Carmel

Weekend Meanderings-Sienna Miller’s English Cottage, Carmel Day Trips, an Easy Ladies’ Lunch & More

August 13, 2022 By kimwheeler 30 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings..some fun ideas for Carmel day trips, an easy ladies’ lunch you can pull together for friends, Sienna Miller’s English cottage, a great white shirt and more…

It’s that time again for all the good things that popped up on our radars this week with Elizabeth and Juliet.

How has your week been? Ours has been busy helping Griffin to move back to University of Utah for his junior year..and we squeezed in a mini trip to Carmel for our anniversary, though it’s not until the 31st. We just love going in August for a few days and this weekend seemed to have a few rooms available, so we went for it.

Carmel

If you haven’t been in a while, it’s always a nice escape. You can’t help take in the natural stunning beauty and the charm of the town! This summer they’ve been having some wonderful weather, not the usual cold and fog. It’s been in the 70’s and low 80’s and so lovely.

We have been going to Bernardus Lodge for our anniversary for so many years, I can still remember Max complaining when the prices went over $200 a night.. HA! Those were the days. Now it’s a splurge and we try to go in the off season, but for our anniversary we try and make it happen. It’s one of my favorite spots and a great couples’ getaway in the sunnier part of Carmel, Carmel Valley.

We love doodling around Carmel for the day having lunch out and exploring the beaches and then heading back to Carmel Valley to sit and read by the pool and have dinner.

Two day visit ideas for Carmel..

One of the best things to do in Carmel, is take a beach walk at the main beach, which is gorgeous and very long and and then walk up the hill to town and have lunch and do a bit of shopping or poking about the shops..This time we found a new lunch spot in downtown Carmel I highly recommend, La Bicyclette. This charming bistro run by a Belgian family with the best food and darling atmosphere.. It is Michelin rated..so a reservation for lunch can help. We got lucky someone did not show for their reservation so we got in. You can also get on the waitlist and shop around.

I loved the pizza and their home made Calabrian chili oil ( it did that heart by itself!), which is not hot. They also have many amazing specials and sell their own bread and are lovely people. It’s in an old 1920’s Spanish building that was built for a doctor that is so cool. This whole spot is the very essence of Carmel..

Afterwards, you can explore the shops and grab a cappuccino or a treat at one of the bakeries. At the Carmel Plaza, a small outdoor mall, there are many new shops and one that Max made a beeline for like a zombie (seriously), was Dutch Door Donuts, where they cook to order and serve them hot. He was in heaven and the pink cactus pear one was our favorite..

Also in the Plaza is one of the best curated home stores, Beachwood Home. This store has beautiful items of all prices. I never go home without something and this time I bought a pretty bracelet for $20..

Another great day in Carmel area is to stop at The Earthbound Farm Stand to pick up some sandwiches to go.. This is the cutest farm stand ever with a flower shed to buy the fixings for your own creation, fire pits and fresh produce and artisan goods. I also love the home area and the cool books and textiles..

After you have sandwiches, head down the highway and go to Asilomar Beach..We love this beach that is in front of The Inn at Spanish Bay and in the smaller less crowded town of Pacific Grove. The beach here has wonderful tide pools and you can take a long walk along the road to all the little inlets or along the shore. Many people surfing here or boogie boarding.

If you wander along the long beach you can also trot along the long wooden walk they have built in front of the links golf course and see flowers and hiding deer. We love having a picnic here and exploring..It’s rarely crowded and so lovely.

An easy ladies’ lunch

I’m sure you are all familiar with my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa, if you have followed the blog for a while. If not read this post all about her and her home. It was her birthday in July and we finally got around to having a celebration lunch here.

It was easy for me to host thanks to my friends Juliet and Heidi. Juliet brought the gorgeous mini appetizer boards… She did fig jam, two kinds of cheese, nuts, crackers and a little fig with cheese and prosciutto on each pretty board..

Heidi made a delicious cobbler with fresh fruit..and fresh whipped cream for dessert.

All I had to do was make two salads !

I made a green salad with toasted walnuts, shredded chicken (bought a roasted one that morning at Whole Foods) and pears. Salad dressing was olive oil, this vinegar, fresh juice from half an orange, a bit of mustard and a bit of maple syrup and Maldon Sea Salt.

mozzarella caprese with heirloom tomatoes

I also threw together a caprese with my dad’s heirloom tomatoes.

I served my house drink, an Audrey Palmer- my twist on an Arnold Palmer, just with equal parts tea ( I used Teajava) and fizzy lemonade from a bottle and a slice of citrus, sprig of mint for fun if you have it.

We wanted to eat outdoors and I had a piece of fabric that was really cute. I cut it to fit the table (umbrella issue), and layered the pieces over each other…I used my glass plates and pink napkins. Little favors were watermelon lip balm from San Francisco’s Elizabeth W. wrapped in extra fabric and on the plates..

I also grabbed two pink vases at Safeway, (which is getting the best floral area now),and did a mix of green hydrangeas and pink flowers.

It was casual, but it was fun and that’s what matters, being with pals and celebrating our dear Contessa… Don’t you love Elizabeth’s caftan with her pig Banksy embroidered on it? She sells these caftans on her blog and you can read more here.

Sienna Miller’s English cottage in the new AD

Sienna Miller has great style and her English country cottage is just as chic with a thatched roof, cozy rooms and lovely gardens.. It’s a wonderful escape and you can read and enjoy ten pages of it in the September AD.

I have to admit I often dream of an English cottage. This is a great issue with loads of good spreads and pretty homes..Photos by Simon Upton and decor by Gaby Dellal.

You can watch a little video that has a tour of her fantastic property that dates from the 1500s. Love this and after watching I an sure you will be wanting oversized white jeans and a black sweater for fall…

A great Anthro white blouse..and ring

While I was in Carmel, I made a quick dash into the Anthropologie there and came home with this fun Henley Popover Shirt.. Love the button neckline and also the button cuffs that give it more style than your usual white blouse. I already love wearing it with my cord shorts and I think it’ll be great for fall. I also bought one of these new chunky silver rings there..

Anthropologie Henley white popover blouse

Other Cool Things..

The Anthro Sweater I shared last week appears to have promo markdown right now for the weekend..If you haven’t grabbed this cute Chanel inspired zip hoodie, check it out here. Anthropologie is also having an extra 30% off all sale items this weekend only.

At our ladies’ lunch, Juliet gave us the cutest little gifts, mini stoneware colanders with her home grown tomatoes…I love the idea of this and wrapping them as she did to give away..Similar ones here.

Since we’ve been chatting about Carmel, did you hear Brad Pitt bought a home there last week? According to Architectural Digest article about it, the home was designed by famous architects, Greene & Greene in 1918 and uses locally found stone. More about the home in WSJ which is in the Carmel Highlands, near the Highlands Inn. Apparently at 40 million it is one of the most expensive homes ever sold in Carmel. Photo below from Hello Magazine..

Speaking of celeb homes, have you read Joni at Cote de Texas’s post this week about all Johnny Depp’s properties? I’m not a fan of him, but her deep dive and details with photos of his boats, island and amazing art deco apartments in Los Angeles was interesting.

And for a great perspective on this, Back Row writer Amy Odell, this week published a post on how Dior, with their ‘We should all be feminist’ t-shirts, has signed Depp to a new contract as their fragrance spokesperson, despite some pretty awful things the man has said about women. Apparently there is no backlash for Depp from that?

On the streaming subject…Has anyone else started Severance on Apple TV? Max and I heard great things about it, but it’s pretty dark so far. It has a huge raves and it’s directed by Ben Stiller and stars Adam Scott, who I love..and Patricia Arquette.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Kim

If you missed my last Weekend Meanderings, I shared some outdoor updates with a solar sail on the patio, the perfect outdoor throws from Portugal at a great price, a beautiful book for entertaining inspo, my favorite Instagram account for makeup tips, and a Channel inspired hoodie for transition to fall.

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This Last Week of Summer & Other Chat

August 11, 2014 By kimwheeler No Comments

Happy Monday friends. Just checking in with you all… How’s your summer? Still savoring?

Well, we have officially a week left if you go by the school calendar! That’s not much. What the heck happened to starting after Labor Day?

We did a little day trip to Carmel yesterday. My boys spent some time building sand sculptures.

I spent some time holding the blanket down, and reading. Twas so nice.

We had lunch at my favorite restaurant, Casanova.

I highly recommend a stop there for the Soup de Jour and homemade bread and butter. It’s especially cozy and warming after a foggy beach walk.

Yesterday cream of artichoke with spinach was the soup. That with fresh olive bread was AAAMAZING!!

Did I ever mention they make the soup in small batches and bring a copper pot out and ladle it into your bowl??? Where else do you get that? I know I’ve gushed about this place before.

Loads of charm at Casanova.

Don’t be intimidated by it’s small size from the front. It’s a veritable maze of quaint rooms and patios behind the front cottage. It’s easy to pop in for lunch. Dinner may need a reservation.

We also have been trying to enjoy as many dinners at home alfresco.

Eating outside always feels like a special night.

The boys love it too and stay a little longer at the table which we like. We just discovered a new favorite wine, Cuvee Los Gatos, from our hometown winery, Testarossa. The 2011 Chardonnay is wonderful and try it if you can. It can be bought at the winery, but our local Lunardi’s store has it currently. It’s around $24. We are so spoiled by good wines that we rarely pay that much, but this is worth it.

The tomatoes have liked the unusually hot summer we have been having.

I can’t say the same!! I miss our 80s and high 70s with cool nights.

We did get some summer rain which was so nice and unusual.

I’m really hoping for some real weather this fall and winter. We barely had any last year.

On the bright side we swam so much this summer. Not a day went by that my kids didn’t use the pool.

They will kill me for using this, but I am anyway. 😀

My oldest Jackson is going to be a junior next week. Unbelievable. Hard to comprehend.

Seems like just the other day I put this photo in a frame from a trip to Pt Reyes.

Looking at the sizes of them I guess it was a few years ago actually.

How is it they grow so much in that 12-15 year old span? Your not noticing it and then you see a photo, and your baby has become Lurch!

Argh!!

On a lighter note, still trying to keep the Hawaii vibe from vacation alive in the home.

Hawaii has a lot of these vintage postcards. I tuck them in mirrors and on pinboards.

I’m going to try to have my guide to my Big Island favorites out this Thursday. I don’t know what happened to my blogging time this summer, but it’s been weekly at best and once school starts I’ll have more time for more posts.

Keeping it real though, a lot just didn’t happen this summer.

You know all those plans to clean out closets, pantries, and garages? It never got done and it sure isn’t this last week. I have however threatened my 12 year old hoarder with no new school supplies until he purges his room and desk!!

The pets and the man cave..aka le garage, have gotten some quality time though. Don’t look at this disaster with workbench projects, (we are building a robot apparently), gaming devices and everything else.

I just close my eyes when I walk through!

When I get aggravated at the slacktitude, (my husband’s word), I try to remind myself they’ll be cranking out school work soon enough. (I hope!)

Yes, back to school, it’s not all BAD! I’ll have a bit more time for myself. I’m looking forward to fall and fall clothes. I can’t wait to clean out the closet and look at what I can do with the old wardrobe.

Just popped into Anthropologie in our town and fell in love with this…

This Bloomfield Tee is so easy and I love the front pockets and colors.

Florals are still having their moment and apparently pastels are going to be happening for fall and winter as well. We are talking Easter colors, according to Vogue and others!! Should be interesting…

So maybe this could be a cute transitional piece?

One more fashion note, I did buy a tote already for fall. It’s easy for running around. I love having a bag to throw my shopping in as I go about the day. It’s light and perfect for travel too. I don’t know why, but light totes are my new favorite and I just don’t see the appeal in the heavy and structured bags anymore. It’s either these or a wristlet. Okay sometimes a clutch. I’m enjoying streamlining right now.

What do you think of totes?

I love the brown and black combo and the polka dot lining. It’s called the Kerrington Shopper and it’s from Tory Buch Fall 2014 line. I was in the store the other day there are too many cute things to count. Love the whole fall clothing line and it coordinates with these bags.

I want to buy the small coin wallet in polka dot to match when I can.

I’m wearing the tote with my white outfit for Adrienne of The Rich Life’s How I Wear My White post. Some chic styling ideas for wearing white. She’s also got a fun series started with videos of makeup tips with a very talented makeup artist, Veronica. Something to check out if you want to freshen up your look and get a new visage for fall.

I’m done meandering here and if you are still with me I’ll be back later this week to share my fun visit to California designer Trina Turk’s digs in Burlingame and the fabulous things she has for fall wardrobe and also for the home.

Happy week!

Kim

February in Carmel & Home

February 20, 2014 By kimwheeler No Comments

Have you all been glued to the television watching the Winter Olympics?

We have here, though the boys don’t appreciate ice dancing or any ice skating. I’m amazed at all the sports on skis and boards now. So fun to watch and I hold my breath on some of these crazy tricks!

We are on school February break and enjoying no schedule.

We took a day trip to Carmel on Sunday and it was lovely.

Lunch at my favorite spot, Casanova for lunch.

Soup is brought to the table in a copper pot and ladled out into your bowl.

The homemade bread and in house butter were amazing!!!

I love the ambiance.

It looks small, but goes far back in a maze of winding spots and funky terraces and rooms.

A few snaps from our meanderings.

I can never take enough photos of Carmel.

My Jackson is slowly making me shorter and shorter.

Charming eateries to enjoy the people watching….

This town attracts a very eclectic group.

Funky homes with zillion dollar views…

The fences are my favorites.

So many unique ones with anything and everything growing on them.

Sorry all these are with the IPhone. My camera is being repaired. 🙁

The damp fog combined with sun makes everything grow beautifully.

It’s a gardener’s paradise.

The beaches are pretty amazing too.

This is Carmel River Beach. It is my favorite with it’s expansive mountain and sea views.

When I’m here I really believe this is one of the best spots in the whole world.

I feel lucky to be close to all this.

The walk above this beach is fun and you will see some of the best homes in Carmel.

It winds itself along to the Mission, which is one of the loveliest in the California Mission chain, and also Mr Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Inn, where you can stop for a cocktail and watch the sheep graze along the meadows. . .

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My kids are enjoying some sleeping in and we are made trips here and there to get shoes that need be bought and rackets restrung and replacing pants that have gotten too short!

This week we are going to The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay. I have never stayed overnight and am so excited to share more about this pretty spot with you all..

Curious to know how many of you are on holiday right now?

Any adventures or just enjoying each day?

Have a great week everyone!!

You can follow my trip to beautiful Half Moon Bay and the Ritz on Instagram.

Kim

All images northerncalstyle. Please be kind and link back.

Carmel Weekend and the New Quail Lodge

September 15, 2013 By kimwheeler 2 Comments

Do you ever check into a resort and want to transport every detail about your stay back to your own home? I totally had that feeling last weekend at Carmel Valley’s Quail Lodge. The rooms were gorgeous.. I knew as soon as I checked in I needed to savor every moment. I hate checking out when I’ve got a hotel crush!

I honestly didn’t know what to expect of this newly reopened lodge. When our family was young, we would come here frequently to get away for a weekend. It is set in the most lovely valley surrounded by mountain ranges and close to our favorite spots, Carmel and Big Sur. It was a getaway that was low-key and relaxing, yet upscale. Our kids have the best memories of playing their 9-hole golf course that meanders among the lodge ground, playing bocce ball and swimming in the pretty pool. We would bring the boys on winter weekends visit Carmel or see the Monterey Aquarium and play card games by the fire at night. When the lodge closed a few years ago we were really shocked and sad. We felt sure someone would have to buy this fabulous property. Well it’s been a while, but sure enough someone did and so we couldn’t wait to see what had been done to our Quail.

Visiting Carmel Valley in May, we saw they just had opened. We have been trying to get down there since. Finally last weekend, we had time and Quail Lodge generously offered us a beautiful suite and a great rate when I told them I wanted to to visit.

Wow. They exceeded our expectations and more. The rooms first of all, were all I want in a hotel. They are beautiful, fresh and comfy. I loved how they retained the the original lodges’ wood and open beam construction and expansive windows and light. A California look with a modern twist is exactly what I want to do to my home. White walls, colorful native rugs and grasscloth wall coverings, leather, rustic wood and iron accents are the vibe here. Throw in comfy furniture, white fluffy duvets and amazing beds and I’m in love. They had it all. (I took a zillion picture so I could attempt a recreation at home.)

Our suite and below the view from our front door.

They thought of everything here. Check out this shower/bath room with it’s own private patio below. They have Lather bath products. The fact that we took about 4 showers each should tell you all you need to know. My kids now want a ceiling rain shower. Yeah, me too!

I love touches like this table in the bath for your toiletries.

Having my own mini closet was pretty cool too. (Hey notice I stuck with one palette packing this time? I did black, grey and cream colors.)

Here was our suite entrance.

Mornings were so beautiful my husband and I walked to get coffee at the breakfast area and caught this bike race right along the path.

Then we’d have coffee and read all the papers on the patio while the kids slept in. The views of the mountains were gorgeous.

Walking to the complimentary breakfast bar which was really a nice touch the new owners have added.

You can eat inside by the cozy fire…

Or outside on the sunny deck. Hard to choose. We did both.

The lodge also has a fun lobby bar right off this deck that opens in the afternoons and had live music the night we stayed there.

Quail Lodge has it’s own 18 hole golf course and happily still retained the 9 hole course on the grounds as well for hotel guests. They also have a Land Rover Experience driving course and tennis courts and a great gym with weights, cardio and stretch areas overlooking the pool area.

Wandering around here there’s some lovely flora and fauna…We loved the birds, bunny rabbits and cool plants! Everything grows here thanks to the sun/fog combo.

Quail sits in the start of the sunbelt that is Carmel Valley. The town of Carmel is just 5 minutes away, but is quite foggy many days of the year. Carmel Valley is sunny and warm which I like in a getaway.

You can see on this photo, we were leaving the fog. Five minutes up the road, it is a completely different climate!

Across the street from Quail, just a few steps down the country road, is a small shopping area that has some great stores (check out Tancredi & Morgan- great home decor), and a favorite of my family, Baja Cantina.

This auto-themed Mexican restaurant is just a blast. Indoors, it’s all vintage car memorabilia and outdoors is a huge heated patio. Food is yummy and how nice you can walk back to your room after dinner. We love that after a day out. Just another reason we really like Quail Lodge’s location.

Kids can have their meals in a car…

We spent some time Saturday in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I can’t resist the charm of Carmel. So many fun stops and shops to love..

This bakery and coffee shop is always on our list to stop for a pretzel or even a great caesar salad wrap. My son loves their French Dip. It’s a tiny spot on Ocean Street, but worth a stop.

Also on Ocean is my personal favorite, Carmel Bay Company. I always find something to bring home from this 2-story home, garden and what they call, “eclectic living,” store- i.e. cool stuff!!

You can find something unique, like these whale platters. This time they got me with their baskets of French espadrilles! So many cute styles it was hard to choose.

My small shopper couldn’t wait to spend his pet-sitting money on this log pillow he found there. (He’s got a pillow thing right now.) I have to admit it has some sort of pellets that feel really good.

If you walk to the bottom of Ocean Avenue there is the world’s most lovely white sand beach where you can see Pebble Beach to the right. We also love to drive along the beach to the left and check out all the unique homes. The fog came in after a sunny morning and enveloped everything that day! You could hardly see the water.

This is why when you travel to Northern California coast, bring layers! Some poor bride was having a wedding on the beach when the fog crept in. Days begin sunny then suddenly you can actually see it come in like huge clouds moving down the street!

Still, a drive or walk along the coast is lovely. These plants and fences are typical Carmel.

The fog makes the cypress trees even more dramatic.

I love checking out all the homes when you drive this way.

Some so modern…

My favorites are the beach cottages. Some are quite funky.

If you keep along the ocean front path you will get to the beautiful Carmel Mission. However, right before that is Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch Inn. It’s also in a lovely spot and is fronted by an open pasture with sheep grazing. They say he has one black sheep out there!

I have never stayed at the inn, but have heard it’s also a fun spot to have a cocktail and overlook the ocean and open space and that sometimes, Clint himself makes an appearance!

This time, however, we were celebrating our 17th anniversary, so we decided to have a special dinner at Roy’s restaurant, at The Inn at Spanish Bay, in Pebble Beach. All of these places, Carmel, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley and Monterey are a five to ten minute drive from each other and easy to get to when visiting the area.

Spanish Bay has a Scottish style links course and a not to be missed outdoor bar with fire pits and blankets. If you come before sunset, you can catch the lone bagpiper. It’s always a treat to do this. My kids love the special pretzels and nuts they have. Roy’s inside the lodge, is excellent Hawaiian-fusion food and also fun!

Back at sunny Quail, we enjoyed the fire. Yes, you will use the fireplace here. Guarantee it. Mornings and nights are always cool at the Northern California coast.

The boys enjoyed a Harry Potter weekend marathon they caught a bit of.

I tested out my new espadrilles. (How much do you love these sand washed looking wood floors?)

Enjoyed some quiet time writing at this perfect little desk with a view.

One thing about Quail that’s nice is they have kept the relaxed and low-key vibe the property always had. It’s a perfect getaway if you want nature plus luxe lodgings. If you need anything, service was wonderful, but this isn’t one of those places they follow you all over. You feel some privacy here and that’s just the way we like it.

It makes us happy to know a great place was thoughtfully renovated and they retained all that was so good about it while adding some awesome new things as well! I can’t wait to get back here.

Hope you can check out Quail Lodge and Carmel if you are here in Northern Cal!

Thanks for reading!

Kim

All photos Northerncalstyle.com

Getaways – The Clement Monterey and Pebble Beach

May 7, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Just getting my post out about our trip to beautiful Monterey a few weeks ago. Last getaway we were down here, but stayed in Carmel Valley. This trip we had our kids off for Spring Break and chose to stay in Monterey, right next to the ocean. It’s such a fun place for families and a gorgeous part of the world.

Looking down on Cannery Row from our room.

We stayed at The Clement, an Intercontinental Hotel, which was recently built and is right on Cannery Row. It’s location cannot be beat. We were about ten steps from the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Right on the Cannery Row, you are on the waterfront as well as a great path that you can walk or bike all the way to Pacific Grove.

We visited the aquarium earlier this year so this time we opted to go to Carmel and fool around a bit before an early check in to our hotel. My guys always have to stop at the Cottage of Sweets and we also love The Carmel Roasting Company.

Personally my two favorite shops are The Carmel Bay Company which is filled with unique housewares, books, rugs, prints and things I never see anywhere else. I bought a French mustard jar this time. I’m also crazy about this cute shop, Jane Austen at Home which feels like a little English parlor with antiques and bits any Anglophile would adore.

After a stop for coffee and sweets, we took a walk on Carmel Beach, which is one of the most lovely beaches in California and has some supreme dog watching. They love their dogs here and the variety of hounds seen is always fun. Good people watching as well… This is a fantastic spot for a sunset picnic too.

A shot of Carmel Beach. Looking right you can see Pebble Beach and the lodge in the distance.

We were here in late April and let me tell you, everything colorful was in bloom. I don’t think there is a more gorgeous time to visit. However, Monterey Bay is just amazing anytime of year.

Some snaps from the beautiful Clement . I was in love with the flowers, the rooms and the sea urchin light fixtures…

This hotel had service as well as style. Everyone made you feel so welcome. We checked in early and stretched out a bit in the pretty and spacious room. I liked the fireplace for chilly nights, it had a desk or vanity to work on and my favorite thing was the chair and ottoman by the window.

I snuck in a bit of reading here with the fire on while the boys went to the pool with my husband. They have a rooftop pool and jacuzzi which was perfect. Monterey is cool a lot of the year, but the pools were warm. There is a pretty spa as well as a workout room overlooking the pool. If you have smaller ones and want a night out, there is a kid’s activity club with a large climbing wall.

My son on his way back from the pool looking out over Cannery Row from The Clement’s bridge. I appreciated all the details like little lights that look like portholes and ocean themed design throughout.

While the boys hung out, my husband and I went downstairs to the bar for happy hour and listened to the live guitar music. You can take your cocktails outside and sit on one of the patios overlooking the bay. I loved how kayakers paddled by and sea otters were floating and relaxing in the kelp maybe 30 feet from the deck.

The next morning we had an ocean view breakfast watched the otters while eating. Excellent breakfast. I had the yogurt, California fruits and granola.

After checking out, we wandered along the coast all the way to Pacific Grove. This is one of the best parts of the Monterey coast. Once you hit Pacific Grove, you are bordering the Del Monte Forest with it’s cypress trees and little deers wandering about. We stopped at one of my favorite beaches at the end of the path, Asilomar. There is a wooden path starting here that follows along the Spanish Bay golf links. The sand is so white and soft and this beach has wonderful tide pools. Also lots of surfers out here. We flew a kite and meandered on the trail.

If you have the time, go a little further past Asilomar beach and you will hit the entrance gates for the famous 17 Mile Drive. You pay a toll to get in, but it’s worth it to stop at these beaches which have lots of picnic spots for lunch. You can view the sea lions along here and this time of the year are just birthing their babies, so there are shelters in place.

The drive includes a fantastic view of the Pebble Beach golf course and others and you’ll see some unbelievable homes. There is the famous lone cypress tree along here and myriad photo stops. Right when you start the drive, you can catch The Inn at Spanish Bay on your right. There’s a fun place to have a drink here overlooking the golf links by fire pits. You can also have dinner at Roys there and if you are there at sunset, hear the bagpipers play.

Coming back here and seeing the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February one year is on my bucket list for sure.

One of the beaches along the drive and the famous cypress tree below.

So many gorgeous homes to spy on this drive.

This time we opted to stop at Pebble Beach Resort near the end of the drive, and grab a bite. You should not miss a walk into the lodge. The view is legendary. You can have lunch at a few spots here including the clubby Tap Room.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach

We had lunch at a new restaurant here called The Bench. First of all, the design of this place…swoon!

The Bench at Pebble Beach

I was in love with the white marble, white tiles, open pantry, navy banquettes, and a glass roof. This could be my dream kitchen!

If that wasn’t enough, they had me at ice tea. Look how mine came…

I’m a sucker for these kind of details. Did I mention the waiter’s chic bow-ties? You can choose to sit outside on some very comfy couches as well, over looking the bay. We had wood-fired pizzas, caprese salad, potato leek soup – all delicious. I do think The Bench was reasonable for a fancy resort and I’d venture to say that you could probably eat for the same price as buying sandwiches at the Pebble Beach Deli and Market, also on resort property.

I thought the name was strange, but my oldest read the menu (apparently while I was covertly sneaking photos) and told me later there once was a bench where the current restaurant is and that was where the deal was made to buy the Pebble Beach resorts back from foreign owners. (Gee, I think I’m shocked when they actually read the menu!)

Another view from the main lobby…

You know if you are on the drive it’s really worth a stop here. Even if you can’t afford to check in, the lodge alone is worth a visit to see the history here and the views! There are also some terrific shops in a small outdoor shopping arcade.

Of course there are many wonderful golf courses and if you cannot swing Pebble Beach there is Pacific Grove, Poppy Hills, Spyglass, Cypress Point and Spanish Bay! They are all fabulous and front the same ocean and forest area.

I’ve only touched on a bit of Carmel and Monterey. There is even more to see and do. Next getaway posts, I’m going to share some other favorites including wineries, more shops and restaurants, and the Big Sur area as well.

Thanks so much for reading!

Kim

California Weekends- What to Pack for Carmel and Monterey

May 6, 2012 By kimwheeler 13 Comments

This eternally popular post is all about what to wear- and pack for a getaway to the Carmel/ Monterey area. It can be tricky as it’s a California coastal area, but more often than not can be cool, though sunny. As we are very casual in California and your key word for this trip – laid back luxe!

The original post on this was written in 2012, after a little getaway to Carmel to celebrate my husband’s birthday. It has become so popular I have updated it over the years. As a Bay Area and Northern Cal gal we get there a lot, so I feel qualified to advise.

You’re going to love this area and if you pack the right things, enjoy it too. This updated post has some newer links and photos to help you plan a trip in 2022 and beyond.. Lots of inspiring looks for you to copy here too.

Carmel is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet and I am continually thrilled by its beauty on each trip. I am so fortunate to live here in Northern California and be nearby. When I say Carmel, I also mean the whole Monterey Peninsula area, which encompasses Carmel by the Sea, Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel Valley in the hills to the East.

You could be staying in the warm and sunny Carmel Valley, but will most likely end up at some point in the foggier and cooler town of Carmel, too. For this reason you need to pack for two climates! I kid you not If you don’t believe me try spending a day in town here and you will see how many Carmel sweatshirts are sold to tourists. It’s not unusual to see winter coats and sweaters worn here especially during summer time. Carmel Valley, up the road about 20 minutes from Carmel is a warm wine region and not unlike Napa and Sonoma. So you really have to think before packing.

Most of my visits to Carmel I have wandered around like Jennifer Aniston above, with sandals, yet burrowed up in a big sweater!

Carmel is a cosmopolitan place where people dress very well, but casual. Carmel Valley tends to be a horsier set where as Carmel by the Sea, is a little more luxe. Monterey where the aquarium and Cannery Row are, is super casual.

Bottom line…This is the capital of casual chic. People dress well, even though they are dressed down.

What to pack for a weekend in Carmel and Monterey. . .

White jeans.

Even in winter. They look great with heavy sweaters and pea coats.

Two I like.. this thicker white cropped pair, these my new favorite, and these vintage straight ones

I love this look of Linda Wright and her daughter- both making white denim look chic in cool temps..Look at Linda’a Instagram for a lot of inspirational looks with white denim..

Other white denim looks that could work for Carmel…Dressier here like below..

Alternatively, khaki or black jeans ..

Black jeans are versatile -with sandals or boots and you can dress them up for dinner..And these classic straight legs from Frame are a versatile choice that will feel great too.

Blue jeans of course…

I love this relaxed version and this one .

I love the mix of straw bag and sweater – and sweater plus sandals..A little summer and winter together works by the sea.

A Woven or Straw Tote..

I love this classic straw bag with a leather handle by J. Crew – the perfect tote to pair with your sweater and for travel.

I also love this medium market tote by Mersea ( also comes in a small) ..

This woven leather bag is another casual tote that’s luxe looking.

Button down shirt in white or denim for day.

Great for layering with chunky sweaters. Can also double a a cover-up by the pool if it’s longer.

A great shirt here and this classic white button down here.

Comfy flats.

I always have a pair of ballet flats and a cute pair of tennis shoes.

Ballet flats are another good thing to have on hand and a good a sneaker alternative. Love the look and shape of these Sam Edelmans, and also here which come in a few colors..and also these classics by Tory Burch and these are a modern update on the ballet flat with many pretty shades

I love a good white sneaker

Vejas are so California classic and neutral in all their variations. Perfect for up and down the hills of Carmel and a day of walking. Also more Vejas here and many styles of them here.

And these New Balance are quite popular..and also a neutral.

Flip flops for the pool or beach.

I have this pair of black rubber Tory Burch that have lasted years. They make everything look California casual chic and upgraded. Great to wear to the spa or breakfast as well.

I also like this new style Tory Burch has a take on the rainbow flip-flop of the 70’s she has in many colors and the soft pink is pretty..

I also have bought two pairs of her Cloud Miller Sandals that feel great on..

If you want to go a little more luxe this Gucci pair is very Carmel…

I would pass on heeled sandals for evenings. Streets are hilly in Carmel by the Sea. Heels will look ridiculous during the day and are impractical with the hills here and the beach.

Cozy cardigan or wrap

You need this for cool days and around the room as a robe over your night clothes. Any cashmere wrap is also perfect for that and layering! A wrap similar to below..

Even warmer light quilted or puffer jacket, moto jacket, blazer or trench to layer. These Herno puffers are gorgeous and very popular in Carmel. If you need something less pricey J. Crew has these cute quilted puffer jackets too.

Here I am a few years ago with my son wearing a scarf and my trench coat in late summer! A few trench options here at J Crew, and a cute look here at Anthro.

A cashmere wrap is a wonderful idea for this area to ward the chill off in evenings and for an extra layer. This one by J.Mclaughin is lovely and will be a travel piece you can count on wherever you go.

A Swimsuit

I always prefer a tankini or a bikini with a rash guard to layer. This is a flattering tank I love and another by Tory is a classic and beautifully made suit and this is universally flattering and and so is this from J.Crew – so cute.

Cute cover-up & hat

I love this shirt style coverup for the pool or spa if there is one, or the beach. I take a felt rancher hat I always take to Carmel and this is a similar and comes in a lot of colors.

For dinners dress warmly.

Almost all evenings are cool in Carmel, once the fog rolls in. A pretty blouse paired or soft sweater with nice denim is the norm. I’ve never felt warm enough to wear a dress to dinner, but if you do, bring a wrap or light trench or coat.

I think you can’t go wrong with a black pant/ sweater combo for dinners – chic and warm.

A chunky cable-knit or similar sweater. Cute with shorts- or jeans, depending on the day.

A casual skirt or shorts

If should the weather turn warm. One of my favorite looks on a warm day in Carmel is denim shorts and a long-sleeved T or sweater. Perfect for places by the coast where the weather is sunny yet cool.

Cozy pants and soft T-shirt

Great for lounging around the room. PJs could also work. I do like to have something cute and warm with me to wear to breakfast without getting dressed for the day yet.
Yoga pants or leggings and a wrap sweater could work with a soft T for breakfast. Add boots to your leggings and a swingy sweater or poncho and you have an outfit…

A nice travel layering piece, especially for Carmel is a cardigan like this cute option or a this cashmere poncho

Boots

They are worn year-round in Carmel. I didn’t pack mine last August and was so mad at myself. All the gals wear them in summer too. Of course people have Uggs, but a classic tall black boot like this, in black looks chic and preppy too.

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