Carmel by the Sea, it even sounds idyllic, and it is. You can have
all the offerings that one may want in a vacation get-away. Whether it
is stunning scenery, or the lovely quaint shops that line the streets,
Carmel will capture your heart and imagination. You will fall in love
with this town that has charmed thousands. Along with the four star
restaurants, abundant art galleries, and the most glorious scenery in
the country, you can return to a number of luxurious hotel rooms that
will accommodate any type of traveler.
We had the opportunity to visit Carmel recently and revisit one of our
favorite places to stay, the Hofsas House. Conveniently located to the
Monterey airport, the Hofsas House offers affordable lodging and year
round activities.
The background on this lovely family hotel, which is pet and child
friendly, started in the 1940’s, when hotelier Donna Hofsas, left her
home in Los Angeles to take up residence in Carmel California.
Donna went on to transform tiny cottages into an outstanding family run
hotel that has been in operation since the 1950’s. Donna Hofsas passed
in 1999 but her legacy has carried on through her granddaughter, Carrie
Theis, who now continues to manage the European style hotel while
offering the same old world charm and personalize service that
Grandmother Donna instilled in her since the tender age of 5.
With modern amenities, personalized hotel packages for pet lovers,
summer vacationers, or those looking for a romantic get-away, everyone
is well taken care of at the Hofsas House. Offering an old world charm
with every modern amenity, this hotel has taken an old-fashioned, yet
never outdated approach to stellar customer service. You will feel
relaxed and refreshed as you can choose from a vast menu of Hofsas House
Offerings that will make your stay a memory making adventure.
We always try to travel with our best friend, our Maltese, Holly. Our
little family member is well treated at the Hofsas house with the Tail
Wagging Package which includes: the Hofsas House Dog Frisbee, a
collapsible dog bowl and special dog bed, and a sampling of doggie
treats and pet shampoo to keep her looking fresh and ready for her jaunt
to a local pet friendly restaurant. Looking through the complimentary
copy of Coastal Canine magazine, we found some great tips on dog
friendly venues and doggie walking trails throughout the Carmel
community.
Hofsas House many Specialty Packages offer the best vacations memories
for everyone. Because family is a main pillar in the foundation of the
Hofsas House Hotel, relative and family relations are of up-most
importance to their own family heritage in the hotel business. The
Family Reunion package provides group rates for 5 or more rooms booked
with a two night minimum which will include complimentary continental
breakfast. There is also a Beach Fire and S’mores Package that gives you
all your adventure goodies; wood bundle and fire starter and matches,
your own beach blanket and safety flashlight, and all the S’more
supplies. With your basket in hand, head down to the lovely Carmel Beach
for an enjoyable bon fire while enjoying the setting sun on the
sparkling waves of the Pacific Ocean.
Another benefit for large families or groups is the spacious meeting
facility which can accommodate up to 40 people. Meeting with the family
around the sparkling pool or partaking of a large family sit down dinner
that can be easily catered by a local restaurant, or a meal prepared by
you using the complete kitchen within the facility, gives you many
options on creating a lovely family bonding experience. Another great
benefit in capturing those delightful moments is arranging the
complimentary family portrait session on the beach by a certified
professional photographer, including one free 8×10 photograph.
Additional photos can be purchased directly from the photographer.
Remember this offer is subject to availability and some blackout dates
may apply.
For the oenophiles on the road, a stay at the Hofsas house may be just
for you. Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea offers a Wine Tasting Passport for
$65 where the buyer can choose one $10 flight of your choice of any 9 of
the 14 tasting rooms, which is normally a $90 value. The Wine Walk
by-the-Sea is a self-paced self leisurely walk to the many tasting rooms
located within block of each of each other. On our stay, we ventured
over to De Tierra Vineyards tasting room, Dawn’s Dream new tasting room,
and Figge Cellars, where our wine palates where refreshed with the
lovely nuances of Monterey County wines. The Hofsas House concierge
offers Wine Tasting Passports at a discounted price of $50 per person
with any one night stay. For $30 you may want to stay in and cuddle up
by the fire place with the Wine and Cheese Package that includes a
bottle of Monterey County Wine and cheese from the famous local Cheese
Shop in Carmel. After indulging in your romantic offering, you may want
to have the friendly hoteliers book you a couple’s massage for those on a
little retreat from it all. For more information on the Hofsas House go
to www.hofsashouse.com
Carmel has much to offer every member of the family and there is much
to do as the sun arises over the ocean. As you meander along the cozy
cottages and shoppes in Carmel, make sure to stop by the Cheese Shop to
say hello to proprietor Kent Torrey. We entered this world class wine
and cheese establishment to chat with the effervescent Mr. Torrey. Kent
has put together a world class team of the most helpful and
knowledgeable staff members that will assist you with the perfect wine
and cheese selection. With a polethera of cheese and wine choices to
choose from, you will think you have entered into the pearly gates of
fromage heaven. However, you will want to remain an earthling to be able
to indulge in the incredible wine selection that Kent offers to his
patrons. Kent boldly declares, “Eat Cheese, Drink wine, and Live Life
Happy”, and we couldn’t agree more. For more information on Kent and his
renown shop go to www.thecheeseshopinc.com/
There are a variety of walking tours that can be tailored to everyone
needs, so stop by the front office and they will be sure to direct you
to the best that Carmel has to offer. Nearby attractions such as the
world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is just minutes away from your
respite. Hofsas House partners with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, so make
sure you purchase you tickets through the main office and receive a
two-day pass for the price of one.
Whether enjoying the art, antiques or the abundance of beauty in Carmel
one can work up an appetite and dining establishments are plenty in
Carmel, and many are pet friendly. We happened to end our day at the
local’s favorite, Grasings, info. at grasings.com. This storybook
restaurant has garnered Open Table Diner’s choice award for 2015 and the
2014 Wine Spectators Grand Award of Excellence along with many local
accolades. With the inspiration of the gifts from the land and sea, Chef
Kurt Grasing has created a menu that reflects that reverence for the
environment. Along with a Wine Spectator award winning wine list and the
skillful knowledge of sommelier, Toby Rowland Jones, Chef has a winning
combination to entice the locals and visitors alike.
We loved the Abalone farm-raised Monterey bay red abalone prepared
dorè style served with the season’s freshest harvest accoutrements.
Having fresh seafood and local produce available to the Chef, only the
most stellar culinary creations can come from the kitchen. Fresh,
tenderly cooked and served with a lovely presentation, we savored every
bite of this elegant dish. Sommelier Toby Rowland Jones, brought us a
rich, creamy Laird Chardonnay that complimented the Abalone perfectly.
We then moved on to the main course of sustainable seafood with the
special of the evening, the Salmon adorned with a beurre blanc sauce and
beautifully prepared. After a dinner fit for a sea-faring captain, we
decided to try one of the desserts for that bit of sweetness to send us
on our way. House-Made Crème Brulee, choice of vanilla or chocolate
infused custard was the right choice of warm soft custard with the
caramel crunch of bruleed sugar.
Happily satisfied with our bellies satiated, we made our way back to
our comfortable quarters for a leisurely nightcap next to the roaring
fireplace and drifting off to dream of the next day’s adventures.
Being a former Monterey County resident another favorite local jaunt is
Pacific Grove California. Only minutes from Carmel, it is worth the
journey. Known as the Butterfly town, thousands of Monarch butterflies
stop to rest on the eucalyptus trees on their arduous migratory journey
to Mexico. With sweeping panoramic views of the mighty Pacific Ocean,
and a bevy of golf courses, bike paths, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium
along the historic Cannery Row within walking distance, this is a must
stop for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
We arrived for a more informal dinner at a local’s favorite hot spot,
the Beach House Restaurant. This California casual dining establishment
has the best corner spot on the Monterey Peninsula. Located at Lover’s
point amongst the Monterey pines, garnered by panoramic views of the
Monterey Bay, one cannot find a more lovely location for a meal that
embraces all the beauty that Mother Nature demonstrates in this amazing
area of the country.
The evening we visited the Beach House, a stunning glistening full
moon, bounced dazzling simmering light across the rolling waves,
creating the back-drop to our dining experience. As we entered this
clean, modern eatery, we were met by our most lovely server who urged us
to try the “Firecracker Shrimp”. These shrimp were crisp, delicately
golden brown, and bathed in a spicy, sweet Thai sauce. This restaurant
favorite soon became ours, as we hungrily devoured these mouth watering
gifts of the sea. Along with great appetizers and hand crafted cocktails
some of the local favorites include the Seafood Linguine of fresh fish,
calamari, shrimp, with tomato-fennel broth or the Feast of Lanterns
Surf & Turf, tender grilled medallions of beef, FireCracker shrimp,
brown rice, baby bok choy with a Viridis Aquaponic cucumber salad, and a
sweet soy demi glace. There is an extensive menu that will satisfy any
hungry sojourner. For more information on the Beach House, go to
www.beachhousepg.com.
We wistfully said good bye to the glorious evening, and made our way
back to Carmel, knowing that this was our last night in this magical
place. We breathed a grateful “thankful” for this uniquely pristine area
of our country.
Whether you are planning a wedding or a family gathering, think of
Carmel California. The entire Monterey Peninsula is a refreshing and
glorious place to plan your next vacation. Through diligent stewardship
of the natural habitats, visitors can enjoy the best of every amenity
while revealing in the grandeur of Mother Nature. Wine Enthusiast
Magazine has designated Monterey County as one of the top ten wine
destinations in the world, and Travel and Leisure Magazine has rated
Carmel as #3 in the list of world’s best cities for romance. For your
next outing or romantic get-away, pack your suitcase and head for
Carmel, and don’t forget to give Hofsas House a ring for a respite that
is well deserved and will be well remembered forever. For more
information go to www.carmelcalifornia.org
