CARMEL: CALIFORNIA'S PARADISE FOR ARTISTS AND... PETS
The small village of Carmel-by-the-Sea represents a microcosm of everything that has contributed to the California dream — independence, creativity and tireless spirit. Situated on Carmel Bay in Central California on the southern bend of the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the Sea is 120 miles south of San Francisco, 350 miles north of Los Angeles, and 26 miles north of Big Sur.
Carmel enjoys moderately warm temperatures year-round, with an average high of 65 degrees and an average low of 48 degrees. September and October offer the best weather, with an average high of 72 degrees. 
A one-square-mile bohemian haven on California's Central Coast with unique architecture that fuses the modern day with old world elegance. Carmel is known for its natural beauty that can be seen in its famous Carmel Beach, with soft white sands, gentle coves, and cypress and redwood trees. Its fairy-tale-like setting and its lack of chain hotels and chain restaurants make it all the more inimitable.
In lieu of street addresses, Carmel-by-the-Sea's quaint oceanside cottages are identified by special, owner chosen names that are more descriptive than the numeric nomenclature afforded to much of the nation. 
Carmel-by-the-Sea's true distinction lies in the artistic intricacies that make this seaside village so inspiring. Carmel-by-the-Sea was once—and for many still is—a bohemian haven, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals.
Of course, many of today's 3,750 Carmel residents were once visitors to this charming California Central Coast village, only to depart dreaming of one day living here. Carmel inspires with more than 100 art studios, galleries, and antique stores representing the works of master artists (both local and from around the world), hands-on art immersion and workshops, and vibrant art walking tours. 
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Carmel's early residents included the authors George Sterling and Jack London and poet Robinson Jeffers.
These early inhabitants were determined to create an intellectual oasis on the inspiring, sparsely populated Central Coast of California. By the time Carmel-by-theSea became a city in 1916, the population had grown to almost 450. The village was composed of luminaries such as authors Sinclair Lewis, Mary Austin and Lincoln Steffens. Today, that artistic spirit is around every corner. Visitors will find artists busily working in their galleries - from world renowned sculptor Steven Whyte to the abstract painter Mary Titus. A self-guided Saturday night Art Walk takes place monthly, and the Annual Carmel Art Festival draws dozens of Plein Air painters each May. Carmel's Performing Arts venues range from the charm of the historic Carl Cherry Center to the Golden Bough Playhouse, and from the Circle Theatre to the newly-renovated historic Outdoor Forest Theater. Since its founding, the Pacific Repertory Theatre company has entertained residents and visitors with the interpretation of distinguished plays from its unique stages across Carmel. The venerable Sunset Center, features a state-of-the-art facility that is home to the renowned Carmel Bach Festival (held annually in July), Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Symphony, and yearround performances from artists of note. 
Today, that artistic spirit is around every corner. Visitors will find artists busily working in their galleries - from world renowned sculptor Steven Whyte to the abstract painter Mary Titus.
A self-guided Saturday night Art Walk takes place monthly, and the Annual Carmel Art Festival draws dozens of Plein Air painters each May. Carmel's Performing Arts venues range from the charm of the historic Carl Cherry Center to the Golden Bough Playhouse, and from the Circle Theatre to the newly-renovated historic Outdoor Forest Theater. Since its founding, the Pacific Repertory Theatre company has entertained residents and visitors with the interpretation of distinguished plays from its unique stages across Carmel. The venerable Sunset Center, features a state-of-the-art facility that is home to the renowned Carmel Bach Festival (held annually in July), Carmel Music Society, Chamber Music Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Symphony, and year round performances from artists of note. |
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Carmel is famous for some of its quirks and unique traits:
- There are at least 41 courtyards and passageways throughout the village. The first debuted nearly 100 years ago, when architect Hugh Comstock began building fairytale houses and shops. Some passageways and courtyards feature shops, galleries, and restaurants. Self-guided maps are available at the Carmel Visitor Center and at most inns. - Unwilling to see their village become "citified," Carmel's founding fathers rejected the practice of house-to-house mail delivery in favor of a central post office. To this day, there are still no addresses, parking meters, or streetlights, and no sidewalks outside of Carmel's downtown area. The local post office continues to serve as a social hub for residents, while those seeking directions receive hints such as "fifth house on the east side of Torres Street, blue trim, driftwood fence" or by the legendary names adorning most houses, such as "Periwinkle" or "Sea Urchin." - There are no chain or fast-food restaurants, nor national coffee shops in the village. - A permit is required to wear high heels: anything more than two inches in height or with a base of less than one square inch. (Don't worry, local police ignore it.) This odd law was authored in October 1963 by the city attorney to defend the city from lawsuits resulting from the irregular pavement distorted by tree roots. As a memento of one's visit to Carmel, high-heel permits are available without charge at City Hall. |
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CARMEL BEACH - ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Carmel is known for its many attractions, perhaps none more so than its incomparable white-sand, dog-friendly beach. Whether remaining on the path along picturesque Scenic Road, or feeling the sand beneath your feet, Carmel Beach is a favorite of visitors and locals who make their daily pilgrimage. A trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea is an opportunity to unplug and restore in a scenic setting unlike anywhere else in the world. The inspiring natural beauty and temperate climate entice visitors to actively connect with Carmel while also finding peace and balance. Two newly published guides, available free exclusively for guests at Carmel hotels, help visitors to explore while recharging body and mind. The Locals Guide to Scenic Runs, Hikes & Walks In & Around Carmel-by-the-Sea invites visitors to stay fit as they discover Carmel-by-theSea's many scenic nooks and crannies. And the Beginner's Guide to Mindful-by-the-Sea encourages visitors to relax and be in the moment for a more rewarding getaway. Carmel is experiencing a culinary renaissance with eclectic restaurants (no chains) that span the gustatory globe from the Mediterranean to Asian, French, Italian, Spanish, Cuban, Greek, and much more. All told, there are nearly 55 coffeehouses, bakeries, pubs, bistros, and restaurants serving a bounty of international and regional cuisines and utilizing fresh produce grown locally in Salinas Valley, and fresh seafood from Monterey Bay, as well as serving award-winning Monterey County wines. |
Carmel boasts several blocks of quaint shops, antique stores, boutiques, and galleries. Along cobblestone streets and paths, strolling and shopping in downtown Carmel feels like a step back in time with virtually no chain stores but many affordable, yet trendy, shops and family-owned businesses featuring unique gifts and friendly, personalized service.
The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea has 42 inns — from casual and comfortable to elegant and refined — offering a sum total of 990 rooms. Every lodging property in Carmel-by-the-Sea includes breakfast with a room booking, from continental buffet, to room-delivered, to full dining. Many offer special amenities, such as ocean views or secluded courtyards and fireplaces, and all feature the characteristic warmth and charm that has become a village trademark. And it's never been easier to make a reservation at one of the inns: the "Book Direct" feature on Visit Carmel's website allows travelers to quickly and conveniently make reservations, at special rates, directly with the lodging establishments. 
Direct flights are available to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) from San Francisco (SFO, United Airlines); Los Angeles (LAX, United Airlines); Dallas (DFW, American Airlines); Denver (DEN, United Airlines), Las Vegas (LAS, Allegiant Air); San Diego (SAN, Alaska Airlines); and Phoenix (PHX, American Airlines). The Airport is 10 minutes from downtown Carmel. Rental cars are available. Carmel is about a 2-hour drive from San Francisco and a 6-hour drive from Los Angeles (allow longer if traveling via coastal Highway 1).
For more information: www.carmelcalifornia.com |
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CYPRESS INN, CARMEL
The beguiling seaside city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, is world-renowned for its small-village ambiance, its great shopping, world-class restaurants, and gorgeous white-sand beach and for being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country.
Nestled in the heart of Carmel is the elegant Cypress Inn, which CNN Travel called a “legendary overnight oasis” and Sunset Magazine termed “Probably the most famous dog-friendly hotel in the country.” 
Co-owned by legendary singer, actress and animal activist Doris Day (who recently passed away) for more than 20 years, Cypress Inn masterfully blends Old World hospitality and service with modern comforts and amenities.
Cypress Inn has been Carmel’s most beloved boutique hotels since it opened in 1929. By combining Mediterranean grace and charm with warm hospitality and exemplary service, Cypress Inn has drawn everyone from kings, queens and Hollywood royalty to the everyday traveler, and especially all those who like to travel with their pets. |
Peter Radler, General Manager of Cypress inn, tells us why its the best hotel in Carmel.
Why is Carmel a special place for visitors? Carmel is an idyllic and blessed with beauty seaside town. It has one of the most wonderful white sand beaches and wind shaped cypress trees. Considering how small Carmel is, we have over 100 restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops to choose from. There is everything for every taste. Can you explain Carmel's magnetic pull for artists? Carmel has been a community of artists since the 50’s and 60’s with amazing sceneries for any style of painting. Our location on this breathtaking, beautiful central coast and the vicinity of Big Sur, brings in a lot of artists from all over the world to try out their talents. Rolling in fog, dramatic sunsets, amazing flora, historic architecture and the deep blue Pacific Ocean make for a spectacular background. 
How does the Cypress Inn offer a unique and memorable experience for guests?
The Cypress Inn is mostly known for two things. One, the affiliation and part owner Ms. Doris Day and two, as mentioned in many publications, the pet friendliest hotel in the US. This beautiful 44 room hotel is a historic site and was built in 1929 in a Mediterranean style. We have a very popular restaurant, Terrys Lounge, with a beautiful patio and fireplace. There is a living room with live entertainment from Thursdays to Sunday and plainly, just a great feel all around. What can you tell us about the Doris Day connection? Ms. Day went into partnership with local businessman Denny LeVett in 1985 and made this beautiful place very special. Doris was an unbelievable, warm hearted, kind and caring person. Her love for animals was unsurpassed. Tell us about the artwork at the Cypress Inn. The Cypress Inn has quite some unique and rare art pieces and special collections from Mr. LeVett’s private estate throughout the property, like antique toys and gun collections etc. On one sunny morning, I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Charles Carter, a local artist, and after chatting for a little while and finding out more about his wonderful paintings, we agreed to hang some of Charles’ paintings in our hotel. It was a hit. So now we are featuring Carter paintings behind our reception and in our living room over the fireplace. Charles keeps switching them out throughout the season, depending on special local events and holidays. For more information: www.cypress-inn.com |
