Carmel-by-the-Sea: Where Fairytales Meet the Pacific

Some weekend getaways capture your heart immediately, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is undoubtedly one of our longtime favorites. This quaint coastal town on California's Monterey Peninsula is like stepping into a storybook, where fairytale-like cottages with whimsical architecture line streets that lead to pristine beaches. It's the kind of place where time slows down, conversations linger, and every corner reveals another charming detail.

Our Carmel Favorites

La Playa Hotel remains our go-to for its timeless elegance and garden setting, while the Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers dramatic clifftop views that make every sunrise unforgettable. When it comes to dining, we're drawn to Casanova, not just for the exceptional cuisine but for its fascinating history—the restaurant houses "Van Gogh's Table," the actual table where Vincent Van Gogh enjoyed his daily meals while boarding at the Auberge Ravoux in France. La Bicyclette delivers with its cozy European bistro atmosphere and consistently delicious food.

The Big Sur Connection

Just an hour's drive south lies one of California's most spectacular stretches of coastline: Big Sur. This 90-mile ribbon of rugged beauty along Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in the world. The iconic Bixby Bridge, one of the most photographed spots along the Big Sur coast, holds special meaning for us—it's actually the inspiration behind our blog's name, a daily reminder of the beauty that awaits when we venture beyond the familiar.

A Sweet New Discovery

We're always delighted to discover new reasons to love Carmel even more, and our latest find comes courtesy of a dear friend whose passion project has grown into something truly special. Chunkyfruits is now available at Carmel-by-the-Sea's Farmers Market, bringing small-batch, handcrafted jams and marmalades that have been delighting our taste buds for years.

Our dear friend Arlene—"Ateh" as we fondly call her (sister in Tagalog)—has treated us to these extraordinary preserves made from the abundant fruits growing in her family's backyard. Each jar represents hours of careful crafting, turning seasonal harvests into flavor-packed treasures. The varieties sound absolutely delicious: Berry Blue, Meyer Lemon Ginger, Brambles, Razzle Dazzle, and our personal favorite, Fuzzy Delight—along with many more mouthwatering creations that showcase the creativity and care that goes into every batch.

Our favorite, now at the Carmel-by-the-Sea's Farmers Market.

What started as generous gifts shared among family and friends has evolved into something the wider world deserves to experience. We're proud that she's now introducing more people to these delicious treats, and we can't think of a more perfect setting than Carmel. Discover more about Chunkyfruits and their artisanal creations at https://chunkyfruits.com/ or find them at Carmel by the Sea Farmers Market, Thursdays from 10am to 2pm.

Planning Your Carmel Weekend

Whether you're drawn by the artistic heritage, the culinary scene, or simply the restorative power of ocean air, Carmel offers the perfect escape from everyday life. And now, with Chunkyfruits adding another layer of local flavor to the experience, there's one more reason to make this coastal gem your next weekend destination.

Ready to plan your own Carmel weekend getaway? Connect with me to start planning—book a 2-night stay or longer, and I'll include a complimentary jar of Chunkyfruits as my gift. After all, Carmel's our jam.

Carmel Beach