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SLIDESHOW!

SATURDAY

Lunch: Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (http://www.hmbbrewingco.com/)

The Scene: A surfer’s haven that’s conveniently adjacent to Mavericks break, famous for some of the world’s toughest big-wave surfing. Handcrafted Mavericks Amber Ale and Mavericks Budgetary Alement are piped directly to the bar from the Half Moon Bay Brewery next door. Grab a patio seat near the blazing fire pits in time to watch the sun set. Weekends are for live rock ‘n’ roll and blues while “Brews & Views,” a heated political discussion, takes place monthly.

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-beach-bars/3

Hike:  Sequoia Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

About Big Basin (http://www.bigbasin.org/):  Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest State Park, established in 1902. Home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco, the park consists of over 18,000 acres of old growth and recovering redwood forest, with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Elevations in the park vary from sea level to over 2,000 feet. The climate ranges from foggy and damp near the ocean to sunny, warm ridge tops.

The park has a surprising number of waterfalls and a wide variety of environments from lush canyon bottoms to sparse chaparral-covered slopes. Many animals such as deer, raccoon, coyote, fox, an occasional bobcat, mountain lion, and many bird species–including California quail, egret, heron, hawk, owl, woodpecker, and the endangered marbled murrelet–call Big Basin home. And of course there are always plenty of banana slugs!

About the Sequoia Trail (http://bigbasin.org/trailssequoia.html):  The Sequoia Trail is one of the oldest in the park and was built perhaps as early as 1875. It has evolved over the years, reflecting the changes in the basin. The trail was originally called Roger’s Trail after an early homesteader who settled in this area. Later, the portion of the trail that connects Slippery Rock to the upper end of Opal Creek was known as Trail Beautiful. This section of the trail was cut in 1895 to accommodate the trains of pack mules that hauled over 800 cords of tanbark that year to the wagon road at Slippery Rock.

In September of 1904, a fire roared through the area destroying 50 homes, 2 mills, and burned through 1,000 acres of parkland. A redwood tree along the Sequoia Trail smoldered for 14 months until its heartwood was consumed. A testament to the hardy nature of the coast redwood–and indeed the park itself–the tree still stands.

Much of the Sequoia Trail is richly steeped in park history: It was along this trail at Slippery Rock that the park’s founders camped and passed around a hat, collecting $32 and igniting the dream that saved the redwoods and created California’s now oldest state park. The Sequoia Trail is just as rich in amazing natural areas; its diverse habitats include old growth redwoods, meadowland, creeks, and a stunning waterfall. You might even spot an acorn woodpecker penthouse–if you look for it.

 

Dinner: La Bicyclette (http://labicycletterestaurant.com/)

The café in European culture has always been more than just a place to eat and drink. Cafés are social hubs, places for discussion, thought, relaxation, and time with friends. The café is where people from all walks of life, whether they are artists and writers, or business people and politicians, can come and interact freely. People can laugh, share stories, share ideas, and debate in a casual atmosphere that is comfortable and stress free. Because of this, cafés are bustling with activity and there is a sense that everyone belongs. Great ideas and dialogue go hand in hand with great food and wine. We find inspiration in the aliments(ingredients) that nourish our bodies and our minds. The cafés of Europe have spawned many a great idea and many a great meal. We hope that La Bicyclette follows in the same tradition.

Stay: Carmel Lodge (http://www.carmellodge.com/)

Carmel Lodge is nestled along the Pacific Ocean in one of California’s most stunningly beautiful coastal towns.  Resonating with a refined charm and stylish sophistication, our tranquil hotel in Carmel is located in the heart of the most desirable vacation destination on the West Coast.

 

SUNDAY

Breakfast: Katy’s Place (http://www.katysplacecarmel.com/)

Katy’s Place, “Carmel’s Breakfast Tradition”® since 1982, is perennially considered the gourmet breakfast restaurant by residents and visitors alike. In the heart of bustling Carmel Village, Katy’s defines the essence of breakfast as this “most important meal of the day” should be enjoyed. In fact, served throughout the day are sixteen different sublime gourmet Eggs Benedict dishes over which patrons literally sigh with ecstasy.

Golf: Spyglass Hill (http://www.pebblebeach.com/golf/spyglass-hill-golf-course)

Spyglass Hill Golf Course takes its name from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island, published in 1863. Local legend maintains that Stevenson once wandered the Spyglass area gathering ideas for his novels. With this in mind, Robert Trent Jones Sr. set about creating a treasure of his own.

Opened in 1966, Spyglass Hill Golf Course features two distinctly different kinds of terrain that influence the way the holes look and play. The first five holes roll through sandy seaside dunes challenging you to carefully pick the safest path. The following 13 holes are cut through majestic pines with elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers and lakes to grab the errant shot. Hole names such as “Black Dog” and “Billy Bones” are hints for the unwary.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course is rated one of the toughest courses in the world from the Championship tees, boasting a course rating of 75.5 and a slope rating of 147. The PGA TOUR consistently lists Spyglass Hill’s holes 6, 8 and 16 among the toughest on the TOUR, and during the 1999 United States Amateur, the stroke average of the field during medal play was in excess of 79.
Scaffle Beach 86
Scrippsglass Hill 98

Drive: 17 Mile Drive (http://www.pebblebeach.com/activities/explore-the-monterey-peninsula/17-mile-drive)

17-Mile Drive is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The famous coastal landmark runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, from the dramatic Pacific coastline to the majestic Del Monte Forest. The awe-inspiring vistas and legendary sites can easily fill an entire day with exploration and discovery, although visitors with less time should not miss the opportunity to experience this wondrous journey as well.

Marvel at some of nature’s treasures found along 17-Mile Drive including The Lone Cypress – one of California’s best-known landmarks – Spanish Bay, Cypress Point Lookout and Carmel Bay. You can also see the emerald fairways of The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Dinner: Casanova (http://www.casanovarestaurant.com/)

Casanova’s style, décor, food and service will transport you to the small inns of France and Italy where tasty and well presented food, shared with friends is part of the good life. Casanova earns its reputation for outstanding cuisine, “world class” wine service, and fun ambiance with every guest.