August/September 2014 73 8 A.M. Wrap up your 48 hours with go-for-broke breakfast at Em Le’s, where calories don’t count when you order the signature French toast—a deep-fried pile of battered bread dusted with powdered sugar, sliced almonds and a pitcher of peach syrup to drizzle on top. It’s a Carmel by-the-Sea landmark known by its arched teal door and moss-covered roof. 9 A.M. Walk off some of that breakfast with a brisk exploration of historic homes in the village. Every street is packed with fascinating architectural styles from adobe to Mid-Century modern, from colonial to craftsman. On your jaunt, take note of the marvelous gardens, fences and gates, pathways and clever house names, such as the Frivolous Frog, Windermere, Our Seventh Heaven, Little Lunchbox and Sea Esta. As you meander through the downtown area, stop at The Tuck Box—the most Hobbit-esque of all the Comstock homes. The wavy, steep-pitched roof, awkward French doors, red and white awnings and bay windows are the epitome of Carmelby the-Sea cute. Wind through the back alleys of the Court of Fountains, the Doud Arcade and the Pine Inn courtyard and give your camera a workout. 11 A.M. And now that you’ve worked up another appetite, it’s time for the Carmel Food Tour. This three-hour culinary adventure includes visits to seven restaurants and specialty food shops, such as the Cottage of Sweets—built in 1922 and known for its wide variety of homemade fudge. In addition to divulging where to buy the best picnic food, entertaining tour guides also share their knowledge of Carmel lore. 2 P.M. You’ve checked out of your hotel, but you’re not ready yet to go home. So head to the Refuge spa in Carmel Valley. Only 10 minutes away from the village, this relaxing retreat features hot and cold waterfall pools, fire pits, a eucalyptus steam room, cedar sauna and resting room, all amid a beautiful garden setting. Get ready for the drive back home with a soothing massage—it’s the perfect way to end a blissful two-day getaway. LODGING Colonial Terrace 831/624-2741; thecolonialterrace.com Cypress Inn 831/624-3871; cypress-inn.com Happy Landing Inn 831/624-7917; carmelhappylanding.com Hofsas House 831/624-2745; hofsashouse.com Svendsgaard’s Inn 800/433-4732; innsbythesea.com Tickle Pink Inn 800/635-4774; ticklepinkinn.com RESOURCES Carmel Visitor Center 831/620-2000; carmelcalifornia.com SHOPS & SITES Burns Cowboy Shop 831/624-4014; burnssaddlery.com Ajne Perfumery 831/624-2100; ajne.com The Cheese Shop 831/625-2272; thecheeseshopinc.com Cottage of Sweets 831/624-5170; cottageofsweets.com Pat Aerias Sterling 831/626-8668; patareias.com Point Lobos State Reserve 866/338-7227; pointlobos.org Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore and Secret Garden 831/624-4955; pilgrimsway.com Refuge 831/620-7360; refuge.com Twigery Floral Art 831/626-8944; twigery.com ART GALLERIES Carmel Art Association 831/624-6176; carmelart.org Richard MacDonald/Dawson Cole Fine Art 800/972-5528; dawsoncolefineart.com Rodrigue Studio 831/626-4444; georgerodrigue.com Trio Carmel 800/860-3024; triocarmel.com RESTAURANTS Carmel Belle 831/624-1600; carmelbelle.com Casanova 831/625-0501; casanovarestaurant.com Em Le’s 831/625-6780; emlescarmel.com Grasing’s 831/624-6562; grasings.com La Bicyclette 831/622-9899; labicycletterestaurant.com Le St. Tropez 831/624-8977; lesttropez.com Forge in the Forest 831/624-2233; forgeintheforest.com LOUNGES Mission Ranch 800/538-8221; missionranchcarmel.com Starlight 65 Rooftop Lounge 831/626-7373; chefpepe.com Sunset Lounge at Hyatt Carmel Highlands 831/620-1234; highlandsinn.hyatt.com TOURS Carmel Walks 831/642-2700; carmelwalks.com Carmel Food Tour 866/905-7702; carmelfoodtour.com Tor House 831/624-1813; torhouse.org TASTING ROOMS Dawn’s Dream 831/659-2649; dawnsdreamwinery.com Scheid Vineyards 831/656-9463; scheidvineyards.com Wrath Wines 831/620-1909; wrathwines.com Silvestri Vineyards 831/625-0111; silvestrivineyards.com Galante Vineyards 831/624-3800; galantevineyards.com n DAY THREE IF YOU GO Refuge La Bicyclette restaurant
South Bay Accent - Aug/Sep 2014
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