Road Trip to Pebble

Carmel by the Sea

Not a cloud in the sky...

My dad was on an all guys golf trip with 15 of his buddies that included 5 rounds of golf in 5 days at arguably the nicest courses in the country. Those courses just so how to be a mere 2 hour drive from the city. So Saturday am, Ryan & I hopped in the car and headed down US 1. With the sun starting to peak from the clouds and no traffic, we enjoyed a scenic view of the coast to Carmel. We strolled up and down the strip of unique shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea stopping for lunch at Merlot Bistro. We both enjoyed the special, me the lunch choice & him the special 2-course choice. I even treated myself to a midday glass of chard. After filling our tummies, we continued our stroll...right into the most ornate cowboy boot shop ever. I tried on 10+ pairs of boots only to leave empty handed. I blame this on my husband-to-be!

Merlot Cafe 

Quaint

wine themed ;)

Cottage of Sweets!

A few shops later and a Halloween cookie treat, we entered Pebble Beach and drove the 17-mile loop waiting for dad to finish up at Pebble Beach Links. We were waiting for him and the other 3 in his foursome on the 18th hole. It was fun to see him playing and approaching the last green. I cheered like it was the Master's ;)

rustic beach 

Pebble Beach Links

18th Green

his signature point...

Daddy-O approaching in the blue shirt

putting the 18th

Dinner reservations were at 6pm for 3 at Roy's. The restaurant is located at the Inn at Spanish Bay, a gorgeous setting with wall to wall glass windows for a view of the shoreline. As we enjoyed Hawaiian fusion (the edamame crusted filet mignon was to die for!), the sun began to set and the waves crashed against the rock-like structures embedded in the ocean. We shared a delicious dessert of coffee & chocolate ice cream with Oreo crust and molten chocolate topping.

Dad & I

Letting our food settle, we grabbed a private fire pit outside next to the water. Dad ordered a round of hot chocolates for the 3 of us with extra marshmallows and whipped cream! We told stories as if we were seated around a campfire.

Dad's favorite son-in-law

When we go home, it is usually a whirlwind of a trip where not enough one-on-one time is spent with each any family member. A casualty of a large fam. So this was a great visit and opportunity for dad, Ryan, & I to catch up on life and its little lessons. We covered a range of topics, some heavy and some light, as well as enjoyed several sarcastic laughs and funny tales. I always love a good talk with my daddy :)


**On a secret note, as we were leaving, my dad's friend ran into us in the lobby. He pulled me aside and whispered, "he really likes him." After processing his words, I realized that he was saying that my dad told him that he approves of Ryan. It was a sweet thing to hear a grown man and dear friend to dad reassure my dad's opinion of my fiance/almost husband. A daddy's girl at heart, his approval means so much to me.