Before we head to Carmel and Monterey, we grab breakfast on the patio at Harbor Cafe. (YUM.) then swing through Verve Coffee Roasters for a quick pick-me-up.
Carmel is charming—full of high-end stores and beautiful homes and down by the beach, tourists.
Our Air BnB in Monterey is adorable. 50s beach house with charming arched doorways and hardwood floors.
We cruise Cannery Row down by the water, take turns using passes for the Monterey Aquarium, (jellyfish, jellyfish, jellyfish).
For drinks, we meet up for happy hour at the Sardine Factory. It wasn’t much to look at outside, but it’s kinda famous. I sat in Clint Eastwood’s spot at the bar then they gave us a tour. The Lounge, The Conservatory, The Captain’s Room, and the pis de resistance, The Wine Cellar where we stood face-to-face with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s personal wine locker. With more than 1,800 labels and 32,000 bottles, their wine list one of the most extensive in the world. The most expensive bottle of wine they have, $38,000. Oldest bottle, 1862.
Here’s some history. And some photos.
When The Sardine Factory opened on October 2, 1968, Cannery Row was a run-down and forgotten piece of Monterey on the wrong side of the tracks. Over the years, The Sardine Factory added dining rooms including the beautiful Conservatory and impressive Wine Cellar, expanding its 72 seats to 250 seats. Several scenes from Clint Eastwood’s “Play Misty for Me” were filmed at the bar and celebrities from all over the world from Julia Child and Rachael Ray to Jim Nantz and Prince Albert II of Monaco have frequented its dining rooms.
Lalla Oceanside Grill for dinner is fine. Good view and we got some nice pieces of fish.
Maybe it was because of Karate Kid, but I’ve wanted to have a fire on the beach as long as I can remember. Luckily the crew was into it, so we ventured out with nothing but a few towels and a dream.
Back in Carmel, we see fire pits blazing so the guys walk up and make friends. Before we know it, we’re laughing with our new friends (all from the midwest) and they’re sharing stories and s’mores. Perfect.
Places & Things & Pictures & Words 
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