Carmel-by-the-Sea Inspires New Holiday Traditions with Old-Fashioned Flavor

Coastal City Lights up the Season with Holiday Packages, Events and Activities for Travelers

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. October 14, 2008

CARMEL BY THE SEA, CA, October 21, 2005. For travelers seeking to break from the usual holiday madness by creating new traditions reminiscent of old-fashioned charm, Carmel-by-the-Sea is offering a host of packages, events and activities for the coming season. The seaside city's award-winning hotels, unique shops, fine dining and unique holiday events make it the perfect getaway to celebrate the holidays, while replenishing one's mind, body and spirit.

Carmel is the ultimate respite for holiday-goers yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and return to a celebration of holidays past. The quaint town is home to more than 40 hotels, inns and B&Bs all within one square mile, and a number of them welcome holiday visitors with the following specials:

L'Auberge Carmel is offering a special holiday event, 'La Tache Rarities Weekend,' Dec. 2-4, where wine lovers explore 20 vintages of this rare and treasured Burgundy, paired with specially created menus by Walter Manzke, executive chef of both the award-winning Bouchee and L'Auberge's own restaurant. The cost per person is $2995 and includes all weekend events, two nights of accommodation, taxes and gratuity. Please call 831-624-8578 for more details.

Hofsas House is offering three packages for Nov. 27 - Dec. 23, 2005. Guests choose from either a king suite with fireplace, ocean view for $193 per night, a king room with private balcony, ocean view for $165.50, or a queen room for $143.50. All packages include hot apple cider and cookies, as well as a four-course dinner for two (excluding tip and wine). Call 831-624-2745 or 800-221-2548 for reservations.

Carmel Country Inn is featuring 'Suite Winter Deals' every Sunday through Thursday between Nov. 1, 2005 and March 31, 2006, good for new bookings only (blackout dates apply). Guests can stay a third night free or receive a 25-percent discount off regular rates for two nights in a Suite. Call 800-215-6343 or visit www.carmelcountryinn.com for more information.

Other hotels offerings holiday packages include Vagabond's House Inn Bed and Breakfast (800-262-1262), Coachman's Inn (800-336-6421), and The Pine Inn (800-228-3851). Contact the hotels for details. Carmel offers a variety of events throughout the month of December,

including those highlighted below:

• Carmel Tree Lighting, Dec. 2, 5 p.m.; features the lighting of Carmel's official tree at Ocean Avenue and Junipero, followed by an Open House of refreshments and mingling in Carmel Plaza. Call 831-620-2020 or visit www.carmelcalifornia.com http://www.carmelcalifornia.com for more information.

• Inns of Distinction Tour, Dec. 4, 2-5 p.m.; the Carmel Heritage Society guides guests through the town's most historic inns. Reservations are recommended. Call 831-624-4447.

• "Go Tell it on the Mountain," The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.; presented by the Monterey Jazz Festival, this Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble performs at the renovated Sunset Center. Call 831-620-2048 or visit www.sunsetcenter.org http://www.sunsetcenter.org for ticket information.

• The Lettermen Christmas Show, Dec. 10, 8 p.m.; these icons of the romantic ballad perform at the Sunset Center. Call 831-620-2048 or visit www.sunsetcenter.org http://www.sunsetcenter.org for information.

• First Annual Reindoggie Parade, Dec. 11, 1:30 p.m., with registration from noon to 1 p.m.; visit Carmel Plaza to see the city's finest canines in action! For more information, contact Mackie's Parlour at 831-626-0600.

• Smuin Christmas Ballet - 2005 Edition, Dec. 29-30, various times; held at the Sunset Center, this ballet offers musical favorites set to traditional Hanukkah and Christmas music, featuring some unexpected choreography such as tap dancing trees. Call 831-620-2048 or visit www.sunsetcenter.org http://www.sunsetcenter.org for more information.

Beyond holiday events and activities, Carmel is known for its unique shopping experience. It features over 200 specialty shops that offer a leisurely, cobblestone-paved alternative to braving the frenzied shopping malls. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, businesses will hold special hours and stay open on Friday evenings. For the art lover, the town is home to over 100 art studios and galleries, with pieces from Stephen Huneck Gallery's dog art to landscape photography at Weston Gallery to sculpture from Savage Stephens Contemporary Art Works.

In addition to being a unique standalone destination, Carmel is also an excellent 'jumping-off point' for daytrips where visitors can explore the Central Coast and the surrounding Carmel Valley, Big Sur and Monterey areas. Nearby points of interest include the famed 17-Mile Drive, Father Junipero Serra's Carmel Mission and Point Lobos State Reserve. Carmel is accessible via a drive north on Highway 101 from Los Angeles or south from San Francisco and northern California. Direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas to Monterey were recently announced.

For more information, travelers can call the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 800-550-4333 or visit www.carmelcalifornia.org.