This charming village located on the Pacific Coast, about 330 miles north of Los Angeles and 120 miles south of San Francisco has no streetlights, no sidewalks except in the downtown commercial district and houses have names instead of street numbers. Founded in 1771, the clear vision of the one-square-mile village was not realized until the beginning of the 20th century.
H ugh Comstock was never a builder, nor an architect in fact he was just an ordinary man who wanted to make his wife happy. In 1924 his beloved wife, Mayotta, asked him to build a house for the “Otsy-Totsys” dolls she made and sold and he got busy designing and building what would become a big part of what makes Carmel by the sea the romantic village it is today. Taking his inspiration from the English Countryside, his unique design complete with high pointed roof lines, thatched looking roofs, rolled eaves, asymmetrical storybook stone fireplaces, rounded doors and detailed wooden trim and inlays which he named Hansel. His work got instant recognition and people flowed to him asking to build their house in the same charming style. There are 21 remaining Comstock cottages in Carmel today and strolling through the courtyards to secret passageways, shops, restaurants and wine tasting rooms you can still enjoy the construction of the 1920 English style cottages and fairytale-like architecture.
Carmel by the Sea’s culinary scene has taken on a more youthful vibe these last few years while keeping it’s old world tastes. An open kitchen concept at Affina, numerous tasting rooms, wine bars and bottle shops throughout the village, local produce finds at the year long farmers market and a unique rooftop lounge at Vesuvio Restaurant.
This little village has an impressive assortment of restaurants, specialty food shops, and wine tasting rooms within one small square mile, however you will not find a chain restaurant anywhere in Carmel By The Sea.
Scanning the restaurant menus, the culinary experiences throughout the village seem endless. Whether you are looking for coastal cuisine at Grasings, locally grown organic produce and grass fed meats at Carmel Belle or European Family Style cuisine at La Bicyclette Carmel has you covered. Not only you but your four legged friends too.
Hidden in nooks and crannies around Carmel you can sample cheeses and other gourmet treats from around the world at The Cheese Shop, discover a Chocolate Shop where the chocolate is still made the old-fashioned way since 1996, find British candies at Carmel's oldest and most unique Candy Shop since 1959 and don’t miss the selection of imported dry pastas, extra virgin olive oils, barrel-aged Balsamic vinegars, wines, flours and condiments found at Salumeria Luca Italian Deli & Bakery . In need of a little pick me up head to one of Carmel’s many coffee houses. Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company, Carmel Bakery & Coffee House , Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar or The Carmel Coffee House and Roasting Company. End the evening with a bottle of wine from Nielsen Bros Market and a bonfire on Carmel Beach watching the sun set over the ocean.
Experience - Taste Of Carmel Interested in a sample of bohemian culture, world-class dining and top-rated wines in Carmel. Getaway - Carmel Valley Ranch An Amazing 500 Acre Playground Explore - River Road Wine Trail Moneterey's Most Authentic Wine Experience!
Discover the charming coastal town of Carmel and savor a series of tantalizing food and wine tastings.
Macarons are incredibly popular, pricey and one of the most difficult pastries to master.
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