This town has been named as the best small town in America for people who enjoy food and wine.
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The row of houses and hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway, located just a short distance inland, tend to be frequently overlooked by tourists, with a relatively small population of approximately 275 residents.
To discover the top small towns for food and wine in the US, Travel + Leisure focused solely on communities with populations under 25,000 residents.
This setting is notable for its superior dining options and its location in an area famous for producing excellent wine.
In order to be mentioned in the ranking, a town must 'excel in its category and provide a variety of activities, accommodations, and a timely reason to visit - for example, the opening of a significant new festival, hotel, restaurant, attraction, or tourism project,' according to Travel + Leisure.
With a population of less than 300 residents, Elk proudly hosts a Michelin-starred eatery.
The Harbor House Inn, which boasts two Michelin stars, is a 20-seat eatery which serves 'a coastal-cuisine focused tasting menu,' according to its website.
The prestigious Michelin Guide praises the culinary approach as exceptionally innovative.
This restaurant showcases chef Matthew Kammerer's creative approach to using locally sourced and foraged ingredients, giving unique treatment not only to items like sea urchin but also to more everyday finds such as seaweed from the nearby coastline and lace lichen from nearby trees.
The Elk area is also home to the newly reopened Sacred Rock Inn, featuring unobstructed views of the Pacific coastline.
The hotel features two dining establishments - Greenwood Restaurant, which describes itself as 'approachable fine dining,' and Elk House, a casual dining option serving pub-style cuisine amidst a historic setting.
The former features a wine list infused with local varieties, as noted by Travel + Leisure, whereas the latter boasts a beer selection that encompasses brews from nearby Point Arena and Boonville.
The Elk Cove Inn also features Sibo Restaurant, which boasts a unique French cuisine flair.
When it comes to wine, Elk has its own wineries, and is conveniently situated just a half hour away from its neighbor, Anderson Valley, which boasts extensive vineyards.
The wineries of Anderson Valley are renowned for producing sparkling wines and featuring Alsatian grape varieties.
'Unlike several wine regions that have become overly crowded with tourists, the wine experience in Elk and Anderson Valley still offers a welcoming and personal touch for visitors,' according to Travel + Leisure.
'Many wineries are independently owned, and some still retain a dining component, such as the handcrafted cheeses that accompany Pennyroyal Farm's vineyard wines.'
To experience the local wines, travelers simply have to drive for 10 minutes from Elk to the Drew Winery, situated on a former apple orchard.
The family-owned business is recognized for its pinot noir and chardonnay, in addition to organic-certified, locally-grown farm food.
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