Free And For Me

Things To See In Carmel By The Sea

Carmel By-The-Sea has become a home away from home for me.   Sometimes I visit with my son and daughter, my parents and some of my girlfriends.   My last trip was a California girls trip that was the absolute best!  We found some of the best things to do in Carmel By The Sea.

This was a much needed trip for us all.  The week we were supposed to head out, three of us were dealing with the fires in Southern California. Overall we just needed a trip to relax and unwind.

After checking into Hofsas House and meeting with our host Carrie, we hit the ground running.   Our first stop was De Tierra, a Carmel by the Sea tasting room.   This was the perfect place to begin our trip.  We enjoyed wines, cheese, meats and great conversation with one of the owners Alix.  Alix was great! We absolutely enjoyed her hospitality. I had a bit of a hiccup.  I misplaced my car keys and could not focus on the entire experience.  You do not really need to drive while in Carmel By-The-Sea but I knew I would need them to return home.  Thank God Hofsas House was down the street.   I excused myself and went back to my room to search for my keys.  I was able to find them.  With a settled mind and nerves I was able to join everyone back at DeTierra.  When I returned they were still having a good time.  Shortly after my return, it was time to head to dinner at Big Fish Grill in Monterey for dinner.

After leaving Big Fish Grill we did go to a rooftop bar and sat for a while.  When we walked in a couple of women that we met at De Tierra recognized us.   Every time I come to Carmel I meet new people.  As our night was winding down I kept telling the girls about the breakfast at California Market at Hyatt Carmel Highlands.   When I knew we had reservations at the Hyatt all I could think of was their delicious breakfast and amazing views.

Breakfast was just as I had anticipated, DELICIOUS!   Everyone agreed with me.  We enjoyed ourselves so much we could have spent the entire day there.  After a hearty breakfast, we surprisingly made room for lunch at Lugano’s Swiss Bistro.

Lugano’s is known for its fondue.   The last time I dined at Lugano’s I was made fun of for ordering fish and chips.   This time I did try the fondue but I did order fish and chips. I insisted that everyone taste it, so they could see what the big fuss is all about.  They all agreed, the fish and chips are delicious.  I have to have fish and chips when I visit Carmel.   The seafood is the best, even at Lugano’s.

Our trip was just getting started.  Later in the day, we visited Scheid Vineyards for some more tastings.

We had driven to the Hyatt Carmel Highlands and Lugano’s so we parked the car back off at Hofsas House and walked to Scheid. Walking in Carmel-By-The-Sea is the best way to get around.  We walked the streets of downtown Carmel, laughing and talking.  We even made our way to watch the sunset at the beach.  Watching the sunset in Carmel is a big deal.  People come out with their chairs, blankets, dogs, and families to watch the sunset.  While we were there someone was getting married.

I have never seen a bad sunset while at the beach, but the best view of the sun setting was when we returned to our rooms at Hofsas House.  When we all met up for dinner at Tarpy’s Roadhouse we were all saying, “Did you see the sunset?”  It was funny because we each had taken a photo of it from our individual rooms.

The amazing sunset was a perfect way to get the night started.   This was my first time dining at Tarpy’s Roadhouse.  One of my girlfriends in our group was a regular and she could not stop raving about the Castroville Artichoke.   She was right, it was delicious.  Just as we enjoyed everything at California Market at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, we enjoyed everything on the menu at Tarpy’s.  Aside from the delicious food, we enjoyed the beautiful ambiance and coloring at our table.  You are never too old to draw and color.  After dining at Tarpy’s we headed out to sing karaoke but it turned out it was not karaoke night but an actual club night.  Who knew there was a nightlife in Carmel-By-The-Sea.  The club closed at 2:00 am, I think but we left well before then.  We had to get up for some of the best pastries ever at Hofsas House.

Aside from the pastries I was looking forward to visiting Twisted Roots Vineyard, they offer some of the best wine tastings in Carmel Valley.   I met the owners Josh and Julie a little over a year ago and instantly fell in love with their Vineyard and their hospitality.  They are down to earth people that love their customers and their wine.   I met them when my daughter was trying to figure out which direction she was going with her career.   Josh shared his Twisted Roots story with us and we both left there motivated and inspired.   This year when we returned he remembered us as if we were old friends.  Yes, we came to taste wine but we always leave with something more.  I would love to visit Twisted Roots every time I am in Carmel.

As our trip came to an end we headed back to Tarpy’s Roadhouse for an Annual Food and Fundraiser.   I have always believed in supporting non-profits.  I was excited to attend this event.  We learned that the food bank for Monterey  County has provided 11,405,164 pounds of food, or 9,166,667 meals to over 1 in 5 residents and 1 in 4 children in Monterey County.  On our trip, we were able to see the best of what Monterey County has to offer.  I understand hunger is everywhere but it never dawned me that it happens in Monterey County.  I was happy to learn there is an organization that is trying to put an end to it.

While we were at the event we ran into our new friend Alix from DeTierra.   We were glad to see her.  We also made some new friends that were over the event and we plan to keep in touch.

The beauty of visiting Carmel By-The-Sea is I am always meeting new people like Carrie at Hofsas House, Josh and Julie at Twisted Roots, and Alix at De Tierra. They all truly love what they do and want to share that with their guests and customers. I love absolutely love Carmel.

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