allison46

Would like to know your favorite experiences in the area. Should we spend more time in Carmel or in Monterey? Any places that you always return to or that you always take first timers to? We are staying at the Tickle Pink.

kimamom

Is this your first time at Tickle Pink? We stayed there in September and really enjoyed our stay.

You must visit the Pt. Lobos State Park, it is beautiful. In Carmel we enjoy walking around downtown, try to have lunch at Casanova out on their back patio.

The beach in Carmel is really beautiful. We like to take a blanket and stay a couple of hours, walking, reading, etc.

In Monterey, the aquarium is very interesting and definitely worth your time. We like to have lunch at Schooner's Bistro, located at the Plaza. Cannery Row is fun to walk around, there are a few touristy shops there. You will love both areas, I'm sure. PG is also worth looking into,I like Lover's Point there and there are some very pretty paths for walking along the ocean. Enjoy! ***kim***

lincasanova

i am assuming you will take the 17 mile drive. the entrance fee is worth it.
stop at pebble beach golf club or drnk or lunch.

enjoy the wildlife at lookout points.
otters.. and seals.

deer on golf courses.

did they ever allow ice cream cones and gum back in carmel? i was told their sale was prohibited (years ago).

allison46

Thanks guys! That was exactly the kind of info I was looking for. This is our first time to the area and to the Tickle Pink. Have heard the area is fantastic!!! Can't wait to see!

kimamom

allison, if you have a meal at Roy's on the 17 Mile Drive, they will reimburse you for your gate entrance fee, I think around $8 when we were there last spring. ***kim***

lincasanova

and forgot to tell you "don´t drool too much over the houses " on 17-mile drive. imagine the taxes they pay! wow. there are some beauties there.

p.s. we found some pretty aggressive chipmunks at those lookout points. careful! ( no kidding!)

allison46

Husband may play golf at Municipal course in Pacific Grove - called the poor man's Pebble Beach. Has anyone played there? Is there something nearby I could do on my own if plays 9 holes. Would I need the car or could I walk around near the area?

SAB

I visit Carmel frequently. My favorite places and things to do are Point Lobos, walking the dog on Carmel Beach in the morning, walking from Carmel River Beach to Carmel Beach and back, watching the birds at Carmel River Beach, driving down 1 to have lunch at the Ventana Inn, going to wineries in Carmel Valley, walking the shore trail in Pacific Grove between the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Lighthouse, tidepooling at Asilomar beach, going to see the Monach butterflies in Pacific Grove, visiting the galleries in Carmel, dining at La Boheme, Grasings, Bouchee, Bahama Billy's in Carmel, dining at the White House and Passionfish in Pacific Grove, lunching at Pepper's in Pacific Grove or Cielo at Ventana or Nepenthe. My favorite thing to do is sit on the deck of my friend's house which overlooks Carmel River Beach and Point Lobos with a glass of Talbott Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay. Although I really like the Acquarium we have agreement to go only if it is a dreary day, I haven't made it to the Acquarium in 7 years!! BTW I know a lot of first time visitors feel they have to take the 17-mile drive, but after my first drive down 1 to Big Sur and visiting Point Lobos I never saw the point of the 17-mile drive.

lincasanova

also golf widow... my husband did not have the time to play there.. but hopes to one day.
if they let you ride the cart for not a horrible amount of money.. maybe the views are worth it. take a magazine or book.
there really isn´t much to do there, as i recall , but to enjoy the views. maybe there is a spa at pebble beach?
there were some shops across from pebble beach, but i can't help you with any other suggestions, sorry. ( 9 holes goes pretty fast..)

you might explore the area outside the drive.. i suppose they will let you back in for the rest of day and not re-charge fee.??

Sunshinesue

I spent several nights at the Pebble Beach Lodge last October. There is a fabulous spa. If you go make reservations ahead of time.

Definitely do 17 mile drive. Roys is great and be sure to arrive in time to see the bagpiper.

Don't miss Big Sur. The drive will take your breath away. When you get to Big Sur be sure to stop at Post Ranch Inn for lunch. Eat outside if the weather is nice. The view is incredible.

If you can find it, Pheiffer Beach is well worth a visit. It is gorgeous! It is just off the highway but the road isn't marked and can be difficult to find. If you stop and ask, someone can give you directions.

Pt. Lobos is wonderful. Great walking trails and lots of wildlife. When we were there, it happened that the governor or shall I say "governator" held a news conference there with Clint Eastwood. Of course we hung around for it. (And took lots of pictures!)

We stayed at the Tickle Pink many years ago on our first trip to Carmel. You are in for a treat! Also for a great dinner, try Pacific's Edge next door at the Highlands Inn.

By the way, Kimamom, I read your posts last summer regarding Monterey while planning my October trip and found them to be a wealth of information. Thank-you!

kimamom

You're very welcome! I'm also a huge fan of Sierra Mar @ the Post Ranch Inn. Allison, you're in for a treat if you decide to dine here. Cheers! ***kim***

babs001

Hi Allison. Wanted to mention that my husband, who really likes golf but just would not pay the price at Pebble Beach, was very happy playing at Poppy Hills. The courses are all right together, so the experience is similar. We drove over from Carmel for lunch one day at Pebble Beach. The dining Terrace overlooks the 18th hole. They also have a pretty large golf shop with items to purchase (hats, shirts, postcards, etc). Keep an eye out for wildlife as you drive around. Deer and many other creatures wander the grounds of the courses and part of the drive puts you right next to the water. Alot of fun. Also, I'm sorry that I don't remember when you'll be there, but Carmel has an annual home and garden tour mid May. I toured while my husband golfed and had a fabulous time...even had a Frank Lloyd Wright home on the tour.

allison46

We are going in mid-June so garden tour is probably over with. That would have been great! Lunch at Pebble Beach sounds great!! I am sure I'll find plenty to do while he golfs 9 holes. It's only 2 hours. Thanks for the input. Any other info is great!

babs001

I've mentioned the walking tour a couple of times in different threads. Don't know if you've read them. A lady in town gives a walking tour in Carmel. The tour is very low-key. She takes you to some places that you probably would not find on your own. We enjoyed it. She has a web site, or at least she did. I don't think I still have the address but I recommend it if you have the time.

allison46

Is it carmelwalks.com? I looked on the web under tours and this one seems good but not sure it is what you described?

Donna1185

Hi,
How many nights would you need to see all of the sites Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey?
Is Pacific Grove a good place to stay that's close to all?

Ronc

Allison,

You mentioned that hubby would be playing the PG Course and wondered about things nearby.

The Pt. Pinos Lighthouse is just across from the club house and would be interesting, if it's open.

Also, you would be only a short walk from the shore-line walking trails. That area is pretty good for spotting otters or just watching the ocean.

I second, third or fourth the trip to Point Lobos. Whether inland trails or ocean trails you will not be dissatisfied at all. I can pretty well guarantee you'll work up an appetite. Check at http://www.pointlobos.org/ for trail maps.

R

babs001

Allison: Yes, Carmel Walks is the tour. We enjoyed it. I made a reservation before I left home on her answering machine. Don't know I really needed to do that but I didn't want to leave it to chance. I love Carmel so much...I know you'll have a wonderful time!
Also have a dining recommendation for you: da Giovanni. Italian/Mediterranean food. Good service. Good wine list. It was recommended to us by our innkeeper and we loved it. It was on Lincoln in an upstairs room. Have fun.

bodi

I love the area but had not heard anything about the Carmel Valley, so my last trip staying at the Quail Lodge I decided to explore further inland at their sister property Bernardus Lodge. Now I'm hooked and must return planning for more time. It is another world and incredably beautiful. Warmer too, hot to me, but for those of you that love it warmer than the coast.

Sunshinesue

I second da Giovanni! Ate there last October. Fabulous. Also try the Flying Fish.