For the second half of our Carmel-by-the-Sea trip, we headed east in search of sunny Carmel Valley.  Even though the husband and I aren’t golfers (yet) we heard great things about Quail Lodge & Golf Club so we decided to give it a try.  Checking in reminded me of our trips to the lake here in Oklahoma, only surrounded by the most beautiful flowers.  Yes I’m still obsessed with all the flowers here!

After seeing our room we knew it was going to be hard to ever leave.  Our extremely spacious suite had a cozy fireplace and a sunny window seat that ended up being our favorite spot.  Besides being by a beautiful golf course, all the rooms are situated next to a 9-hole miniature golf course, which was more our speed.  Even while I was sipping bubbles I got a hole in two!  Maybe golf is my thing after all!

Just as in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the weather was absolutely perfect.  It’s pretty crazy that even though the hotel is only 5 miles away from the ocean the weather was completely different.  By the ocean it can be overcast and cool (which the artist in me loves) but the weather in Carmel Valley is more clear and sunny.  I love that in a matter of minutes you can could experience two totally different climates!  That means more outfit changes, right?

If you plan to stay at Quail Lodge, here are a couple of recommendations.  Be sure to have a drink and the tuna tartare at Covey and sit on the patio.  Go golfing, of course, and while you’re there have dinner at Edgar’s.  It has a tasty farm-to-table menu.  Be sure to request a table outside with a view of the Santa Lucia Mountains.  And if you want to go exploring off the property, check out Roux (had dinner there and loved it) and we also heard that Corkscrew Cafe and Cafe Rustic are good too.  They are just down the road.

The location is so great because it’s an easy drive to Carmel Valley Village or back to Carmel-by-the-Sea.  And as you drive around be on the lookout for all the beautiful vineyards.  Folktale Winery & Vineyards is nearby and is amazing.

Below is a photo diary of our stay at Quail Lodge — and yes, it’s just as peaceful as it looks!