The first glimpse of Carmel Valley will leave you sighing for more. You drive a few miles inland from the central California coast, following a two-lane country road that carries you up a small rise.
Suddenly the view opens up below: tidy farms; broad, grassy horse pastures; and spring green, oak-covered hills, unfolding in layers to both sides. Add a crisp, gray-blue sky and bright yellow mustard to the mix, and you've got a palette worthy of Monet.
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GETTING THERE
Carmel Valley begins a mile inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea, 2 1/2 hours south of San Francisco. Carmel Valley Road winds east through the valley from the ocean; it's the only road you need to know to navigate the area. The shops and restaurants of Carmel Valley Village are 12 miles inland from State 1.
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| Emily Nathan |
| Wood-fired pizza at Cafe Rustica. |
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WHERE TO EAT
Café Rustica Some of Carmel's best food is found at this casual spot in the village. Salads, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas with a perfectly crisp, thin crust. $$$; closed Mon; 10 Del Fino Place; 831/659-4444.
Corkscrew Café In Carmel Valley Village, a French brasserie decorated in warm, sunny-hued colors, adjoining the Georis Winery. Try the mussels. $$; closed Thu; 55 W. Carmel Valley Rd.; 831/659-8888.
Will's Fargo An Old California steakhouse and saloon popular with locals, right in
the village. $$$$; 16 W. Carmel Valley Rd.; 831/659-2774.
WHAT TO DO
Earthbound Farm Wander the labyrinth, snip your own herbs, and buy organic flowers and veggies direct from the source. Cooking demos, bug walks, and other activities too; special Earth Day celebration on April 21. 7250 Carmel Valley Rd. (31/2 miles east of
State 1); www.ebfarm.com; 831/625-6219.
Garland Ranch Regional Park The
1.4-mile Lupine Loop
is our favorite easy outing. On Carmel Valley Rd. (81/2 miles east of State 1); www.mprpd.org; 831/659-4488.
Georis Winery In the village, taste wine in the wisteria-covered courtyard listening to chirps from the aviary. Tasting fee from $15 per flight; 4 Pilot Rd.; www.georiswine.com; 831/659-1050.
Griggs Nursery Carmel Valley More than 2 acres of water fountains, pottery, houseplants, and ornamental and bedding plants. 9220 Carmel Valley Rd. (5 miles east of State 1); 831/626-0680.
Heller Estate Organic Vineyards In the village, locally grown organic wines and a sculpture garden. $5 tasting fee (waived with 2-bottle purchase); 69 W. Carmel Valley Rd.; www.hellerestate.com; 831/659-6220.
Valley Hills Nursery Specializes in California and Australia natives, as well as ornamental grasses, fruit trees, and organic vegetables. Stoneware and Italian pottery too. 7440 Carmel Valley Rd. (31/2 miles east of State 1); www.valleyhillsnursery.com; 831/624-3482.
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| Emily Nathan |
| Kim3 International Furnishings brings a bit of Bali to California. |
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WHERE TO SHOP
FezQ Succulents, grasses, and other Mediterranean landscape plants, plus boldly colored outdoor sculpture and sophisticated gifts. Closed Mon–Tue; 28 W. Carmel Valley Rd.; 831/659-1268.
Kim3 International Furnishings Huge thatched pagodas, oil jugs, marble basins, and other Bali- and Asia-inspired garden accessories. Closed Mon; 25 Pilot Rd.; 831/659-1360.
Pot Farm Bright
Mexican tiles, scrolled ironwork, garden furniture, and a great selection of containers. Open daily, weather permitting; 8 Pilot Rd.; 831/659-1564.
WHERE TO STAYBernardus Lodge Provence comes to the Central Coast, with luxurious French
country–style rooms and rambling lavender gardens set among rolling vineyards. Home to the excellent Marinus restaurant ($$$$). 57 rooms with fireplaces and patios from $275; www.bernardus.com; 831/658-3400.
Carmel Valley Ranch High-end golf resort on 400 prime acres near Garland Ranch Regional Park. Spot wild quail and deer on the lawns. 144 suites from $159; www.carmelvalleyranch.com; 866/282-4745.
Los Laureles Lodge White buildings and period-style rooms beneath old-growth oaks. The rooms
along Surrey Lane
are the best choice.
31 rooms from $79; www.loslaureles.com; 831/659-2233.
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