Big Smiles, No Miles Sweepstakes
The Big Smiles, No Miles Sweepstakes is closed! Thank you to everyone who participated!
Dictionary entry: Staycation
Function: noun
- A relaxing time spent near or at home.
- Taking a break from everyday life by exploring local attractions.
Locals, it’s time to decompress with a 36-hour Monterey County staycation. And if you’ve got the best idea for one, BlogMonterey.com and the Monterey County Weekly will make your itinerary happen!
Check out SeeMonterey.com for itinerary inspiration. If you’re wondering what an itinerary might look like, check out our Moss Landing Itinerary, Marina, Seaside and Sand City itinerary, and our Midweek Monterey Getaway itinerary.
Then come up with your most exciting, most relaxing, most romantic, or just plain wacky Monterey County 36-hour itinerary. Once you’ve figured out the perfect way to spend your not-far-away getaway, enter it in the comments section of this post. (Just scroll down to the big white window to add your comments. Don’t see it? Look for the “Leave Comment” link and click on it.) Make sure to fill out the name and email address fields, so we can reach you! Once you’ve entered your itinerary, click Submit. On February 17, we’ll announce which lucky local’s dream has come true!
Don’t want to post your itinerary here? Mail your itinerary, along with your name, address, city, state, zip, day and evening phone numbers, email address and the words Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Big Smiles, No Miles Sweepstakes in a stamped envelope to: Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, California 93942.
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The Big Smiles, No Miles Sweepstakes is closed! Thank you to everyone who participated!
36 comments
My ideal local itinery for two would include a walkabout tour of Big Sur followed by lunch at Nepenthe. A nights stay at Post Ranch including dinner at Sierra Mar. To top that off would be access to the hot springs at Esalen Institute.
I am a very hard working 27-year-old senior at California State University Monterey Bay and have not a a vacation in years! Born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula I know how beautiful this peaceful place is, but I rarely have time to enjoy it. As a profession, I cater to the needs of the local community by getting their lives on the right track to helth but it has been far to long since i have pampered myself. So, for my “Staycation” I would love to enjoy a very relaxing day at The Spa at Pebble Beach as well as spending a blissful night at one of their highly rated rooms. Just to be able to watch the sunset on the patio of Roy’s and enjoy a nice glass of Pinot Grigio next to the fire would be wonderful; not to mention a beautiful romantic dinner at Roy’s to follow. I would love to be able to wake up to the sun rising with a hot cup of coffee in my hands while sitting on the ocean front balcony. I do need this very indulgent 36 hours to get me energized and ready to accomplish my last few weeks of school. Graduation day is approaching quickly and i would love to be realxed and ready to take it on!
At 10 am our luxury rental for the next 36 hours (preferably an Aston Martin or Bentley) would be delivered to my husband and myself. All the paperwork would have been signed the week before….seriously, we only have 36 hours, who has time for paperwork. We would then take a leisury drive down the coast to Big Sur where we would stop at Pfeiffer Beach and take the pre-packed picnic lunch from Stokes resturant and our bottle of champagne down to the beach and just hangout in our own backyard. At 4:00 we would check in to our room at Post Ranch where there would be greeted in our room with a gift basket of all things Monterey County (wine, food, cupcakes from the Big Sur Bakery, sundries etc.) and we would get to be like little kids on Christmas opening our stockings. (We might giggle, it could happen, we don’t get alot of gift baskets). We would take the late afternoon and evening to soak up all that is the Post Ranch. That evening, we would, of course have dinner as Sierra Mar. As part of our meal, we would get to enjoy a special wine pairing for the entrees choosen specifically for us. That night we would have a driver for the Aston and at 12:30 we would go down the coast to Eselan for the locals only hot bath experience from 1:00-3:00 am. We would go back to our room, and sleep until the morning when the massage therapists would come to the room to give us both massages. After check-out, we would go to Deejans for brunch. We would then head back up the coast to Marina Dunes area where we would meet our guide for our afternoon horseback ride along the beach. During our ride, again, we would be given snacks, this time from Katie’s Cottage in Carmel (soup in a thermos would be nice, with some bread and maybe a lite crudite, oh, and of course yummy wine). After the ride we would refresh and change clothes at our rest stop(we’ll figure that out, we do, afterall, have a budget here). After a rest and change of clothes, like Cinderella, we would take our coach to our last hoorah. This time we would have dinner at Marinus at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. At 10, the rental car person would come and take the car and we…..would call a cab.
This is my dream itinerary for getting away from it all right at home.
Friday head down the coast toward Big Sur and the Post Ranch Inn
Stash our bags in the Ocean House and admire the ocean view, then off to dinner.
6PM reservation at the Sierra Mar for a relaxing dinner.
After dinner time for a soak in the hot pool, a stroll around the grounds and then back to the room for reading until bedtime.
Saturday
8am breakfast buffet in the Sierra Mar Restaurant
10am guided tour of the Point Sur Lighthouse
Lunch at Nepenthe
Then back to the Post Ranch Inn for a 1 hour Therapeutic Massage
In the afternoon perhaps join a guided nature walk through the redwood and oak forest or go to the room for relaxing and reading (napping?) in front of the fire.
Maybe a soak before dinner.
6PM Dinner reservations at the Sierra Mar
8-9pm star gazing with the amateur astronomer
Then off to another fantastic nights sleep listening to the surf.
Sunday
Sleep in… ahhh….
Breakfast in the room.
11:30 a reluctant goodbye to the get away and return to reality.
My trip would start with a limo picking me & my guest up at my house and taking us down the coast to stay at Post Ranch overnight. We would have dinner there and after drinks at Nepenthe. Around 10 pm our limo would take us down to Esalen to sit in the hot tubs for a couple of hours and enjoy the breath taking views. Relaxed and contented we would go back and get some shut eye, to be awakened with breakfast in our room and massages on our deck. After our limo would drive us back to town into Carmel Valley for some wine tasting and vineyard tours. Tipsy and happy we would then have dinner at Pacific’s Edge at the Highlands overlooking more beautiful views. Fnishing the evening staying at the Tickle Pink Inn and picking us up the next morning and taking us out of the fairytale, back to reality.
We would start on Saturday morning by turning off our cell phones and go to Reds on Alvarado for donuts and coffee at the counter. If weather allows, we would walk along the trail above Carmel Beach and end up at Tor House for the first tour of the day. Afterwards, we would walk the side streets in Carmel and explore all of the shops and galleries that we have never visited. Lunch would be at La Bicyclette or Luca and afterwards, we would continue walking and shopping in Carmel. We would make a special stop at the Carmel Art Association. At the end of the day, we would drive to The Inn at Spanish Bay and watch the Bagpiper walk over the dunes. After the sunset, we would return to our suite at Casa Palmero and dress for a romantic dinner at Club 19. Our Sunday morning would start out at San Carlos Cathredal, followed by brunch at the La Playa Hotel. Afterwards, we would visit the Monterey Museum of Art at La Mirada to see the latest exhibition. Our final destination is the Pisoni Winery on River Road for a tour and wine tasting. On our way, we would stop in Marina and pick up a sumptuous picnic basket at Michael’s Catering’s Wild Thyme Deli to enjoy at the winery. We might turn our cell phones back on for the drive home, but maybe not!
I’d like the limo to pick us up at home & take us to the Lodge for Brunch our room with a view, tennis on the clay court followed by a full athletic rub-down at their Spa. Limo to lunch at Casanova. Limo to the Imax for the Dark Night. Limo to a romantic dinner at Roy’s followed by drinks & dancing at the Mission Inn & a comfortable night at the Lodge waking to breakfast on the veranda with the view. Limo back home with a huge picnic basket full of goodies to remember.
I look forward to this Staycation.
Wish me luck!
Driving Around the Block –
My favorite way to spend some time in Monterey County starts with a drive down the Coast to Deetjen’s for Breakfast. After Granola Parfait and a couple of cups of good coffee, my wife and I will drive south to Kirk Creek, enjoying the view along the way then take Nacimeinto-Ferguson Road over to the Salinas Valley.
Don’t forget to bring your license and registration, as well as proof of insurance to cross Fort Hunter-Liggett. We’ll make a stop at Mission San Antonio for a picnic lunch, one of my favorites on the Mission Trail.
Next Stop – The Inn at The Pinnacles, where we drop off our bags and take a siesta before heading over to hike through the caves at Pinnacles National Monument..
Return to The Inn and walk across the street for a wine tasting at Chalone Vineyards.
Next morning, after a light breakfast at the Inn, head north to explore the Salinas Valley. Visit the Soledad Mission as you head north, then leave 101 to follow River Road as it hugs the East side of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Stop by Paraiso Springs Vineyard and Smith and Hook to pick up a bottle or two of wine for later. Come around the corner on 68 for a late lunch at Tarpy’s Roadhouse, then end your drive around the block with a light sunset supper from Bruno’s Market at Carmel Beach.
It would be very nice to take a break from the everyday stresses of being laid off and to realize why we pay so much to live in such a beautiful place. I would start off by packing up my boyfriend (couch potato) and heading to Katy’s Place in Carmel for breakfast. From there I would pick up our dog (german shepherd pup) and take him hiking in Julia Pfeifer Burns State Park. I would pack food so we could have a BBQ lunch and a beer. After dropping our doggie back off at home I would love to stay at the Post Ranch Inn after having dinner at the Highlands Inn. The next day we would go and get massages at Bernardus Lodge, wine taste and have lunch at Carmel Valley Ranch. On the last day I would love to just go watch a play at the Golden Bough Theater in Carmel after going whale watching and finishing it off with dinner at Roys in Pebble Beach and such a great view.
I would have a foursome for golf at Pebble Beach while the girls have a spa day at AqauBlue. Lunch at The Inn for us, “whatever” for the girls provided by the spa! From there, massage and a change to formal attire purchased at Pacific Tweed for me. Bliss for her. The night would be all eight of us at PB Food and Wine and then retire with night caps at our hotel, Portola Hotel and Spa (for her and me) We would be limoed around of course!
Hmmmm, 36 hours in Monterey. Well I need more than 36 hours to experience it the way she deserves to be experienced, but here’s a day and 1/2 that would start us off to a wonderful start.
1) Arrive for check-in at one of my favorite little resorts – The Inn at Spanish Bay, just in time to grab a seat by the fire pits for a dirty martini, some of Roy’s Ahi Tuna, Spring Rolls and a serenade from the Bagpiper.
2) Once the sun has set and it’s time for a quiet dinner, we head outside the gates of 17-mile drive for an amazing feast at the Fish Wife…I’m partial to Sea Food, but this place has a Chowder that is downright spectacular.
3) After dinner, it’s time to head back to the Inn at Spanish Bay for a night cap at Traps
4) I awake at 5:30 ready to hit the links, but not where you might think….I head over to Fort Ord to play 18 holes on the newly renovated track at Bayonet/Blackhorse. Johnny Miller once called Bayonet the most challenging 18 holes without a water hazzard and after my tour of duty of 3 1/2 years at Ft Ord laced with many rounds at the same…I would tend to agree.
5) After 18 holes it’s back to the Inn at Spanish Bay to meet up with my wife who’s been in a full on “get spoiled” session at the Spa at Pebble Beach. Time to head to the pool for a swim and some serious Vegatation time.
6) Dinner reservations have been made and with an amazing wine list on the horizon; we cab it over to Cannery Row for a gourmet dinner at the Duck Club downstairs at the Monterey Plaza Resort Hotel, overlooking the Bay. I’m a sucker for Foul and a great glass of wine.
7) Back to the Inn where we sleep in til 11:00 and as we head home, we drive south on PCH basking in the beauty that is Big Sur…..need I say more.
My 36 hour Monterey County staycation would start with a driver picking up myself and my boyfriend to whisk us away to stay at Big Sur River Inn. Other than the beautiful drive down HWY 1, the day would start with lunch on the river sitting in the sun with our feet dangling in the water. Next we would enjoy in room massages and relax for a bit.
At sunset, we would be driven to Nepenthe for a nice dinner out on the patio.
After dinner we would return back to the river Inn to enjoy live music and a bottle of wine.
The next day would include sleeping in, breakfast by the river and a hike before being driven back home.
My 36 hour adventure in Monteray would start with my arrival at the Monteray airport, my 17 year old daughter in tow. We both love the area, and visiting is a complete joy. So if someone could pick us up at the airport, the first place we’d go is to pick up my good friend, Diane, and her husband and daughter, and off to Big Sur for a great fried trout breakfast! We’d enjoy the morning with our feet dangling in the water sitting on the chairs that are so conveniently placed in mid-stream. Then, dropping off her husband back in Pacific Grove, Diane, her daughter and my daughter and I would head for Carmel-by-the-Sea, shopping and buying wonderful jewelry and having a great lunch at one of the local restaurants (my experience is they are all good!). We’d mosey down to the beach to see what sand creations await us. Taking photos, laughing and just enjoying the great beach. Late afternoon, we’d head to the Cypress Inn, my all-time favorite hotel, where Diane and I would enjoy a martini at the bar. Dinner in town, outside table, and an overnight at the Cypress Inn – what could be better! Next morning, we’d head to Monterey for breakfast along Cannery Row, enjoying the sites and sounds and smells of that wonderful area. After a visit to the aquarium, lunch at one of the neat spots along the way (I love to try new places), then we’d rent one of the surrey bikes for 4 and ride along the coast down to Pacific Grove, as far as possible. I can smell the sea air, and hear us chatting and laughing now! We would hang out to watch the sun going down along the coast. For dinner, we’d pick up carry-out from a Greek restaurant in PG, back to Diane’s house to enjoy the spread, and then later back to Cypress Inn for a nightcap and overnight. Next day, we’d rise early and head off to one of the winerys, and spend the afternoon enjoying the great weather before our 36 hours comes to a close. Back to the airport, and back home….a lovely, relaxing, enjoyable time was had by all!
Big Sur is the destination of course.
First we head off with a delicious picnic meal packed by The Wild Plum Cafe in Monterey. We drive to one of our favorite pullouts or head to Pffiefer Beach to watch the sunset and enjoy our meal.
Next it is back to the Post Ranch to check in to our room and have an evening massage.
In the morning it is breakfast in bed, a yoga class or walk around the property before we head off for a horseback ride at Andrew Molera State Park.
Lunch is at Nepenthe overlooking the ocean enjoying the view, and the Ambrosia Burgers!
We take in a late afternoon stroll in Pfieffer Big Sur Park and head back to our room at the Post Ranch. Tonight it is dinner 6 PM reservation at the Sierra Mar.
Evening stroll, star gazing and dip in the pool. and evening performance at the performance space by the Big Sur Bakery.
Next morning an early morning stroll on the property and off for brunch and Sunday concert at Big Sur River Inn before heading home. We need time for a leisurely drive back up the coast to Monterey.
We would start our “staycation” on Friday evening by driving over Laureles Grade to Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley. We’d sit at the Chef’s table in the kitchen at Marinus, and engage with the famous chef Cal Stamenov as he prepared a meal using his freshly picked garden vegetables. Could we request duck for the menu?! After dinner we would retire to our room for a soak in the tub. Before going to sleep, we’d open the windows so that we could smell the abundant lavender blooms….
On Saturday morning we would have our coffees at Bernardus, and then begin a leisurely drive along Carmel Valley Road. Our first stop would be the Carmel Valley Market in the Village, where we would pick up a picnic lunch. Then we’d head up into the hills, halting at beautiful spots along the Carmel River to watch the water for steelhead trout.
In this leisurely way we would drive all the way into the Salinas Valley and on to the Gabilan Mountain range. We would check in at the Inn at The Pinnacles, and then go to eat lightly and taste exceptional wines at Chalone Vineyards. How wonderful not to have to return to the Peninsula after wine tasting! We would sleep restfully at the Inn, and wake early for breakfast in bed.
After breakfast on Sunday, we would leave for a hike at Pinnacles National Monument. This spectacular place has personal meaning to us, because we take an annual March hike there to celebrate our wedding anniversary, look at the verdant springs and wildflowers, and scan the skies for condors. (Nine years ago we took a shortened wildflower walk there when I was nine-months pregnant! This would be our first time back without kids.)
We would have spent our 36 hours almong the running streams and flower-filled springtime hills of Monterey County. The drive home would be a breeze.
Ah, my husband has just read my posting and he has something to add: As he left work on Friday, he’d drive home a sporty, standard transmission car from Rent-a-Roadster on Cannery Row, Monterey. Our 36-hour “staycation” would then have lots of extra style!
My parents moved to this area because they loved the rugged coastline. Two of their most favorite spots are Point Lobos and Big Sur. I’d like to have my parents take a break from their work and us kids, and have a weekend there by themselves.
To start, they should watch the sun set at Point Lobos, and then go to have dinner and spend Friday night at the Highlands Inn. After breakfast they can just head on down t Big Sur.
They will stay at the Post Ranch in Big Sur. My mom has wanted to go there since forever. I think they offer massages, and my mom needs one. My dad would look at the architecture while she did that.
A good thing about spending the night in Big Sur is that they could drive further down the coast without worrying about getting back home the same day. I think they should go to Jade Cove and look for jade on the beach. But maybe they’d do something funky like going to the Henry Miller Library for a concert or something; or maybe they’d just go to art galleries. I know they’d stop in at the Big Sur Bakery.
That’s how they’d spend the weekend in Big Sur. For Saturday dinner, they’d eat at the restaurant at Post Ranch. A friend of theirs took them there once for dinner, and they loved it. The trouble was, that time they had to drive back home afterwards. This time, they wouldn’t!
We’d go to the coast for our staycation. We’d stay two nights at the Monterey Plaza Hotel in a room that looks over the breaking waves. On our first morning we’d rent a kayak from Adventures by the Sea and paddle around the bay to look for sea otters. Then we’d have lunch at the Trailside Café. After lunch we’d walk along the Recreation Trail to Pacific Grove. We’d stop at the Aquarium for a peek at their new seahorse exhibit, and then we’d go to the PG Museum of Natural History to see their newest exhibit too. After freshening up at the hotel, we’d have dinner at Fresh Cream. On our final morning I’d take an early fishing boat charter while my wife enjoyed the hotel’s spa. When 36 hours were over, we’d head inland for home.
For our 36 hour staycation in beautiful Monterey Bay, we would start out at dawn on Saturday morning and do a little Yoga on the Carmel Beach, dip our toes into the water, or swim if it wasn’t too cold…maybe bring our boogie boards…just in case….
Then we’d stroll up Ocean Avenue to the Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company for a couple of lattes….then drive into the glorious Pebble Beach on the 17 mile drive to The Lodge for breakfast and another deep breathing exercise overlooking the fabulous Monterey Bay from above the most wonderful golf course in the world. We’d have booked our golf cart and caddie’s and start our golf game at around 10 am….
Finishing up around 2 pm (we’d have had our ‘bag lunch’ prepared
by the chef at the restaurant before we left for our round..) we’d hop in our toyota prius hybrid that we rented and head down the coast for the beautiful, timeless drive to Big Sur. We’d wind our way
down,to the Esalen Institute where we’ll check into our private, one bedroom
accommodation,, overlooking, once again the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Just in time for a good long soak from 4:30 until sunset….down at the ‘tubs’….and a 6:00 hour long massage for each of us.
Then up to the ‘lodge’ (Esalen’s dining room) for a buffet dinner of
home grown organic gourmet food….mmmmm. After dinner we’d
have wine on the deck and exchange stories and adventures and share our philosphies with the interesting people one meets at Esalen Institute.
Back down to the ‘baths’ for another couple of hours of soaking
and relaxing, and then up to our lovely room to sleep. The next morning (Sunday) we do some tai chi on the lawns and enjoy the buffet brunch and more comraderie with the guests….
We drive up the coast and visit the state parks along the way,
and wander through the redwoods and by the river… We would
stop for an early sumptuous dinner at the Sierra Mar restaurant..before heading back to Monterey …back to Pebble Beach and the Spanish Bay Inn….we enjoy a wine by the firepits out on the
lovely patio, and enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves and the smell of the sea….
The perfect end to a 36 hour staycation in our wonderful community .
I would love to spend the 36 hours at the new hotel on Cannery Row ( The Clement) with my husband. We have had a rough 1 1/2 years with job loss/cancer treatments and we were apart for 11 months due to job loss. Now we are together again and need some quiet time and enjoyment of our area. Being in Cannery Row and the new Clement and doing walk around of the Row, dinner at The C Restaurant, seeing the new Imax, and going to the Aquarium would be fantastic. To me the peninsula is Cannery Row
Romantic& Sweet,we would start with a nice economical,but nice rental car,then we would drive down to Big Sur to have lunch at Nepenthes.After a wonderful lunch we would then drive alittle ways down the road to Sierra Mar where our beautiful room overlooking the ocean with dark chocolate coverd strawberries and a bottle of bubbly with a gift basket to satify all,and of course a special bed and treats for our little Beau(he goes where we go ,7lb Shiffon who loves all).After settling in we would go for a walk with our Beau then a spectaculr dinner at the Sierra Mar restaurant on to dancing and enjoing each other and the moment.Its late now ,we want to get an early start for a graet day at Esalan and all it has to offer us.,after a very long day we would then head to River Inn to check into our cabin (penthouse) get settled once again ,take Beau and we would go on a long walk ,later take in the local music have another great Big sur dinner ,dance, and enjoy the moment We would love into the nite, Breakfast in the morning and off to reality we go.The whole Staycation to us would be the trip we have never been able to take in the twelve years we have been together,we beleive its not how much you spend or how many plces you can hit in thirty-six hours its what you do together .Thank You
ONE LOVE, TO ALL!!!!!
ITS GONNA BE THE BEST THIRY-SIX HOURS WE HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME ,KINDA LIKE THE HONYMOON WE NVER HAD
Here at Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio and Gallery, Dolores St. Carmel, I have the best, hard working, loyal team of underpaid staff on the Peninsula. I would love to take the whole team, Ellen, Monica, Jason, Bill, Emily, Vida, Jacob and myself, on a tour of the county we love and live in. So if I could treat them to 36 hours vacation it would be something like this:
Hour 1
Friday 5pm [Carmel and Pebble Beach]
The Main Event Limo would pick us up at the studio in Carmel. Taking us to Pebble Beach Spa for hand treatments for all of the studio team, hair and nails for the office staff and a few massages where needed.
Hour 3
Friday 7pm [Monterey]
The Limo would take us all clean and neat, to The Clement on Cannery Row to check in for the weekend. Cannery Row is where we all started working together and came to Carmel before the hotel was finished. We’d check in and meet in the ‘C’ bar for cocktails and a flight or two of Champagne.
Hour 4
Friday 8pm [Pacific Grove]
Then Limo off to Peppers in Pacific Grove, we all love Mexican but mostly stick to Papa Charnos and Joses, so we’d step it up a level. I hear there Jambalaya is to die for!
Hour 6
Friday 10pm [Monterey]
Then downtown to Monterey LIVE or a show at the State Theatre then back to The Clement for a nightcap! Hic!
Hour 14
Saturday 8am [Big Sur]
Limo ride down to Big Sur, to the Big Sur Bakery for breakfast, have a look at the pretty coastline.
Hour 16
Saturday 10am [Carmel Valley]
Over the hill to Carmel Valley, to Quail Lodge and the Land Rover Off Road Course where we could have some fun driving over some lumps and holes.
Hour 17
Saturday 11am [Carmel Valley]
Then calm down over a cocktail at Billy Quon’s Volcano Grill in the village.
Hour 19 [Salinas]
Saturday 12noon
Over the other hill to Salinas and the Steinbeck Center, none of us have been and we are all going to be working on a Steinbeck project in the near future, so a little relaxing research and education would go a miss.
Hour 19 [Salinas]
Saturday 1pm
Hallaballo for lunch in Salinas.
Hour 21 [Moss Landing]
Saturday 2pm
Baby Otter season shouldn’t be missed, so rather than kayaking, the Moss Landing Elkhorn Slough Safari, with the cameras.
Hour 23 [Monterey]
Saturday 5pm
Montrio Bistro for dinner, awesome!
Hour 25 [Cannery Row]
Saturday 7pm
No one’s been to the iMax, right on our doorstep and I hear its great, so off there for a show.
Hour 27 [Cannery Row]
Saturday 9pm
Never miss out on a classic, The Sardine Factory for cocktail and apps.
Hour 29 [Cannery Row]
Saturday 11pm
A quick spin around the dance floor at Sly McFlys.
Hour 30 [Cannery Row]
Saturday 12midnight
Back to The Clement, to wind down and sleep it off.
Hour 36 [Seaside]
Sunday Early
Off to The Breakfast Club in Seaside for a hearty heart stopper of a beefy bacon breakfast. Done and DONE.
Monterey County, we’d love to have time to love it!
Arriving to Monterey Bay Inn, next to San Carlos Beach; we would ck-into a suite, overlooking the beautiful bay. Then we would enjoy an amazing couples’ massage, next to the fireplace. After that, a walk on the beach before continuing to wine tasting at Scheid’s. Next, our romantic mood brings us to the Sardine Factory Restaurant. Following our excellent diner, we could stroll down to Sly McFly’s for dancing. Back to the hotel, sleeping sweetly.
Next morning, a great breakfast is delivery to our door. Later, we greet the sun on the beach; before strolling to the Aquarium. There, lunch is waiting for us, with seats over the water. On the way back, a quick stop into Old Time Photos keeps our memories fresh. We enjoy gift shops like Giradellies Chocolate, galleries, etc. The hotel room is waiting for us to come siesta. For diner, we watch the sunset from the Charthouse, down the street. All this walking is relaxing & fun; makes it ok to enjoy more delicious wining & dining. Next day, we take the trail to the historic Fisherman’s Whaf. There, we go whale watching, have lunch at Isabelle’s, stroll the Path of History: Pacific House, Whaling House, Cooper-Molera. Back at the hotel, we enjoy the rest of our stay; before having diner at Montreo; while our things stay in the beautiful Mercedes, until we arrive home in style, rested & in love.
Two very busy locals, just starting out as a pair, rarely getting the time to enjoy each other, and day dreaming of our day near the Bay. A late breakfast and coffee out in the sun at the Ol’factory in Sand City. Then off for a leisurely stroll on the bike trail near the Monterey Beach Hotel. After that, we could visit the Monterey Museum of Art to see what we’ve been missing. A stroll downtown, some hand holding and browsing the consignment shop, a few boutiques. A light meal at Rosines and were ready for a little indulgence. Appointment for two at Portola Spa, massages, a dip in the pool followed by 10-15 in the jacuzzi. The remainder of the day we’ll let the breeze off the bay determine the rest of our adventure. We are very lucky to live here.
There is so much to see and do on the Peninsula. In 36 hours, we would enjoy every moment of it. P.S. A must see, a flix at the MAX, a must do, sailing! Wish us luck all you locals.
For our Staycation, we would head to Monterey in the Morning with another couple, and us gals would relax on the beach while the guys went scuba diving. Then we would head to the Cannery Row and have a late lunch. In the afternoon, while the guys go for a second dive, us gals would head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to view the same fish that our husbands are in freezing water to see, while we stay nice and dry.
Dinner would be somewhere on Fisherman’s Wharf, and then we would spend the night at the Monterey Beach Hotel. The next day, we would take the 17 mile drive, browse at Carmel by the Sea, eat lunch in a quaint restaurant,visit the beach again, and do a bit of shopping and browse some art galleries before we head home later that evening. There were some restaurants on the Rachel Ray show that I want to explore also, especially a neat little bakery.
No need to leave home county when it’s a world-class destination! Friday morning I’d wake up in my Del Rey Oaks rental with my honey and, since I have the day off work, I’d make a leisurely breakfast of veggie eggs, cheese and chicken apple sausages—all bought yesterday from local growers and ranchers at the MPC Farmers Market. After a morning jog along Seaside State Beach (south toward Del Monte beach), we’d be ready for lunch at funky Ol’Factory Cafe in Sand City. Right in the neighborhood, Sweet Elena’s Bakery would provide some glorious croissants for later.
In the afternoon, we’d head north to Elkhorn Slough to view migrating pelicans, harbor seals and otters frolicking in the rich habitat where freshwater meets the sea. Dinner at Phil’s Fish Market afterward would mean some of the tastiest sustainably caught tuna in town.
We’ll head home to get freshened up, pack overnight bags, and go to Carmel for a night of entertainment at Pacific Repertory Theater (perhaps “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, coming in April). Then we’ll check into Tally Ho Inn, with its lovely living roof, and park our car. From there, we’ll walk to Brophy’s for cocktails and munchies at Brophy’s, returning to the inn for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Saturday morning we’ll eat breakfast at the inn, then take a walk on Carmel Beach. Then I’ll get a pedicure at T&L Nail Spa on Dolores (best pedi in town, with an amazing massage chair) while my honey browses the village’s many art galleries. Lunch at Forge in the Forest’s outdoor patio will maintain our glow.
Then we’ll drive to Big Sur, taking a scenic detour down Old Coast Road, and hike the intense 6-mile Soberanes loop that reveals the coastal landscape in all its glory. After dinner at scenic Nepenthe, we’ll check into Treebones Resort for a night perched on the edge of the world, in a yurt. (If we’re feeling really adventurous between 1am and 3am, we might go to Esalen for hot-tubbing at the “locals only” rate.)
Waking up in heaven on Sunday morning, we’ll enjoy those Sweet Elena’s croissants we’d stashed away for just this moment and lounge in our oceanview yurt for a little too long, then frolick on the beach with an eye out for jade. On the way home, we’ll stop at Henry Miller Library to browse (and probably buy a few) books on art, hiking and Big Sur history.
Back in Monterey, we’ll catch a movie at Osio Cinemas (with hot tea from their fabulous in-theater cafe), then head home to Del Rey Oaks to upload our digital photos and cuddle at the end of a wonderful weekend.
36 Hour Monterey Staycation
Friday 4 p.m.
Head down to Cannery Row and “wine crawl” from one end to the other. With all the tasting rooms and ocean view bars, it’s a fun way to take time exploring Cannery Row without feeling like a tourist. Most of these close at 6 p.m., so perfect timing to sit down and enjoy a 5 star dinner at the new Intercontinental. Enjoy watching the lights go down over the bay out on their deck with the waves crashing under you, with your feet up by the fire. After a meal like that, it’s time to dance off those calories. Sly McFly’s and Bullwhackers are both great options just a few yards away. Or, if there’s something going on at the Golden State Theater, then head downtown for some world-class entertainment at a beautifully restored venue that’s always a pleasant surprise. If you still have energy after that, Alvarado Street will still be jumping and bumping around that time at places like Mucky Duck and Crown and Anchor (best bathroom wallpaper reading).
Saturday morning:
Hopefully you didn’t overdo it last night, because this is a big day. First thing, grab a coffee at ACME roasting company tucked away in Seaside off Del Monte & Cyn. Del Rey. The Azteca will wake you up for sure. Maybe grab a muffin, but not too much food yet. Now that we’re bright eyed, it’s time to get on, in, or under the ocean. Depending on conditions, it’s scuba diving, kayaking, or whale watching. Assuming you’re certified, be ambitious and get down there. If the conditions aren’t looking so hot, kayaking is much less cheesy than it looks. Seeing the wharf, marina, and Cannery Row from the water is such a treat. Whale watching is a good fallback (if there’s no swell in the water) especially from November to March.
Back by noon, with a healthy appetite, you’ve earned a hearty meal and rest. Since we’re right there, might as well take advantage of the great restaurants on the wharf. Stroll along and pick one with your ‘gut’ feeling. Again, not nearly as cheesy touristy as you think once you’re seated at a window table perched overlooking the marina. Fill up on hearty clam chowder, and be sure to try local sanddabs and splurge on abalone grown and harvested just a few yards away!
Now jump in the car and head south away from it all. A quick stop by the Carmel Cheese Shop at Carmel Plaza for some of the best cheese in the world to go with that local wine you picked up last night on Cannery Row. This will come in handy later. Head South on Hwy 1, and when you pass Rio Rd., take pleasure that this is the last stop light for 95 miles! For now, we’re only going 2 miles to Point Lobos. Drive in, take a right, and stop by the museum and pick up some of the coolest local literature/memorabilia you will find. Chat with the docents and hear some funny/whacky/unbelievable stories about the history of the area you live in. It will make you want to become a treasure hunter or poet, or both. Now throw on some light layers of clothes, a backpack (here’s where the wine & cheese comes in) binoculars, camera, etc… and really explore the trails. Take along one of the animal/bird identification guides you wisely purchased at the museum, and have fun really learning about the wildlife we are so blessed to have around us daily. Some right under our noses and we never noticed! Find a nice place for a little picnic and if you’re feeling really romantic, read aloud some Jeffers poetry. If Point Lobos, wine, and cheese isn’t an excuse to be disgustingly romantic, I don’t know what is.
4pm-ish
After touching, smelling, tasting the essence of Big Sur, be content enjoying the view from the car for an hour or so as you beeline it to Esalen. Ahhh, Esalen. Having made reservations for an overnight retreat, try to arrive just before sunset and say goodbye to the sun while soaking au’natural in the hot baths on the cliffs 60 feet above the crashing waves. An open air massage on the deck is not for the bashful, but it will be a high point in anyone’s life. Esalen’s menu will surprise you, with a wide variety of ultra-nourishing, tasty, organic foods that even a carnivore can get into. It’s been a long 24 hours, so maybe some post dinner meditation, reading, or one of Esalen’s many classes and seminars, like bikram yoga. What a healthy day. Now enjoy Esalen’s recently upgraded accommodations, satisfied at having lived this day to the fullest. (if there’s a moon out, maybe head back down to the hottubs and work on your moontan).
Sunday Morning:
A light, early breakfast at Esalen, and back North we go. Bathroom break and coffee refill at the Big Sur Bakery (well maybe one of those unbelievably good croissants that even French tourists rave about), and a stroll through the Big Sur Spirit Garden. Marvel at the talent, ingenuity, and positive energy displayed in that whacky half acre of hillside. Splurge and pick out something for the front yard or garden back home, knowing it was made with love by local artists who can use all the support they can get.
Our whirlwind tour winds up with the best brunch this side of Vegas at the Mission Ranch. I’ll spare the details, but remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Back home, with all your goodies on the table (local wines, books, art), lay back on the couch contented and take a well deserved nap.
First of all, I would like to stress that 36 hours is not nearly enough time to appreciate all that Monterey County has to offer, so I put my focus on the beautiful coastline…from the dunes at Marina to the awe inspiring cliffs of Big Sur, the coastal regions of Monterey County are where I would want to be for my “Staycation”. My itinerary would be as follows:
-9PM: My husband Mike and I check into our Ocean View corner balcony room at the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Our late night dinner awaits us provided by Phil’s Fishmarket in Moss Landing–some of their yummy salmon dip, a couple of Dungeness Crabs, Phil’s famous chowder, and of course the necessary loaf of crusty sourdough. We also find an array of Monterey County wines…perhaps a Joullian Zinfandel from Carmel Valley, a Pessagno Pinot Noir from Salinas, and a Hahn Estates Syrah from Soledad in order to taste not only different varietals, but also wines from different appellations. We choose one to crack open along with our crab, saving the others for later. As we feast in our room, we watch the DVD version of “Cannery Row” with Nick Nolte and Debra Winger, to really get us into the zone. For dessert, an assorted box of Monterey Bay Chocolates, hande-made in Seaside, from which we select the dark chocolate Rocky Road to finish us off for the evening.
-Breakfast on our balcony, courtesy of room service from the Duck Club. We would like to request one of Monterey’s perfect crystal clear days so we can soak in the view for miles.
-Take the 17-Mile-Drive through Pebble Beach and over to Carmel-by-the Sea. A nice 2 hour stroll on the white sand beach, smiling along with all the happy-go-lucky leash-free dogs.
-11:30 AM lunch reservation at Casanova. We sit at a table on the front porch and watch all the comings and goings on the Carmel streets. We sip our wine, nibble on the breadsticks, and feel like we have been transported to a bistro in Paris.
-Head back to the Monterey Plaza Hotel in time for our 1:30 PM appointment at Vista Blue Spa. We have a 50 minute couples massage, followed by a 45 minute hydrotherapy bath ritual for the 2 of us. We spend some time afterwards on the rooftop sundeck, lounging on chaises, soaking in the view and the tranquility surrounding us.
-Around 4:30 or so, we head out on foot and go south towards Pacific Grove along the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail. On our stroll we marvel at the various (and precarious) napping positions of the harbor seals dotting the rocky coastline along the way. We eventually end up at Latitudes at Lover’s Point in time to take advantage of their Happy Hour and to watch the sunset across Monterey Bay.
-We now turn ourselves over to a limo driver for the rest of the evening, who is waiting for us outside of Latitudes when we decide to depart. From here he takes us to Montrio Bistro in downtown Monterey. We share a multitude of small plates, including their signature crabcake and crispy corn fritter, accompanied by more fine Monterey County wine.
-After dinner, we are taken the short distance to Monterey Live, where we have tickets to the night’s performance. We get great seats regardless of when we arrive as this is the most intimate live music venue in ANY county I know of. We order some after-dinner drinks in the cozy bar area and settle in for an evening of great entertainment in a great environment.
-After the show, our dedicated driver returns us back to the Monterey Plaza Hotel safe and sound and sleepy. We discuss stopping at the Ol’ Factory Cafe in Sand City on our way home the next day to check out their funky vibe and “green-ness” with a cup of Morgan’s coffee and a scone. We slip into our big bed by the sea to dream sweet memories of our fun-filled day.
-9AM…Rise and shine…our 36 hours have expired…but no time left for Big Sur?…no time left even for Marina?…the valet brings our car…………
But look what’s on the dashboard!!! A gift certificate for lunch at Nepenthe!! A gift certificate for a night’s stay at the Sanctuary Beach Resort at the Dunes!! Oh happy day…another Monterey County “Staycation” (or two) awaits!!!
Day 1
0800 My buddy Frank and I launch our 36-hour Staycation at Pavel’s Backerei in Pacific Grove. I smile big, there’s a fat chocolate croissant with my name on it.
0900 We head north on the Rec Trail pedaling a tandem (that is, unless someone local rents Segways!) Aren’t we the dynamic duo. How exhilarating to ride with the wind, hear the waves crash and taste the salty air.
1130 Ravenous (can that be after that croissant?) we split a fire-roasted artichoke and steaming bowl of cioppino at Phil’s Fish Market in Moss Landing.
1300 Aboard the Monterey Movie Tour Bus we learn 200+ movies have been filmed in Monterey County. We make a list of films to watch with this newfound knowledge. There are numerous photo ops on the tour and I take pictures of Frank posing on location.
1600 Driving south on Highway 1, we stop for a scenic shot of Bixby Bridge. I will never, ever, tire of this spectacular section of the coastline. The sun approaches the sea and the sky fills with a magical quality. We are to dine at the Big Sur Bakery for the very first time! There we savor a delightful and memorable meal.
2000 Tonight is a full moon! Twinkling stars emerge as we hike up the hill to Point Sur Lighthouse for the special moonlight tour. We return to Carmel full of wonder and moonbeams.
2400 Ensconced in our room at the Tickle Pink Inn (admittedly my choice, I’ve always been curious about this place) we toast good fortune. Frank sports a big smile − is it the Monterey County vintage, Lula’s chocolates or the pink number from Intima European Lingerie in Carmel? Both tickled pink, we drift off and catch some zzzzzzzzzzs.
Day 2
0800 After coffee in bed we pick up Sundance, my neighbor’s lab, for a brisk walk on Carmel Beach. Sundance reluctantly returns home.
0930 I’m thrilled to photograph the Carmel Mission in the dewy morning light.
1000 We pile into the car for a roadtrip inland to explore Carmel Valley. First stop is Earthbound Farm to select just-picked produce, artisan cheeses and freshly baked goods for noshing later.
1130 The cowboy life appeals to Frank, so we try a different slice of life and lunch at the Running Iron Restaurant & Saloon. Amply fortified, we amble through the village shops, galleries and a winery or two.
1500 We can see for miles − from the sparkling Monterey Bay to the verdant fields of Salinas − as we drive over Laureles Grade to Monterey Airport. There we excitedly board a small private plane for the highpoint of our amazing adventure, an aerial tour of Monterey County! Soaring above “the most beautiful meeting of land and sea on earth” we are awestruck by her magnificent beauty.
2000 It’s nonstop big smiles over sanddabs and calamari at the airport’s Golden Tee Restaurant. A final toast and we depart feeling deeply appreciative and blessed we call this wondrous part of the world home.
The Staycation of my dreams.
I am a recent college graduate with three part time jobs and a pile of student loan debts to pay off, so a dream Staycation would be out of this world. I would love to have 36 hours alone with my long time boyfriend. Away from computers and cellphones, office jobs and everyday life.
DAY ONE 12PM
Start out with a refreshing brunch at Mission Ranch in Carmel. Followed by a coffee and a walk through Carmel Village. Then take a limo from Carmel to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I could spend hours at the Outer Bay exhibit. The Sunfish is a personal favorite. Then a nice drive up the coast to Ventana for dinner and an intimate night with my love.
DAY TWO
Breakfast at Ventana with a hike around the mountain enjoying the beautiful scenery. I would then like to spend three hours getting the most awesome massage ever. EVER. Then take the blimp ride around the bay to experience our wonderful home from the air. Followed by an early dinner at Sardine Factory.
[...] of how to do this. The Monterey CVB developed a contest that asked locals to design their own thirty-six hour staycations. This ended up being a great way to find the real gems of a destination, as provided by the people [...]