A Carmel “Insider”

W Magazine recently published a travel guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea and asked me to contribute as a local “insider.”

I have to admit, it’s a little funny to be called an insider when your day-to-day life mostly consists of school drop-offs, brunch service, and kids’ soccer games. But I was happy to put together a list of some of my favorite places in town — especially since people often ask where we like to go.

What made it particularly fun was highlighting friends and neighbors who are working hard to create thoughtful experiences here. Carmel may be small, but there are so many talented people building wonderful shops, restaurants, and spaces that make this place feel special.

It felt like a nice opportunity to celebrate a few of them.

You can read the full guide here if you're planning a visit — or if you just want to see a few of our favorite Carmel spots:

W Magazine: A Local’s Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel is a small place, and one of the things we love most about it is how interconnected everything feels — the people, the shops, the restaurants, and the community that gathers around them. We feel lucky to live and work here.

– Alissa