There’s nothing more romantic than spending time in a small town, and as small towns go, Carmel, California has got to be the best. Sometimes called Carmel by the Sea, this is a picturesque little town in Northern California. The main street is lined with shops that look like they ought to be called shoppes, using the old world European spelling, because Carmel resembles nothing so much as a grand storybook brought to life. The buildings are colorful and whimsical and you’ll feel transported into the mountains of Switzerland or a small village out on the border between Germany and France.
Exploring the little shops and scenic courtyards in Carmel is a wonderful way to spend a romantic getaway in California. Adding to the old world charm is the fact that most streets and sidewalks in shopping district are made of cobblestones. It’s perfect for romance, but not so much for high heels, so be sure to wear sensible footwear like tennis or running shoes, or in the summer, low-heeled sandals. At night the town can get quite dark owing to a dearth of streetlights, so it’s also a good idea to come equipped with a flashlight — or at least a cell phone that you can let shine out onto those cobblestone walkways. That too is part of Carmel’s charm. Cities three hundred years ago weren’t lit up like beacons at night. Our ancestors knew what it meant for darkness to fall. You can get a little bit of that old fashioned flavor during your romantic getaway in California if you take some time to visit Carmel.
Although Carmel is ideal for romantic getaways in California at any time, there are also some times of year when special events are going on. You might want to schedule your romantic getaway during one of these. They mostly take place in the summer. In June, there is an annual Carmel Valley Art and Wine Festival. That one sounds absolutely made for romance in my opinion. However, if classical music is closer to your ideal of romance, then you’ve only to wait an additional month or so, because July and August each year sees the arrival of the Carmel Bach Festival, at which Baroque music takes center stage, both literally and figuratively. The Concours on the Avenue in August provides more down to earth entertainment with its display of classic cars, perfect for couples who have a love of automotive history. And for the sports-minded among us, the February Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament is going on. If you like golf, that would be the perfect time to visit Carmel, and if you don’t, that would be the perfect time to avoid it so that there are fewer crowds around during your romantic getaway in Carmel, California!