A Big Sur Weekend!
By Vivanista - December 3, 2009
Thanksgiving for an expat family, presents many challenges. No family to visit, no traditions to uphold. Unreliable weather, yet four days of freedom from work and school. What’s a family to do?
Well our family’s answer has to been to take a few days away in North California, enjoying the outdoors life, the change of season and, of course, the good food that is essential to a Thanksgiving break.
Last year we spent the holiday in Big Sur. We started off driving to Monterey, arriving in time for a light lunch on the pier. We followed this by an easy walk along the beautiful bay, starting at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and walking out to Lucas point. Before getting back into the car, the teens grabbed ice creams and enjoyed the spectacle of the divers going through the final trials of gaining their scuba credentials.
We continued on to our home for the next three nights, the Big Sur Lodge. The lodge is great for families. With large rustic cabins set amongst the redwoods. Lots of space, decks and log fires — perfect for Thanksgiving. That evening we dined at the casual but friendly Big Sur River Inn.
Next day we decided upon a hike. The lodge is set within the Pfeiffer-Big Sur Park, so after a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we didn’t even have to get in the car to start our walk. Gathering walk guides from reception, we began the hike with a short 2-mile warm-up walk, to see the Pfeiffer Falls. We circled back to the lodge and continued our walk across the meadows and gradually climbed through redwoods, conifers and oaks to the ridge where we enjoyed spectacular views of the Pacific Coast.
Pfeiffer Falls
Returning to the lodge we got in the car and headed south. We stopped at the Big Sur Centre Deli and picked up the ingredients for a rustic picnic before continuing on to Sand Dollar Beach. After our light el fresco lunch we took a gentle stroll along the beautiful white sands of the beach. We returned to our cabin in time to relax and get ready for our dinner out.
Sand Dollar Beach
Dinner that night was at Deetjens Big Sur Inn. This really is the perfect spot for a large, comforting fall dinner, which we felt we well deserved after our day of hiking. The restaurant is cozy and friendly. We had a wonderful table beside a roaring open fire and thoroughly enjoyed the delicious hearty food.
The next day we headed south to visit Hearst Castle. Sadly, I regretted that I had not heeded the travel guides recommendation and had not pre-booked tickets. So although we arrived mid-morning, all tours for that day had been sold. I can only say, learn from my mistake and pre-book your tour online!
Hearst Castle
However, all was not lost. The road trip there was spectacular. We decided to head further south to Cambria for lunch. Cambria is a quaint artists’ colony; a worthy destination in itself. We took our time wandering around the little shops selling local artwork and antiques. The teens chose pizza for lunch at the casual but good Mustache Pete’s.
On our return trip we stopped to gaze in awe at the elephant seals at Piedras Blancas beach. This is one of the most amazing natural wildlife scenes and to see it so up close is a real privilege.
We stopped for dinner at Nepenthe. Dinner was fine but the views and atmosphere were what made the place worth the stop.
The next day we headed home, stopping for lunch and meandered around the fabulous art galleries of Carmel. What a fabulous holiday and a great weekend — all within driving distance!
[Photos from vgm8383, Fritz Liess, monkeycat!, Ed Yourdon and jimg944 via Flickr]
About the author: Vivanista
Vivanista is a member-based, lifestyle community for fundraising volunteers. Sharing of unique insights, expert tips and a spirit of giving empowers members to improve their own lives and the lives of others.
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