• Food & Wine,  Travel

    7 Seaside Restaurants with the Best Views

    October 10, 2021 /

    Monterey County is home to some of the most iconic and award winning restaurants ever. Enjoying a special meal involves not only delicious cuisine, but also ambiance.  These 7 restaurants offer killer views that will impress you.  Whether you are planning a get together with friends or family, or looking for a romantic place to enjoy a quiet meal, these are the very best restaurants for spectacular views as well as good food.

    1.  Nepenthe features jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.  Located 30 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Nepenthe is an ancient Greek word meaning an elixir for sorrow.  This iconic restaurant has drawn creatives and writers since it opened in 1949.  For more information, see Nepenthe.

    2.  Ventana lies further south of Nepenthe, and dazzles with breathtaking views of Big Sur.  It first opened in 1975, and still features vestiges of its hippie beginnings.  It has drawn celebrities throughout the decades, from Dennis Hopper to Taylor Swift.  For more information, see Ventana.

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    3.  Rocky Point lies just 10 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1.  This restaurant is perched on a cliff and features spectacular, panoramic views of the ocean.  For more information, see Rocky Point.

    4.  The Inn at Spanish Bay, in Pebble Beach, features extraordinary views of the coastline. A bonus:  just before sunset, a bagpiper plays Scottish tunes.  Sit outside around the cozy fire pits and enjoy the views!  For more information, see Spanish Bay.

    5.  The historic Mission Ranch in Carmel features pastoral views of sheep grazing, and beyond, striking views of the mountains and sea.  Mission Ranch, owned by Clint Eastwood, lies just around the corner from the beautiful Carmel Mission Basilica.  For more information, see Mission Ranch.

    6.  The Beach House in Pacific Grove overlooks gorgeous Lovers Point Park and Marine Reserve.  You may spot sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants and more while you dine.  For more information, see Beach House.

    7.  Schooners was voted “best drink with a view’ in Monterey, and is is easy to see why. Located in Cannery Row at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, Schooners offers a great place to drink in the ocean air and enjoy all the breathtaking views of the bay.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  I hope you are able to take in the views at one of these amazing restaurants.  You may also enjoy The Most Beautiful Instagrammable Spots in Monterey!, The #1 Guide for What to See and Do in Romantic Carmel, Nepenthe’s Phoenix: Bohemian Bliss in Big Sur, Ventana in Beautiful Big Sur,  Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove and Mission Ranch in Carmel, California.  Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!

     

     

  • Local Events,  Travel

    Vintage Fun in San Jose’s Willow Glen

    February 1, 2019 /

     

    Willow Glen is known as “San Jose’s Local Treasure”.  It is an area filled with quaint vintage houses on quiet tree-lined avenues.  It is also home to some unique shops and amazing restaurants.

    Magpie welcomes you with a variety of felicities, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to paint.  It is one of those unique, creative, quirky places where there is so much to look at you don’t know where to start.

    Bertucelli’s La Villa Delicatessen was packed to the gills, even in the middle of the afternoon.  It was standing room only.  They have outdoor dining and this was also packed.  Waiting in line here for handmade ravioli and fresh, delicious sandwiches and desserts is well worth it.

    Park Place Vintage carries vintage clothing and collectibles and even has costume rentals!

    Petroglyph is a cool ceramics lounge.  I have not seen ceramics like this since my Mom painted Peanuts characters for my brothers and me in the 1970s.  They supply use of all paints, brushes and art materials as well as assistance.  Once your artwork is complete they fire them in on-site kilns for you.  They even host group activities.  Petroglyph indicates they are “designed as a place to gather, connect, and creatively explore”.  I wanted to stay and creatively explore, but so many shops, so little time!

    The cozy Mariette Chocolates has not only freshly made chocolates, but also fudge, coffee, pastries, gelato, and hot chocolate.  I love the cute little vintage tables and chairs.

    Susie Cakes is a super cute vintage bakery with very friendly staff.

    The Willow Glen Collective is chockful of antiques and vintage finds.

    The cozy outdoor seating at Vin Santo is so inviting.

    Downtown Willow Glen frequently hosts festive events, including its annual summer festival, “Dancin’ on the Avenue”, which features music, food, and local wines.  On Thursday, February 7th, from 5-8 pm Willow Glen is hosting a “Ladies’ Night Out”, which features “pampering”, as well as refreshments and specials!  Sounds like fun to me!

    San Jose is home to some wonderful places, and I am adding Willow Glen to the list.  For more information, see Willow Glen.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!  Wishing you peace, love, joy, and beautiful vistas!