Although a short drive from home, Carmel feels like a refreshing and distant getaway. On our drive down to this quaint town it rained the whole way, which, at first, was a bit of a disappointment. I was hoping for a sunny, poolside kind-of day. But once we arrived, the hotel greeted us with a glass of white wine and a cozy fireplace–which seemed to redeem the cloudy weather and make it all better. The forecast predicted rain all day, but by dusk it cleared-up and we knew we were in for a special treat.
While there is not a whole lot of orchestrated activity in sleepy Carmel, it’s certainly the perfect destination for rest and relaxation. The serene views and beautiful vegetation is enough of a reason to make a visit. I couldn’t get passed the abundance of florals growing throughout the valley. The hotel property where we stayed has a beautifully manicured garden showcasing an array of roses; but what’s even more impressive is all the abandoned rose bushels growing curbside like unwanted weeds.
If you’re planning a visit to Carmel, be sure to explore all the wine tasting rooms. There are several in the valley. Often times, the local hotels will offer complimentary passes so be sure to ask the concierge. You can find a map and a full listing here. When packing for Carmel it’s safe to assume you’ll experience a wide range of weather, as it can quickly vary between the valley and Carmel by the Sea. This striped maxi dress was perfect for daytime outings, but during the evening the weather dropped so I slipped into a comfy, oversized sweater. One of the things I like about this dress is that you can easily dress it up or down. For a more casual look, I’ve worn this dress with a pair of white vans–equally a cute look, I might add. Below you’ll find a link to all these pieces and to a few similar options.
Stay tuned for Part II of our weekend getaway in Carmel. xo
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Dress: Joie and similar here | Bag: VINCE and similar here | Shoes: Jack Rogers | Jacket: VINCE