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Cuteness of Carmel

Carmel Carmel By the Sea on the Monterey Peninsula is unbelievably “cute.”

The houses are cute.  The signs on the houses are cute.  The many dogs being lead around by their attractive owners are cute.

I mean…..this is a place that specializes in CUTE. It is one square mile and loaded with story  book English cottages, Swiss Alpine chalets and clapboard beach houses. .  The shops. The Euro style bistros. Bed and Breakfasts.  Inns.  And then the glorious beach.

I enjoyed meandering around with my camera capturing what caught my eye.  It looked at times like a Disney version of small town Europe. As I said, CUTE.   I hope you enjoy.

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 Monterey Aquarium

Of course, we went to the famous Monterey Aquarium.  Wow.  I can see why it has such an excellent reputation.  Lots and lots of hands on, interactive and fun stuff for the children.  I particularly enjoyed the jelly fish exhibit and the huge ocean tank.  Both were mesmerizing.

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 Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf

We walked down Cannery Row and out on to Fisherman’s Wharf.  Both were super touristy, colorful and fun on a gorgeous day.  Not my normal kind of thing, but I enjoyed exploring.  I wish I could have seen this in its authentic John Steinbeck era.

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 The Bagpiper

And then one of the highlights of our visit:  The Bagpiper.  Folks who know me, know I’m crazy about bagpipes.  Turns out that every day a bagpiper pipes at sundown to “close the course” at Spanish Bay golf course.  I loved lounging about a fire pit listening to the haunting Scottish tunes echoing over the course.

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For more about bagpipers, click here.  

Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

8 Comments
  1. posted by
    Ann Stevenson
    Apr 29, 2014 Reply

    Susan—-fabulous photos of the jelly fish!

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Apr 30, 2014 Reply

      Thank you so much. Fun to shoot.

  2. posted by
    Judy Bereza
    Apr 30, 2014 Reply

    Susan, I have always enjoyed your blogs. I always learn
    something new. Now, I look forward to your photos as
    much as the content. Your photos, especially the stunning
    ones of the jellyfish, are spectacular!

    • posted by
      Susan J. Smith
      Apr 30, 2014 Reply

      Thank you so much. I really appreciate your comments.

  3. posted by
    Cindy Bera
    May 1, 2014 Reply

    Susan, you have certainly captured the cuteness of Carmel. Amazing photographs. Thanks.

  4. posted by
    Kathy
    May 4, 2014 Reply

    Wow, beautiful photography. The only jelly fish I am familiar with are the ones at the ocean, washed up on the beach. Your pic’s were an awakening for me!

  5. posted by
    Anne Crum
    May 13, 2014 Reply

    Love the jellies! We just took the boys to Shedd aquarium and didn’t see the variety of jellyfish that your photos so beautifully show.

  6. posted by
    Donna J. Duff
    Jul 6, 2014 Reply

    LOVED the photos. We visited there, but you showed me so many things we did not see. Makes me want to go back !

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