70 South Bay Accent CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY OF CARMELCALIFORNIA.COM; MICHAEL TROUTMAN/DMT IMAGING, RICK PHARAOH 8 A.M. Torch a few calories with a run or a hike. Point Lobos State Reserve is less than 10 minutes away and offers intoxicating emerald water views. Trek the Cypress Grove Trail, a walk that takes you through a forest of the rare Monterey cypress, one of two groves of its kind in the world. Or, if you prefer to stay within walking distance of your hotel, mosey over to Scenic Road. It’s a stretch less than one mile long that runs past million-dollar homes and equally impressive scenery. You’ll walk past the famous Frank Lloyd Wright house along the way. 9 A.M. La Bicyclette is one breakfast spot loved by locals who rave about the wood oven-fired eggs. Another is Carmel Belle. Here, the arugula salad with fresh lemon olive oil is topped with crispy bacon, roasted tomatoes and an egg. Salad for breakfast? “Why not?” asks Pilgrim’s Way bookstore owner Cynthia Fernandez. “We don’t eat enough greens anyway!” 10 A.M. If it’s Friday or Saturday, plan to tour historic Tor House. In 1919, poet Robinson Jeffers and his wife Una commissioned a stone house to be built for their family. Jeffers followed the workers so closely that he built an adjacent tower by himself. It took him four years, using granite boulders gathered from the shores of Carmel Bay. Tours are given every hour starting at 10 a.m. The house, tower and gardens, perched above the ocean, are a must-see. Or, pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs from the village. For instance, Ajne Carmel creates personalized organic perfumes, blended to each customer’s chemistry. At Burns Cowboy Shop, you can order a custom cowboy hat, measured to fit perfectly. Meanwhile, at Pat Areias Sterling, the store will create a belt buckle to your specifications or make a handcrafted piece of silver jewelry. For something beautiful and fabulous, stop by the Twigery, where nationally renowned florist Michael Merritt will work up a fresh floral display or create an equally striking silk arrangement, according to the colors and flowers you adore. 11 A.M. Lace up your most comfy shoes and set out on a fascinating walking tour. You’ll get all the lowdown on Carmel-by-the-Sea’s early inhabitants and historic development from Gael Gallagher, tour guide extraordinaire and operator of Carmel Walks. This fastpaced journey leads you through clandestine alleyways and courtyards and the charming cottages of yesteryear. Gallagher is not just a guide, she’s an impassioned storyteller whose engaging style makes the two-hour walk fly by. 1 P.M. Lunch at French bistro, Le St. Tropez. Lofty beamed ceilings, fresh flowers and DAY TWO Sunset Lounge at Hyatt Carmel Highlands Richard MacDonald/ Dawson Cole Fine Art Point Lobos State Reserve
South Bay Accent - Aug/Sep 2014
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