Let’s get one thing out of the way: any day in Big Sur, whether the weather is foggy and damp, or the destination is tricky or trafficky, is a good day. Not to go all woo-woo, but Big Sur is a place that’s both extraordinarily lovely and a state of mind. Anyone can feel the difference–even if going from comparably appealing Carmel or Monterey–by simply opening the senses to the … [Read more...] about The Call of the Wild
Travel
Carmel’s Hidden Gem
For such a small geographical region, the Monterey Peninsula area is home to a lot of secrets. One such is San Clemente Rancho, a privately owned 2,600-acre tract located near the end of Robinson Canyon Road, south of Carmel Valley. This is the site of 100 cabins, owned by “members,” concentrated on only 160 of the acres. The remainder is a bucolic, remote and serene vacation … [Read more...] about Carmel’s Hidden Gem
A Century of Utopia
The world-renowned, one-square-mile, beach destination of Carmel-by-the-Sea celebrates its 100th birthday in 2016. This patch of paradise has evolved over the past century into a hotspot with big-city offerings of art, theatre, music, and dining, while existing on the canvas of a fairytale. The magic of Carmel has been carefully fashioned over the last 100 years. From its … [Read more...] about A Century of Utopia
Bliss on the Beach
Yes, the water is cold. Yes fog sometimes obscures the gorgeous vistas, especially in summer. Yes, some places feature dangerous rig currents and unpredictable wave action. But so what? The beaches of the Monerey Peninsula are among the finest in the world and offer recreational activities at every level, from a simple shell-collecting stroll to extreme sports such as hang … [Read more...] about Bliss on the Beach
Starry Nights and Sunny Hikes
On Monterey County’s northeastern edge, where the Gabilan Mountains cross the San Benito County border, a small state park overlooks its Carmel and Monterey Peninsula neighbors. Locals might know Fremont Peak from newscasts—it’s where several broadcasters and communications providers position their towers—but the park’s remote location and unobstructed views make it a favorite … [Read more...] about Starry Nights and Sunny Hikes