We are spending our 15th anniversary with another couple in early September in Carmel. The guys will do a little golfing but we are looking for ideas for day trips as well as great restaurants.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

For a daytrip, drive the coastline down to a tour of Hearst Castle.

why on earth would you want to spend the one day out of the year that is truly "yours" with another couple? celebrate your love and success at making it this far with each other!! alone!! you must swing!

I would recommend wine tasting in Carmel Valley and a drive down to Big Sur. Stop at Rocky Point for cocktails on the cliffs if the weather is nice. Also, one of my favorite places to have a drink is at the Inn at Spanish Bay at sunset when the Bagpiper comes over the last green.

A fun place to hike is Point Lobos State Reserve. There is a 6 mile loop trail that goes through half a dozen tiny mini climates. Very beautiful.

Make some special time to just spend with one another. Taking another couple on your romantic weekend is a little strange.

Richard,

I was just there for the first time and loved it all. Definitely will go back!! We loved dinner at Casanova's - very romantic and excellent food. Ask for a romantic table toward the front of the restuarant - the ones in the large rooms in the rear can get loud.

We loved Roy's at the Inn on Spanish Bay. EXCELLENT food and service - Asian fusion seafood. Not as romantic but very nice and on the water. They serve drinks outside before dinner around firepits so go early. Get reservations for all restaurants.

Fandango's in Pacific Grove is supposed to be fantastic but we didn't get there. Do a search on Carmel and you will find lots of posts about dining there.

Ginny

Well obviously he's spending his "special" day with another couple because he wants to play golf. Didn't you pick up on that?

Go to Salinas and visit the John Steinbeck Museum. I believe it's about a one-hour drive. Actually, I took the bus from Monterey and back.