Carmel-by-the-Sea

Jill's Journal: Oh Carmel, wonderful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Whether it’s the white sand beach, the fairy tale cottages, or the world-class shopping down streets that make one feel almost like they’re in a European village, Carmel has long been known as the “greatest meeting of land and sea.” Somehow it manages to be both quaint and glamorous, both welcoming and exclusive. And it does it all at the same time. Clint Eastwood was mayor here in the 1980s. Betty White and Doris Day helped turn Carmel into America’s most dog-friendly city, according to Dog Fancy Magazine. It rates at the top of several other nice lists too, including Conde Nast ranking it as #1 in “best ambiance” in the U.S. and the Travelers’ Choice Awards naming it the “best destination” in the U.S. Somehow it lives up to all that and more.

We’ve spent a lot of time in Carmel in the last two weeks, but haven’t actually done much of anything there. Shopping in the boutiques and art galleries is out…where would we put anything in the RV!? Fine dining also is out…three little kids probably wouldn’t appreciate gourmet meals. So, we’ve just soaked up some of the delightful atmosphere and enjoyed people watching. The cottage architecture all over town is some of my favorite. The snapshots below don’t do it justice, but at least they give a hint of how appeal is peppered everywhere in Carmel.

The beautiful Carmel Mission, established in 1771, was the second of the Spanish missions built in California. Like everything else in Carmel, it is divine.