Joongchul Shin – from South Korea – wants to move to NYC and work in fashion. Here’s what he thought of Carmel Plaza.

The Carmel Plaza is a big shopping center in Carmel. There are place a lot of the shops. Unfortunately the most shops are for woman’s things. For example clothes, jewelry, interior, watches, bags and so on.

The Carmel Plaza consists of 3 floors. The First floor is a coffee shop (Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar) like Starbucks, a kitchen and home shop and an interior shop, a jewelry shop, a kid shop, and a cafeteria.

The Second floor has lady clothes shops – such as Anubee, Madrigal, J. Jill, Talbots – a vessel shop, an outdoor shop (outdoor clothe, footwear, hat, sunglasses), luxury brand shops – such as Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton – and a shoe shop.

On the third floor is a jewelry shop. In addition, there is a gallery. The name is Raskin. It has a famous artist pictures. There is not only shopping, but also experiencing the local culture.

It’s surrounded by trees, and flowers gave me a good impression. Most people said “Carmel is very clean and peaceful.” I think so too. This is my first time traveling to Carmel. If we had more time, we would go to more places. Carmel is a small town, and it is very peaceful place.

Address: Ocean Ave & Mission St Carmel, CA, 93921

Phone: (831) 624-1385

Time: Mon-Sat 10a.m.~6p.m.  Sun 11a.m.~5p.m.

Website: www.carmelplaza.com

A big thank you to Joongchul and the rest of our contributors!

Oscar Adrian Rojas Martinez – From El Salvador – is studying theology. Here’s what he thought of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Little Napoli.

Pepe’s Little Napoli: Dolores St & 7th Ave Carmel, CA 93923 (831) 626-6335.

Carmel is a special place and many people come to know beautiful historical places, restaurants, stores, bars and hotels. Everything is accessible for touristic people. Carmel is small town and a historical place that was founded in 1916 on Monterey Peninsula.

Carmel has a lot of restaurants and within it Pepe’s Little Napoli. It was opened in 1990 for Don Pepe Bistro Italiano. The food is prepared by chefs and they can to do a delicious food. The restaurant is very important because every day a lot of people looking for a place for take a lunch or dinner. The people find a great place in Pepe’s Little Napole because it has a good service, kind of worker, delicious food, peaceful and accessible for everybody.

The people working in this restaurant are from the United States, France, Mexico and Italy. However, everyday they are working together for attention and serve the people.

The workers are recommending some special food such as alforno, vongute and gugonzolo salad. However in the menu there are different kinds of food if you don’t like the special food. All the food is really delicious and the people love everything. Even if you want to drink Vino Napoli wine bar there are wines in different tastes such as reds, whites and Sparkling Wines. The cost of wine is accessible.

There are different kinds of food, especially Italian food. The most popular foods are Bolognese di Bari, garlic bread and lamb shank. The people love this place because when they finishing to eat they are feel comfortable, happy and satisfied.

The costs of the food depend on the kind of food. The most expensive cost $19- $24. It is enough for enjoy a delicious lunch with someone. Though for dinner, normally the costumers pay between $7- $32. The food is absolutely delicious and many touristic people come back again on vacation.

In the website www.yelp.com there are comments about this restaurant: The World According to Noelle Allergic Girl’s Guide to Life:  ”‘Little Napoli Bistro is definitely a Noelle favorite.’ Our most recent dining experience was at Little Napoli Bistro Italiano took place. Little Napoli has always been a favorite of mine (best meatballs west of Jersey), but with Vino Napoli I’ve found an entirely new hangout spot.  I love the Pepe red wine and the Silvestri.”

The restaurant is open seven days a week between 11:30am and 10:00 pm. Also, people can find information in local magazines and internet websites: amy@pepeinternational.com.

Thanks, Oscar!

Takaaki Ishii just returned to Yokohama, Japan to continue studying business. Here’s his take on Carmel Plaza.

The Great Shopping Mall named ‘Carmel Plaza’

Address: Ocean Ave between Junipero Ave & Mission St Carmel, CA 93923

The Carmel Plaza has a lot of good stores about shopping and eating. Also, the Carmel Plaza can make you happy. Ah! Now did you know how it can make me happy? If you’re going to go there, you can understand. So, you should go there!
Do you like to go shopping? —Yes! Do you like the garden? — Yes!! Do you like pretty places? — Yes!!! Do you like peaceful places? — Yes!!!! If you say yes to one question from these four questions, than you should go the Carmel Plaza. It has more than 35 fine shops and restaurants in a classy setting. It is for going shopping!
Next, could you look at the first picture? The Carmel Plaza has a lot of flowers and trees. So, if you like a flower or a garden, you should go there. Also, it is very pretty and cute place. So, if you like this, you should go there.

But, I want to say something for all men. All men must be resolved… It’s a very nice place but all shops or stores are for woman! So, if you want to buy some men’s clothes, maybe it was difficult to find… But, I think all girls will like this place. So, if you want to make her or your girl friend happy, you endure the tiresomeness feeling and you should go Carmel Plaza.
P.S. many people bring dogs in here. So, if you want to bring dogs or if you want to watch some dogs, you should go to the Carmel Plaza!

Thanks, Takaaki!

Mohammed Abdulmajeed- from Iraq on a special government initiative- wants to study business in the US. Here’s what he thought of Nielsen Market.

It is very important when going to Carmel that you go to Nielsen Market, because it is one of important markets in this town.

7th Ave. AT San Carlos, Carmel, CA 93921
Phone: 831-624-6441 Fax: 831-624-3170 Email: market@nielsenbros.com Web address: www.nielsenmarket.com

Nielsen Market is one of the old markets in Carmel town. It was founded in 1930 by Nielsen brothers. This market is very important in this town because it provides a good competitive service through the delivery of products to home. This process has made this market special in this town because it is easier for people to do shopping and also provide parties with various foods and alcoholic beverages.

This market offers different types of foods: canned foods such as legumes, spices, pickles, sauce and various kinds of fresh meat, such as beef, pork and lamb. And there are various kinds of cheeses from all over world.
There is also a section for selling of alcohol beverages and a place to taste wine. The customers can taste of alcohol on Saturday every week, and there also is a place for selling all kinds of vegetables outside.

There is also a place for eating snacks, where visitors can sit in an allocated place and ask for meals. The menu contains a lot of meals from different parts of the world, such as beef kabob, Italian sausage, chicken kabob and also there are fresh daily salads, antipastas, sandwiches, and in the market there is a place to provide meals from other places of the world, such as taboule, boereg, Greek dolma, vegetable cake, and Turkish baklava… etc.

As for working hours, the market is opening at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. during the week, except on Saturday it closes at 8:00PM, and there is also a parking place for free.

Thank you, Mohammed!

Fatma Alshamisi - from the United Arab Emirates – wants to attend an undergraduate university in the US and study economics. Here’s what she thought of Dametra Café.

Make Your Vacation Something Special in Dametra Café: “Like Nowhere Else”

Vacation days must be something unforgettable. After all, you want to spend this day happy and relaxing far from thinking about work or anything else that makes you uncomfortable. You want to spend this day with your family and friend whether by going to movie or eating in restaurant.

If you are of those people who prefer to go out to eat at the restaurant I recommend visiting Carmel. Carmel is a quiet and peaceful city. It’s perfect for having comfortable vacations, where there is Dametra Café.

The location of this restaurant is:

• Ocean Ave, between Dolores and Lincoln
• P.o Box 802 Carmel by the sea, CA 93921
• P:  831-622-7766
• www.dametracafe.com
• Opening time: all weekdays from 11a.m.  To 11 p.m.

The owners of this restaurant are Bashar from Syria and Faisal from Jordan. The name of the restaurant came out of the city Al mtek Damasks in Syria, and the city Petra in Jordan. They collected three characters of the word ‘Damasks’ and four characters of the word ‘Petra’.

This restaurant provides food from the Middle East, Italy and Turkey. They have a list of distinctive food as they fit the tastes of everyone, whether young children or adults. Most of the children like to have chicken shawarma.

And I quote the words of one of the visitors from Dametra web site, “Delicious warm bread upon arriving. Homemade spanakopita was killer, as was the rest of the meal and atmosphere. Very worthy of a repeat visit.”

The most famous food that they offer is:

• Ground beef kebab with Turkish spices $14.95.
• Spanakapita appetizer $10.95.
• Falafel warps $8.95.
• Chicken shawarma $9.95.

In addition, they offer various kinds of drinks too. This restaurant is very cool, including the staff. They are very nice people. They treat you very good. One of the visitors from Dametra website said – praising the staff – “Everyone who works here was incredibly friendly, even though the place was packed.”

Yes it’s right as I said that the staff is very nice. They work very hard just to make the customers happy. One of their methods is playing the Oud which looks like Violin, where each of Bashar and Faisal does that. Also they love to sing and dance with the customers.

In the end, I want to say that this place is very cool. I went there before and I had lunch with my friends. And that day cannot be forgotten for me.

Thank you, Fatma!

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.

Related Articles:
We Found the Carmel Night Life, Baby
The Carmel Inns-by-the-Sea Flow Chart

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.”

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Carmel Beach Surfing Tips from a Local Expert
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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.

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Vacation Karaoke: Because Nobody Knows Your Name
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Kids in Carmel: Two Totally Unboring Art Galleries
Uncovered: Monterey’s Top 12 Cannery Row Coupons and Outlets

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.

Related Articles:
Coffee Shop Flow Chart: Get Your Fix Faster
Soulful-by-the-Sea
6 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day in Carmel, California

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.

1. Enjoy Carmel’s Asiatic Outdoor Attractions and Zen Retreats

Chinese Lantern Flowers, Near Carmel Plaza

The Devendorf Park Koi Pond

Junipero, between Ocean & 6th
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Website

Look around with fresh eyes, and take in the area’s naturally asiatic features, which include Japanese lantern flowers, bougainvilleas, and bamboo. Give your journey a lucky-start with a visit Devendorf Park’s koi pond. The colorful breed, created during the Chinese Jin Dynasty, are technically just fancy domesticated carp, but when you consider the area’s circling hungry-sea-bird population, their “lucky” reputation is perfectly justified.

The Devendorf Park Koi Pond

Monterey Bay Zen Center and Sculpture Garden

Carl Cherry Center for the Arts
4th & Guadalupe
(831) 375-7826
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
Website

Nestled into a residential area three blocks above downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, The Carl Cherry Center’s Zen Center and Sculpture Garden encourage quiet reflection, and provide a sun-dappled respite from the hustle and bustle of your day. Wanna really zen out? Sign up for one of the center’s workshops.

The Carl Cherry and Monterey Bay Zen Center, Perched a Few Blocks Above Carmel-by-the-Sea, at Guadalupe & 4th

The Center's Peacefully Zen Sculpture Garden

Related Articles:

Soulful-by-the-Sea

Unmissable Event: The 17th Annual Carmel Art Festival

Check Out Carmel’s Top 5 Eastern Eateries

1. Flying Fish Grill

Carmel Plaza
Mission & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 625-1962
Reviews

Carmel Plaza’s rustically intimate Flying Fish Grill is a local favorite, and a terrific value. The reasonably priced and generously portioned meals are created with love by the head chef, and owner, Kenny Fukumoto, and the knowledgeable and attentive servers guarantee an exceptionally memorable experience. The Flying Fish is popular year-round, so remember to call ahead for a reservation.

The Flying Fish Grill

2. Tommy’s Wok

Mission, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-8518
Reviews

The delicious smells wafting from Tommy’s Wok hit you from half a block away, making its alleyway location on San Carlos a little easier to find. Many diners opt for take-out, but if you want to unwind, aren’t bothered by the small-ish dining room, and manage to score a window seat, you’ll enjoy an outstanding fountain courtyard view.

Tommy's Wok, Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea

The View from Tommy's Wok

3. Sushi Heaven

Dolores & 8th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 625-2067
Reviews

Ask any in-the-know local to name Carmel’s best sushi restaurant, and they’ll direct you to Sushi Heaven. The lively, friendly owners, fresh Korean food, and reasonable lunch and appetizer options are only a few rockin’ reasons to visit. Check out these rave visitor reviews for even more.

Sushi Heaven, on Dolores

Sushi Heaven's Affordable Apps and Lunch Specials

Local and Critical Sushi-Heaven-Love

4. Hanagasa Japanese Restaurant

On 8th, between Mission & San Carlos
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 625-4470
Reviews

We had trouble finding this extra-hidden gem, and according to their Yelp Reviews, we’re not the only ones. Carmel outlaws neon signs, but they should really make an exception for Hanagasa, which is nearly invisible from the street. Once you’re in, though, the authentic japanese food is top notch.

We've Got Hanagasa in Our Crosshairs: Study and Search!

Hidden Hanagasa

Hanagasa's Japanese-Style Sushi -- Worth the Search, Photo Courtesy of Yelp.com

5. Robata Grill and Sake Bar

3658 The Barnyard
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-2643
Reviews

Locals rave about Robata’s sushi and drink specials, late hours, and Asian infused atmosphere, but we want to know if this hot spot is the real deal, as in –authentically Japanese. My willing and eager formerly Japan-dwelling friend puts Robata’s to the test and amiably grills our bartender, Toshi, in Japanese. We’re all charmed and delighted when Toshi, who moved to California from Sapporro, Japan eight years ago, totally schools her. He also shares Robata’s best dishes, like their deep-fried avocado, the generously portioned Kaissenn Maki, and The Crunchy Carmel — an outstanding salmon, cream cheese, and crunchy tempura shrimp sushi platter, created by Robata’s experienced, and also Japanese, sous chef.

Needless to say, Robata Grill and Sake Bar passed with flying colors.

Robata Grill and Sake Bar, in the Carmel Barnyard Shopping Center

Robata's Toasty Patio

Specials!

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3. Explore Carmel’s Authentically Oriental Arts and Antiques Scene

Lu Lu’s Silk Art Gallery

Mission, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 620-1122
Website

Traditional silk art, which requires meticulous training and patience, is increasingly rare, and we’re so thankful to LuLu’s Silk Art Gallery for spreading its beautiful history. The gallery’s pieces are woven with hand-split threads, using 40 different kinds of stitches, a process that the sweet representative enthusiastically shares with visitors, and photos just don’t do the craft justice; check them out in person!

Silk Art at LuLu's Carmel Gallery, Photo Courtesy of www.lulusilkartgallery.com

Conway of Asia

Dolores, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-3643
Website

The adjacently situated Conway of Asia and the China Art Center form Carmel’s very own itty-bitty Asia on Dolores. Antique fans will especially appreciate the broad range of authentic and history-steeped pieces. The China Art Center prohibits photos of paintings, but guests are allowed to snap photos of other artifacts. Just be sure to ask first, as a courtesy.

Conway of Asia, on Dolores

Conway's Persian Rugs

Beautifully Detailed Antique Room Divider

Hand-Carved Shaving Brushes

China Art Center

Dolores, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-5868
Website

China Art Center, on Dolores

China Art Center Interior

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4. Browse Carmel’s Asian-Inspired Home and Garden Treasures

Aslan’s Garden (and Gallery)

Lincoln, between Ocean & 7th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-1160
Review
Website

Aslan’s Gallery Representative mused, “I’ve been working here thirty five years. It takes locals twenty years to find us, and it takes tourists two days.” To that I say, thank you, Mr. Internet! It’ll only take you about two minutes. Walk along Lincoln, from Ocean to 7th, dart between and past the interior galleries, and you’ll be treated to a lush outdoor garden shop, packed with oriental knickknacks, inspirational messages, and brightly ornamental yard decor. The carved wooden wind-chimes are a nice change from their classically clanging metal counterparts, and the birds back home may not know the difference, but you’ll love watching them flit to and fro from their new, technicolor houses. The interior galleries are stocked with functional home art, like organically shaped marble sinks and cinnamon pots.

An Intricate Wooden Wall Hanging in Aslan's Gallery

The Secret Garden

Dolores, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-4955
Website

The Secret Garden and Pilgrim’s Way Bookstores’ attention to Eastern spiritual practices, and vast selection of philosophical how-to books, make this a must-stop for Karmic believers looking to expand their horizons.

Bring Home a Bonsai(!) from the Secret Garden

Pilgrim’s Way Bookstore

Dolores, between 5th & 6th
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 624-4955
Website

The Pilgrim's Way Bookstore, on Dolores

Bonus Treasure Trove: The Mole Hole of Carmel

Mission & 7th
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
(831) 626-1640
Website

Dig Dig Dig! The Mole Hole’s globe-spanning whimsical goods are your Carmel treasure hunt’s ideal finale.

The Mole Hole of Carmel

Looking into The Mole Hole

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Have you explored outside of the box? Tell us about your unexpected Carmel finds and favorites in the comments.

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

Use this one to find your closest cup of coffee, then browse our top 20 Monterey Peninsula cafes.

Carmel Coffee Shops and Cafes:

Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co:

1. Carmel-By-The-Sea Location:
Ocean Ave. between Lincoln and Monte Verde
Carmel, CA 93922

2. Mid Valley Shopping Center Location:
319 Mid Valley Center
Carmel, CA 93923

3. The Barnyard Shopping Village Location:
3720 The Barnyard
Carmel, CA 93923

4. Crossroads Shopping Center Location:
246 Crossroads Boulevard
Carmel, CA 93923

5. The Carmel Coffee House
Ocean Avenue between San Carlos & Dolores
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

Pacific Grove Coffee Shops and Cafes:

6. P.G. Juice and Java
599 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

7. Lighthouse Coffee
510 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

8. Pavel’s Backerei
219 Forest Avenue
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

9. Holly’s Lighthouse Cafe
602 Lighthouse Ave
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

10. The Works Coffee House and Bookstore
667 Lighthouse
Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Monterey Coffee Shops and Cafes (Cannery Row and Lighthouse District):

11. Quok Mui Tea Room
774 Wave Street
Monterey, CA 93940

12. Starbucks
711 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940

13. Miriam’s Cafe
615 Lighthouse Ave
Monterey, CA 93940

14. Trailside Cafe and Coffee House
550 Wave St
Monterey, CA 93940

Monterey Coffee Shops and Cafes (Old Downtown):

15. Parker Lusseau Pastries
539 Hartnell St
Monterey, CA 93940

16. Cafe Lumiere in Osio Cinemas
365 Calle Principal
Monterey, CA 93940

17. Peet’s Coffee & Tea
560 Munras, Suite 10
Monterey, CA 93940

18. East Village Coffee Lounge
498 Washington Street
Monterey, CA 93940

19. Plumes Coffee House
400 Alvarado St
Monterey, CA 93940

Read on for eight reasons to put breakfast back on the agenda, Carmel’s best morning-meal destinations, and, for habitual over-sleepers and caffeine junkies, our favorite quick-stop coffee house.

Kick Start Your Morning with an Organic Carmel Belle Breakfast

1. Breakfast equals instant and sustained energy — especially important on your activity filled vacation. Fuel up early and explore the sights to your heart’s content without burning out. Especially physical activities like surfing, horseback riding, or biking along 17-mile drive call for an extra helping of protein and fiber, and lots of snacks and water throughout the day.

2. Get organized, early. Gathering around the breakfast table is a perfect opportunity to discuss the day’s fun with your travel companions, and, depending on your individual agendas, potentially the only time you’ll all be together for more than a few minutes.

3. Breakfast helps you learn, and what better opportunity to learn than in an unfamiliar city packed with new sights, sounds, and people? A sharp, alert, nourished mind is more likely to preserve your awesome vacation memories.

4. You’ll save money! Breakfast is typically the cheapest meal of the day, so fill up early and avoid expensive snacking and ginormous meals later.

5. Carmel is lovely in the morning. Locals taking their dogs on morning strolls through quiet, golden-lit streets, nearly non-existent traffic and pedestrian hazards, and an all but deserted beach set the scene for an uplifting, peaceful stroll between the Inn and your breakfast destination.

6. A light breakfast can soothe your hangover. Last night’s wine will rest so much easier once you’ve cushioned it with a gentle morning meal.

7. Just say no to “vacation weight creep”. A good breakfast makes it easier to choose healthy options the rest of the day.

8. Breakfast improves and stabilizes your mood. Enjoy a balanced meal with your travel companions to get happy, stay happy, and prevent mid afternoon crab-attacks.

These local favorites came so highly recommended by our friends that we had to try them all for ourselves, and share the tasty results with you.

Carmel’s Coziest Breakfast: Little Swiss Cafe

The Little Swiss Cafe at 6th Ave. & Dolores

The Little Swiss Cafe’s intimate, quirky atmosphere and hearty menu selection make it a local favorite, and the fresh marmalade and strawberry preserves atop every table were a nice touch, too.

Bacon Avocado Eggs Benedict -- Big Enough to Share

Feeling playful? Entertain yourselves with a game of “Wall Mural I-Spy”. We found a bare-backed fly fisherman, the cast of Disney’s Shrek, crop circles, a couple plucked from American Gothic, and the Eiffel Tower.

The Little Swiss Cafe's Cozy, Playful Interior

Carmel’s Best Gourmet Breakfast: Katy’s Place

Katy's Place -- on Mission Street, Between 5th & 6th

Famous for their 16 different varieties of eggs benedict, and voted Best Breakfast Restaurant two years running by the Carmel Pine Cone, Katy’s Place is your best bet for a gourmet morning feast.

The Ever-Evolving Katy's Place Menu

We loved the wide open, light-filled dining room, heated patio, classically quirky decor, and this morning’s special: smoked salmon on potato pancakes.

Fuel Up with Katy's Delectable Dishes, Like Smoked Salmon on Potato Pancakes

Carmel’s Most Affordable Organic Breakfast: Carmel Belle

Carmel Belle's Tasty Offerings

Carmel Belle, nestled conveniently into Ocean Avenue’s Doud Craft Studios, is our favorite provider of reasonably priced, locally produced, organic fare.

Belle Breakfast Board

Their stone-cut oatmeal will keep you going for hours, especially once you pile on the extras, like candied walnuts, currants, cinnamon apples and spouted flax meal. Still undecided? These locals can help you out:

Start Your Day with a Local Favorite

Carmel’s Best Breakfast On-The-Go: The Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Co.

Carmel's Best Coffee House

Blink and you’ll miss this gem of a Cafe. It’s discreetly placed down a little alley off of Ocean Avenue, half a block up from Dolores, and is Carmel’s best coffee spot.

An Extensive Selection of Tasty Treats

The Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Co, also known as Cafe Cardinale, sells 40 varieties of specialty coffee from around the world, which are all available for at-home enjoyment, and are sold onsite and online. We prefer onsite, and recommend taking a few moments to savor your drink on the sun dappled alleyway patio. Even your pup can quench his thirst in the sunshine.

Another Example of Carmel's Puppy Love

Hope this made the day’s first decision a bit easier, and if I missed your favorite cafe, show them some love in the comments!