WEEKEND IN CARMEL
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I seriously feel so lucky when I get the opportunity to travel for work! If you don't know I work as a wedding content creator for Cupid Content Co. and this particular weekend I was lucky enough to get a solo weekend in Carmel.
I put on my Instagram story it felt like I was bragging and saying "this is the greed they talk about in the bible btw" because I am genuinely so grateful for this job and feel so lucky that I get to capture people in love and all the beautiful details. Little me would be in awe that this is a job and I get paid to do it. Honestly, me a few years ago would be in awe.
Anyways, if you're heading to Carmel, hopefully this little list of things I saw in the few days I was there is helpful!
This particular wedding was just coverage on wedding day, Saturday. I landed on Friday afternoon with nothing but fresh eyes to wander around town. I have never been to Carmel and was really excited to be in another beach town. Another CCC trip I took was to Santa Barbara and I was obsessed with that beach town too.
Also, I just HAD to share that this breakfast sandwich and coffee came out to $38 at LAX...make it make sense.
After landing I got my rental car and hit the road. It was literally only a ten minute drive from the airport into Carmel. I had La Bicyclette saved as a possible lunch spot but honestly was not feeling it once I got there. I decided to roam aimlessly and just walk into spots that caught my attention. I, of course, did some research before getting there so I had some ideas of places I would want to see. One being souvenir shops and the Coach outlet. I just bought a magnet and postcard (my go-to souvenirs everywhere I go!)
Kind of, maybe, still really thinking about that Carmel Bay Co. mug but I had to show restraint because I have so many mugs as it is.
I got so many compliments on my pants wandering around town. I don't know if it was the people of Carmel just being so friendly, me traveling solo, or the fresh red hair that made people so generous with compliments. Either way, I was enjoying the sweet words and conversations that followed! If you ever wonder where anything is from check out my LTK or ShopMy.
I stumbled on this beach on the side of the road while driving to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Turns out I was at Monastery Beach and it was such a pretty day. I was told it was a rare sunny day and I was impressed with the NorCal beaches. The sand was a little pebbly but still very fine and soft. Every other time I have visited the bay area beaches, its usually overcast or just rocky beaches. Also my wedding the next day ended up being a suuuuper soft white sand beach on another gorgeous day. So secret is, visitng Carmel in September/ October for a nice beach day!
Then I went over to Point Lobos and was realizing what I was getting myself into. It was about 2 p.m. and I had to park outside and walk in, that being said I did park super close. I saw so many people in full hikinig gear walking back to their cars and looking pretty miserable. I was second guessing if I should do it but alas, I was there.
Once I walked in I realized they were letting cars in, even though the "parking lot full" sign was out...
I asked the park rangers what they thought was realistic for me to hike if I had about an hour. I took a shorter path, still really pretty, and doable in non-hiking attire. I highly reccomend and would go back to do the full route.
I was genuinely inspired being surrounded by nature. Getting excited to go camping in a month!
Last stop for the day before check-in was Mission Ranch. My friend Jules came to Carmel for her honeymoon and reccomended this spot. Nothing like going to sit at a restaurant alone with a glass of wine and a gorgeous view.
These trips always remind me how cool it is to do things alone. Every decision is my own and I am not worried about anyone else. Lots of time to sit with my own thoughts and desires.
I woke up early to make it to a breakfast spot I found. Excuse the horrible photo I got of this potato pancake from Stationæry, I was sending it to my mom. I was genuinely shook that my breakfast cost around $45. The potato pancake wa $36 and then after tax and tip I spent nearly $50 on just a main, no coffee or juice!
I kind of wished I had got the chilaquiles or the classic breakfast instead but the potato pancake was the popular item that typically sells out.
Anyways, after that I went to Mad Dogs and Englishmen for coffee.
Back at the hotel I had some time to decompress and relax before getting ready to get over to the wedding. The couple was staying at Carmel Beach Hotel, an adorable boutique hotel just a few steps to Carmel Beach. I wasn't expecting a soft white sand beach (as I said my opinions of NorCal beaches are apparently limited) but it was really beautiful and definitely a big beach.
Reception was at The Perry House in Monterey. What a cute venue I loved it!! It was basically a house with two levels and then the actual dinner was a level down in the backyard. So essentially three different levels of things to do.
It was such a good day. Gorgeous and sweet couple, really cute details, and a nice media team (aka one photographer and myself lol). It makes such a difference how the day goes when the team synergy is right and the vibes are good.
I ended the night at their coffee bar with a matcha latte and they added a cutie Dolly Parton message on top, rip Dolly!!
I did have breakfast vouchers for the hotel, so the day before I got these pancakes. On Sunday I ate the leftovers in bed after packing up the hotel.
I had some time to kill before going to the airport so I had my sights set on a coffee shop.
The photographer told me Alta Bakery is really good or Ad Astra, whichever line was shorter (they are right next to each other). When I got there the Ad Astra line was significantly shorter so fate decided. The coffee and croissant were really good, definitely the best of the trip.
These solo trips mean so much to me and I try to enjoy every moment, even the quiet moments in the car or waiting in line for coffee.
Coming on my two year anniversary of working for CCC has me in my feels. A reminder to be so grateful and so in love with this life I am building. Acknowledging that doesn't mean I am not still striving for more and struggling in other ways but I think being grateful for what I do have holds so much more weight. If you believe in manifesting, then let this be your sign. I swear I manifested this life and cannot wait to see what is next!! (hopefully another international CCC trip soon hehe)
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