The seacoast always restores and refreshes... and this week to celebrate our 21st Anniversary, Chris and I headed to Carmel-by-the-Sea for a midweek getaway... and since Carmel is ultra-dog-friendly, Nicky came with us too! The Cypress Inn welcomes dogs, provides them with lots of treats, water bowls everywhere, and special big fleece wooly throws to sleep on. Dogs are welcome in most restaurants in Carmel, too, so Nicky had his first indoor dinner with us at the charming St. Tropez~Cuisine du Soleil bistro.
As beautiful as she is, Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a bit quirky. A few little-known facts about the village:
- there are only 2000 residents in the 1 square mile village that has a long edge on the sea
- there are no house numbers...you describe your location by the nearest intersection, counting down the number of houses... "SW corner Carpenter and Second, four houses east"
- ...OR you name your house something like "Done Rovin'" and that is how the world finds you
- there is no mail delivery; you must go to the post office to pick up your mail; this has created a strong sense of community since you run into each other every day
- you may not post "no parking" signs in front of your home; cars parked on either side of the street narrow the streets and thus slow traffic down considerably... which is good for everyone including the air we breathe
- there is an ordinance against wearing high heels in the village (yes, there really is...I said quirky, didn't I?)
- you actually CAN build fires on the beach and doggies are WELCOME to romp on the beach and swim in the surf
the courtyard at the Cypress Inn |
the cozy fireplace in the courtyard at the Cypress Inn |
the church grounds across the street from the Cypress Inn filled with native
plants that are thriving in the coolness of the coast |
pretty succulents and native plants in turquoise planters around town |
one of the many 1930's era tile designs that appear in the downtown shopping area of Carmel |
pretty arched window, tiled roof and paved courtyard at one of Carmel's shops |
lots of beautifully designed wrought iron all over Carmel |
delicious desserts at la Bicyclette |
happy husband Chris at la Bicyclette! |
love old pots of bay tree standard, and the gate nearby |
cheerful door front on Ocean Avenue in Carmel |
cupid spotted in antiques shop window...perfect for Valentines! |
one of the forty or so pathways leading to hidden courtyards to explore in downtown Carmel |
***
see details and what happy guests have to say:
questions?
skype me: kitgolson
call or text me: 650-302-6883
We love to visit Carmel, but I never knew any of the fun facts you shared.
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for visiting..I forgot to mention that Carmel does not have any street lights...if you visit you should bring a flashlight! Great for stargazing on clear nights,
ReplyDeleteTHIS must have been a great weekend! ...the community in Carmel set a good example with their quirky?/clever rules.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had Tea at the Cypress Inn. It's so good. We lived in Carmel for years. I don't miss the
ReplyDeletetourist traffic.
Happy Anniversary Kit! I love Carmel, such a beautiful setting!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Que j'aime ces ambiances, chic, bohème, décontractée ...
ReplyDeleteBisous du Var
Marie-Ange
That is how life should be....bumping into neighbors at the post office,.
ReplyDeleteWill make everywhere else seem needing a restart!