Weekend in Carmel, CA

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a beach town in Northern California, maintains much of the natural beauty that inspired its founding. Thanks to roads that bypassed, rather than bulldozed, trees, the seaside city has been an inspiration for artists and architects alike, from Jack London and Upton Sinclair to actor/director Clint Eastwood, who was the city’s mayor at one point.

Sample a variety of cuisines, some of which include ingredients from both nearby Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley. Check out the local arts scene—the small town has more than 90 galleries and annual events such as the Carmel Art Festival—or attend a performance at the historic Forest Theater, the first outdoor theater west of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Our Inn is located on 11-acres, surrounded by majestic Cypress, Cottonwood and Sycamore trees, lush gardens and foliage. Adjacent to the Carmel River (seasonal), our peaceful setting is a perfect place to unwind from the daily stresses life brings.

This casual restaurant offers grilled dishes with a Southwestern flair. You can eat in the bar, which is covered with cartoons, or dine in the comfortable dining room. Try the Lamb Shank with Ale and Mushrooms. The wine list is extensive, ranging from $18-220 a bottle, including several Chardonnays and Cabernets. This place has won numerous awards, including Best in the Carmel Area by Adventures in Dining Magazine, and is an old favorite in the area. The unparalleled service brings in a wide variety of tourists and locals.

Our Inn is located on 11-acres, surrounded by majestic Cypress, Cottonwood and Sycamore trees, lush gardens and foliage. Adjacent to the Carmel River (seasonal), our peaceful setting is a perfect place to unwind from the daily stresses life brings.

This gallery has been around for more than a quarter of a century, and it has won both best gallery in Carmel and best business in Carmel from the Carmel Business Association. The selection of paintings and sculpture by more than 50 artists is incredible; this continues to be one of the most popular galleries in all of Carmel. Represented artists include Gerald Brommer, Hedi Moran, Mou-Sien Tseng, Will Bullas and Tom Swimm. A stop here is a must on the gallery circuit for any visitor to Carmel.

This must-see gallery is the home of works by internationally acclaimed artist and longtime Carmel resident Eyvind Earle. The recently deceased artist's serigraphs, oils, graphics and sculptures are a highlight of any gallery tour of the area. His works were displayed at galleries and museums around the globe, and his background working for Walt Disney is legendary. This gallery boasts a unique collection of work that is well worth seeking out.

More than just another stop on Carmel's art gallery circuit, this lovely little place features paintings and fine art by many masters from the last two centuries. The gallery specializes in French works with paintings by Antoine Blanchard, Edouard Cortes, Marcel Dyf and E.G. LaLoue. Other nationalities are also represented. The gallery showcases landscapes by Michael Wheeler and William Slaughter. It is a must-see on any art lover's trip to Carmel.

Carmel Bakery has been around to satisfy a sweet tooth or to provide a light meal since 1906. It is right in the middle of the busy Ocean Avenue; the enticing display of pastry in the window calls everyone in for a treat. The cannoli is to die for. Scones, shortbread, danishes, biscotti and pretzels are also hugely popular. Not a desert lover? They also have soups and sandwiches. Carmel Bakery is sure to have something to put a smile on your face. -Hoiyin Ip

San Jose is a large city in the southern San Francisco Bay Area, and is part of the Silicon Valley—the birthplace of the high-tech industry. Downtown San Jose is home to San Jose State University and also includes a financial district, several fine restaurants and hotels like the historic Hotel Montgomery, as well as a number of museums, including the Tech Museum of Innovation and the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Other art venues in the downtown area include the San Jose Repertory Theatre and the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss a chance to watch San Jose’s beloved professional hockey team, the San Jose Sharks, tear up the ice at the Hewlett-Packard Pavilion.