Last weekend Lauren and I went to Monterey for the afternoon. I took the camera so you could experience Monterey too! 
Our first stop was Fisherman's Wharf, which is restaurants and touristy-type shops. Not nice shops but type that sells everything you can imagine with "Monterey" printed on it! We went inside every shop there because Lauren was looking for the perfect sweatshirt which she never found!
We had lunch at Isabella's (pictured above) and sat outside, all the way down at the end. It was a beautiful day! It's usually really cool here but it was around 80 degrees the day we went! The average August temp. is 70 degrees.
Lauren ordered Calamari and Chips (french fries) and I ordered a Cobb Salad...and then we ate off each other's plates. We make a great mother/daughter team because we like the same things!
As we were sitting there eating lunch I noticed a crowd forming and they were all looking down...
This little guy somehow made it up on the wharf and he obviously loved being the center of attention!
I heard he finally found his way back into the bay!
Further down the wharf there was this man (above) with his flock of parrots!
He would place the parrot on your hand...it was priceless watching the little kids hold these big birds!
We were considering going out on a whale-watching boat but it's a 3-hour boat trip so we decided to do that another day.
After we left Fisherman's Wharf we drove over to another part of Monterey called Cannery Row. John Steinbeck wrote a book called Cannery Row about this area back in 1945.
Cannery Row is also lots of restaurants and gift shops. One of the shops had the biggest chandelier I think I've ever seen!
If you love chocolate this is the place to be (or not)!
Yummy!!!
It was such a wonderful day and I'm so grateful that my daughter (at 16 years old) still likes to do things with her mom! It was fun playing tourist in our own back yard! At lunch our waiter asked us where we were from and when I told him the San Jose area he just laughed. I guess he thought we were there on vacation not just for the afternoon!
Updated: I got lots of comments and email about Carmel which is located close to Monterey. I did a post on Carmel in Sept 2007. Click here to see that! I plan to go to Carmel in the next month or so!
I was just there! But, we did NOT have nice weather. We had a scheduled sail off that pier where I FROZE. I also did not find that chocolate. That will have to be next time. It is a wonderful place with so much to see. We actually go to Pebble Beach for a business trip every July. I understand July is your "June gloom" time like we have here in SoCal. We need to come on our own and scout around. Here's my link to my trip there, it was awesome!
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I'd love to take my daughter. What a special day together. You're lucky to live so close by!
Hi Cindy.. I'm here for the first time... your blog is wonderfull... it's so sweet... I come back... kisses... Lena
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I honeymooned there and our family visited there last August. Sheridan loves Bubba Gumps and the aquarium. Thanks for the tour!
ReplyDeleteI quit my traveling job almost 3 years ago. What i miss most is the food. And the food on the wharf was excellent. I'm sure it's the ambiance that adds to the enjoyment. It was so nice to see Santa Barbara again.. thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteoops I meant Monterey............where is my brain? off in California - day dreaming..
ReplyDeleteCindy, Thank you for the preview. We're going to be in Monterey next week for a couple of days & then will drive down to Big Sur on the 17-mile highway. We'll be staying in SFO where my son lives & also will be checking out Sonoma Valley. I'm hoping to get to Campbell to see your favorite store, Vintage & Vogue! Thanks again for the tour & I must go see that chandelier for myself. Have you ever been to the 'Crown & Crumpet' tea room in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square? I saw it in Romantic Homes & can't wait to have tea there. can you tell that I'm excited about my trip?? :) Hugs....Sue in FL
ReplyDeleteOMGosh Miss Cindy, thank you so much for my mini-vacation... and I didn't even have to leave the house. I don't get to travel much because there is so much else to do with our home... and so I very much enjoy the places you go... living vicariously through your pictures. (Gorgeous as usual!) And it didn't cost me a cent. The seal and the birds were pretty amazing. The red parrot someone was holding was stunning. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAs for your daughter "still wanting to do things with her mom"... it was about that age that I started really bonding with my own mom. Being more like "pals" than parent/child. I can remember while I was still in highschool, she and I would love to go "garage sailing" as we fondly referred to it. We'd get up early, have breakfast, and head out with our change and dollar bills. I just loved spending time with her. We laughed, we talked, we just hung out. As I became an adult there was always time for Mom. I wouldn't trade that time for anything.. and I'm so glad that I "still wanted to do things with my mom!" Your daughter will cherish these memories with YOU for the rest of her life.
Hugs, Penny Sue
We were just in Monterey a little over a month ago, and ate at Isabella's too! Love the Monterey Area. I agree the stores on the pier aren't the best :) I like to drive up a bit further past the aquiarium to Pacific Grove. A few cute stores and yummy little restaurants.
ReplyDeleteI'm down in So. CA and sure wish we could go to Monterey for day! It's a 6 hour drive for us.
OMG, what a fun time it looks like you all had. How sweet is that little seal..
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time! Cheers! Michele
ReplyDeleteCindy, I enjoyed reading about trip with your daughter to Monterey. I too have been there and seen many of the same sights. But I certainly didn't see a visitor like you had!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite places to visit in that general area is Carmel. Do you ever go there to visit?
Looks like FUN! I'm drooling over that Calamari! Can't get that here in Missouri!
ReplyDeleterosie
Cindy, thanks for the tour. I would love to go there one day. Looks like you had so much fun and loved the little seal!!! What a treat!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am jealous, it is one of the most favorite places in CA, for me to go. It looked like prefect weather too. Sometimes it's so overcast.
ReplyDeleteThey have the most awesome restaurants there too.
CIao
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteWe went there on vacation about 20 years ago. It is great, but it was so cool when we were there in August we had to wear jeans and sweatshirts. (of course we lived in AZ then and any place would have been cold to us) My favorite is Carmel and the 17 mile drive. Beautiful scenery. I love all the quaint little houses there... and all the flowers!!! Next time drive on down to Carmel and takes some pictures of the cottages for us, please.
I expected a beach town at Big Sur and was surprised to find beautiful forests with ferns. The lady who is going to Big Sur should try to go to Pfiefer State Beach. It's beautiful, with a big blow hole and a beautiful fern lined road (I hope it is still there)
Thanks for the mini-vacation. I would love to go back again and again and again! Thanks for sharing!
Sandy
Oh Lovely! Thanks for the trip. Much less crowded than the trip we took to the 'fair' or whatever that was. And a bit cooler...and the food is yummy!
ReplyDeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteI was in California back in March/April of 1971. My then husband and I drove across the country from NY state to buy a "drag boat". Do they still race those? Low profile boats with car engines, lol. I always hoped to go back to see more of Ca. So I truly love traveling around with you Cindy. You weekend sounded lovely and to share with your daughter was the icing on the cake. Please take us on more trips, even walking trips. Thank you for sharing your day and beautiful Monterey. I love the rugged coast.
oh Cindy thank you. You KNOW this is my favorite type of post. I have eaten at that restaurant too. I always have to get some clam chowder there is just nothing else like it and calamari with a double dip.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that I told you to go to Carpos off of Soquel Ave exit the 2nd one just past 41st. Order Calamari there with a double dip you have to dip it in both the tarter and the cocktail sauces, tooo good. They serve with pasta and vegetables or fries. Great menu and you'll love the prices!!
Hello Cindy; How great that you two can still have a great time together. Love all the beautiful photos,,, the chocolate shops are just so yummy looking... I am luck in that way too, my 33yr old daughter stills loves to go with me, we have a great time together... there is just something so special about the relationship between Mother and Daughter...
ReplyDeleteHugs;
Alaura
Monterey is a wonderful place!! I visited there when my daughter was at the DLI. I love the mild temps and how all the flowers seem to be on steroids! Hopefully will get back there some day. Beautiful city.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely trip with your daughter. Isn't it wonderful to share things like this? My girls are 23 and 22 and we can still have times like this -- I feel very blessed.
ReplyDeleteAnd OH MAN that chocolate! Be still my beating heart. . .
Cass
PS that little seal is adorable. Could he live in a bathtub?
Oh, a walk down memory lane. Thanks. I loved Monterey but have not been there in 9 years. We are thinking of making a trip to the central coast next summer to visit family! This makes me want to go NOW! Beth
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a wonderful trip! What perfect summer pictures to share...
ReplyDeleteIf you get a chance, come by my Blog and say hi. I just put up a post on the San Francisco Gift Show where my Pillows were featured.
Have a great day,
Aimee
What a beautiful place!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend the day together! Lots of interesting and yummy places to check out. The seal was darling. I would've loved the parrots ~ I own two myself. Awesome post!
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy!I live down under so really enjoyed the tour of Monterey. That chocolate shop looks scrumptious.. good thing I wasn't there.. if there's one thing I can't resist it's chocolate! I too have a 16 yr old daughter and its really nice to be able to relate to each other as friends not just mother and daughter, even though sometimes she can be stubborn in her ways! That's when the mom steps in!lol! take care, Maryann
ReplyDeleteCindy I just adore reading your blog. You have such a beautiful home. I must say with this particular post I think I gained 5 lbs just looking at the food!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!
Annie
I just love that cute little seal! Looks like you had a fabulous day with your daughter!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great mini vacation! Great photos - thanks for sharing your day with us. That little guy was just noisey and wanted to join in with everyone. :-D Yes, it is fun to do things with your daughters when they get older.
ReplyDeleteThank you! for bringing back so many memories. I spent some time there in the late 80's. Beautiful place to be. I remember Cannery Row, the Wharf, Aquarium, awesome homes and beautiful shops. We stayed with family in San Jose...and took day trips to Montery Bay, 17 mile drive and so many other places I can't even remember. I do, however remember going to Carmel and there was a little shopping plaza there I loved. You could walk around the outside of it and it was so quaint. I was told that Clint Eastwood liked a restaurant near there and was committed to staking it out to get a glimpse! He was Mayor then. :-) It was one of my most memorable trips! Tami E.
ReplyDeleteThat Cobb salad looks good! That seal is too cute ~ I'm surprised he was right there among the people.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably a good thing you didn't go on that 3-hour whale-watching tour, remember what happened to Gilligan and THAT 3-hour tour? : )
Such a lovely area. I've never been but I can appreciate the views from your pictures!
Oh, thanks for the beautiful photo tour. And that chandelier is AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun place to visit and a good day with your daughter(:
ReplyDeleteHugs~Kelly
You just brought back so many memories of one of our most favorite vacations, Northern California. We went to Monterey and it was a perfect day that day. Wish we were there now.
ReplyDeleteSo nice that you and Lauren can enjoy these pretty places together.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
That little seal was sooo cute! Looks like he was hoping for a food handout. I would have loved visiting the chocolate shops. Sounds like you had a great time.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been there for years and years. Thank you so much for the trib, the water looks amazing. The little seal was magnificent.
ReplyDeletecindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com
Hi Cindy! So nice your Blog! Marvelous your trip! Delicious food! I added your Blog at my favourits. Bye.
ReplyDeleteWe were in Monterey 15 years ago for our 30th wedding anniversay. We stayed in Carmel by the Sea at a bed and breakfast and it was wonderful. What a beautiful place in this world of ours! Thanks for bringing back the memories.
ReplyDeleteCharla
Monterey looks like a fun, beautiful place. I love the seal photo, so cute!
ReplyDeleteI definitely would have stopped at Ghiardelli's.
So nice that you can spend days with your teenage daughter. You must be a cool mom!
What a wonderful afternoon! It is very nice that a 16 yr old likes to do stuff with her mom still. You must have a very special relationship. Loved the little seal...so darling!
ReplyDelete~Patti
What a lovely visit!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Lisa
Pretty photos! Thanks for sharing. I have not been there since my first marriage, he was a PGA golf pro so was interested in playing the courses there and could play there for free if he set it up ahead of time. Gorgeous area, I loved it, hope to go back again one day with my now more fun hubby with me!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Ahhhhh, Monterey. We LOVE Monterey. Love the aquarium. & my cousin works at Pebble Beach.
ReplyDeleteWe're in Pismo right now, which I'm sure you're probably also very familiar with! :)
Those chocolate caramel apples look so delicious!
ReplyDeleteI loved this!. Monterey and Carmel are two of my husband's and my favorite places in the U.S. Carmel especially. I was smiling as I looked at your Carmel post because I have some of those very same pictures. We live in PA, but have been to Carmel a few times and can't wait to go again. You're so lucky to live so close.
ReplyDeleteI love Monterey, My parents and I lived there when I was a baby, too back I don't remember it. Your pictures were wonderful, really makes me want to go visit again soon. Thanks for sharing!
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ReplyDeleteWow! I love your blog! It is so beautiful and I am very thankful you share it with us. I grew up in the bay area and I sure do miss it! One of my favorite places on earth is Carmel! Wish I had enough money to live in one of those cute little cottages.....now I'm land locked and live in a desert!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day!!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I am a little jealous, #1...I have NEVER seen the ocean. #2...I don't have any daughters.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Montery is now on my list of places I want to visit!
Calamari is yummy! This is a nice mother-daughter adventure. Maybe that baby seal was also wondering what was the buzz at the bridge so he went up LOL How cute, He didn't seem to mind people gathering 'round. (or maybe it's a she :-) )
ReplyDeleteDid you get to have some of those chocolates? Oh my! Plenty of sweet treats.
Li
Great walk through Monterey. It has been years since we have been there. Hasn't changed much, but brought back some good memories. Almost got a parking ticket, but talked the lady out of it. Funny what sticks in our minds.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been to Moss Landing and eaten at Phil's?
Lot's of little antique stores too.
Your pictures are great. I have to get a better camera.
I so want to visit Monterey, my husband and I are planning to have our Honeymoon in Monterey, i just cant wait for it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tour. Thank you so much. Between the great looking salad and all that chocolate for sale, I must visit Monterey some day.
ReplyDeleteOh this is truly one of my favorite places to visit in CA. I adore Carmel too.
ReplyDeleteLove the little guy on the pier!
i love monteray, did you go to the aquarium?, looks like you had a gorgeous time
ReplyDeleteIt was sooooo much fun going down memory lane! It hasn't changed a bit since I lived over there.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that little seal was up on the pier! I've never seen anything like that LOL
Thank you for taking me back :)
xoxo,
rue
PS When you go to PB. Check out 3145 Stevenson Dr. That's my old house ;)
What a great day! I'm happy you and Lauren got to do that together... It was a tossup for my favorite part between the little seal and the chocolate, but I think the little seal won out!!! Those parrots were fabulous, too! What memories! Hugs...
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us on your trip with you!! The pix were fabulous and I felt like I was there...only cooler!! So happy that you and your daughter are spending so much quality time together, the theatre, day trips...fantastic!!!
ReplyDeleteI was born there! But I haven't been back since I was a toddler so this was such a fun post for me!
ReplyDeleteManuela
Hi Cindy, just stopped by to say hello. I've don't think I've commmented lately because you always have so many to read. I don't know how you keep up with them all. I had read one of my old posts and was struck agin by your sweet comments so I just wanted to let you know I'm still a fan, just lurking in the background:)
ReplyDeleteDawn
Cindy, '
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed this post. I spent part of my honeymoon in Monterey and we venture there with our kids every other year. Normally we holiday in Cambria/San Simeon but every other year, we venture further North and walk up and down Cannery Row, visit the aquarium, enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that is uniquely Monterey.
Gorgeous pictures. Those candied apples, in particular, look divine!
ReplyDeleteI find the valuable information is provided by you.
ReplyDeleteI recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Hi Cindy
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day you and Lauren had. Your lunch looks so delicous. It all looks so familiar now that we've just been there too. I am posting some pictures for BLUE Monday of the Monterey Bay Aquarium we visited while in California.
Your pictures are so lovely....and it looks like you had a beautiful day. We were lucky to have nice weather while there also.
I posted on Saturday about the Crown and Crumpet. Did you read about that sweet spot in the March issue of Romantic Homes? I almost literally stumbled upon it....Come by and visit...you should visit them too...
Hope you have a lovely day
Judi
Thanks for this article !!
ReplyDeleteI have spent one year in the US in 1996 as an AuPair and I was lucky enough to have hostparents who took me on a trip to California. And we went to Monterey. Your pictures brought back lots of memories...
Thanks and by the way, I just love what you are doing on your website !!
Stéphanie from France
Loved your photos of Monterey! We were there & ate down on the wharf & had to buy jackets at one of those shopes for our Whale Watch Trip. It was COLD on the water that morning even if it was June! We folks from Texas can't get enough of that weather! That plate of calamari & fries made my mouth water. Thanks for sharing.
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