Explore the original art town by the seaon a poster budget

My friend Sara is the perfect traveling partner―she’s up for anything, never complains, loves food and wine, and doesn’t wake up too early in the morning.

So when she and I were both feeling overworked and under-relaxed, we headed off to Carmel-by-the-Sea for a weekend of rejuvenation. And because we didn’t want a big credit card bill to undo the mellowing, we set out to spend less than $400, including tax and tips.

This is not usually a realistic goal here―after all, Carmel was the prototype for the quaint, artsy village catering to those who like to shoppe till they droppe.

By going off-season, though, we saved a lot. The town’s lodging prices drop nicely in November and December, staying pleasantly low until the big Pebble Beach golf tournament in early February sends prices all over the Monterey Peninsula soaring.

We splurged on good food, but we kept costs down by assembling our own picnic one evening. And we maximized our renewal factor by spending lots of time on the beach―which, even in late fall, is utterly beautiful and completely free.

Carmel for less

For a travel planner, contact the Carmel Chamber of Commerce (www.carmelcalifornia.org or 800/550-4333).

Lodging and dining

Candlelight Inn.  From $131. San Carlos St. at Fourth Ave.; 800/433-4732.

Carmel Coffee & Cocoa Bar.  $. Carmel Plaza, Ocean Ave. at Junipero St.; 831/ 622-0660.

The Cheese Shop.  Carmel Plaza; 800/828-9463.

Corkscrew Bistro and Wine Bar.  $$; call for hours. 55 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley Village; 831/659-8888.

Kurt’s Carmel Chop House.  $$$. Fifth Ave. at San Carlos St.; 831/625-1199.

The Normandy Inn.  From $79. Ocean Ave. at Monte Verde St.; 831/624 -3825.

Red House Cafe.  $; closed Mon. 662 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove; 831/643-1060.

Sights

Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds.  On Sunset Dr., Pacific Grove; 831/372-4076.

Carmel Beach.  West end of Ocean Ave. 831/620-2000

Carmel Mission Basilica.  $5. 3080 Rio Rd.; 831/624-1271.

Carmel River State Beach.  End of Carmelo St., about 1 mile south of Ocean Ave.; 831/649-2836.

Château Julien Wine Estate.  $5 tasting fee (free with tour); reservations required for tours. 8940 Carmel Valley Rd.; www.chateaujulien.com or 831/624-2600.

Garland Ranch Regional Park.  On Carmel Valley Rd., east of State 1; 831/659-4488.

Heller Estate.  $5 tasting fee. 69 W. Carmel Valley Rd.; 831/659-6220.

Homescapes, Carmel.  Seventh Ave. at Dolores St.; 831/624-6499.

Indoor Forest Theatre. Mountain View Ave. at Santa Rita St.; 831/624-1531.

Point Pinos Lighthouse.  Closed Tue-Wed; donation requested. 831/648-5716.

Seventeen Mile Drive.  $8.50 per vehicle. Pebble Beach Resorts; 800/654-9300.

Weston Gallery.  Sixth Ave. at Dolores St.; 831/624-4453.

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