In October, San Francisco magazine wrote an article entitled, “Left Turn on Carmel Valley Road,” comparing Carmel Valley to Healdsburg, before Healdsburg took off and became the trendy destination for San Franciscans. Most of the article speaks of Carmel Valley Ranch, an uber trendy resort and club that under new ownership has been renovated and is all the hype. Real estate in the Valley is following this trend. The past few weeks have indicated that buyers agree. When comparing sales data from Q4 2010 to Q4 2009, we have less inventory, fewer days on market and more sales than we did one year ago. But the average sales price is 27% LOWER than it was a year ago, representing an awesome opportunity for buyers.
The Valley has so much to offer. From hot summer days and down right cold winter mornings, the Valley is more seasonal than our coastal neighbors and the attitude is relaxed. Ranchers and horse back riders mix with vintners and artists. The scene is eclectic, friendly and casual. Below are a few of my favorite things in the Valley, and why I also took the plunge and moved out here only a few months ago!
Bernardus is a luxury hotel on the corner of Los Laureles Grade and Carmel Valley Road and winery with a tasting room at 5 West Carmel Valley Road. There isn’t anything I don’t about this place. The wines are to die for, the service is impeccable, but still casual and friendly, just like Carmel Valley itself. Their elegant restaurant, Marinus, rivals Gary Danko in San Francisco and their casual bistro, Wickets, is what I love to call my new watering hole. At Wickets, you will run into friends, meet neighbors, or happen to spot Leon Panetta (which I did on Friday night!). Bernardus also has a fabulous spa, not to mention bocce and croquet courts - a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon, glass of wine in hand, of course. By the way, you think bocce is an Italian sport, until you move to the Valley and realize everyone not only plays bocce here, but has a court in their backyard!
Earthbound Farms located at 7250 Carmel Valley Road, is a huge local success story and really put organic and gourmet greens on the map. Earthbound’s farm stand is a small grocery store and cafe serving organic, fresh, home made foods. My favorites are their fresh juices, (I just tried beet, carrot and apple and LOVED it!) and their frozen yogurt (just honey, plain yogurt & milk, but it isn’t every one’s cup of tea). They also have herb gardens, a kid’s garden and a labyrinth, making it yet another perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially with kids. You can also wander next door to Hacienda Hay & Feed. Here you can meet their residents: a donkey, a goat, a pot-bellied pig, an emu, turkeys, rabbits, fish and chickens roam free. You can also stop in to the Orchid shop and pick up one of the nicest quality orchids around!
For the hiking enthusiasts, I highly recommend Garland Park. Just across from the main entrance you’ll find the Miramonte neighborhood, one of the Valley’s most sought after neighborhoods. I love Garland because there are so many trails (including horse trails) to choose from, and you can bring your furry friends. My favorite part of Garland is the less traveled side, along Garzas Road. Take the Redwood Canyon trail and you’ll feel miles away from California: turning leaves, bridges crossing running creeks, pick pepperwood leaves (similar to bay leaves). Garland Park does have snakes and the rare mountain lion so always be cautious.
Head up to the Village and stop at the Georis tasting room. I love to take out of town guests here to sit outside and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. I also love Cafe Rustica for lunch or dinner. Everything is so good here, but I can’t help but order the tossed vegetable salad every time. I mean it is just a salad and I can’t order anything else!
These are just a few of the reasons why I love Carmel Valley. What are yours?
