Hi trippinkpj,

I just read your offer on the "roadtrip" post to suggest a few of your favorite central coast and bay area spots. I'd love some suggestions. Actually, our daughter lives just north of San Francisco, so we never need accomodations in the bay area, but do you know any great things to do or restaurants in that section (Marin area)?

My husband and I try to get away for a couple of days every few weeks and we really love the central coast. I'm always looking for recommendations!!

My computer battery is running low. I've been at this too long tonight. I'm off for now, but will check back tomorrow.

Thanks in advance.

tttp

Hi Nevermind! Here's some data from another post, Inclosed a great California Beach Towns website. I'll get back to you on my Marin "stuff".
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/index.html
Here's some places I've stayed and liked:
Carmel: Carmel Garden Court and Best Western Bay View Inn.
Monterey: Padre Oaks (small motel, clean and reasonable). Hyatt Del Monte (nice pools).
Pacific Grove: Best Western Monarch Resort.
There's a few. That website looks quite extensive. Also Trip Advisor is good

In Mill Valley, I like Buckeye Roadhouse (fancier than it sounds, LOL), Piazza d' Angelo and for music the Sweetwater (it's a bar). I have a good friend that lives in Marin, I'll ask her too.
In Nicasio, Rancho Nicasio. Sorello Cafe in Fairfax.

Do you want SF or San Jose suggestions? Also Central coast restaurants?

Thanks trippinkpj. I've bookmarked the link you provided and appreciate the lodging suggestions. I double appreciate the dining suggestions for Marin! We are always on the lookout for good food!!!

No need for SF suggestions, but thanks. Our daughter lived there for about 8 years before she got married, and she & her hubby moved to Marin last year, so we don't go into the city very often. Actually, come to think of it, others might enjoy some suggestions...

I'd love some central coast restaurant suggestions. As I mentioned, we are always looking for good food. Eating is our life. LOL

Thanks for responding. I'm already thinking about our next little getaway!!

In Carmel at the Barnyard, Bahama Billy's (homestyle meats tropical!). In Pacific Grove, First Awakenings for breakfast/ lunch, also Old Monterey Cafe in Monterey for Breakfast. Red House Cafe in PG for good lunch/ soups.
I'll keep brainstorming!

In Santa Cruz, El Palomar for Mexican. Even their ajacent taco bar is great for casual burritos and tacos. If your a coffee addict, the Santa Cruz roasting company is great. Over the hill in Los Gatos, we have the Los Gatos Coffee roasting company, the Wine Cellar (great fondue) and Los Gatos Cafe for Breakfast. Hey if you want to stay in Los Gatos, the Garden Inn is a quiant & clean little inn. In San Jose, Aqui's Cal Mex is in Willow Glen neighborhood (cute place to walk around) and also on Snell/ Blossom Hill.

Great suggestions, trippinkpj. I'm going to put them in my little "travel book" that is full of notes on various locations. We love

Have you eaten at the Rio Grill in Carmel? It's really good. There is also a little French place right in Carmel village that we like (mostly for the atmosphere, but the food is pretty good too). Unfortunately I can't recall the name right off the top of my head, so I don't know why I bothered to mention it!

Have a great weekend.

Oops... I meant we love Mexican food, so really appreciate those suggestions! Somehow, I cut myself off.

I have eaten at the Rio Grill, but it's been a while. Yes, it was good. There was another grill downtown Carmel that was good to, I'll have to look for the name. Oh, and have you ever been to Shadowbrook in Capitola. Great setting, good food.