This is a great contest topic because you need to speak from your gut and your heart. My city is Carmel-by-the-Sea and it is truly unique, I believe. So, for the April contest, here goes:
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like plein aire art. Yes, artists have flocked to this jewel on the Pacific Ocean, wedged between the Big Sur coastline and Pebble Beach. Artists came here after the San Francisco fire in 1906 and stayed to produce some great Early California paintings, photos, and literature. And art is still produced, for example, the Carmel Art Festival will be held mid-May.
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like wine. Right now there are over a dozen wine tasting rooms spread around the business district. Some art galleries even have tasting rooms incorporated into the experience of choosing art. The Carmel Chamber even has a wine walk. Check it out.
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like cars. On any given day, you will see the latest luxury cars or invaluable antiques driving around town. Or, if you are a "townie" like me, just your average Honda. The most famous is the Concours d' Elegance held each August here.
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like flowers. The gardens are colorful and well tended around our Carmel Cottages, whether they are the historical ones still standing from the first artists who came to town, or the new Carmel stone ones that the newcomers have adopted as the new "style". Beautiful flowers can be seen at the Mission.
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like dogs. I don't mean that you just LIKE dogs, but that you dote on them, go to the doggie boutiques in town to outfit them, take them to lunch at one of Carmel's restaurants that caters to them. And you certainly take them to the beach where they can run free and visit with other dogs.
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like music. Carmel has its Sunset Center to many cultural events throughout the year, plus several theaters and other venues that regularly hold musical events. Yes, even at some of the restaurants and lounges.
You might be from Carmel-by-the-Sea if you like sunsets. Yes, here the world stands still at sunset, everyone who can get there, will go to the beach and watch that golden orb sink into the Pacific Ocean. Not a word is spoken, just silence during this daily occurrence. Some come down to have a beach fire and have a picnic.
These are just some of my favorite things about Carmel-by-the-Sea, this small - only one square mile - slice of heaven here on the Monterey Peninsula. I feel so lucky that I found this spot back in 1995 and am able to spend a lot of time here, both personal and for my real estate brokerage.
There's a great PHOTO GALLERY of photos I shot over the years. Check out www.carmelshopping.com
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