Artist Life - Time for a Getaway to Carmel

Carmel By-The-Sea Trip

This month I took some much needed time off for a few days with my husband. I went to my favorite place in California, Carmel. The scenic city holds a special place in my heart and years of unforgettable memories. I got married in Carmel over fifteen years ago on the beach. As a child, I spent numerous summers there with my parents. Every year I try to visit this magical place. A few days in Carmel always calms my mind. A short trip helps me step away from the hustle and bustle of life. Working, managing life’s responsibilities and battling insomnia can be overwhelming at times. A getaway to Carmel allows me to take a pause in life, resulting in a fresh restart when I get back home. Sometimes you just need a short break from it all. This trip experience delivered that for sure. 

Carmel's Beautiful Weather

My two day coastal trip was certainly one to remember. I was fortunate to capture such incredible views, exceptional weather and nature's peaceful sounds. The skies were crystal clear. The ocean water featured incredible tropical blues and brilliant turquoise hues. With the click of my camera I preserved many beautiful moments of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It never gets tiresome walking down by the beach, listening to the seagulls and the echoing sounds of the ocean's crashing waves. The residential areas near the ocean are another great sight to see. The quaint homes surrounded by tall mystic green cypress trees are some of those unforgettable and delightful moments I experienced. The one of a kind Spanish style houses designed with rustic colored doors and rod iron gates captivates my attention every time, wanting to see more. If you haven't been to Carmel it certainly is a must see destination.  

One of a Kind Carmel Boutique Hotel 

When I travel to Carmel with my husband, we enjoy staying at the Tradewinds Hotel. The location is perfect. The Japanese and Balinese design makes this serene twenty-eight room hotel a lovely one of a kind boutique stay. Coffee houses, restaurants and shops are simply a few blocks away. Another bonus, the hotel is next to one of my favorite restaurants, Casanova's. The French-Italian cuisine restaurant is on 5th Avenue and Mission Street at the heart of Carmel. The charming Belgian designed home style restaurant serves delicious rustic cuisine and decadent world-renowned wines. If you like art history then you will appreciate the restaurant's small room dedicated to Van Gogh. The room is designed with the artist's original kitchen table where Van Gogh ate many meals  while boarding at Auberge Ravoux in France. Casanova's restaurant holds many fond memories for me. One in particular, our special wedding celebration over fifteen years ago. 

Beautiful flowers from Carmel on Ocean Avenue, California. 

Shopping on Ocean Avenue

I always look forward to the unlimited picturesque moments Carmel delivers. When I go to Carmel I love strolling along the old cobblestone streets on Ocean Avenue. Shops are surrounded by small English style cottages and French manor houses. Carmel keeps me busy people watching, tasting delicious food, personal shopping excursions and taking in the fresh ocean air. If you love color, Carmel does not disappoint. The fine cuisine restaurants and shops are surrounded by robust colored flowers and unique plants. Exquisite flowers are filled in dainty painted windowsill planters throughout the shops and restaurant streets. You can’t miss the bright green and red succulents bursting from large pottery pots throughout the city. Or the white lilies effortlessly growing from the ground. Carmel's beauty is sure to deliver a reminder moment of "stop and smell the roses" experience. After taking in nature's beauty I am ready for some retail therapy. I shop at Cos Bar in the Carmel Plaza for those makeup essentials. Their friendly customer service and high quality products keeps me coming back during my visits on Ocean Avenue. This small store is packed with my beauty favorites and is always guaranteed to deliver another memorable shopping experience.

Simon Bull Art - "Branches" in My Studio

Carmel's Art Community

Carmel is no doubt an artist community. Many artists go to Carmel to capture its coastal beauty and to paint their picturesque moment. As an artist I appreciate the artist vibe that Carmel delivers throughout the stunning city. There are close to a hundred galleries sprinkled throughout Carmel. Talented artists are featured from all around the world. Original paintings, tall metal sculptures and lavish one of a kind jewelry pieces are just some of the creations by artists. A must stop restaurant with incredible food and art, Pangaea Grill. I have been dining at this restaurant for over seventeen years. It is located on the North Side Of Ocean Avenue between Lincoln and Dolores Streets in Carmel. This year the restaurant featured ultra large paintings of cherry blossoms by British Artist Simon Bull - what a sight to see. The art captivated my attention and cuisine satisfied my taste buds so much we ate there twice for lunch. The restaurant was voted best restaurant in 2022. What more do I have to say? 

Simon Bull Art - "Plum + Cherry" in My Studio

 I feel very much rested from my Carmel getaway. My trip ended with new experiences, memories and some inspiration. Simon Bull's art had such an impression on me, it inspired me to purchase two Canvas art pieces when I got back home. The pieces of art are a beautiful addition to my MONOLISA studio. The art is a reminder of the wonderful memories I had with my husband in Carmel during my April 2023 trip. I look forward to visiting the coastal city again. I miss you Carmel. We will meet again! 

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