Imagine standing at a bar to have a gentleman come up and say “you must be new in town”. Only to turn and see that man is Clint Eastwood. I wish I could tell you I had a clever response, only…I didn’t. It was one of my first trips to Carmel when I was in my 20s and I was so entirely gobsmacked I just laughed and said something along the lines of “oh I’m only here to visit my sister”. Since that trip, the city has only further captivated my heart and each time I visit it’s like a respite on life and a place of peace. A large part of that is due to my sister and her husband, as they make me feel welcome and at home. After many trips out there, it’s finally time to share a guide to Carmel. From the valley to the sea, because this area has so much to offer. I spent the holidays out there and got to introduce my husband to one of my favorite places. Would you be surprised to know that he was more interested in the golf than the shopping? If golf is your thing, this won’t be a guide for that. Instead, you’ll get to know all my favorite local spots as well as paces a few of you introduced me to! A big thanks also to my sister for helping me with this guide to her town, as well as Lauri from @pearls_ltd. Because you know I’m always curious, where do you feel most at home while traveling? Is there a place you love to visit the most because of how it makes you feel?