Taking a break between work shifts, we headed down to Carmel. The road along highway 1 is always beautiful. Maria managed to get a voucher from Living Social so we got the hotel, breakfast, and a couples massage for one reasonable price.
I would really recommend purchasing things from them, they have some outstanding deals. Otherwise, Carmel can be a really expensive tourist trap; A pretty one, with miles of soft white sand beaches. We stayed at one of the many very cute B&B's called the Vagabond House Inn. The setting was close to downtown and the breakfast was fantastic.
Per a friend's recommendation, we head over to the Cyprus Inn. This was the hang out of Doris Day - way back when. It was done up in a Moroccan style and seemed to be the place where all the locals came. Maria paid a local a compliment on the coat she was wearing. At which point she turned around took off her coat and gave it to Maria as a gift! Despite Maria's attempt to dissuade the gift, she insisted. Locals are quite friendly and we were treated to food and drinks from random people we met along the way.
I think, Carmel has a art gallery every 10 feet. The art ranges from downright ugly to interesting - but all quite expensive. The houses for sale in the windows of the real-estate offices seem to start at 2mil around here. What I really liked, was the laid back attitude everyone seemed to have. Btw, the wineries here have some really great pinot.
