PÈPE’S LITTLE NAPOLI, “BISTRO ITALIANO & WINE BAR” - A tribute to Italian culture and cuisine, Pèpe’s Little Napoli “Bistro Italiano” possesses Old World charm mixed with centuries old traditions in Italian cuisine – the menu features handed-down family recipes reminiscent of the Italian countryside by chef/owner Rich Pèpe. “Io sono Italiano” (I am Italian) is Pèpe’s favorite saying, and like any ethnic family, is are very proud of his heritage and remains committed to bringing the warmth and joy of his family dinner table to his guests.

Giovanni's Restaurants If you like being nestled among towering pines while enjoying ocean views and spectacular sunsets, or dining at romantic tables in cliffside Mediterranean cafes, da Giovanni is your place. Firok Shield and his daughter operate this family-owned restaurant with careful attention to detail and a love of hospitality, offering a fusion of recipes handed down from his grandmother, such as Insalata Greca or Osso Buco. It’s no wonder da Giovanni is one of the most highly recommended restaurants in Carmel. (website)

L’Escargot - Nestled in a residential neighborhood on Mission Street, three blocks north of Ocean Avenue lies a slice of “Old Carmel”. Originally founded in 1958 by Yvan Nopert and his family, Chef – Owner Kericos Loutas carries on the traditions of superb Country French Cuisine and personalized friendly service. A local favorite for casual fine dinning in a romantic atmosphere, L’Escargot offers visitors an alternative to the “tourist experience”. The menu changes frequently, as do the specials. A three-course $36 prix fixed Bistro Menu is offered nightly. (website)

FireCrystals - FireCrystals® are beautiful tempered and recycled glass pieces used to permanently replace the burning of wood or use of fake logs in open vented, natural gas and propane gas fireplaces and fire pits; FireCrystals® last forever. See website for more information.

Romantic Room Designs provides unique, creative and romantic gift concepts to celebrate your upcoming special occasion at home or on vacation or while having a bonfire at Carmel Beach! With our designs and romantic gift items, we can help provide you with a creative romantic gift that will leave a lasting impression. (website)

DMT Imaging provides professional photographic services for clients wanting powerful images, passionate service and fast turnaround; specializing in photojournalistic event coverage, weddings, environmental portraiture, business meetings, sports competitions and commercial photography. (website)

Jan Gardner & Associates, Interior Design - Carmel California: ASID Member, has been based on the Monterey Peninsula for over thirty years designing quality residential and select hospitality with projects from coast to coast. When people talk of the luxurious life style on the Monterey Peninsula, they must inevitably bring up the Lodge at Pebble Beach and the 5 Star rated Quail Lodge. These are but two highlights of the firm's portfolio. See website for more information.

Monterey Peninsula Airport - For the Monterey Peninsula and the California Central Coast, regular flights are available to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego where connecting flights can take you anywhere in the world. The four carriers that currently provide service from Monterey are affiliated with airlines around the world.

The Monterey Peninsula Airport offers a convenient and hassle-free experience. Boarding time and security checks are quick and efficient and long-term parking is just a few steps away. Enjoy the ease of flying to and from Monterey (MRY) on more than 40 flights in and out of the Monterey Airport daily. (website)

Monterey Wedding Officiants - An intimate and romantic elopement on the beach? Large and festive? Family-oriented with lots of creative additions? Elegant and formal? Short 'n sweet? Full of laughter and personal stories? Or maybe you don't know what you want. That's okay too; we'll help you decide. We are here to ensure that your ceremony is EXACTLY the way you want it to be. (website)

The Sunset Center is the top presenter of performing arts in the region and is also a community gathering place where citizens of the region meet to enjoy the full spectrum of performing arts, view visual-arts exhibits, exchange ideas, learn, and attend organization meetings and educational events. The Center is also home to some of the region’s leading performing-arts organizations, visual and arts service organizations, and volunteer groups. (website)

Learn to Surf: Welcome to the Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove Surf Lessons headquarters! We offer year-round surfing instructions for individuals and groups of up to 30. All equipment provided. To arrange your lesson, just give Noah Greenburg a call at 831-915-4065. (website)

Carmel Plaza - Enjoy the ultimate shopping excursion in our award-winning garden setting with Wilkes Bashford, Tiffany & Co., Anthropologie, Louis Vuitton and more than 35 specialty stores and restaurants. Call our full-service Concierge Center at 831.624.1385 for more information. (website)

Carmel Art and Film Festival - The Carmel Art and Film Festival (Oct 9-11) is designed as a celebration of art in all its forms: painting, sculpture, printmaking, music, photography and film will all be represented in our inaugural year. The mission of the festival is to put art in as many places as possible around Carmel, so that visitors will feel immersed in an artistic adventure. (website)

Galante Vineyards - Come visit our Wine Tasting Room and Western Emporium in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Located off Dolores between Ocean and Seventh Ave., Galante Vineyards has opened its doors to Carmels first "Wine Tasting Room." We cordially invite you and your guests to stop by to say "hi" and to taste our Carmel Valley Estate wines. (website)

Morgan Winery - Visit Morgan Winery’s elegant and relaxing tasting room, Taste Morgan, in Carmel’s Crossroads Shopping Village. Open daily from 11-6, visit our website for special events. (website)

Artista Creative Vacations for Women introduces women’s inner painter to the inspiring coastline of Carmel-by-the Sea, immersing each guest in a variety of creative sessions including acrylic painting, encaustic painting, and artistic collaging. Built by master photographer Ansel Adams, the well-lit Artista studio is centered between hotels, cafes, boutiques, and the white sand beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Internationally renowned for quality instruction and personal attention, Artista Creative is a favorite of O, the Oprah Magazine, Sunset, and Martha Stewart. (website)

Monterey Movie Tours - Whether you’d like an introduction to the area, an alternative to attractions you’ve already seen or an exciting rainy day option, Monterey Movie Tours® is your ticket to a star-studded getaway! This fascinating two-tours-in-one outing features both magnificent landscapes and blockbuster scenes from some 200 movies filmed across the Monterey Peninsula. (website)

Signature Day Spa -The hot spot in carmel for over 13 years. Offering Massage, Facials, botox, juvederm, nails, and hair. Signature day spa creates a standard in the beauty business by being the first 100% clean spa in the nation. Come by and escape reality whether it is only for an hour or four. (website)

POODLE DAY, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA: OCTOBER 2, 2010. The event will consist of a Poodle Parade at the Crossroads in Carmel, CA , Poodle Play at the Carmel Beach, and Poodle Cocktail Parties at the Cypress Inn and Forge In The Forest in Carmel By-The-Sea, CA. (website)

It is said that if you were to run only one marathon in your life, the Big Sur International Marathon should be that one - because of its beauty, class, and the professionalism of the organization that "runs" the marathon. We, at Levett Properties, are committed to help make this a magical, memorable experience for you and your loved ones!

Chateau Julien Wine Estate is open to visitors daily for wine tasting and tours ,and all guests are welcome to enjoy the ambiance of the garden cobblestone courtyard at the Chateau.

Inn at Occidental, Sonoma Wine Country: Secluded beneath towering redwoods in the charming hamlet of Occidental, the Inn at Occidental is centrally located to the spectacular vineyards and orchards of Sonoma wine country, the stunning beaches and cliffs of the Sonoma Coast, and the meandering Russian River. The Inn at Occidental is perfect for romantic getaways and offers formal and informal meeting space and accommodations for weddings, corporate retreats or family gathering. Garden Courtyard surrounded by roses offers a picturesque site for weddings up to 110. Inn amenties include: Fireplaces, spa tubs, phones, wireless internet, business services, concierge, conference and wedding facilities. Spa center nearby.

Two great luxury lodging choices in Napa for those that are travelling north from Carmel.

1801 First ~ Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast - Upon entering the doors of this exclusive Napa Valley Bed and Breakfast, guests are immediately immersed into a world of casual elegance and relaxed refinement in the stunning and famous Wine Country of California
See website for more information.

Napa's White House Inn and Spa is Napa Valley’s newest boutique hotel offering a sophisticated interpretation of the classic bed and breakfast inn. Ideally located in the heart of a rejuvenated downtown Napa. See website for more information.

Karen Brown celebrates thirty-two years in publishing for Karen Brown’s Guides.She says: "We pride ourselves on bringing you recommendations for both places to stay and suggestions for regional countryside itineraries. Our responsibility is to you, the traveler. We see everything we recommend and offer you selective and honest evaluations."