Carmel by the Sea
Posted on Sep 01, 2009 under Archives | No Comment
Carmel by the sea
While researching a story for Pasadena magazine on coastal getaways, I visited the storybook town of Carmel by the Sea. The village is so small (one square mile) it has no street lights and is filled with English cottage style architecture. The main shopping area is also a just few block’s walk to the beach. I fell in love with this village immediately. My first stop was for lunch at the Cottage (they also serve killer breakfasts).
The Cottage restaurant
This place was so cute I had to try it. Inside was a cozy country room with a nice fireplace.
Inside the Cottage restaurant
I had a lunch combo of caesar salad and fresh artichoke soup. Both were delicious. I highly recommend stopping in for lunch or breakfast.
Caesar salad
Fresh artichoke soup, yummy.
I decided to do a bit of shopping on the main drag of Ocean Street.
Shopping in Carmel
Inside this lovely courtyard (above) I found a great shop called The White Rabbit. Opened in 1993, it houses one of the largest selections of items from the world of Alice in Wonderland. Inside, I found backward pocket watches, White Rabbit clocks, tea sets, shirts and lots of other interesting items. Designer Daniel Herron designs many of the items and runs the shop (located at Ocean and Monte Verde Street).
Designer Daniel Herron, outside of White Rabbit shop
I bought a wall clock and a watch, which I always get lots of comments about (they both run backwards!).
hand painted backward running clocks
Watches
If you can’t get to Carmel, you can order most of the stuff found at The White Rabbit online at www.thewhiterabbit.net.
Rip Squeak gallery
My other favorite place shop was the Rip Squeak Gallery, where I found the perfect gift for my nephew Wyatt. It houses the Rip Squeak book series as well as collectible artwork from the books.
Rip Squeak collectible art
Rip Squeak books and more art
After I bought a book with beautiful artwork, I walked over to check into L’Auberge, which I will review in another post.