If you are looking for a romantic getaway this Holiday season, Carmel by the Sea is the ideal destination.
This small beach city on the California Peninsula is known for its fairytale cottages and art galleries. Its Scenic Bluff Path runs from Carmel Beach to Carmel River State Beach, both fantastic hubs for surfing, diving, and bird watching. Other attractions include the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and countless museums.
Carmel by the Sea is especially lovely to visit during the holiday season. Here are some things you can enjoy when you’re in town.
Cottage of Sweets
Originally built as a weaving studio in 1922, the cottage has since served several incarnations. It was wheeled on logs from its original location to serve as the ticket office for the Court of the Golden Bough Theater. Today it’s a tiny sweet shop that’s jam-packed with British sweets, chocolate, fudge, and over 90 different licorices. It’s a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season.
Annual Inns of Distinction Tour
Part of Carmel’s charm is its many charming inns that are filled with holiday cheer for the upcoming season. If you would like to see them all, the Annual Inns of Distinction Tour is the way to do it. It is hosted by the Carmel Heritage Society and takes place in early December.
During the tour, you will see many of the city’s local inns. You will also stop by at local wineries and restaurants for samplings and tastings.
Dance Kids of Monterey County’s The Nutcracker
The Dance Kids of Monterey County dance group has been performing The Nutcracker every year since 1995. Each presentation brings something new and it’s a great way to ring in the holiday season.
Tour the City
It’s Carmel’s unique charm that sets it apart during the holiday season. You can stroll the streets to take in the fairytale-like environment. Here are a few stops you won’t want to miss.
Carmel’s First Fairytale Cottage: Carmel’s First Fairytale Cottage was built by Hugh Comstock as a gift to his wife Mayotta in 1924. It was designed to provide shelter for the many handcrafted dolls she created and sold. The cottage was nicknamed ‘Hansel’ and was admired by many fellow residents, so much so that Comstock was asked to design other properties in the area. He was known for his Tudor-style structures that are characterized by undulating rooflines, flared eaves, and handcrafted trim.
Tuck Box: Tuck Box was built in 1927 as a restaurant and now serves as an English tearoom known for its fresh-baked scones and Olallieberry jam. Owner Jeff LeTowt says he doesn’t decorate much for the holidays. “The place looks like a Christmas card all year long,” he explains.
Happy Landing Inn: Unlike Tuck Box, Happy Landing Inn goes all out for the holiday season. The half-timbered building is decorated with a 9-foot tree, hanging stockings, wreaths, and twinkling lights.
Carmel County Inn: This inn decorates inside and out with a variety of trees and ornaments. Santa Claus comes on Christmas morning to deliver stuffed stockings to guests’ dogs.
Hofsas House: Hofsas House also decorates to the nines. As an added treat, they serve cookies and hot cider to their guests every evening throughout the season.
Carmel Plaza
Carmel Plaza is a small shopping area in the city. It comes to life with charming decorations and regularly staged holiday concerts throughout the Christmas season.
The Plaza is a terrific place to find gift items and eateries, but it’s not the only game in town. The city is filled with everything from designer boutiques to family-owned shops that ensure you will find the perfect item for all your friends and relatives. It’s also an extremely pet-friendly area so you are sure to find treasures for your furry companions.
If all that shopping gets you hungry, you can sit down at one of the many eateries and coffee shops in the area.
Wine Tasting
Given Carmel’s proximity to Wine Country, you can bet there are plenty of wineries to visit. Reserve a spot in advance to taste some of the state’s finest.
Art Galleries
Carmel is home to dozens of spectacular art galleries that show the work of the many talented people in their local community and beyond. You will find everything from contemporary to abstract art to life sculptures to landscape paintings. The pieces make terrific gifts for yourself or a friend.
If you are looking for a peaceful getaway for the holiday season, Carmel by the Sea is your ideal destination. It’s full of charm and it offers no end of fun things to do. Which of these activities will you be enjoying when you visit?
Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market
