I live in the south bay. I have three elderly (early 80’s) relatives coming for a four day/three night visit. Let me first say that they do not (or will not) spend money on dinners out or entertainment. Even if I did spring for these things, they would not be comfortable. So, I’m trying to do things that don’t involve spending too much money.

I’m thinking of the doing the following…leave the San Jose around 9AM or so. Maybe stop in Castroville and have some deep fried artichoke hearts…kitschy but need a place for that late cup of coffee and a clean bathroom. We could also do this on our way home.

Then off to Pacific Grove…drive around the water front and then enter the 17 mile drive at the Pacific Grove gate. I haven’t done this drive in 25 years. I was considering packing a nice picnic lunch…would it be appropriate to have it along the way? I also recall a wine/deli store near the Lodge. Maybe we could pick up sandwiches and have a bite on the grounds…don’t want to seem cheap by not dining in one of the restaurants here (or in Carmel) but as said…I’m trying to avoid the embarrassment of spending…

We could exit the Carmel gate and drive through Carmel By The Sea. I’m not sure if they would be up to walking the streets/shops.

I would love to take them to Point Lobos but in my experience if you don’t get there early AM your chances of getting in are slim (well a long car wait). Not sure if they are early risers to do this. Maybe we could drive a bit south…Rocky Point?

Another stop will be Carmel Mission. My aunt is a devout Catholic and this will be perfect for her. She told me that she must go to mass that weekend. The Mission has a 5:30PM mass but I’m afraid the timing will be off…She may have to do mass back in Santa Clara on Sunday…we are heading to the A’s game that morning (uncle is an avid Angels fan) but I’m sure my local Catholic church will have an early mass. I’d love to take her to the Santa Clara Mission but their mass isn’t until 10:30AM so that will not work.

Maybe we can fit in a winery on the way out of the area. Suggestion? If not a winery, how about a place to stop for coffee and dessert?

We’ll head back to Santa Clara after this long adventure out and I’ll get some sort of dinner on the table (I live alone and don’t cook much anymore...yeah!).

I’d appreciate some fine tuning to our day. I was also considering a stop in the Redwoods. Henry Coe has a big event that day…so I believe that would be out. Big Basin is a bit of a distance…but I’m considering it…

I know this is a jam-packed day. I'm willing to drop some stops but the Mission is a must.

Is there a Mass at the Mission on Saturday morning? If so, I would shoot directly for that and plan the rest of the day around it.

Otherwise, the drive down sounds reasonable. Probably easier to pick up a picnic lunch nearer home and bring it along...an early stop at Safeway for everything they want. And, yes, you should be able to picnic along the way at 17 Mile Drive. Windy, perhaps. Be sure to have sweaters, no matter how it is in Santa Clara! Just in case.

Point Lobos could be fine - what month are they visiting? Since they can't really hike, you can drive in and spend an hour or so - park and get out and park again and get out. Bring binoculars.

Carmel: how about driving in from the entrance near Pebble Beach, show them the beach....maybe they would like to park and at least feel the sand in their toes...then drive up the hill and park at the top where it flat and easy to walk. Walk around a bit, have tea or something. Then head for the Mission. I think Mass at the Mission might be the most memorable event in the trip - and you would still be able to get home before dark.

Couldn't you stop for dinner at the In 'n Out near the outlet mall?

Good luck!

Trav,

You've got a lot packed in there! I used to live in San Jose and have spent a lot of time with folks your relatives ages. Additionally, hubby and I took day trips to Carmel every once in a while.

1. Count on making lots of potty stops. The cleaner and more handicapped accessible, the better. Folks that age, well, they just don't have the stamina at that they used to. And even though they may not actually be handicapped, they will appreciate grab bars as balance and strength become issues the older you get. Heck, I'm 55 and appreciate grab bars! Yep, sad to say, but true

2. Picnic lunch, 17 mile drive, the opportunity to feel the sand between their toes (avoid lots of stairs or steep, treacherous slopes to the beach), and a walk up and down a couple of fairly level blocks of the main drag of Carmel - on top of Mass at the mission if you can arrange it - will be a full day and quite enough. And I'll bet they'll love it!

3. Hit a drive thru java place enroute Carmel/17 mile drive for your caffeine fix.

Enjoy the visit!

-doo

"Is there a Mass at the Mission on Saturday morning?"

Well, as a devout Catholic, she will know a Saturday morning mass does not fulfill the Sunday mass obligation.

Trav,

After a bit more thought...I strongly encourage you do a test drive before your relatives arrive. See for yourself the layout and workability of what you're thinking for them.

-doo

We just stocked up on the Fried Artichoke hearts in Castroville a few weeks ago! You will love the Carmel Mission, it's gorgeous. Have a great time with your family! They may also enjoy a tour of the Tor House in Carmel, it is about $7/pp. ***kim***

Thank you for your feedback. Yes, the mass must be Saturday night or Sunday (she made that clear when I asked if she wanted to attend service with me)...that was fine but she MUST also attend a Catholic mass. So, as someone mentioned the mass at the Misson will be a highlight for her. I'm just hoping we can stay busy (without overtiring) until then. Maybe we can leave a little later in the day... If one aunt attends the mass and the other two (married aunt and uncle) do not feel comfortable attending, do you think I could drive them to something in the area for that hour? I was thinking of the Mission Ranch. We could walk the property and maybe have a cocktail while waiting. I know there is a restaurant there...would there be a bar area?

And, I love the In and Out suggestion. I personally do not eat meat but this is not about me... I believe my daughter gets their grilled cheese and onion concoction.

And yes, the bathrooms are a concern for all of us...I'm no spring chicken either!

By the way, this is all happening next Saturday, the 7th.

"she MUST also attend a Catholic mass."

Well, uh, that's the only kind of "mass" there is.

I don't think you will find huge crowds next week. Yes, there is a bar at the Mission Ranch - and also, if you just go across hwy 1 from the mission into the shopping center, there are plenty of places to hang out for an hour. Mass might me interesting enough for all of you anyway. It will be a fine day for you all!

(Sorry, I don't understand why Saturday nite is ok but morning isn't, but that doesn't matter)

knute...by my statement of MUST attend a Catholic mass..I meant a service of another denomination would not substitute..I know a mass is Catholic...

And you are correct cabovacation...we will probably all enjoy the mass.

I appreciate all of your responses. I was a little hesitant about taking on this journey but now I think it will be a GREAT day.

cabo--
My orthodox Jewish friends consider the Sabbath to begin at sundown Friday and end at sundown Saturday.

While Catholics observe Sunday as their holy day, they also consider that to begin on the eve before.

5alive - that makes perfect sense. thanks!

Trav- some of the performances of the Carmel Bach Festival in the mid-summer take place in the chapel. Wow. Awesome. Candlelight procession, great accoustics, almost mystical.... pretty cool.

cabo...WOW is right. I just looked up the Mission Concerts and watched/listened to the videos. It is on my "to do" list this summer...July 19th though August 9 for anyone who is interested.

Would your aunt be interested in visiting the old mission church on the U of Santa Clara (Jesuit) campus? It's lovely, and you could probably find their daily Mass schedule on-line.