| Travel Destinations |
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| Augusta, GA |
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| Carmel, CA |
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| Chicago, IL |
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| California, Orange County |
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| Carribbean, BVI |
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| Door County , WI |
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| Kohler, WI, 5-Diamond |
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| Monterey, CA |
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| Vail, CO |
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| Travel: Arts |
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| Travel-Food & Wine Review |
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| Travel: Advertising |
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| Travel: Media Reviews |
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| | CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA Cottages and stores tucked in secret passageways, stone paved alleyways, and inviting court yards, with architectual interest in varied designs |  |
Like a precious gemstone, Carmel, CA, has a magnetic draw, with a unique personality and alluring beauty. The unassuming natural setting of the big waves on the Pacific Coast, and easy access to sandy beaches is exceptional. The walking Village itself has a noteworthy collection of cottages, seemingly endless, with varied cozy styles and designs. Colorful blooms accompany porches, patios, storefronts, coffeehouses - picture perfect for strolling and enjoying stops along the pathways. A short stay, or several days, Camel will surprise the traveler with over 100 galleries, endless lovely dining spots, and unique boutique stores. This is a place where you can walk everywhere (with good walking shoes). In the shopping area, a hike along Ocean Avenue boasts of some of the finest shopping anywhere, with antiques, jewelry designers, and designer clothes, that are often found tucked in secret passageways, stone paved alleyways, inviting courtyards, and appealing architecturally designed cottages with interesting roof lines.   Amongst Cypress trees and views of the ocean, quaint restaurant nooks, with a wide variety of European style foods, the best of California cuisine, and fresh seafood choices, abound in Carmel. Inspired by the fresh ocean air, one can enjoy a leisurely coffee at outdoor patios and numerous quaint breakfast nooks, where the day’s itinerary planning can begin.http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/travel_itineraries.htm Carmel is an Art Lover's Dream Come True Spending a few days in this quaint, yet cosmopolitan village, travelers can see what has inspired some of the world's finest artists to paint, sculpt, photograph, and write about Carmel. For art admirers, the artistic creations in Carmel-by-the-Sea provide expressive works that often embrace the spectacular beaches, the accumulation of a variety of flowers, and abundant tropical trees. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/carmel_art_galleries.htm At the heart of Carmel‘s famed Art District, there are endless choices for art viewing, including every artistic style available in the over 100 galleries.http://www.carmelart.org/ For example, the Classic Art Gallery is a popular destination for art lovers. The galleries overall are inviting, low-key, and well-designed settings where art appreciation is embraced. http://www.classicartgallery.com/gallery.html La Playa Hotel & Cottages by the Sea, Carmel, CA  
Carmel hotels and inns are noteworthy for rejuvenating, and sensing a welcoming presence. There are no national chains in this unique place. Bathed in Pacific breezes, the village’s hotels and inns provide an unequaled sense of discovery. Each place embraces the traveler as a special guest who is genuinely welcomed. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/carmel_hotels_inns.htm One of the inviting, understated, beautiful settings to luxuriate in is the La Playa Hotel & Cottages by the Sea. Located just two blocks from the white sands of Carmel Beach and four blocks from downtown Carmel’s world class boutiques and art galleries. Located in residential Carmel, the Hotel has two buildings and five cottages ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, are nestled among the pine and cypress trees located directly adjacent to the main building. 
The La Playa is surrounded by extensive formal gardens, a heated outdoor pool, a fountain, a brick patio and a wrought-iron gazebo. Carmel-by-the-Sea, which traces its history back to 1602, began to prosper in the early 1900’s when it attracted a colony of artists, authors and musicians, whose influence is still evident in this picturesque village. La Playa was designed and built in 1904 as a Mediterranean-style private mansion by artist Christopher Jorgensen as a luxurious home for his bride, a member of San Francisco’s famous Ghirardelli chocolate clan. The original building was then transformed into a hotel in 1911 by Agnes Signor. La Playa is a member of Historic Hotels of America, a national organization of hotels dedicated to preserving the historic character and architectural quality of each property. http://www.laplayahotel.com/
| | Places to Visit Suggested itineraries, by car or foot, may include some of the following. A short drive away from Carmel are attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Big Sur, Point Lobos State Reserve, the Carmel Mission, Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, and Monterey County’s Wine Country. The picturesque 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific coastline, is just minutes away from downtown Carmel. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/travel_itineraries.htm Dining Reviews The excellent choice of varied dining offerings are endless at this charming beach side destination. http://www.carmelbythesea.com/carmel_dining.htm Remarkable California cuisine, ranging from traditional favorites to exotic styles, are presented in a gracious manner and expressive visual servings. The casual, comfortable atmosphere of Carmel makes dining a wonderful experience to be shared with family and friends. Casually elegant lunches and dinners at a host establishments in Carmel have earned the highly sought-after Wine Spectator award in recent years. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/carmel_restaurants_bars.htm  | The Melot Bistro Restaurant, Carmel, has a personal touch of owner, Csaba Ajan, who encourages an inviting ambience in unhurried comfort. |
A visit to the Melot Bistro Restaurant, Carmel, has a personal touch with a fresh approach. Owner, Csaba Ajan, is a long time resident who favors being involved in the local community, and enjoys the special offerings in Carmel. The fresh, colorful cuisine is superb, offering the finest and freshest local produce, fish and meat, and an array of regional choices. Entering through arched doorways, enticing aromas from the kitchen, and an inviting ambience of unhurried comfort. Some of the favorite dishes include: San Joaquin Valley Rabbit with tamale dumplings and mango tequila relish, grilled free range chicken with organic vegetables, fresh Salmon with spinach and blackened Halibut. An extensive selection of wines compliment the menu. The Melot Bistro is located on Ocean Avenue between Lincoln & Monte Verde. http://www.carmelsbest.com/merlot/ 
| An Italian favorite for dining is the Ristorante Cantinetta Luca where dining is a celebration of sharing, simplicity and family, as noted by Giuseppe Panzuto, Cantinetta Luca’s general manager (on left). |
Ristorante Cantinetta Luca offers casual, informal dining, specializes in antipasti, a dozen or so varieties of salume and handmade pasta. Whole fish and roasted meats are served family style. All of the presentations are simple and rustic; food prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients to bring out bold flavors, and also features menu items such as delicious pizza, baked in an authentic, Italian, no gas, wood-burning pizza oven. Giuseppe Panzuto, Cantinetta Luca’s general manager, is a native of Italy who has worked at prestigious restaurants, including the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, CA. The interior decor of Cantinetta Luca is inspired by the old refurbished buildings of Italy and is located on Dolores Street between Ocean and Seventh, where a natural welcoming service group awaits to serve the visitor. http://www.cantinettaluca.com/ 
Planning a Visit to Carmel In selecting a visit to Carmel-by-the-Sea, one can expect a treasure waiting to be explored; and an experience that continues to bring vivid memories of a special time and place. http://www.carmelcalifornia.com/index.cfm/maps_directions
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