Grab Your Gals for a Girlfriend Getaway in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is far from just a couple’s destination! Grab your closest friends and set out for an unforgettable adventure in this charming beach town complete with wine tasting, fine dining, spa treatments and boutique shopping. The sights and sounds of these quaint quarters are sure to have you reconnecting in no time!

Day 1

3pm
Start off your gal pal adventure by checking into one of the newest additions to Carmel, The Hideaway. This sleek and contemporary hotel is more than just a place to rest your head. The renovated boutique inn offers up an inclusive breakfast, complimentary bicycles and a nightly Happy Hour serving up a robust selection of appetizers, homemade cookies and wine!


4pm
After you settle into your luxurious rooms, take a stroll through Carmel’s iconic Ocean Avenue. Here you can shop at the ultra-plush Carmel Plaza, gawk at one-of-a-kind art galleries and wine taste to your heart’s desire at one of the many tasting rooms tucked away along Carmel’s side streets.

Be sure to stop by Dawn’s Dream tasting room at 7th & Carlos to wine taste for a cause. Not only is this tasting room a girl’s dream complete with high-heel wine holders and a bathtub for photo opps, but a portion of the proceeds go to benefit women and children’s programs.


Serious wine tasters can also purchase the Carmel Wine Walk Passport with access to over a dozen tasting rooms within a 1 mile radius.

6pm
All of that wine tasting is sure to have worked up an appetite. Make a reservation at one of the many award-winning restaurants with tastes to please any palate. The Mediterranean Restaurant is perfect for those looking for a lively feast, while Anton & Michel is great for those looking to dress it up for a night of sophistication.


8pm
Before hitting the hay grab a bottle of wine and cozy up back at The Hideaway. Their kick back outdoor seating area is perfect for jabbing around the fire pit or choose to linger around their lobby area for a quick board game.

Day 2

9am
Sleep in to your heart’s content before indulging in The Hideaway’s complimentary breakfast. Come hungry, this buffet offer much more than just your average Costco muffins.

11am
Round out your girlfriend getaway with a stop at the Cocoa Spa. This tucked away gem is a chocolate lover’s paradise complete with a plethora of homemade chocolates as well as facials and massages utilizing the power of cocoa. There outdoor bungalow will make you feel as though you are in a private Big Sur retreat sure to release any lingering tension.


1pm
Grab lunch to-go from Carmel Belle and head to Carmel Beach! Enjoy the white sandy beach, crashing waves and frolicking four-legged friends before your visit comes to an end.

10 Hours in Seaside, CA

Seaside, CA is not to be overlooked by its larger neighbor. Just to the north of Monterey, this area boasts some of the county’s most sought after gems including the former Fort Ord military base which is now home to Fort Ord National Monument, CSU Monterey Bay and the scenic Bayonet & Black Horse golf courses. On your next visit to the area be sure to carve out some time to explore this cultural adventure destination.

8:30am

Kick off your day with a healthy breakfast at one of Monterey County’s newest, not to mention hippest, juice and coffee joints. The modish Press Café offer all sorts of light bites like breakfast sandwiches, pastries and perfectly pressed juices. The perfectly pressed juice bar offers a variety of organic cold-pressed drinks that are healthy and above all else, tasty! The “Allure” concoction is a personal favorite with watercress, grapefruit, coconut, turmeric and apple. Known as the “beauty juice” this packs a punch full of rehydrating and anti-oxidant rich properties.

10:00am

Now that your fully revved up its time to hit the trails. Fort Ord National Monument is accessible at Watkins Gate in Seaside and with 83 miles of trails there’s a variety of terrain ranging, from grassy hills to coastal shrubland. The secluded area is also a mecca amongst mountain bikers and plays host to several races during the Sea Otter Classic biking festival.

12:00pm

Time for lunch! Googie Grill, just down from Embassy Suites is a staple when it comes to comfort food. The diner is a true flashback in time with typical Googie architecture, retro décor and killer menu items like crispy fried chicken, mushroom gravy meatloaf and black bean chipotle burger. Be sure to start off with their addicting fried zucchini sticks!

1:30pm

Now you have a decision to make, to golf or to relax. For those looking to hit the links, book a tee time at Bayonet & Black Horse. The two golf courses sit on the former Fort Ord military base and offer epic views of the Monterey Bay as well as great game.

If relaxation in more on your mid, head to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Take a leisurely stroll before finding the perfect spot to post up along the beach. There’s no better place to unwind with the cool coastal breeze, crashing waves and bobbing boats in the distance. You might even spot a whale or two in the distance!

6:30pm

Take a little trip to northern Italy without leaving Seaside! Head to Gusto this evening for a truly authentic Italian meal complete with handcrafted pastas, wood fired pizzas and a full bar. Make it a four-course meal starting off with one of their many antipasto dishes. The mozzarella tasting is a must with three varieties of mozzarella and burrata samplings. Next, choose a pizza from their extensive menu, the margherita is always a classic crowd-pleaser. No Italian meal is compete without pasta and their mushroom ravioli slathered in gorgonzola cream sauce is to die for. Be sure to save room save room for cannoli and espresso before calling it a night!

8:00pm

Check in for a good night sleep at one of the many hotels in the area. Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn all offer cozy beds, complimentary breakfast and easy access to the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

UnWINE’d at Sovino Wine Bar

Escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Monterey and unwine’d at the cozy Sovino Wine Bar. Just inside the esplanade towards Custom House Plaza, the charming wine haven is an easy lure with a tempting happy hour, large selection of libations and outdoor patio- perfect for people watching.

Sovino is truly one of the only wine bars in the area where you can enjoy a full glass of wine, craft brew or sample a wine flight.

You’re sure to be pleased with the bar’s expansive wine list including all sorts of California wines and a variety of award-winning Monterey County vinos available by the glass or bottle. And don’t miss their killer happy hour where wines by the glass are 50% from 4pm-6pm Monday-Thursday.

Regardless of which libation you choose, be sure to pair it with one of their tantalizing tapas. The charcuterie plate is the perfect appetizer before any dinner date!

The Wine Bar also plays host to uber-popular Paint & Sip Nights. Resident artist Bunny Paivine guides amateur artists on a journey to creating their own masterpiece all with a glass of wine in hand. Click here for upcoming event dates.

The wine bar is open Sunday – Thursday from 1pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday from 1pm-10pm.

Enjoy a Smoke with a Touch of Class at The Humidor Cigar Shop and Lounge

Love fine cigars and the company that share the same passion? The Humidor’s new digs near Cannery Row allow for just that.

Just above the renowned Whaling Station Steakhouse and next to the iconic Sardine Factory, The Humidor’s brand new location (just across the street from its previous set-up) is already becoming a standout amongst its legendary neighbors.

The Humidor is much more than just a cigar shop, it’s a home away from home. With multiple lounges, game rooms and TV rooms it’s no wonder why cigar enthusiasts are making this a must-stop shop on their itinerary.

The star of this space is their expansive walk-in humidor housing a wide variety of cigar choices including an array of premium brands like Padron, Opus X and Fuente. The room is set at a humid 70 degrees to ensure the goods maintain their highest quality.

What’s the use of a good cigar without a fine place to smoke it? The exuberant public smoking lounges resemble a high-end club and come stocked with cozy leather chairs, large flat screen TVs and ocean breezes. You will never want to leave, especially since you can order food and beverages from the delicious Whaling Station just downstairs!

New to The Humidor is their exclusive “members only” lounge. Half of the building is dedicated to their member VIP clients who have their own private humidified cigar locker and access to a kitchen, multiple private lounges and a poker room.

Looking for a pop-up cigar stand at an upcoming event? The Humidor has you covered with multiple packages featuring a plethora of cigars, perfect for weddings, reunions and corporate events.

The Humidor is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am-12pm.

Speeding Down Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with Allen Berg Racing School

Is racing down the iconic corkscrew on your bucket list? Adrenaline junkies and racing enthusiasts can now take their need for speed down the track at legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca thanks to Allen Berg Racing School.

Founder Allen Berg knows a thing or two about racecar driving. This former Formula One World Championship Driver has recently taken over Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to share his mad skills behind the wheel with those looking to really test out the track.

The Allen Berg Racing School provides multiple programs ranging from one day to three day sessions complete with the fundamentals and skills needed to control a very quick formula racecar. Not only will you receive intensive training and feedback but there is plenty of time for thrilling on-track action!

This particular racing school is a standout from others. At Allen Berg Racing School lucky students are learning directly from a pro, racecars are state-of-the-art and crafted in Italy, there is more track time than any other racing school, and you’re in Monterey; of course. Don’t just take our word for it, check out their stellar reviews!

At the end of the program not only are you able to cross off racecar driving from the bucket list, but you’re awarded with GoPro footage from the entire journey, talk about bragging rights!

New Summer Flavors at Restaurant 1833 in Monterey

The season of warm weather, longer days and more importantly, patio drinking is quickly upon us and nowhere is more prepared than Restaurant 1833. The historic Stokes Adobe in downtown Monterey has been quenching thirsts with unique craft cocktails on their popular onyx bar for the past few years and is now stepping up its game for the summer months ahead.

Today, Restaurant 1833 launches its new summer cocktail menu full of interesting concoctions created by mastermind and bartender Josh Perry. Not one, not two but eleven new summer spirits line the menu with names as interesting as their ingredients.

The Big Guns packs a punch with rye whiskey, coffee liqueur and orange bitters while the Hummingbird offers softer flavors with cana brava reserva rum, honey syrup and lavender sprig picked directly from the restaurant’s garden.

Looking to share? Try the tropical Coconut Milk Punch for two which serves as an instant vacation and presented in a copper pineapple chalice. The Suzie-Q is nice choice for those looking for a refreshing potion with suze, vermouth, prosecco and fresh cucumber slices.

The adobe’s expansive patio and deck is the perfect place to post up with one (or four) of these crafty cocktails. Complete with rousing fire pits, daybeds for lounging and pumping background jams- there’s truly no better place to spend your summer nights!

Soak up the sun, and those drinks, with delicious noshes and desserts that are sure to pair nicely with your sweet libation(s). Executive Chef Jason Franey continues to amaze guests with his contemporary cuisine while Pastry Chef Ben Spungin proves that dessert is easily the most important addition to any meal.

Be sure to try one of their new pizzas including the luscious mushroom pizza with gooey fontina cheese, spring onion and roasted broccoli rabe and their short ribs wrapped in phyllo with an Asian fusion kick.

Wrap up the night with a tantalizing dessert, the trifle even comes with a flaming dose of rum!

4 Reasons to Love Melville Tavern in Downtown Monterey

"If you get nothing better out of the world, get a good dinner out of it, at least.” This quote by Herman Melville (also author of Moby Dick) sparked what is now one of Monterey’s newest dining establishments, Melville Tavern.

The brick building at A.G. Davi Court on Washington Street is just a façade of the charm and comfort foods awaiting you inside. The wood laden floors and maroon painted walls play up the tavern’s old timey décor which makes you feel as though have stepped inside a secret British pub. Antique books and frames scatter the walls which eventually opens up to spacious kitchen and charming brick oven where the true star of the show is cooked up.


There are many reasons to love this new eatery but here are a few to get started.

1.    Comfort Food with a Twist of Sophistication

The self-described “Creative American Food” menu is exactly that. American classics like burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and salads are available all with their very own tasty spin. The sophisticated gastropub dons a juicy lamb burger complete with hunks of melted feta cheese and refreshing yogurt sauce while the fall-of-the-bone pork shoulder is accompanied by irresistible creamy polenta.

2.    Friendly Atmosphere

The expansive bar and cozy set up creates the perfect ambiance for get-togethers with old friends while making new ones. Locals have taken notice of the casual and friendly atmosphere since opening late 2015 while welcoming visitors into their lair. The outdoor patio is a bonus and uber-popular during weekend brunch.

3.    Beer and Wine of the Week

$3 beers are hard to come by, especially after Happy Hour. Melville Tavern not only serves a $3 beer all day long but it’s actually a delicious one at that. Each week the tavern rotates a weekly beer and wine special where a specialty beer such as Long Board and Deschutes are served for $3 and a house glass of wine is $6. For those looking for something else, the tavern also has quite the expansive beer and wine menu sure to wet your appetite.

4.    Great Value

Aside from an unbeatable beer of the week, the tavern also hosts a Happy Hour offered weekdays from 4pm-6:30pm serving up appetizers ranging from $3 to $7. The mushroom quesadilla and fried artichokes are particularly tasty! Entrée options also come at a steal for both lunch and dinner starting at $10.95 for a gourmet, and filling, meal.