Carmel Valley

Destination
Growing up on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley was always the prized sunny spot when the coast was gloomy. So, in November 2008 we took a weekend at the Quail Lodge and lucked out with some glorious weather, good food, and fun times with Fletch.

Accommodation
The Quail Lodge is a relaxed, well-appointed AAA 4-Diamond resort with a golf course, spa, and an off road school operated by Land Rover. We stayed in a spacious king-size room for one night, which came to roughly $250 with the $35 dog fee included. Fletcher was given his own welcome package and bed/dishes/dog bone place mat to use. There was a custom-stamped "Quail Lodge" biscuit in his bowl, and we were given to keep a collapsing nylon water bowl, leash, poop bags, and a "Max's Pet Picks" guide to the area named after the resident standard poodle... oh, and cutsie note from Max welcoming his fellow canine to the resort. Max ended up not taking to Fletcher when they met later on... but Fletcher had a ball with some other new friends.

Recreation
Your best bet for some great hiking with hilltop views is Garland Ranch, part of the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. I've been going there since I was a little girl, floating down the Carmel River (when there was water!) on an inner tube (literally, from Carmel Chevron), cooling my feet over slimy river rocks looking for little fish. Now, massive efforts are underway to protect the health of the river and keep the steelhead from disappearing...

However, the pains of environmental degradation aside, Garland Ranch gives you great trail choices, short/long, steep/not so steep. The visitor center is a good place to get your bearings and grab some shade.

Next on our itinerary was some no-dogs-allowed recreation: wine tasting at Bernardus. The tasting room was very busy and the wines were tasty enough we walked away with two bottles. Some time we'll have to leave Fletcher behind and head to their Bernardus Lodge, which was a 2008 Top 100 World's Best in Travel + Leisure magazine, and Cal Stamenov's Marinus restaurant.

Degustation
We're actually huge fans of the Corkscrew Cafe in the Village. The Georis family who owns Corkscrew also runs the fabulous Casanova (outdoor seating is dog-friendly) and La Bicyclette in downtown Carmel. However, on this trip we decided to switch it up and eat at the Quail's dog-friendly casual restaurant, Edgar's. This was a pleasant walk along the golf green from our room, and our table outside was warmed by a fire pit. Fletcher was promptly given a water bowl and a complimentary biscuit while we perused a special dog menu for him.

After our hike at Garland Ranch (where we met some other very nice dogs), we ate at Cafe Rustica in the Village, just around the corner from Corkscrew, and the Georis and Talbot tasting rooms. Cafe Rustica was delightful in ambiance, good but not "I have to eat here again or else" food (BLT salad and rustic vegetable sandwich). Unfortunately, a very obnoxious dog across the way from us made me think that hospitality should only extend so far.




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