Carmel-by-the-Sea California is the place to remember the past and engage in the most glorious vacation moments.

IMG_2148

Who doesn’t love a celebration, especially a really big one? Put on your party clothes and head over to Carmel by-the-Sea for their 100th birthday celebration. Lauded as “100 years in Paradise”, Carmel will offer a variety of events both during the year and in the month of October, culminating in a spectacular parade on Saturday, October 29th.With a rich history as a community founded by visionaries, artists, writers, poets, and free-spirits, there are a myriad of things to do in this town of equable climate and glorious beauty. Reserve your stay in advance, at one of the more historic hotels, including the recently renovated Hideaway Inn or the family owned Hofsas House.

IMG_7248

Make your reservation now for the 100th year hoopla, by staying at the family owned Hofsas House. The Hofsas House offers affordable lodging and year round activities. This lovely hotel has a history with Carmel that should be celebrated as one of the few family owned hotels that is still offering first class accommodations for over 50 years. The background on this lovely family hotel, which is pet and child friendly, started in the 1940’s, when hotelier Donna Hofsas, left her home in Los Angeles to take up residence in Carmel California. Donna went on to transform tiny cottages into an outstanding family run hotel that has been in operation since the 1950’s. Donna Hofsas passed in 1999 but her legacy has carried on through her granddaughter, Carrie Theis, who now continues to manage the European style hotel while offering the same old world charm and personalize service that Grandmother Donna instilled in her since the tender age of 5.

IMG_7227

Hofsas House offers several lovely hotel packages, including the “History Tour”. This package is a must excursion; a fun way to familiarize you with history of Carmel as they celebrate their centennial. For a $25 dollar fee, this two-hour guided walk through hidden courtyards, historic buildings and Carmel’s famous fairy-tale cottages, is the perfect way to learn of the history that makes this sea-side town so endearing and enchanting.

IMG_7290

Hofsas House many Specialty Packages offer the best vacations memories for everyone in the family including the four legged member. Try the “Tail Wagging Package “which includes: the Hofsas House dog frisbee, a collapsible dog bowl and special dog bed (similar to the original Calming Dog Bed on the market), and a sampling of doggie treats and pet shampoo to keep Fido looking fresh and ready for a jaunt to a local pet friendly restaurant. The complimentary copy of Coastal Canine magazine will give you great tips on dog friendly venues and doggie walking trails throughout the Carmel community; minimum two night stay at $25 fee per night per dog or $40 for two. You may even get inspired to go look at dog kennel prices after this stay, to give your pooch’s own home a little upgrade.

IMG_6013

Another favorite package to welcome you to the land of wine, sea and cheese is the “Wine and Cheese Package”. Please order this package 48 hours in advance with a reasonable price of $30 which includes a bottle of local Monterey County wine and several selections of cheese from the famous Carmel Cheese Shop. In addition, taste wines at nine different Camel tasting rooms with the Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea wine tasting passport. For $65, the guest can enjoy $10 flight at each of the nine-tasting rooms in Carmel. With 69 years of superb Hofsas hospitality, this is THE place to book your room for the 100 year celebration or romantic get-away for two. For more information about the Hofsas House go to :www.hofsashouse.com

IMG_7162

Another great option for a place to relax and enjoy the centennial celebration is the Hideaway inn. A few blocks from the hub of Carmel, this quaint 24 room inn that has been a part of the Carmel community for many years, but was previously known as the Cobblestone inn. Recently bought by the PlumpJack hospitality group, the Cobblestone went through a major renovation that highlights the best in modern comfortand sleek design. Amenities abound including a lovely breakfast buffet that includes house made granola, quiches, meats, cheeses, fruits, egg dishes, juices, tea and freshly brewed Carmel Coffee Roasters coffee. Car rentals are available for cruising around Carmel, and picnic set-ups can also be purchased just like with this van hire purchase, Discover More here. When traveling with your fur-baby, request one of the doggie specialty rooms where a luxurious dog bed, bowls and treats are waiting to keep Fido happy and relaxed.

When planning your exploration of the scenic Carmel area, taking advantage of the car rentals offered by the Hideaway Inn is an excellent choice. Whether you’re looking to cruise down the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway or venture into the charming streets of downtown Carmel, having a car at your disposal makes it all more convenient. The vehicles available ensure a comfortable and smooth ride, so you can fully enjoy the breathtaking views and numerous attractions. As you prepare for your drive, consider upgrading your ride with Seat Covers to protect the car’s interior and add a touch of personal style. This way, you can maintain the vehicle’s pristine condition while ensuring your journey is as pleasant as possible.

Additionally, the Hideaway Inn’s car rental service provides the flexibility to explore Carmel at your own pace. With a reliable vehicle, you can easily visit nearby landmarks such as the iconic Carmel Beach or the historic Carmel Mission Basilica. For those planning a romantic picnic or a family outing, the inn offers picnic set-ups that you can load into your rented car for a day of adventure and relaxation. Seat Covers Unlimited will keep your rented car’s seats clean and comfortable, especially after a fun-filled day at the beach or hiking in nearby parks. With the convenience of a rental car and the added comfort of quality seat covers, your stay in Carmel will be both memorable and enjoyable.

IMG_1940

“PlumpJack has been enamored with Carmel-by-the Sea for some time and we’re thrilled to expand our portfolio of distinctly unique, award winning hospitality and lifestyle experiences to such a vibrant community,” said Jeremy Scherer, president of the PlumpJack Group. With the focus on engaging the community and preserving the integrity of the property, the Hideaway is the perfect respite for those looking for luxury, convenience, and charm. For more information on the Hideaway:hideawaycarmel.com/carmel-accommodations

With accommodations squared away, where to eat in a city filled with charming eateries is often a quandary. Try Affina restaurant where local seasonal ingredients are the focus of the menu. Located just a few block from the Hofsas House, this local’s favorite will soon become a must stop in any Carmel itinerary. Begin with the house made foie gras tortellini with pumpkin, cress and yellow footed chanterelles and then move onto the fish of the day or the New York steak cooked a perfect medium rare with local mushrooms, spinach and black garlic.

IMG_7491

Winemaker and partner, Richard Oh is usually at the bar entertaining guests and pouring his award winning Oh or Otter Cove wines. The Otter Cove Chardonnay has recently won a silver medal at the 2016 San Francisco wine competition and gold in the Orange County wine Society competition and is a lovely addition to any meal. Great wine, fabulous food and engaging company is what you will find at Affina. www.affinacarmel.com While visiting Carmel, take time to drive the famous 17 mile drive through Pebble Beach and and Monterey. Along the winding road as the roaring surging surf splashes along the pristine undulating green of the world famous Pebble Beach golf course, a detour should be made to stop for lunch or dinner at Porters in the Forest at the Poppy Hills Golf course.

IMG_1986

Being a golfer is not required to dine at this picturesque panoramic location amongst the tall pines and cypress trees. Again, with a focus the freshest seasonal farm-to-table ingredients, Executive Chef Johnny De Vivo is taking ordinary golf food and changing it up to with innovative insights. “We want to make what golfers like to eat, with a twist. Everything will be made with love, “said Chef De Vivo. Residents and tourists alike will appreciate the local California sea bass steamed in green tea, with fava beans, spring onion, shitake mushrooms, and yuzu broth or the scallops cooked perfectly with apple and ham broth and touch of truffle oil. Whatever time of day, make your way to a Porter’s in the Forest, you will be glad you ventured off of Ocean Avenue into the woods for a great meal and a spectacular view.

IMG_7349

Through the forest and along the menthol-blue pacific, lies Carmel California in the Central Coast of California which is now celebrating 100 years of community and history. Vigilant stewardship has preserved the incomparable natural setting of beach trees and coastline luring tourists from all over the globe to this incredible area of California. With the abundant sea-life, surrounded by the agriculture center of the country, and world class wineries, this is the place to visit to enjoy and delight in all the five senses. Take time to come celebrate history and applaud nature’s bounty with a trip to Carmel-by-the Sea. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com