If you don't want to drive to all the wineries around Healdsburg, you can rent a limo or use a wine tour company like Wine Rover.

www.winerovertours.com

We saw several groups in these converted Range Rovers last weekend and it looked like fun.

I have to chime in about swimming in Santa Barbara in October. The water will DEFINITELY be too cold. Even if you're from Maine. :) The pier there is very nice, though (or was when I was last there a few years ago). They also have an art show on the weekends (can't remember if it's Sat. & Sun. or one or the other) that's along the water. Very fun. There's plenty of places to eat in SB - and yes, Mexican food is really good there. There's also the SB zoo - which is small, but nice.

My husband and I are driving up the coast in July to vacation in Healdsburg and Napa - stopping overnight at the Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel. We're planning on having dinner at Bouchee. Any thoughts from anyone on this? Would Casanovas be better?
Thanks!

lianed--Bouchee, Casanova, and L'Escargot are all very good restaurants in Carmel. We think Casanove is incredibly charming, and have found it consistently excellent over more than 25 years. You won't go wrong at any of them. You might try checking their menus to see what grabs you.

Well, the recommendations for restaurants are opinions. I can spout a zillion years and go on or off about some. The true test? Your palate and your checkbook. Cheers. ;;)

We were just in Sonoma Cty for the first time last week and had a great time. Lunch at Willi's in Healdsburg was great. Favorite winery was Iron Horse (about 20 minutes outside of town). Make a reservation for their sparkling wine tour and tasting -- they were incredibly nice and the behind-the-scenes tour was fantastic. Other great vineyards we visited were Schug, Gloria Ferrer, and BR Cohn.

The art show in Santa Barbara is on Sundays.

Leaving SB driving north up the coast, stop for lunch in Big Sur at Post Ranch's Sierra Mar restaurant. The restaurant (not the inn) sold last year and the new owners are now renovating the kitchen and dining room up there, planning to open that space August 1, so it'll be brand new for you. Lunch is open to non-guests from 12-3 and is quite reasonable, given the breathtaking view. Sunset aps and wine is another option, also an early dinner slot for 5:30 open to non-guests. I'd re-consider a splurge there. The property is one of a kind serene--perfect for honeymoon memory-making.

I also recommend an early breakfast on the lower deck of Nepenthe called Cafe Kevah--stunning views! Choose the brioche toast with your eggs and good latte and bring your camera for fabulous shots throughout the property. Just watch out for the hungry bluejays who love to steal bacon right off your plate! Check out the Phoenix gift shop there for lots of local books. My favorite Big Sur book is A Wild Coast and Lonely by Rosalind Sharpe Wall. Don't miss Deetjen's for breakfast or dinner, much more intimate than Sierra Mar with very good food.

I 2nd the walk to the falls at Julia Pfeiffer-Burns. At the end of the overlook trail, check out the remains of Senator Brown's mansion up the hill. It was willed to the State to preserve, but the State ended up pushing it off the cliff into the sea in the 60's--unbelievable! On a warm, sunny day, this is, in my mind, the most beautiful place on earth, even prettier than Pt. Lobos, if that's possible. Lunch along McVey creek in the knarled redwoods there is almost spooky...and very romantic!

In Carmel I agree on L'escargot and I also like Cantinetta Luca for good small plates and Italian wine. Bixby Martini Bar in the Barnyard has closed.

ErikS, re: Carmel, I forgot to mention, yes there is a company that can provide a romantic custom sunset bonfire for you and your wife on Carmel beach.

It's the first service of it's kind there and they provide everything you need, from a completely built bonfire in the sand, blankets, gourmet picnic which can be customized, to roses, Champagne, s'mores kit and more. What fun...
www.romanticroomdesigns.com

To watch the game, I believe there's a new sports bar on Ocean Avenue or you might want to check out Jack London's pub.

If you like to sip bubbly and taste small indulgent treats, there's the new Bubbly Fish that serves tastes of Champagne, caviar, cheese, salumi, pate, more wines,chocolate and desserts, open most of the day with live music in the PM. On San Carlos in the courtyard by Kocek Jeweler. Have a fab honeymoon!

Great suggestions, Winerycat. Something else, Erik - October is a GORGEOUS time to come out here - the weather should be perfect for you.

Wow! These all sound like excellent suggestions. I would have never expected so many replies....thank you everyone for taking the time to reply!! Very much appreciated. Can't wait!

October is excellent, it's our "true" summer, often called the Indian summer...That said, I can second some of the suggestions for your time in Monterey/Carmel: Fishwife (good cheap eats) and Passionfish (not so budget-friendly) are excellent. Another in PG is Petra (Mediterranean, not quite as pricey) and in Monterey proper we love Lollapalooza's and Rosine's, a cheaper diner type place.

As for activities, the beach in Carmel is to die for, as is 17 mile drive. If you have a few hundred extra (and a taste for adrenaline rushes!), I would say to check out skydiving in Marina (about 12 miles North on 1 from Monterey); we just did it and it was great! It boasts the world's longest free fall and you can't beat the view!

Hope you find some (or all) of this helpful, and congratulations :)

Also stayed at Tickle Pink - LOVED it. The balcony looks directly over the ocean, and my fiance and I were in heaven. Absolutely gorgeous. Great honeymoon choice!

The 17 mile drive, as others have suggested, is amazing. Definitely make sure to do it.

We also LOVED Casanova's in Carmel - a wonderfully romantic dinner spot - Though do check out the prices in advance - I don't remember how expensive it was, but it's definitely worth looking into.

One other place in Carmel - the flying fish. Great asian fusion type of place, and the owner is the nicest man ever. Not very expensive, and it feels like you're in someone's home more than a restaurant.

Enjoy yourself!!