Been to Carmel/Monterey area?

[Deleted]

DH and I are pricing out a few last minute domestic options for early October. We crossed Napa off after pricing it out. Have found some nice looking options in other parts of CA including the Carmel Valley Ranch.

I'm starting to look into the area and how we'd spend our time. Just thought I'd see if any of you can offer insight. There are supposed to be some wineries nearby, and it might be a better fit for us than Napa since we like wine but aren't super serious about it.

[emilyinchile]

I am obsessed with the Monterey Bay Aquarium: www.emilyinchile.com/2012/06/monterey-bay-aquarium/.

Carmel is good for wandering through little shops, if you like that kind of thing, plus you have the beach (depending on weather). 17 Mile Drive is pretty, and the Monarch butterflies come to Pacific Grove in October and are gorgeous. I haven't been to any of the wineries in that area, but I know there are a few. How long are you thinking of spending there?

[Deleted]

We are thinking of 4 nights in early October. You both have me nearly sold already. I love aquariums and I'm a huge Steinbeck nerd, so I've always wanted to head to that region. Might reread East of Eden and Cannery Row before I go.

I just need to sell DH. He is pretty open-minded, I just need to assure him we'll have plenty to do. I called and the pool is heated, so downtime at the ranch sounds awesome, too.

[Deleted]

Sf gal,
Well, pickings are slim in Napa, i guess due to harvest? Everything is booked. I priced out 4 nights one of the few available places, Millikin Creek. Airfare is cheaper for us into Monterey vs. San Fran area. And Carmel Valley Ranch is running a 3 nights get one free during the dates we are looking. All told, this scenario is not cheap, but it's about $1200 cheaper than the Napa option I priced out.

The CVR looks amazing! DH says let's go for it. I mean, s'mores every evening? Fields of lavender? Spa? Yes please.

I appreciate your ideas for the area!

[RoxMonster]

We just did SF/Napa/Carmel/Big Sur for our anniversary. Oh my gosh we loved it. I did enjoy SF and Napa, but I think the Carmel part of our stay was even better, if I had to choose. We did not do wineries near Carmel since we took a tour in Napa, but there were plenty of places to get some good wine and I do know there are wineries.

Carmel is such a cute, relaxing place. We stayed at the Lamp Lighter Inn and I'd highly recommend it. We also drove down to Big Sur for a day. Don't know if that's what you're looking for, but it. was. amazing. Even more gorgeous than Hawaii IMO. I would HIGHLY recommend taking a drive down there (about an hour) if you do stay in Carmel.

We were not a huge fan of Monterey. It was very busy and crowded on a weekday and if we went back, I would skip it. However you can sometimes find cheaper lodging there than right in Carmel.

[Deleted]

I just booked! We ended up having enough miles for airfare so I feel less guilty about the lodging. I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT!

Excluding a quick weekend to a friend's wedding, this is the first vacation I've taken with my husband, without the kids, in 5 years! That is too long!

I can't get anything done today. Too much daydreaming to do.

[gt7301b]

I would hit up Tate of Monterey. It is a cute tasting room that overlooks the bay and only sells wines from the area.

[katieh]

In Carmel itself there are about a dozen tasting rooms - obviously not the same experience as being in a vineyard since you are in town, but still you can taste a lot and not have to worry about driving.

[winterbride1220]

we also loved the tour of Pebble Beach if you are a fan of golf, it's iconic!

[winterbride1220]

oh, and we went to the Farmer's Market in monterrrey. It's like the garden of Eden.

[lollielg]

I also have to recommend the drive down through Big Sur. One of the most beautiful places in the world IMO!