Your curiosity will lead you to the Fort Bragg train station, where you’ll overhear whispers of this hidden bar deep in the woods. From there you’ll embark on the journey, intrigued by the allure of a secret bar surrounded by ancient trees.
Source: Robert Jason Pinoli/Skunk Train
As the train chugs along, you’ll marvel at the majesty of the redwoods that seem to touch the sky. The train's conductor, will regale you with stories of the forest and Glen Blair Bar. You’ll learn more of its mysterious history, where once, long ago, it had been a refuge for those seeking solace and camaraderie amidst the grandeur of nature.
Upon arrival at a remote station deep within the forest, you’ll follow a narrow path that will lead you to the Glen Blair Bar. There, amidst the towering trees and soft forest floor, stood a modest yet charming cocktail bar. The bar was crafted from local redwood, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.
Source: Skunk Train
Inside, soft jazz music plays, and a warm, golden light bathes the room. The bartender, a skilled mixologist, will welcome you with a friendly smile. The guests, a mix of locals and adventurous travelers like yourself, sip on cocktails with names inspired by the forest: Redwood Royale, Skunk Train Sling, and Whispering Mist.
Find a seat at the bar and order a Whispering Mist, a concoction of gin, elderflower liqueur, and a hint of fresh pine-infused syrup. As you sip your cocktail, you’ll be bound to striking up conversations with fellow guests, each with their own unique story and connection to the forest.
As the night wears on, the forest outside comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, and the bar embraces its guests in warm, comforting surroundings. The Glen Blair Bar truly lives up to its name, as conversations flowed like the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind.
Your visit to the Glen Blair Bar will become the highlight of your journey through the California Redwood Forest. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where the beauty of nature met the artistry of mixology, and where the secrets of the forest were shared among kindred spirits.
Source: Robert Jason Pinoli/Skunk Train
