Remember when I made a commitment to blog after every trip? Right. Can't believe it's been almost a month since my weekend trip to Carmel Valley and Big Sur, but here's some photos if you'd like to see..
( ↓ Scroll down to the bottom for itinerary ↓)
Our trip started with a lunch reservation at Sierra Mar, a restaurant that is located in Big Sur's Post Ranch Inn. It's been on my wish list since forever to stay at Post Ranch Inn but because it's a little over my weekend-trip's budget, I had to settle for a lunch instead and wow it did not disappoint.
We were seated by the window overlooking the ocean. Can lunch get any better than this?
After lunch, we had the chance to roam around the property for a while. I am more convinced than ever to come back here as a hotel guest!
Our next stop was the Henry Miller Library. This place is a nonprofit arts center, bookstore, and performance venue, championing the late writer, artist, and Big Sur resident Henry Miller, as well as many other, both living and dead, creative individuals living in or near Big Sur, California.
Favorite place in Big Sur? Yes!
After spending way too long taking photos in the library.. we decided to continue our journey South.
If you come to Big Sur and not take a photo of the Bixby Creek Bridge, did you really go to Big Sur?
After spending most of our afternoon in Big Sur, we were now ready to go back North for our stay in Bernadus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley..
This place is out of this world. The service was top-notch. We were given a ride on a golf cart to our room by the friendly staff. I secretly dream of a life where I can drive a golf cart to work everyday :p Bernadus Lodge is the epitome of a staycation getaway. It has its rose garden, swimming pools, spa amenities, restaurants, all of that while being surrounded by stunning landscape.
Carmel-by-the-sea is well known for its European influence so we opted for an Italian dinner at Il Grillo. My squid ink pasta was spectacular.
We decided to have one last splurge before checking out we so ordered room service that was enjoyed in our patio overseeing the garden.
The next day, we went back to Carmel-by-the-sea for a lunch at La Byciclette. LOVE how the coffee is being presented as well as that piece of paper that comes with it <3
Window shopping is the most fun when all the shops have pretty displays! Also, how many hidden alleys are there in Carmel?!
I have been to Carmel and Monterey so many times before but never visited Point Lobos State Reserve, so I was really excited to explore this place as a first-timer. One of my favorite ones is the Whaler Cabin Museum which displays old diving equipment, fishing tools, harpoon collection and old whale bones among other things.
The trip ended with a little drive to 17 Mile Drive where we played a game called 'How-much-do-they-make-to-afford-this-giant-house' every time we passed by a giant mansion. We also photographed the infamous The Lone Cypress.
Here's a 3-day itinerary for a weekend getaway to Carmel Valley and Big Sur
Friday• Drive to Monterey after work
• Stay a night at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa
Saturday
• Lunch at Sierra Mar
• Hiking in Big Sur - Julia Pffeifer Burns State Park, Valley View Trail, Pfeiffer Beach
• Visit Henry Miller Memorial Library
• Dinner at Il Grillo
• Stay a night at Bernadus Lodge & Spa
Sunday
• Brunch at La Bicyclette
• Shop around Carmel-by-the-sea
• Go to Point Lobos (Whaler’s Cove)
• Drive to 17-mile drive
• Drive back home
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