Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, is a Storybook Village Overlooking the Sea
I still remember the first time I entered this delightful, storybook village of Carmel-by-the-Sea so many years ago.
It was around 8 pm in late December when we drove through the center of Carmel. We passed darling, decorated shops on Ocean Avenue while the soft rain made the streets shine. Christmas lights were twinkling around every shop window. Large pine trees were glowing as they stood guard on the center island of the street. I was in awe of the poetic beauty and the feeling of magic and mystery.
A Christmas Surprise
The year was 1960. My Mom, brother, and I had moved from Le Claire, Iowa to Suisun, California. Mom had transferred to a Civil Service job at Travis Airforce Base. However, the people in Suisun were very transitory because families were always traveling to the next military assignment. Thus, it seemed that the purpose of the town was simply to provide goods for short-time residents.
We were surprised and delighted when Mom’s coworkers who had retired invited us to spend Christmas in Carmel. They had just purchased the Cypress Inn after retiring from government service in Illinois.
The next morning was glorious with the sun reflecting off the white sand of Carmel Beach!
The sun was shining. and the shops were bright and busy. The beaches…ah, the beaches…were spectacular with the bluest blue Pacific waves rolling onshore! It didn’t take long for me to want to live there!
Yes! I wanted Carmel-by-the-Sea to be my home. Therefore, I quickly researched all the benefits of a sophomore in high school (me) and a seventh-grader (Roger). The schools were wonderful. There was even a youth center with art classes and other activities in this small village.
My Dream of Living in Carmel was Coming True!
It was so exciting to experience this outrageous dream coming true! Mom began a civil service job at the Army Language School in Monterey. We quickly found an apartment to rent that we could afford in a duplex just four blocks from the beach. (You must remember this was 1960 and prices were totally different.)
First of all, the atmosphere of Carmel was very creative with many galleries. Art was on display everywhere, even in banks and restaurants. Second, Carmel is truly a fairytale village. For me, it represented a picturesque, English village that I had only read about in novels. In addition, I felt like I was in heaven!
There is so much to see and do in Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula
Fisherman’s wharf and the Carmel Mission
I enjoyed my time in Carmel from 1960 to 65 and from 1972 to 1982, plus many visits since. I loved the cultural and fun activities of the Peninsula.
Delicious food is served at Fisherman’s Wharf with views of Monterey Bay. Plus, there are many delightful restaurants in Carmel and Monterey. The lovely Carmel Mission provides a place to relax and meditate. Just a short walk around the corner, you will be at Mission Ranch owned by Clint Eastwood.
Pacific Grove looks out over Monterey Bay
You can enjoy a pleasant stroll past the shops and dine overlooking Monterey Bay. There is a beautiful Aquarium of the Pacific on Cannery Row. Antique houses stand proudly in Pacific Grove, and a number of retreat centers, including long-standing. Asilomar, welcome guests. You can watch sea lions resting on the rocks below the cliffs as you stroll next to the bay.
The 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach Golf Courses, Lodges, and Views
Of course, the 17-Mile Drive is a breathtaking tour. After entering the gates, you drive through the forest and along the coast past gorgeous homes. You can stop at the Lodge and gaze at the Pebble Beach Golf Course. Keep driving and take photos of the Lone Cypress. You will be mesmerized by the spectacular views of the Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Lodge at Pebble Beach.
Many top golf championships are held at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, and The Links at Spanish Bay,
In August you can attend the yearly Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach. There you will see spectacular collectors cars on display. And you can attend the antique car races in Monterey.
Enjoy the warmth and a gracious welcome in Carmel Valley
When the fog is in over the Peninsula, you can take a drive to the lovely Carmel Valley. On your way, you can stop at the Quail Lodge and golf course. They also host collectors’ cars during the Concours d’Elegance. A few miles further, past vineyards and lovely homes, you arrive at Carmel Valley Village, which is warm and inviting.
Drive down the Coast Highway to Point Lobos, the Highlands, and Big Sur
You will love the exciting, natural beauty of Point Lobos and the Highlands south of Carmel. It is always fabulous to walk through Point Lobos Natual Reserve where you experience nature at its best.
As you head south on Highway 1, you could stop for lunch at the Highlands Inn. Then continue along the coast to Big Sur. The stunning coastline invites you to take photos of its dazzling beauty, then stop at Nepenthe to enjoy the view. You will always remember your trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea!
Travel is a Creative Life Adventure
There is so much you can learn when you travel and explore new places. Ideas will be generated. As a result, you become inspired and activated to create. You learn about different lifestyles. Thus, every experience provides an opportunity to grow and expand your thinking and feeling about life.
Travel lets you relax into a feeling of freedom as you expect the unexpected. There is a feeling of a “Lightness of Being” as you shed routine and expand into new vistas,
Allow yourself to follow your heart.
Take the time to visit beautiful places.
Lift your spirits and create wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Breathe in Beauty Wherever You are!
With Love, Verlaine
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