This week’s travel idea was inspired by the recent NYC marathon. Watching it on TV reminded me of when I ran the race a few years ago. Back then I was pretty active in signing up for races all over the city. While it was great challenging myself physically, what I loved most about those races was the ability to go places I’ve never been before. The NYC marathon winds through all five boroughs and took me through neighborhoods that I never even knew about. I think that for those who love to run, a marathon-cation is truly an epic way to experience a city. There are numerous marathons that give you an up-close-and-personal experience of the location, like the Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and Disney World (!) marathons. But I’m sure that one of the most scenic would be the Big Sur Marathon that happens in the Spring. While the marathon is already full, there are numerous smaller races that you can still sign up for. What could be more wonderful than spending half a day running along the beautiful Pacific Coastline and then spending the rest of the weekend wining and dining in nearby Carmel?
Featured Travel Idea: Carmel-by-the-Sea
top: chateau julien, la bicyclette, carmel mission
middle: l’auberge carmel, big sur marathon, mission ranch
bottom: carmel beach, point lobos state reserve, downtown carmel
First off, book a stay at the L’Auberge Carmel, a beautiful boutique hotel that looks like it was plucked straight from the French countryside. As luck would have it, Voyage Prive is having a flash sale on the hotel in a few days so you may score a great deal! The race is on Sunday so you may want to take it easy before then. Go for a leisurely walk on Carmel Beach, one of the most serene and scenic beaches on the Pacific Coast. Then visit the Carmel Mission and stroll through the poppy gardens. Or head to charming downtown Carmel where you can shop, eat, and browse art galleries. You’ll want to fortify for the big race tomorrow so have a delicious dinner at Casanova or La Bicyclette, two restaurants that are known for great food and great atmosphere. After the race, why not unwind with some wine tasting at Chateau Julien Wine Estate. Travelzoo also happens to have a great deal that includes wine tasting for 2, a bottle of wine and appetizers, all for $25*. Cap off the weekend with a visit to the historic Mission Ranch for dinner and music. If you’re lucky, you may even see Clint Eastwood there.
*disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with these discount websites, I just enjoy spreading the word on good deals!
A Sprinkle of Adventure 