COMING SOON HOUSE ADVERTISING ads_leader
Visiting the little resort town of Carmel, and the Monterey Peninsula have been favorite places of mine since the late 60s. Just a short drive from our (former) home in the SF Bay Area, it was a great overnight or weekend getaway. By car, it is only about a 2 hour drive, south through Silicon Valley, and on down to the fabulous Monterey Peninsula.
Most parts of the area are dog friendly, rather pricey, but mostly picturesque, with postcard worthy scenery, great golf courses, and wonderful food. I even had the opportunity to work at Pebble Beach in the 90s, staying in a company provided apartment, and eating free meals in the employee cafeteria at the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
We also made many friends there, John, Marci'a, Carol, and Nancy. We learned some of the "secret" places where the locals hang out. We got to partake of some free golf on world famous golf courses, like Pebble Beach, Spyglass, and Spanish Bay. Many special memories were created here.
In recent years, we took our previous dog, Buddy, on our
trips to Carmel. He loved the white sandy beaches of Carmel Bay. Now, we are giving our little Lexi her first taste of the Peninsula. I can't wait to take her down to the beach!
And don't forget Seventeen Mile Drive, and the famous Lone Cypress. We also enjoy the Lodge at Pebble Beach, The Taproom, Roy's, and the famous bagpiper at dusk on the Links at Spanish Bay. But there is nothing wrong with keeping it simple, and low cost.
Each of us have our reasons for declaring Carmel as our favorite spot. We spent many days there for work, as well as some of our honeymoon. It is certainly a romantic place. But it is also great for outdoor activities, like golf, cycling, fishing, hiking, and wine tasting. Is that a sport?
We also like to shop a little, both in Carmel, and the factory outlets in Gilroy. We have a few friends left in the area as well. We have stayed in some great places, like the Presidential Suite at Spanish Bay, as well as dog
friendly roach motels. At this point, it really does not matter.
A hint for some good, cheap, "on the go" eats: head to the take out counter at
Abalonetti's on the Monterey Wharf. The calamari and chips are just outstanding!!!
And a "secret" place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs and clothing? Try the
Pebble Beach outlet store on Cannery Row. And if you are willing to drive out Carmel Valley, you will find the famous
Robert Talbot's factory store in a little village. But who wears a tie anymore?
The best bakery in the area is
Paris Bakery in downtown Monterey. Not quite as good as the real Paris, but nevertheless, quite good, with a huge variety of pastries, bread, and deli items.
I can't tell you any more secrets. You will just have to discover your own!
So, we will spend a night here, before heading up to the Bay Area for a dinner party. Many of you know that Sheri was part of a cooking show on a public access TV station in the east bay. We will join the cast and crew for a evening of laughs, libations, and victuals.
COMING SOON HOUSE ADVERTISING ads_leader_blog_bottom
Tot: 0.48s; Tpl: 0.026s; cc: 31; qc: 154; dbt: 0.3163s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.4mb