Daytripping: Mission Ranch, Carmel

Last Sunday, when we were visiting our daughter at UCSC, we decided to take the girls down to the Mission Ranch in Carmel for Sunday brunch. It could not have been a more beautiful day. We got lucky last weekend...it has been stormy all week this week! And we weren't the only lucky ones! Pebble Beach Golf Course was hosting their yearly Celebrity Golf Tournament last weekend as well. There is nothing sorrier than a passel of soggy celebrity golfers. But we had lovely sun all weekend.

The Mission Ranch is a complex of buildings originally built in the 1800's. It had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being sold and destroyed for a condo complex by developers when former Carmel mayor, Clint Eastwood, rescued the property. Mr. Eastwood restored the complex and it is now a charming seaside resort right next to the beautiful Carmel Mission with views of Point Lobos and the stunning Pacific coastline.

The Dining Room at the Ranch is cozy with some of the best views of the California Coast one could ask for. The sheep were grazing....

And so were we! The brunch buffet was delicious....I tried a bit of...well...everything...almost. The Salmon was amazing and the Eggs Benedict....mmmmm! And then there was the dessert table....don't even start!

I made a new friend to the utter mortification of my teenage daughters. I have had to learn over the last couple of years that I cannot worry whether they think I am a total embarrassment, or I would never leave the house. Sigh....I miss those days when they thought I was the "cool mom". So anyway...the piano bar is a must if you get to the Ranch!

So on with the tour....as I mentioned, the Mission Ranch is made up an assortment of charming Victorian Farm style buildings lovingly restored and set in the midst of a grove of windswept Cypress Trees....

There are cozy little cottages for relaxing privacy...

After walking around the extensive grounds for a bit, Tim drew my attention to this old green truck....any guesses as to why it is famous? Leave me a comment if you know! I will fill you in if no one can guess!

After brunch, we walked down to the main Carmel Beach. It is very rare to have a picture of Tim and I together...it is usually one or the other of us behind the camera. My younger daughter took this one and so here we are.....Valentine's Day weekend...