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5 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day in Carmel, California

Katie — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:19:07 +0000

Why does your dad deserve a trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Maybe he gave the world’s best shoulder-rides, used songs and silliness to teach the times tables, taste-tested your first culinary experiments, explained philosophy and history on the way to swim practice, or forgave you for reverse-accelerating his Mustang into your grandma’s living room.

Dads are extraordinarily forgiving, but this is still a bad idea. Photo courtesy of www.stangpit.com

Maybe he sat through forty other kids playing chopsticks in a stuffy auditorium just so you’d get a wave and a thumbs-up from the audience; “Of course, your unique rendition of chopsticks was worth the wait.”

Prodigies in the Making

That, my friends, is unconditional love, and it’s payback time.

This year, Father’s Day weekend coincides with golf’s biggest, busiest event, The Pebble Beach-hosted US Open. You’ll save alot of money, not to mention your sanity, by waiting until next weekend to join your family on a sights and activities-packed trip to Carmel.

To help you along, we’ve created five guides for five types of fathers. Mix and match to your heart’s content, then check out 6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Carmel, California for even more ideas.

Carmel Weekend Get-Away Plans for Five Types of Fathers

1. The Family Man

Uncle Dale: Grill Master

The devoted and selfless Family Man resists the celebratory spotlight, but secretly loves any holiday that unites his favorite people. He’s laid-back and appreciates tradition, so don’t mess with his annual Father’s Day backyard bbq. Instead — surprise him next weekend, or in a few weeks, with a mini-family reunion in Carmel; bonus points if you wrangle together out-of-state siblings, aunts and uncles. Choose a centrally located hotel with a pool and lots of rooms to serve as “home-base”, and accommodate diverse interests by breaking into smaller groups for area attraction-exploration, then meet up for dinner* at Il Fornaio or Forge in the Forest. Both spots are friendly, classy, and not at all stuffy; sound like someone you know?

* Always make dinner reservations for larger groups.

2. The Outdoorsman

My fiancee and fish wrangling future father-in-law, Paul

School’s finally out; why are you being dragged out of bed at 6am? It’s fishing season, of course. You’re not nearly as thrilled as your dad, who woke an hour earlier to assemble your license, poles, tackle and maps, then managed to pack two meals, snacks, bottled waters, and a few sodas into a 6-pack cooler. He’s a man of the elements — prepared, determined, steadfast. Your hero.

Paul Teaches us a Lesson in Emergency First-Aid

Years later, you understand that those long afternoons on the lake and in the brush were about more than just conquering the elements and scoring fresh, tasty meals.

An expedition through Carmel and Big Sur, complete with horseback riding, fishing and whale watching tours, kayaking, hiking, biking, sailing, scuba diving, and Carmel Beach surfing says, “Thanks, Dad, for passing on your sense of adventure, your level-headed confidence and strong character — and for teaching me valuable everyday skills, like how to remove a rusty fish-hook from my index finger without fainting overboard.”

3. The Big Kid-at-Heart

Zucchini's, on Cannery Row

He’s light, playful, and manages to turn even typically tedious errands into games. Not one to restrict the fun to his own family, he routinely shares his driveway basketball court, game room, and backyard paintball field with every kid in the neighborhood, and his little league coaching seasons are the stuff of legend. Child-like, but not childish, this dad is personally committed to exampling fair play, good sportsmanship, and universal respect, especially towards the young and soft-spoken.

Thinker Toys, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Reward your favorite fun-seeker with a spontaneous trip to Carmel, where he and your family can visit Thinker Toys — the area’s coolest independent toy store, play frisbee on Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach, imagine hilarious exchanges between Todd White’s wacky painted characters, indulge your inner prankster at Zucchini’s Tricks n Things on Cannery Row, shoot a few rounds of pool at Blue Fin Billiards, then head downstairs to The Cannery Row Pizzeria and Wine Cellar to try your hand at Karaoke, spend an afternoon exploring the Monterey Bay Aquarium, swap vacation stories with your trolley companions, and wind down with a family-movie night. You can’t go wrong with Toy Story 3 (98% fresh!), which is showing at Monterey’s Del Monte Theater in Disney 3D and Pacific Grove’s Lighthouse Cinemas in 2D.

If you don’t mind an extra 45 minutes on the road, set aside a bonus day for Gilroy Gardens, and bring this coupon for 1/2 off weekday passes in June and July.

4. The Class Act

2010 US Open Contender Phil Mickelson, Keeping it Classy

His calm, unassuming demeanor belies a passionately intuitive internal compass, a steadfast commitment to quality, honor, and respect. Charismatic and authentically charming, he ignites spontaneous friendship wherever he goes. He holds the door. He carries quality conversations. He’s unstoppable with a 9 iron. Heck yes; he’s your dad, and he’s a class act.

You’ve always admired his tenacious initiative; seize this opportunity to show him you’ve been paying attention. It’s so easy. Carmel’s his kind of town.

The Carriage House Inn, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Classy trips needn’t be ridiculously expensive, and your dad prefers a quality experience over a pricy one, anyways. Focus on a couple of his favorite past times and experiences, set him and your mom up in the four-diamond, authentically styled Carriage House Inn, and explore Carmel-by-the-Sea’s boutiques and fine art galleries by foot.

Chateau Julien Winery, photo courtesy of www.bondmag.com

If your dad’s into golf, challenge him to an afternoon on Pebble Beach’s world-famous links, home to the recently-concluded US Open. More ways to experience quintessentially-classy Carmel: tasting your way through the Chateau Julien Wine Estate, dining in Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Casanova restaurant, investing in a Robert Talbott hand sewn silk necktie, and catching a performance at Carmel’s Sunset Theater.

Related Article:
Best of Carmel Close-up: the Winfield Gallery

5. The Professor

My Favorite Teacher

He might be an eccentric inventor, a pensive philosopher, an english literature lover, or a well-traveled cultural anthropologist. To you, he’s just “Dad — the best storyteller EVER.”

Thanks to him, you’re inquisitive, open-minded, and probably a lot of fun at dinner parties. The Professor thrives on unique learning opportunities, namely, exploring The Monterey Peninsula’s distinctive history and exchanging observations with like-minded theorists — like you!

Follow Old Monterey's Path of History to The Larkin House

For starters, check out The Carmel Mission, The Monterey History and Maritime Museum, The Pacific Grove Natural History Museum, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Old Downtown Monterey’s Path of History, and The Monterey Museum of Art.

The Carmel Coffee House on Ocean Avenue, Cafe Cardinale

Discuss antique shop highlights and rare book finds at Ocean Avenue’s Carmel Coffee House, grab a bottle of wine and chat with locals at The Carmel Barnyard Farmer’s Market, and relive dad’s legendary stories around a Carmel-by-the-Sea Beach bonfire.

Wishing you were here, Dad. Happy Father's Day.

As you put the finishing touches on your Epic Carmel Vacation Plan, just remember, your dad’s an original, baby, and won’t fit neatly into a single type. Celebrate his quirks, inside jokes, and everything else you love about him — your way.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Monterey Sports Car Championships at Laguna Seca

Katie — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:20:49 +0000

“Ohhhh… race cars! So shiny. And fast. And….. shiny?”

Carmel-by-the-Sea Delivers the Shiny

Okay, so you’re not an auto enthusiast, but anyone planning a visit to Carmel can surely be considered a fun enthusiast, and when it comes to Laguna Seca, they’re really one and the same. Our beginner’s guide to The Monterey Sports Car Championships will arm you with the basics, and a newfound enthusiasm and appreciation for this internationally celebrated event. At the very least, you’ll learn to avoid any awkward conversational comparisons to Nascar. You’re welcome.

The Basics: When, Where, and How Much is it Gonna Cost me?

Mazda Laguna Seca Map

May 21-23, 2010

Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Hwy 68
PO Box 2078
Monterey, CA 93942
Phone: 831-242-8201
Email: frontdesk@mazdaraceway.com

Website

Laguna Seca's Mazda Raceway

A Few Admission Options

(Children 12 and under are free for general admission)

Saturday General Admission and Paddock (American La Mans Series Race Day): $25

3-Day General Admission and Paddock: $60

Flag Room – 3 Day: $295

Flag Room includes 3-Day General Admission, Paddock Access, Parking Pass, Souvenir Program, Hospitality consisting of continental breakfast, light lunch and dinner on Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Sunday, with beverages available both days. A canopied tent with closed-circuit TV (open Sat/Sun).

All Admission Options

Mazda Raceway FAQs

4 Big Reasons Why it’s not Nascar

1. The Cars.

Photo Courtesy of mazdaraceway.com

“The Mazda Raceway Pace and Safety Car Program has an impeccable safety record of over 5,000 track laps without a single injury, accident or failed car part.” Nascar’s current safety standing? Not as impressive. Le Mans Series races don’t need the threat of mortal peril around every corner to attract attention; the magnificently powerful and technologically advanced cars, which include Porsches, Aston Martins, Audis, BMWs, Corvettes, Ferraris, Jaguars, and Panoz, skillfully out-maneuver each other around Laguna Seca’s challenging track, and rightfully earn their fans’ devotion. Simply put, “The diversity of auto manufacturers whose cars appear in the Monterey Sports Car Championship are simply unmatched by NASCAR, Champ Car and the IRL.”

2. The Track

The Laguna Seca Track Map

Laguna Seca’s world-renowned track has experienced a few renovations since its 1957 inception, but its character and position as the West Coast racing community’s gold standard remains intact. The track’s “corkscrew turn”, which sends racers down a blind apex with a 300 foot elevation change, is considered one of “the most challenging corner in racing.”

Laguna Seca's "Corkscrew" Turn, Photo Courtesy of www.rondet.com

Alex Zanardi’s Infamous Laguna Seca Corkscrew Pass [VIDEO]

3. The Fans

Photo Courtesy of mazdaraceway.com

Laguna Seca fans enjoy exclusive access, perks, and a litany of organized activities. SeeMonterey.com elaborates, “Unlike other motorsports series, the American Le Mans Series has an open paddock, allowing fans to get an up-close look at the cars that burn up the race track. This unmatched access continues at the pre-race grid; once the cars line up on the grid in preparation to race, fans are allowed on the grid for a half hour to check out the cars, take photos and ask questions of the drivers and teams. Fans will have the chance to learn more about the vehicles and their drivers at Tech Talks, Fan Forums and Driver Chats, where they can find out the key advances that make the American Le Mans series an R&D platform for car, tire and chassis manufacturers. Fans will also have the chance to attend driver autograph sessions.”

Check out all of Laguna Seca’s race-week fan activities.

4. The Races

Photo Courtesy of mazdaraceway.com

If you can only catch one, make it Saturday’s American Le Mans Series afternoon-into-evening race into the darkness, which runs from 2:30 – 8:30, and features a fireworks finale. The exotic cars, which have unique speed capabilities, are clustered into four classes, and only directly compete with cars in their class, but this race throws them all together on the same track, encouraging tons of exciting passes.

If you get a weekend pass, check out Sunday’s Playboy Mazda MX5 Cup, Cooper Tires prototype Lites Championships, the Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama and Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.

The Full Race Schedule

Carmel and Laguna Seca: Stay Here, Play There

Carmel-by-the-Sea's Carriage House Inn

Consider lodging away from the crowds, in peaceful Carmel-by-the-Sea, where you’ll experience a sweet sweet juxtaposition between the awesomely grimy raceway and your comfy, cozy, Carmel bed. This flow chart can help you find the perfect Inn.

* If you’re extra auto-literate, and looking for more nitty gritty specs, you can revel in all of the glorious race-day factoids here , here, and here.

6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Carmel, California

Katie — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:17:03 +0000

Your mama loves homemade cards, hand-painted flower pots, and the occasional pancake breakfast in bed, but you’re finally old enough to appreciate and celebrate her unique spirit and interests, so go the extra mile by whisking her off for a weekend of fun in Carmel, California. To help you along, we’ve created six weekend guides for six unique motherly-types.

Is Your Mama a Llama?

Carmel Weekend Get-Away Plans for the Six Types of Mothers

1. The Traditionalist

Visit the Golden Bough Plaza During Your Carmel-by-the-Sea Walking Tour

Defined by her consistently kind, selfless, gentle mothering, complete with warm chocolate chip cookies and bedtime stories, this special lady loves catching up with loved ones over coffee, spending peaceful afternoons in the garden, and doting on her family and friends. This mother is most likely to insist that you “don’t make a fuss”, so you’ll have to discreetly make a fuss, and insist it’s no trouble at all. Treat her, and your dad, to a couple nights in a cozy European styled Inn, linger over coffee, take a walking tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea, laugh and reminisce over a dinner at the casually classy Forge in the Forest, and share stories around a Carmel Beach bonfire.

2. The Adventurer

Monterey Bay Kayakers, off of Cannery Row

This mother never missed a chance to open your eyes to the world’s limitless opportunities for adventure and exploration. She inspires you to look closer, think creatively, turn problems into opportunities, and overcome your fears. “We’re going on a roadtrip!” may be a familiar idiom of your childhood, and you loved every moment of it. Time to return the favor. She’ll appreciate an Inn with a pool, as well as your working knowledge of the area’s trolleys and other transportation options, because you’re going out! Take her kayaking, sailing, whale-watching, or horseback riding, and try out Carmel’s uniquely cultured restaurants, like Dametra’s and Sushi Heaven. Bonus points if you can work in a random surprise adventure, like a trip to the Laguna Seca Races.

Dametra's Mediterranean Cafe, on Ocean Avenue

3. The Naturalist

The Esalen Institute Community Garden, Big Sur

This laid-back, earthy mother respects and relates to the natural world and its intriguing array of creatures and habitats. She insisted that you put down the remote and get outside, orchestrated camping trips and Natural History Museum visits, and taught you to be an environmentally responsible, lifelong learner. This is your chance to prove that you were listening, and nourish her naturalistic spirit. Take her on a hike through The Point Lobos State Reserve or Big Sur, visit the Holy Grail of Marine Conservation — The Monterey Bay Aquarium, tour Pacific Grove’s Natural History Museum, explore the Asilomar Beach tide pools and bird-watching, and visit Pacific Grove’s butterfly sanctuary. If you’re feeling especially generous, you could even sign her up for a weekend of spiritual and artistic growth at Big Sur’s internationally acclaimed Esalen Institute, and whatever you choose, remember to respect the world (and by extension, your worldly mama) with sustainable dining choices, too. Passion Fish and Basil are ridiculously tasty, and eco-friendly.

Basil's Berry Wallet-Friendly $5 Cheesecake

4. The Artist

Gallery 21, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Never one to stifle your creativity, this mom always jumped at the opportunity to facilitate a new craft or hobby, visit an art exhibition, or cheer you on at an oboe/ballet/juggling performance. The words “think outside of the box” shaped your creative spirit — which means you’re more than prepared for this mother’s day, and you couldn’t hope for a more artistically rich destination than Carmel. Take a walking tour of the village’s 100-plus galleries, catch a show at the Pacific Repertory Theater, then visit The Monterey Museum of Art, the downtown Pacific Grove galleries, and mingle with local crafters at The Carmel Farmer’s Market. Pick an Inn with a kitchen, and use your creative cooking skills to whip some farmer’s market fare into an originally imagined masterpiece. Even if it’s less than stellar, you know she’ll appreciate your creativity.Remind her that you learned from the best.

A Monika Meunier Oil on Canvas, at Zantman Art Galleries on Carmel-by-the-Sea's Mission Street

* Visit next weekend! The Carmel Art Festival runs from May 13th-18th.

5. The Chic Sophisticate

Carmel Plaza

She works hard, appreciates quality, class, and high-standards, and always helps you achieve your full potential. Thanks to her, you have an appreciation for good wine, good company, and a well-deserved weekend away to recharge and prepare for life’s exciting challenges. Make your mom’s weekend especially memorable by treating her to a four diamond, centrally located Inn, a visit to a decadent Carmel day spa, Carmel Valley Wine tasting, and a Carmel Plaza Shopping excursion.

Maybe Next Year...

6. The History Buff

Historic Old Monterey's Larkin House, Along the Path of History

“When? Where? Why? How? And What does it all mean?” This mom possesses a contagious love of history, delights in discussing life’s meaning and mysteries, and can’t resist a good story. Thanks to her, you’re inquisitive, thoughtful, and probably a lot of fun at dinner parties. The History Buff mom will love learning about the area’s rich cultural history at The Carmel Mission, The Monterey History and Maritime Museum, The Pacific Grove Natural History Museum, The Monterey Bay Aquarium, and along Old Downtown Monterey’s Path of History. Don’t forget to check out Carmel’s abundant antique shops, which set the stage for priceless opportunities to bond over found treasures and the little details that only your mom would notice and appreciate.

Ocean Avenue Antiques

Outside of Monterey's Maritime and History Museum

Mix and match the ideas to reflect her tastes, then slip the upcoming weekend’s itinerary into her homemade card — pancake breakfast optional. Cleaning up after said breakfast? Mandatory. Remind your mama that you weren’t, in fact, “raised by wolves.”

My Sis and Mama on Asilomar Beach. Happy Mother's Day!

Related Articles:

Asilomar State Beach: Video Tour and Tips

Earth Day, Any Day. The Peninsula’s Top Ten Eco-Friendly Activities

The Carmel Inns-by-the-Sea Flow Chart

We Found the Carmel Night-Life, Baby

Carmel Beach Surfing Tips from a Local Expert

Ten Trolley Follies, and How to Avoid Them

Carmel’s Best Breakfasts: 8 Reasons to Rise and Shine

Hot Pink Flamingos and Beyond: A Sneak Peek Inside the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Newest Exhibit

Soulful-by-the-Sea

The Carmel Inns-By-The-Sea Flow Chart

Katie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:14:35 +0000

Now, we’re all agreed that Flow Charts are awesome, right?

You guys loved it when we simplified the local coffee house circuit last week, so we tackled another potentially stressful decision; welcome to The Carmel Inns By The Sea Flow Chart.

1. Svendsgaard’s Inn
Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The Svendesgaard's Inn, Photo Courtesy of www.Innsbythesea.com

Average Room Rate: $160
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pool: Yes
Hot Tubs/Spas in Some Rooms: Yes
Continental Breakfast: Yes
Fireplaces in Some Rooms: Yes
Distinguishing Features: Pet-friendly, onsite parking, European Stylings,
some rooms have kitchens

2. The Dolphin Inn
Corner of 4th & San Carlos Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The Dolphin Inn, Photo Courtesy of www.Innsbythesea.com

Average Room Rate: $167
Pool: Yes
Breakfast Service: Yes, pastries delivered from local bakery
Balconies in Some Rooms: Yes
Fireplaces in Some Rooms: Yes
Distinguishing Features: Oversized, upscale, “Monterey Colonial” rooms, morning newspaper service, current specials

3. The Candle Light Inn
San Carlos between 4th & 5th Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The Candle Light Inn, Photo Courtesy of www.Innsbythesea.com

Average Room Rate: $173
Wi-Fi: yes
Continental Breakfast: Yes
Fireplaces in Some Rooms: Yes
Distinguishing Features: English tudor stylings, off-street parking

4. The Wayside Inn
7th & Mission Street
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The Wayside Inn, Photo Courtesy of www.Innsbythesea.com

Average Room Rate: $239
Hot Tubs/Spas in Some Rooms: Yes
Breakfast Service: Yes
Balconies in Some Rooms: Yes
Fireplaces in Some Rooms: Yes
Distinguishing Features: Elegant provincial stylings, some rooms have kitchens

5. The Carriage House Inn
Junipero between 7th & 8th Avenue
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

The Carriage House Inn, Photo Courtesy of www.Innsbythesea.com

Average Room Rate: $271
Hot Tubs/Spas in Some Rooms: Yes
Breakfast Service: Yes
Fireplaces in Some Rooms: Yes
Distinguishing Features: 4 diamond (AAA) hotel rating

Want more? Have a fun Flow Chart idea? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.