A WEEKEND AT CHEZ ‘BIRDS’

For the ultimate homage to Alfred Hitchcock and his 1963 film “The Birds,” try a peaceful weekend in the Victorian schoolhouse where (thanks to special effects) terrified children were dive-bombed by supernaturally vicious blackbirds and seagulls. Bodega Bay, Calif., entrepreneur Tom Taylor has converted the abandoned building into a bed-and-breakfast, called the School House Inn, and rooms go for $60 a night. Cineastes and tourists alike have flocked to the schoolhouse and several other Bodega Bay-area buildings used in the movie ever since the film--starring Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren and Suzanne Pleshette--was released. But there’s one thing Hitchcock changed about the schoolhouse, thanks to the magic of film--its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. In the movie, the schoolhouse looked only several steps away. In reality, it’s several miles away.