When the workweek is over and you’re itching for adventure, consider Carmel. Take the scenic drive up Coast Highway 101, and relax as the cool waters of the pacific pound the rocky shores. Open your windows and inhale the scents of the forest as Big Sur draws near. Then stare in awe as Carmel-by-the-Sea comes into view and you suddenly wonder why you’ve never discovered this charming hideaway.
Nestled amidst mountains and sea, Carmel will have you feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time. With cobblestone sidewalks, quaint shops, and cozy cafes, Carmel is an adventure for all of the senses.
Stay in one of the many bed and breakfasts along the main street of Ocean Avenue and step outside your door into the village. Some bed and breakfasts even offer separate cottage-style chateaus. Others offer rooms that range from quaint to luxurious.
Or, for budget accommodations, consider staying at the Best Western Carmel Mission Inn. Their newly renovated rooms are both comfortable and practical. With just a two minute drive to Ocean Avenue and over 100 shops and restaurants at The Barnyard outside the hotels back entrance, it’s my pick for a stay that won’t break the budget.
Take a walk down Ocean Avenue and you’ll see an eclectic array of privately owned shops with thatched roofs and Old English charm. Grab a mocha at the local coffee shop, the Carmel Roasting Company, and let yourself be swept away by the charm that only Carmel possesses. Here you’ll find furniture stores with handcrafted pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, as well as shops devoted to decorating your home in styles such as French country. Window-shop and see the finest apparel for women, men, and children displayed in the store windows. Tea houses, fairy tale cottages that appear to be straight out of a child’s imagination, and art galleries sure to make even the toughest critic an admirer abound. You won’t want to miss the Scanlan gallery, filled with photographs taken in quaint European villages, or the Classic Art Gallery, where the knowledgeable staff will point out the stunning artwork of painters such as Stas and Nikoli Blohkin. – and it’s all just steps from the white, sandy shores.
When you’re hungry, consider stopping at Tutto Mondo. Amidst the hustle and bustle of locals and tourists alike, you cannot help but notice the bright green sign, beckoning visitors inside.
The minute you open the door into this delightful family-style trattoria, the sound of laughter abounds. Red and white-checkered tablecloths adorn the tables and brown, high-back booths shelter visitors who require a more intimate meal. Take a seat in the back, next to the wood-burning fireplace and you can smell the aromas filtering out of the kitchen, watch the twinkle lights as they dance upon the faces of the visitors, and open Tutto Mondo’s vast Italian menu. For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong there.
If you’re ready for something a little different, consider taking the famed 17-mile drive, a scenic driving adventure into the sprawling hills of Carmel. See the lone cypress tree, majestic cliffs, and the Pebble Beach Golf Course. And keep your eyes open for the deer that have made Pebble Beach their home.
At the end of the day, after watching the sunset from the pale sand of Carmel’s beautiful beach, head back to Ocean Avenue and complete your shopping, or have dinner in one of the cozy restaurants. Twinkle lights adorn every shop and restaurant, making it feel like you’re in the middle of a holiday scene all year round.
Or, consider heading over to The Barnyard shopping center and eating dinner at Bahama Billy’s. Their prices are reasonable and you’ll be counting the days until your next visit so you can eat there again. With items to match every appetite, including meat, chicken, and seafood dishes, you can’t miss this one. For a nightcap, walk to the Sherlock Holmes Pub and enjoy a beer. The friendly staff and owner are warm and welcoming.
No matter what your reason for escaping the hustle and bustle of California, Carmel has something for everyone. From singles to married couples, to families, Carmel offers a vast array of activities and accommodations to fit every budget and lifestyle.
So get in the car, let the top down, and explore – Carmel is waiting for you.