Real Travel Adventures
International
NEW Articles
Adventure Travels
Stories & Photos
by Bonnie Neely
by Patty Burness
Photos by Bo Links
By Stephen W. Ayers
by Alvin Starkman
Some of the trips described in RealTravelAdventures.com were free "fam" trips. However, as professional writers, we never write what, in our opinion, is not a true evaluation of a place. If we do not like a place we visit we say so, or we simply do not write about it.
Enjoy our past features below:
INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINE
International
Travel Adventures
Stories & Photos
We average a half million UNIQUE visitors a year.
Advertise on our site. We have the best rates on the Internet!
If you travel for more that just a look-see, visit the excellent new Philosophical Traveller for indepth perspectives on places around the world. Click here . You'll find our podcasts there also to listen while you do other work on your computer.
Your FREE online travel magazine e-zine of exciting travel adventures, travel reviews, travel photos from all ages and lifestyles of real travel in US and the world. International travel adventure - travel adventure magazine - travel reviews - trip planner - road trip planner - travel news - Real Travel Adventures Ezine with Book Review and Travel Guides for good reads and good listens on your trips and international travel adventures.
Sharing Travel Adventures & Adventure Travel
Discover Great get-aways, budget stays, and luxury travel to Dream About .Choose from Hundreds of Travel Reviews and and book reviews Outdoor and Nature Photos
Get Your Travel Review Published here!
INTERNATIONAL
MAGAZINE
Some of our favorite sites
Fab Placez is Designed
with the over 50
traveler in mind
International Magazine
Custom Search
Flag of California
The Picturesque Land of Plenty
© 2012 Patty Burness, Photos by Bo Links
As you make plans for a weekend getaway, keep this in mind: Carmel and Monterey are a quick two hour drive south of the San Francisco. For those with an appetite for some of the best wine tasting and gastronomic treasures around, it's time to get going. Recently, my husband and I made the trip - staying in unique properties and enjoying the verdant region with its knock-out views.
Monterey's historic Cannery Row was our starting point. Don't dismiss this out of hand as “too touristy.” The area is steeped in history as the epicenter of Steinbeck country. It's the ideal place to jump start the fun. We checked into the InterContinental The Clement Monterey - the perfect location (for us and the car). The modern hotel sits on Monterey Bay (and a national marine sanctuary) and fits into its seaside locale with a weathered exterior and boardwalk. The interior is upscale and inviting and the rooms are comfortable, spacious, loaded with amenities and many have views of the main street and the scenic bay (some with balconies). From here, it's a quick walk around town.We strolled over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, inhaling the salty sea air along the way. This popular venue inspires conservation of the oceans through “teaching” exhibits of sea life. From sharks to jelly fish, sea turtles to penguins, there are wonderful displays to be discovered, including the reinvented Open Sea wing.
For lunch, we tried the Monterey Bay Aquarium Restaurant - Cindy Pawlcyn's latest adventure serving up fresh, local and sustainable creations. Every seat has Bay views - all the better because with borrowed binoculars and a guide, you'll be able to identify the birds you spot. Hog Farms grilled asparagus, wild Pacific Dungeness crab cakes and the Thai style mussels are hits.
Afterwards, we set out on the Cannery Row Wine Walk. Each tasting room has a unique vibe and friendly staff.
A Taste of Monterey (representing more than 70 wineries): Don't miss the 2007 Cobblestone Chardonnay and Boëté's 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Reserve Cabernet Franc.Scheid Vineyards: Find great Reserves, especially the 2007 Chardonnay and 2006 Claret. Their 2008 50/50 is a unique Cabernet/Syrah blend.Baywood Cellars: Try the sweet wines - the 2003 Symphony Late Harvest, 2000 10-year Tawny Port and the Grappa Limoncello.Pierce Ranch: The 2010 Albariño 2007 Tourbillon and 2007 Tempranillo are outstanding.Dinner that night was at the hotel's C Restaurant, where we experienced a spectacular view of the marine sanctuary, the setting sun and the endless ocean. The restaurant is an avid follower of the Aquarium's Seafood Watch program - you eat only what's sustainable. Since local ingredients rule, we opted for the smoked trout sashimi with radishes, cured lemon and miso-yuzu vinaigrette, pork shank terrine with Dungeness crab and beluga lentils, and caramelized day boat sea scallops served with a porcini mushroom-leek stew. We paired local wines with each delectable course. It was an easy elevator ride home to be lulled to sleep by crashing waves and glow from the fireplace.
The sunrise over Monterey Bay the next morning was stunning. On our way south to Carmel, we stopped at Morgan Winery, tucked into a shopping area just outside of downtown. Bright and airy, taste both Morgan and Lee Family Farm wines including the 2008 Double L Syrah and the 2008 Garys' Pinot Noir.
From there, it's a five minute drive to the picture perfect (and one of the pet friendliest) towns - Carmel-by-the-Sea. This charming enclave is home to shopping, galleries and cafes.
Carmel's scenic beach is a must see. Then it was lunch at Cantinetta Luca with its colorful interior, brick lined walls and wood-burning oven. The classic Italian food is simple and rustic. We ate the best grilled king prawns with corona beans, roasted peppers and salsa verde as well as house made salumes and a funghi pizza with criminis, spinach and gorgonzola. All this was matched with vibrant Italian wines; it was heaven.
Wine tasting in Carmel is easy - stroll the streets and courtyards and stop along the way.
Figge Cellars: The 2009 Pelio Chardonnay, 2006 Syrah and 2008 Paraiso Pinot Noir are not to be missed.Cima Collina: Favorites include the 2005 Hilltop Estate Pinot Noir and 2009 Tondre Grapefield Riesling.Caraccioli Cellars: Love the 2006 Brut Cuvee, 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Pinot Noir.Galante Vineyards: Enjoy the 2005 “Blackjack Pasture” Cabernet, 2008 “Olive Hill” Petite Sirah and an interesting blend in the 2007 Grand Champion.
The lush Auberge Carmel is nestled in the midst of downtown. It is a serene and beautiful French country oasis. This Relais and Châteux offers luxe accommodations in a boutique setting. The landscaped courtyard was awash in bright flora and a lovely place to relax. Each of the 20 rooms is distinctive; all boast rich fabrics, warm interiors and large bathrooms (some with soaking tubs).
Dinner at L'Aubergine, the cozy 12-table restaurant in the hotel was memorable. Four luscious courses featured ingredients delivered by local farmers. The amuse bouches were awesome, especially the English pea sponge cake with pea purée and pea shoots.
Luscious hamachi with sea beans, sea water, bonito jelly and uni was just one of the four courses. Others included ocean trout with crispy skin and halibut with sea lettuce, oyster and pig tail. And the international wine selections were incredible. We ended the delicious evening with a strawberry cream cheese parfait.
Next morning, the full breakfast (included with our room) gave us the fuel to make the scenic drive home.
It's always the time to visit Monterey and Carmel. You know you'll eat, drink and sleep well!
Essentials:
Getting There
Monterey & Carmel, CA: about two and one-half hours south of San Francisco. Route 1 South on a clear day is exceptional. More direct is 101 South to 156 West to 1 South.
Tourist Information: www.carmelcalifornia.com; www.monterey.org; www.canneryrowwinewalk.com.
Where to Stay
Monterey
Intercontinental The Clement Monterey: 750 Cannery Row, 866-781-2406, www.ictheclementmonterey.com. Internet specials.
Carmel
L'Auberge Carmel: Monte Verde at 7th, 831-624-8578, www.laubergecarmel.com. Rooms from $425. (Ask for a room on the second floor to avoid overhead noise.)
Where to Eat
Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium Restaurant: 886 Cannery Row, 831-648-4870, www.montereybayaquarium.org. Soups & Appetizers from $7, large plates from $18.
The C Restaurant & Bar: 750 Cannery Row, 831-375-4800, www. thecrestaurant-monterey.com. C-food bar from $1.50, appetizers from $9.50, entrees from $21, wines by the glass from $8.50.
Carmel
Cantinetta Luca: Dolores St. between Ocean and 7th, 831-625-6500, www.cantinettaluca.com. Antipasti from $8, house made salume: $18/selection, pizza from $13, 3 oz. wine pours from $4, 6 oz. wine pours from $8.
Aubergine: In L'Auberge Carmel, 831-524-8578, www.laubergecarmel.com/dining. Four courses: $89/person, with wine: $75/person.
Don't Miss
Monterey
Monterey Bay Aquarium: 886 Cannery Row, 831-648-4800, www.montereybayaquarium.org.
A Taste of Monterey: 700 Cannery Row, 2nd floor, 888-646-5446, www.tastemonterey.com.
Scheid Vineyards: 751 Cannery Row, 831-656-9463, www.scheidwines.com.
Baywood Cellars: 381 Cannery Row, 831-645-9037, www.baywood-cellars.com.
Pierce Ranch: 499 Wave St., 831-372-8900, www.piercevineyards.com.
Carmel
Morgan: 204 Crossroads Blvd, 831-626-3700, www.morganwinery.com.
Figge Cellars: Winfield Gallery, Dolores between Ocean and 7th, 831-384-4149, www.figgecellars.com.
Cima Collina: San Carlos between Ocean and 7th, 831-620-0645, www.cimacollina.com.
Galante: Dolores between Ocean and 7th, 831-624-3800, www.galantevineyards.com.
Caraccioli Cellars: Dolores between Ocean and 7th, 831-262-4148, www.caracciolicellars.com.
Must Try:
Samsonite Wind Guard Umbrella: 800-593-5251, www.csnstores.com. Protects against the wind; automatic open/close; fits in your bag. $26.99.
Verilux ReadyLight Flashlight: 800-454-4408, www.verilux.com. Solar powered, rechargeable, durable, light weight. $29.95.
Caorunn Gin: www.caorunngin.com. Scottish, handcrafted, small batch, delicious.
Hovercraft 2 In-Flight Bag: 800-962-4943, www.magellans.com. Multiple compartments; fits under the seat; made of ballistic nylon. $82.50.
_______________________
Find the best cheap cruise deal along with cruise reviews, news and opinions at cruiselinefans.com
HOTELS: for booking the best hotels worldwide, as where you book matters click here Expedia.com
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Book & Audio Reviews For Your Travels
Subscribers:So that your free subscription is not mistaken for spam,
Please copy & paste our E-mail address into your address book: mail@realtraveladventures.com
It's that simple!
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
Adventure Travels in your Free Ezine
If any links don't work
Thanks for visiting us!
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
Real and Armchair Travelers: Enjoy best trip reviews, travel features, and excellent travel photos in RealTravelAdventures.com, your FREE on-line international magazine. Send your funny or outrageous travel experiences & photos and get published!
Visit or dream of fascintating places with Real Travel Adventures e-zine! This site offers travel humor, photos, stories, helpful guidebooks, and more. Visit for fun or to seek tips for your next travel adventure...and then share your own stories with us here at
realtraveladventures.com, your free online travel magazine, where you'll find great book reviews, international travel adventures magazine, airline tickets, real travel adventures, camping, RV travel, RV's, Cruises, restaurant reviews, RVing, FamilyTrips, traveling with kids and children, Nature and eco trips, ecology, international travel, Ski Trips, Spas, Spiritual Retreats, interviews with Special People, Travel Humor, Travel News, Unbelievable, WeddingTrips, restaurant reviews and advisor, traveling adventures, adventure travels, travel, virtual and armchair travel, Back Roads, off the beaten path, where to go Camping and enjoy RV trips, where to Dine and Sleep, fun Family Trips, our Favorite Finds, Arts and Crafts, cruises and cruise vacations, romantic trips, traveling tips, travel stories, audio book reviews for your travels, books reviews, good books for a trip, wedding trip planner, wedding Trips, Honeymoons, Unbelievable adventures, Travel News, humorous travel stories, spas and retreats, spiritual retreats, meditation retreats, ski trips, week-end trips Near You, nature's Best places, ecology trips, travel guide books, traveling with children, e-zines, FREE Ezines, Free travel magazines, magazine, free online magazines, internet magazines, free magazine subscriptions, web magazines, true stories, humorous articles, funny features, human interest features, nature photos, environment photographs, photos, adventurous stories, real true stories, true adventrues, camping gear, vacation, holidays, safaris, Caribbean vacations, cheap hotels, great places to go, nature hikes, nature photography, family vacations, family holidays, trip planner, great trips, scenic photos, holiday vacations, holidays, holiday stories, foreign destinations, International travel trips. And you can Get published here too! Send us your travel stories and pictures.
© 2012 Bonita Productions Inc.