Monday, April 21, 2014

Carmel- by- the Sea


Carmel-by-the Sea was recently voted one of the most romantic places destinations in the country.  It's easy to fall in love with such a beautiful and charming place.   


Our recent California trip included a weekend at the
 historic Normandy Inn on Ocean Avenue.






On previous trips we have stayed at the Lamplighter Inn, Seven Gables and Green Gables.   This time we decided to stay right in the
 heart of Carmel so we could 
just walk to everything in the little village.


The Normandy always has beautiful flowers in terra cotta pots in the courtyards and along the front sidewalk.  







Baskets of flowers are hanging along the walkways 



and from the large trees on the property. 




We had originally wanted to stay in the 
Blue Bird Cottage again 



 (only a few doors down)  but were told that it was already booked due to Doris Day's 90th birthday celebration.  Apparently there are several inns and hotels she owns or has interest in, most notably the Cypress Inn.  The rooms were blocked for her guests and birthday extravaganza so
 when the Blue Bird wasn't available I remembered how pretty the flowers were at the Normandy and it's
 great location for walking throughout the village.  



source: Normandy Inn website

   At the Normandy I loved the library and lobby area decorated in 
  warm woods and french fabrics.  









The fireplace in the lobby was unique in shape and decor.



Our room was very pretty,  clean and comfortable and I fell in love with the fireplace right away.


When I saw the fireplace with the Quimper tiles I instantly thought of Sarah from Hyacinths for the Soul and her love of Quimper dishes and tiles. 




Here's a closeup for Sarah of the tiles



We only had a peek of the ocean through all the cypress pines but we could hear the ocean.  The rooms in Carmel don't have air conditioning since it is rarely needed,  so windows and dutch doors are left open until the
 evening when   
fireplaces are a must to keep the room 
cozy and warm.




I loved the room's little nook
 with a live white orchid as the centerpiece.


The toile fabric and style of this chair was so pretty and 
a perfect compliment to the room. 

     

The bed was super comfortable and had it's own
little nook too. 
  


The inn is charming, french inspired,  right in the 
heart of Carmel and just a few blocks from 
the beach.  



Shopping is a joy in Carmel and the window 
displays are just so beautiful and make you want to go in 
each and every shop!









We had a lovely visit with friends and shared some fabulous meals.  Our weekend in Carmel and the 
Monterey Peninsula couldn't have been any lovelier. 

Our trip took us on down the coast to Avila Beach...



I'll share that next week.

I'm linking with 

Oh, the Places I've Been




15 comments:

  1. So gorgeous Sonia! Your pix of Carmel are just beautiful; what kind of camera do you use? I am considering upgrading mine in the future. It looks like you had a wonderful CA B&B trip. I have not been to Carmel since 1987 when we took our very first B&B trip to San Francisco and took a tour down to Monterey and Carmel, but it looks the same! I loved it there too! A really fun couples place. If you and your hubby are ever coming to San Diego, CA for a trip, perhaps we should meet in person for lunch since we like so many of the same things, especially B&Bs, lavender, blogging, dining, and all things home. In any event, happy travels, wherever you may roam next! :)

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  2. Sonia, you are a dear to think of me. What a treat to see these wonderful Quimper tiles. Thank you, thank you! It's been far too many years since we spent time in Carmel. Sharing your visit makes me want to plan a trip to this beautiful area.
    Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness. You are a dear!

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  3. Sonia, I laughed at your camera comment on my blog as we have more in common--I keep my techie equipment as long as possible too as I don't like to learn any more tech than I have to! Seriously, your pix are amazing so forget a new camera for now. :)

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  4. Carmel is my husband's favorite spot to travel to. We used to live in CA and take trips there occasionally. I did hear that Doris Day turned 90. Any Doris spotting? The Blue Bird Inn looks like a wonderful place to stay at -- so cozy and tastefully arranged. I love the public beach in Carmel, right down Ocean Boulevard. The shops are so charming. I need to go back. Joni

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  5. oh the sweet pangs of home... i only lived there for 7 years, but its engrained in my soul forever more. i confess i love our beach house more than carmel if i had to pick, but every time i see a pic i remember all the joy i had living there. it is truly a wonderful place~

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  6. Sonia, I think one of our favorites spots to visit is Carmel-by-the Sea. I love the area and all the wonderful shops. I always find some little treasure to bring home with us. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful trip and amazing photos.
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  7. Not many people can say that they couldn't book a room at a hotel because of Doris Day! I love it! What a wonderful place to go and the hotel you chose is charming- love the details! I would adore to go Carmel by the Sea :-)

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  8. Que maravilla.
    Me ha encantado visitar tu bloc. Despues de las vacaciones de Semana Santa y la fiesta de Sant Jordi, continuaremos con las limpiezas ecológicas primaverales y esta semana le toca a la cocina espero que os guste y os sea de utilidad y por eso te invito a visitar mi blog. Si te ha gustado espero que si no eres seguidora te hagas ahora.
    Elracodeldetall.blogspot.com

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  9. How charming! I would love to see Carmel by the Sea in person. Maybe someday! Thanks for sharing!

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  10. Oh, Carmel, how I love it there. I was just there last weekend with friends. We stayed at the Centrella Inn in Pacific Grove this time. Adorable! I've walked past the Normandy Inn hundreds of times but have never stayed there. Can't wait to see your photos from Avila Beach. You know how I love, love, love the central coast area!

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  11. Wow! Such a wonderful place to visit! Thanks for sharing! Greetings all the way from England ! :)

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  12. Thanks Sonia for your sweet comment! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs! :))

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  13. Such a beautiful place you have here Sonia! I am your newest follower and I must come back when I have extra time to sit with a cup of tea, relax and enjoy. Just beautiful!!
    Have a beautiful blessed Mother's Day!
    Joy! Debbie

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  14. Hi Sonia
    You have a wonderful blog i love it

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  15. Sonia, it's been too long since I've been to Carmel. You have inspired me to move it up on my must-do list! Lovely photos!

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