1. Chateau Julien Wine Estate: This was one of the very first places we explored after arriving in Monterey. The grounds are beautiful, the wine excellent, the staff very friendly and you receive a free wine tasting when you buy a bottle of wine, which we of course did:)
2. Farmer’s markets! I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that there is a farmer’s market every day in the area. I’ve been to almost every one, but my favorite so far is at MPC. I bought a big bunch of lavender, beautiful tomatoes, figs, a handful of roses for one dollar and next week I want to try the artichokes and organic beef and bacon. This is also something I’m super excited about for Croatia — the daily market in Doulac Square!
3. Carmel-by-the-sea: I love walking through the charming streets and the amazing restaurants we’ve tried. See # 5!
4. Crema coffee shop. It’s located in an old Victorian with various rooms upstairs and more seats on the patio. The barista was kind and the coffee delicious. It’s on the main street of Pacific Grove, which is fun to walk around. There’s a great stationary shop a few blocks up! and is next door to a cute antique clock shop. Hi, we’re 29 and 30 years old going on 85.
5. Little Napoli in Carmel-by-the-sea. A lot of restaurants in the area are dog-friendly, and no one loves doggies more than John Shea, so it’s a perfect match for us. We sat in the beautiful mediterranean courtyard and ate an amazing meal. Cam had the spagetti alle vongole and I the eggplant parmesan. Both were incredible! As were the house garlic bread and wine.
But more than any of the above, our Okinawa baby loves Monterey’s beaches and eating a belly full of sand.
Stephanie says
Haha, "..going on 85" I feel just like that at times!
Amanda Marshall says
Haha. Glad there's another old soul:)
Caravan Sonnet says
🙂 These places look awesome!! *swoon* must move near the beach (although I think I will do without eating the sand 😉 hahaha) 🙂 So thrilled to see that y'all are enjoying your time in CA!! You probably mentioned this in a previous post – so I am sorry but how long are y'all there for before you move to Croatia?
🙂 Rebecca
p.s.- John Shea grows more adorable by each passing post!! 🙂 SO cute!
Amanda Marshall says
Thank you so much, Rebecca. We're supposed to be here until sometime in the late Spring. We have soo much studying to do before then! So, so excited.
Caravan Sonnet says
Aww!! What a perfect (and BUSY!) amount of time for y'all!! 🙂 Love California!! 🙂 SO excited for y'all!!
Trisha says
Gorgeous photos! I hope I get to visit this part of California someday!
Amanda Marshall says
Thanks, Trisha. I hope you do, too. It's a great part of CA.
Sofia Loves says
I'm following you in awhile and love your blog and instagram! Beautiful photos and beautiful family!
🙂
Amanda Marshall says
Thanks so much, Sofia! So kind of you to say!
Sarah Burton says
Wow he looks so big! He's growing up so fast. So glad y'all are enjoying life!
Amanda Marshall says
Haha I know!! He is heavy as a rock, too. Thanks, Sarah. Hope you're doing well, too!
mary-katherine says
monterey is such a pretty town and it sounds like you are having a wonderful time there! so glad little john shea is back in his natural habitat 😉
xo mk
gold-hatted lover
Amanda Marshall says
Me too 🙂 Thanks, MK!
Jane {In The Pink & Green} says
Carmel is amazing! That part of California is so stunning, these photos are making me want to go back! 🙂
Amanda Marshall says
Yes, come back! And let me know when you do!
Allie says
Little Napoli is one of my favorite restaurants! My family has been going to Carmel for years with my dads side. I have the best memories from there. Pacific Grove is another favorite of mine! I want to take pictures of every building when I'm there!
Amanda Marshall says
You're kidding!! We loved that place – definitely going to make that our regular Italian spot. Yes, me too.. and I do… much to my husband's chagrin.. 🙂
Rachel says
All of these places look lovely! I love Victorian! 85 ha ha or just classy:)
Kate @ Daffodils says
Georis Winery in carmel valley was our favorite. They have $5 (big pour) glasses and free app on Friday and Saturday. Their courtyard is awesome for kids too! The Trident Room at NPS also has a great happy hour and is kid friendly and the rose garden is beautiful (and the peacoks are often out as well). So Jealous of your time out there!