Photo Journal: Bernardus Lodge, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pebble Beach
Unbelievably, we find ourselves with another day of rain on our 10-Day Coastal California road trip. ACK!
Determined to have a great time in spite of the weather, and bolstered by a great night’s sleep on the lavender scented pillows here at the Bernardus Lodge, we started our day with a media tour of the lodge by Director of Sales and Marketing Sue Dreyer.
Here is a photograph of Carol sitting at the chef’s table in the Bernardus Lodge kitchen. As you can see, the wall is signed by all those who have dined at this table. The signature by the yellow marker is Julia Child, the very first signature to grace the walls of this very special table.
Undaunted by the rain, the girls proposed an activity that reigns supreme in the hearts of most of the female species: shopping!
As we were only nine miles from Carmel-by-the-Sea, off we went for an afternoon of shopping.
One of the first places to cross our paths, as we climbed up Ocean Avenue from the ocean-front parking lot, was The Cottage of Sweets. The Cottage of Sweets was voted the #1 candy shop in America in a 2009 USA Today poll.
It’s probably completely un-American to not at least sample some of the goodies in this confectionery, but with all the fabulous dining we have been doing, we all decided to pass on any sugary yummy-ness.
Note the cloudy skies!
Shopping along Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Ocean Avenue is considered the finest shopping this side of The Riviera or Rodeo Drive. Fashion, jewelry, antique, gift, and furniture boutiques are there to explore along tree-lined streets, secret passageways, charming courtyards, and curlicue-roofed shops.
By the time we made it up and down both sides of this famous boulevard, the girls were both beaming as they carried bags of new-found treasures.
As the 4:00 hour approached, the rain seemed more determined to wane the shopping spirit, so we hopped in “Babe the Blue Benz” and toured the famous 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach.
Here is a photograph I grabbed of The Lone Cypress. As one of California’s most enduring landmarks, The Lone Cypress has prevailed on its rocky perch for over 250 years. This icon has inspired many and is revered as the eternal symbol of the Pebble Beach Company.
We ended our day with dinner at Roy’s at Pebble Beach and then made our way back to the Bernardus Lodge to enjoy the warm glow of our in-room fireplace.
Tomorrow’s weather forecast? Rain!
ACK!
Wondering if any single boomers travel ? Percentage of singles men/ women?
Hi Mary, there are a great many solo travelers amongst boomer travelers. I don’t really know the percentage of singles versus couples. Although, we find that the solo boomer traveler tends to be a woman.