Michael & Sammie
Things To Do
Hog's Breath Inn
Clint used to own this place, now it's a shrine to the legend. The '70s stylings adds a nice throwback vibe to an afternoon or evening of drinks. All themed. All solid.
Carmel Beach
Toss on a sweater, throw on some shades, put on some jogging shoes, and walk around what's easily the most beautiful beach in California. Maybe the country.
The Sardine Factory
An iconic filming spot for Play Misty for Me, but also a go-to stop for vintage dining. We stayed in the lounge and enjoyed the live music and the chit-chat.
The Carmel Coffee House
A hidden gem to rest your doggies.
Pilgrims Way Community Bookstore and Secret Garden
If you're in our circle, you're likely a reader. Adorable stop.
Casanova
Incredibly romantic French & Italian restaurant with an outdoor patio that includes the table at which Vincent Van Gogh enjoyed his daily meals while boarding at the Auberge Ravoux. Hey, maybe he tore his ear off at this table!
Thomas Kinkade Studio in the Garden
Disney legend Thomas Kinkade's work is on display in what can best be described as "the cutest little cottage gallery wedged inside Carmel for passersby."
Little Napoli
Tasty Italian baked into the historic El Paseo building, right smack dab in the middle of downtown Carmel. Pizza, salads, pastas, you know the drill.
Folktale Winery & Vineyards
A Taylor-coded winery. Very new romantic.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you'd like to meet Sammie's extended Spheniscidae family, make this an afternoon. There are also plenty of otters. Sadly, their Great White died ages ago.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
If you're feeling really adventurous, you can venture up north and spend the day in Santa Cruz. As the park will tell you, this is where The Lost Boys, Us, and Sudden Impact was filmed. In fact, the carousel served as the epic final showdown. Choice stuff.
Monterey Public Library
If you're walking around Monterey, this is a great little library with some fun stacks to explore. You can even get a library card if you're a California resident!
Refuge
Check out from reality and do a hot-and-cold dip at this remote spa. No cell phones allowed.
From Scratch Restaurant
Secluded brunch spot that's easy to park and escape to early in the morning. They have a reputation for killer biscuits (and, yes, they're quite good).
Nicolas Cocina de Herencia
Fun fact: Mike creepily looked for this place after seeing a post on Clint's account about "Cocina" and matched the venue to the photo above. Is this the place? Who knows, but the Mexican fusion is remarkable.
Bruno's Market & Deli
Need some fine goods for the hotel room? Maybe some snacks? Bruno's is an easy stop where you can get some local treats and high-end eats. Bonus: There's a John Madden statue outside that makes for a weird photo op.