Carmel itself is a high-end mix of shops and restaurants. It's overrun by tourists. However, a bit of digging around and exploring will expose a different side of Carmel.
We stayed at the Mission Ranch. Upon arriving and checking in, we decided to eat at the restaurant on the grounds. As the place is owned by Clint Eastwood, we joked that he might sit next to us. We walked in the door and had to hold the door open for the person walking in behind us: Clint. Pretty exciting way to start the weekend, and also a good sign that the celebrity-0wner actually comes to his own place.
We decided to sit outside, next to a fire pit, overlooking the sheep pasture. Simple, easy comfort food with an eclectic mix of wines (including local Monterey Peninsula wines). We warmed ourselves by the fire, and took notice that everyone was enjoying themselves, including Clint!
After dinner, went inside to sing and dance along with everyone else. The Piano Bar is a locals' favorite where everyone takes a turn singing. Great fun and a great introduction to Carmel and its colorful local people.
The next morning, we went for a long walk through the local neighborhoods where everyone seems to be a in a competition to produce the most beautiful yards. We came out at the Carmel River, with a view back over the sheep pasture we overlooked the night before. Then, walking over the beach, scrambling over rocks, and taking in the views, we made our way bit-by-bit to the main town.
There, we came upon the aforementioned shops and restaurants. There's a great women's clothing store called Paloosh (no website). There's also a local winery Galante tucked away down a very cool little alley. We also popped into a local deli Nielsen Brothers which allowed us to stock up on some picnic supplies. We went into Carmel Bakery ("we bake while you sleep" is their slogan) which has been around since 1906. We also stopped by the Highlands Inn for its stunning views.
Finally, on the way back home from Carmel, we detoured via Pebble Beach to drive along 17-Mile Drive for some more exquisite views over the ocean, making sure to stop at Bird Rock and Seal Rock.
We stayed at the Mission Ranch. Upon arriving and checking in, we decided to eat at the restaurant on the grounds. As the place is owned by Clint Eastwood, we joked that he might sit next to us. We walked in the door and had to hold the door open for the person walking in behind us: Clint. Pretty exciting way to start the weekend, and also a good sign that the celebrity-0wner actually comes to his own place.
We decided to sit outside, next to a fire pit, overlooking the sheep pasture. Simple, easy comfort food with an eclectic mix of wines (including local Monterey Peninsula wines). We warmed ourselves by the fire, and took notice that everyone was enjoying themselves, including Clint!
After dinner, went inside to sing and dance along with everyone else. The Piano Bar is a locals' favorite where everyone takes a turn singing. Great fun and a great introduction to Carmel and its colorful local people.
The next morning, we went for a long walk through the local neighborhoods where everyone seems to be a in a competition to produce the most beautiful yards. We came out at the Carmel River, with a view back over the sheep pasture we overlooked the night before. Then, walking over the beach, scrambling over rocks, and taking in the views, we made our way bit-by-bit to the main town.
There, we came upon the aforementioned shops and restaurants. There's a great women's clothing store called Paloosh (no website). There's also a local winery Galante tucked away down a very cool little alley. We also popped into a local deli Nielsen Brothers which allowed us to stock up on some picnic supplies. We went into Carmel Bakery ("we bake while you sleep" is their slogan) which has been around since 1906. We also stopped by the Highlands Inn for its stunning views.
Finally, on the way back home from Carmel, we detoured via Pebble Beach to drive along 17-Mile Drive for some more exquisite views over the ocean, making sure to stop at Bird Rock and Seal Rock.
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