Winter escapes for the North Coast thrifty

Tourists come from all over the world to experience the rugged North Coast during the fall, but during the winter time, it’s pretty quiet. If you live here and yearn to get away in your own beautiful back yard, you can find lots of midweek discounts and special treats.

Here are a few resorts and inns that not only offer special deals and packages but have recently expanded with new rooms, restaurants and other amenities:

The Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, boasting a Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name, has unveiled an $8 million renovation, including nine new rooms with two-sided fireplaces, a farm-to-table spa and revitalized pool area.

For wine lovers, the inn has partnered with two of its favorite wineries - J sparkling wines and Gary Farrell pinot noirs - for a Seasonal Sonoma Special.

Through Jan. 11, guests can pick which winery they prefer and be greeted by a bottle of it under the tree. The package also includes a trip to the winery for an exclusive tasting experience followed by a Wine Country Picnic. Cost is $350 per couple, not including the room. For details on other holiday amenities, go to farmhouseinn.com.

In Calistoga, the historic Indian Springs Resort has added 75 new rooms and bungalows to its 17-acre property, plus a yoga retreat center and farm-to-table restaurant and bar dubbed Sam’s Social Club.

The spa resort, centered around an Olympic-sized mineral swimming pool fed by four on-site geysers, has brought back its winter special: two free mud baths with any overnight stay, Sunday through Thursday (excluding Dec. 21 - Jan. 1, Jan. 18-20 and Feb. 14-17).

For more details: indianspringscalistoga.com.

Up in Philo in the deep end of Anderson Valley, The Madrones estate has opened five new guest quarters, bringing the total accommodations to nine.

The Tuscan-style spread, which also houses four wine-tasting rooms, features an on-site restaurant, Stone & Embers, serving casual but refined cuisine from a wood-burning oven.

Winter specials include the Midweek Restoration Getaway, with 50% off the second night stay from Monday through Thursday. A Weekend Restoration Getaway, offered for stays on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights, features 30% off the second night on select weekends (all through December; Jan. 9-11, 23-25, and Jan. 30-Feb. 1; plus Feb. 20-22 and all March weekends). For details, go to themadrones.com.