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24 Hours in Carmel

 

24 Hours in Carmel

It’s hard to believe that our Babymoon was already a month ago. What a wonderful adventure that quick, five day trip was for both of us. It was one of the first vacations during which we both disconnected from work, focused on us and just relaxed together. The entire trip was so amazing that when we discussed it, in preparation for the upcoming posts, there wasn’t one thing that either of us would change. 

As you review our ititinerary, keep a few things in mind:

  • We had limited vacation time since I am saving for maternity leave. If we could have made it a longer trip, we would have preferred to extend it by at least one or two nights.
  • However, since I’m pregnant and the Big Sur Highway was closed, we are hard pressed to think of places we would have stayed longer. Instead, if I wasn’t pregnant and Big Sur wasn’t closed, we would have done one night in Big Sur and a night in Sonoma.

A number of people have emailed me asking for specifics regarding the places we stayed, dined and explored during our trip. Today’s post is focused on the one for which I’ve received the most requests – Carmel or Carmel-By-The-Sea. 

Where We Stayed: We absolutely loved our choice to stay on the coast at Tickle Pink at Carmel Highlands. The inn is located just a quick, ten minute drive from downtown Carmel but it felt a world away with the gorgeous views, large room, ocean waves and service. While we looked at many of the inns located in Carmel, we wanted to enjoy the ocean setting since we knew we’d spend plenty of time exploring Carmel. There are 35 rooms at this small inn and when we booked, our only request was to have a view of the ocean and one of the rooms with a wood burning fireplace.  It was such a treat to sit on our balcony, listening to the waves crashing and watch the sunset, then walk a few steps into our room and enjoy a small cheeseplate and roaring fireplace.

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What We Did:

  • Seventeen Mile Drive – We loved leisurely driving the historic 17-mile drive which takes you through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove while passing famous golf courses, stunning views and mansions. We stopped to have lunch and explore Pebble Beach Golf Club and would recommend having lunch outside at The Bench, their casual terrace restaurant.  
  • Carmel-By-The-Sea –  I would recommend exploring the downtown shops early, before the tourists arrive. We spent an hour meandering through small shops, sipping coffee and enjoying breakfast sandwiches. Check the website to see what time the shops open, depending on the day of the week, to ensure that you’re able to shop as well as meander. Don’t hesitate to make a few wrong turns, get lost and explore as I promise the small alleyways and courtyards are where the magic comes to life.
  • Enjoyed the Beach – We went on two wonderful adventures along the Carmel-By-the-Sea beachfront including an hour beach walk from 4-5pm before sunset and then a 5 mile run along the footpath.  The footpath provided the perfect way to take in the beach’s natural beauty as well as the incredible homes, including the famous Frank Lloyd Wright home, The Della Walker House.

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Where We Dined: Luckily, a few weeks before our trip, we took time to do some research and make reservations as it seems like the top restaurants book quickly. We opted to enjoy seafood while we were there versus one of the many French or European restaurants. Other than dinner, we didn’t worry about any other reservations and just stopped in the small restaurants and coffee shops while we explored.

  • Flying Fish Grill – This cozy, inventive restaurant serves a menu of Asian-Seafood infused dishes that have been delighting locals and toursits alike for years. Known as one of the institutions in Carmel-By-The-Sea, this spot books quickly and even a few weeks out we were only able to snag a late reservation. We loved the California Tower, artichokes and almond encursted sea bass. 
  • Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co – This spot opens early so is a perfect place to grab a to-go cup of coffee before exploring town and a bite to eat. Their miniature cinnamon rolls are amazing!
  • Salumeria Luca – This Italian bakery and sandiwch shop is also home to the Big Sur Bakery Pop Up until the bakery is able to reopen. Therefore, the lines were long while we were in town but well worth the wait and moved quickly.  There are plenty of benches, shady spots and parks in the downtown area, so I would recommend getting your order to go. We enjoyed two of their signature sandwiches as well as a Big Sur Bakery chocolate chip cookie.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments or send me an email as I’m happy to help!

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A Warm Zika-Free Vacation Destination

Growing up, my mother always told the story of she and my father’s trip to Bermuda. It was my brother’s first trip as he was safe and sound in her womb while they enjoyed sunshine, gorgeous beaches and relaxation before growing from a couple to a family of three.  Due to stories like this one, Bo and I always dreamed of enjoying a relaxing, beach vacation together during pregnancy. We used to brainstorm where we’d go, dreaming of a return Anguilla, where went on honeymoon, or exploring one of the other islands. Unfortunately, the Zika virus derailed those plans and forced us to think differently about our babymoon, or vacation together before we become a family of three.

Zika Free Vacation Destination Muir Beach

Breathtaking views at Muir Beach

Since I am due in mid-June and my doctor preferred that I not travel after 30-weeks, our options were constrained due to the months of February and March, when much of the United States is experiencing cold, frigid winter weather.  We spent some time researching options, ensuring that our location would meet the following criteria:

  • Warmer than New York City
  • Provide options for both relaxing and active adventures
  • Zika free
  • Direct flights, if possible
  • Sunshine

After much research, we decided to plan a four night, five-day visit to the San Francisco bay area.  While I have visited San Francisco multiple times for both work and pleasure, I haven’t had the opportunity to explore the region and Bo had only visited San Francisco for a brief, 24-hour business trip.  Over the past month, we started to question our decision. Daily Facebook updates from friends showed cold, wet weather battering the area. Then, just a week before our departure, we had to scramble to change our plans due to the due to the collapse of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and Big Sur closures.  When we arrived at the San Francisco airport last night, ready to board our red-eye flight back to New York City, we both said that this was one of the most wonderful vacations we’ve ever taken due in part to the agility we each had in the process and the faith that things would work out.

Zika Free Vacation Destination Cavallo Lodge

Morning views from Cavallo Point Lodge

While I am going to share in depth posts on each area, I wanted to share a brief itinerary for anyone who is trying to plan a Zika free babymoon or vacation.  Below you can find a glimpse of where we stayed and ate at in each location. The detailed posts coming this week will include more details such as the scenic drives, hikes, and reviews of the restaurants and lodging.

Zika Free Vacation Destination Bernardus Spa

The spa pool at Bernardus Lodge

Zika Free Vacation Destination Carmel Valley

Wearing AG Maternity jeans – Lilly Pulitzer Elsa Silk Blouse – JCrew Espadrille Wedges

San Francisco Bay Area (2 nights)

Carmel (1 night)

Carmel Valley (1 night)

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Wente Wine and Bocce Too!

It feels wonderful to be home enjoying a glass of wine and a night on the couch with Bo and Meg. After a quick trip down to Bedford Cheese, we’ve deemed tonight wine and cheese night, complete with a few new favorite cheeses and an amazing balsamic fresh fig spread!

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Before our cheese shop adventure I satiated my post flight hunger with this month’s Naturebox. I’m loving the selections in this month’s box including the Mexican dried mango! So good!

So my trip out to California was quick and crazy. I was gone just over 48 hours but enjoyed having the chance to get to know my West coast peers a lot better and getting to know the market. Our trip out wasn’t exactly stellar based on the fact that the flight was warm and without wi-fi. But, I did have the time to get a manicure at the airport before enjoying Mean Girls on the flight.

Plane snacks

Tuesday night we were greeted with the most amazing dinner event at The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards! Just over a year ago Theodora and I actually had the chance to attend a Wente Vineyard and Food Network event for the launch of Entwine Wines, which come from Wente Vineyards!  The location was beautiful, the wine flowed all night, the dessert was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted, and the company was enough to leave my side aching from all the laughter. A great night indeed! Wente Vineyards

The chilled soup of cucumber only had a hint of honeydew and the yogurt made it super creamy. My main course, the roasted ling cod with a succotash of corn, garden squash, fennel and basil was my dream dinner. Perfectly light cod, flaky yet crispy and the succotash brought together my favorite summer flavors in one bite! Salt flakes sprinkled atop the succotash made the flavor punch each bite with an extra bit of flavor. Oh and then there is the dessert. This may be one of the best things I’ve ever tasted. Even though I could only eat about four bites it was heaven in a dessert. The chocolate crunch cake had marshmallow sandwiched between it and then drizzled and topped with crumbled salted caramel. On the side, a scoop of balsamic ice cream which paired perfectly with the rich cake.

If you’re ever in the area, I can’t recommend the restaurant at Wente Vineyards enough!

After all of this delicious food, I was very inspired for a morning workout bright and early Wednesday. Since it was actually supposed to be a rest day I didn’t run but instead stuck to incline walking while catching up on this month’s Fitness Magazine before doing a quick abs and arms workout. Not too shabby for a rest day!

Then last night, we played Bocce at Campo di Boce, a nearby restaurant that brings together delicious Italian food and bocce courts. I’ve never been to a Boce restaurant before but it was awesome! The staff provided us with instructions and then we had two hours of bocce fun on our own!

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Such a great trip but man I am glad to be home! After a night of relaxing I’m heading to Healthy Living Summit up in Boston tomorrow on the bus with Tina and Theodora! I can’t wait to catch up with everyone and enjoying a weekend long run in temperatures that include the number 6..67 as the low for Boston!!

Question: Are you heading to Healthy Living Summit this weekend?

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