Monterey Dreaming

Exploring the coast and the many destinations that Monterey has to offer

Yesterday I shot a couple of terrific interviews for Bay Area Backroads and OpenRoad.TV with Kate Jessup, the food editor for Diablo magazine. Kate gave us some fabulous tips about where to find soul, Mexican and do-it-yourself food in the Bay Area. Stand by for more.

We shot our interviews in the Marin Headlands, but as she left, Kate told us she was headed to Pebble Beach for some kind of food fair extraordinaire. As I watched her drive away, I have to admit to some major jealousy.

I have a huge affection for the entire Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur region. I've explored many of its square feet over many decades and love getting back every chance I get. I always encourage people, if at all possible, to enjoy the drive down by following Highway One from San Francisco along the San Mateo Coast and through Santa Cruz, all delightful spots in their own rights.

By the time you reach old Fort Ord just north of Monterey, the light begins to soften somehow. I can never quite explain it, but the colors become warmer and when you get to Carmel, the ocean itself turns a tropical blue and the white sand beaches glisten in the sun. One of my favorite beaches in all of California is Carmel River State Beach, with a view across the water of Pt. Lobos State Reserve.

And then, south for 90 miles until you reach Hearst Castle, Highway One clings to the dramatic Big Sur coastline. It's a land and seascape that will never be overrun by developers thanks to a collaboration of conservationists and landowners. It will always remain one of the loveliest stretches of coast anywhere in the world.

Along the way, there are parks and preserves to enjoy, the Pt. Sur lighthouse to visit and places to stay in every price category from campgrounds to cliffside luxury.

When I can afford it, my favorite place to splurge in Big Sur and one of the world's premiere resorts from my perspective, is the Post Ranch Inn. Less expensive and back in Carmel, I enjoy Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch Inn. If I only have time for a drink and dinner, I always make a point of stopping by Mission Ranch to sit on the patio in time to watch the soft setting sun grace a green meadow in the foreground and Pt. Lobos in the distance.

And so, no wonder I jealously watched Kate motor off yesterday. Pebble Beach isn't bad either, but that's another story. By the way, you can find quite a few of my Monterey area videos by going to www.OpenRoad.TV. Keep checking in and we'll be posting more in the weeks ahead and more here on this website.

Posted at 10:24 AM in Doug McConnell’s OpenRoad.TV Tips | Permalink