My favorite day-trip is most definitely Carmel. We went there on our honeymoon seven years ago, and we go back to visit almost every time B has some time off. Yesterday was just such a day. Here are just a few photos I took along the way. I can't think of a cuter, more charming little community.
Carmel is filled with amazing art galleries and antique shops...you really can't go wrong with an entire day spent just hopping from shop to shop. But just in case Carmel isn't on your summer to-do list, let's take a little tour together:
Cottage of SweetsA candy store nestled in a charming little cottage. What could be sweeter?
The Cheese ShopThe best selection of cheeses around. We always grab a baguette, some salami, and some new varieties of cheese here. Then we walk across the street to the park for a little picnic.
{photo: mine}
Thinker ToysWe almost always make a stop at Thinker Toys. It's such a fun place jam-packed with toys for kids of all ages.
A little coffee shop/bakery with the perfect selection of baked goods. My favorite is this amazing little crispy, flaky, cinnamon-y delight that melts in your mouth. Trust me--you'll know it when you see it.
Such a fun little shop. It's full of model airplanes big and small. Yesterday, I fell in love with these sweet little hot air balloons that would be so cute hanging from the kids' bedroom ceiling.
And most importantly, don't forget to stop by the beach:
The water's a little chilly, but worth rolling up your jeans and kicking around a bit. The sand is perfect, and sometimes you can see sea lions swimming about in the waves.
That concludes our tour of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Have a Happy Wednesday!
I would love to wake up to this view every morning.
A sitting room with windows all around. A dream come true.
There really is nothing like the soft light of an open window.
I saved the best for last. 
