50th Anniv Party- Restaurant, Accomodation & Activities

We will be a party of 16, primarily native Californians traveling from outside the area and state. We will arrive mid-June and will stay for a long weekend, approximately 5 days.

We are looking at staying around Monte Vista %26amp; Ocean due to easy walking distance of many restaurants and sites. We would like suggestions on restaurants that could acccomodate a party of 16 for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Also, we are looking into dining at Il Fornaio for 50th Party, would appreciate any feedback or alternative suggestions?

We are also looking for any recomendations on sites and activities in the area. Not really looking for privacy %26amp; romance, but definately looking for group fun!

Any information on accomodations and air travel deals would also be appreicated!

50th Anniv Party- Restaurant, Accomodation %26amp; Activities

II Fornaio is located in the Pine Inn in Carmel. I haven%26#39;t dined here but have heard very good things about it. It was one of the recommendations from the concierge at the Highland%26#39;s Inn where we stayed last Dec.

For breakfast, we really like Katy%26#39;s Place, right in downtown Carmel. It is rather small with a small outdoor area, I would definitely make reservations. You may also want to consider Mission Ranch for one of your meals. We enjoyed the Jazz Brunch here one Sun. The outdoor patio area is spacious with pretty views of the green pastures and a little peek of the ocean.

Pt. Lobos State Reserve would be a fun way to spend some time your group. It is a very pretty area of the coastline with some easy walking trails. Bring binoculars to view the marine life around the cove areas here. This would be a nice spot for a picnic, also. You could pick up supplies at at one of the delis in Carmel.

For one of your dinners, consider Casanova in Carmel. They also have a pretty large patio that can accomodate groups. Each time we have had lunch here, there have groups about the size of your party. Have a great time in Carmel! :)

50th Anniv Party- Restaurant, Accomodation %26amp; Activities

All of Syrah%26#39;s suggestions are very good. A few other thoughts. Since you have so many people, you might consider staying at La Playa Hotel. It%26#39;s a walk to the beach and downtown and is quite nice. I%26#39;ve eaten at Il Fornaio--it%26#39;s good but, in my opinion, not great. I prefer Grasings and Casanova. If it%26#39;s not too big a hassle to drive to dinner, I%26#39;d also recommend Tarpy%26#39;s Roadhouse. The food is very good, and they can accommodate large parties--ask them about their private rooms and alcoves. As Syrah said, Point Lobos is not to be missed--absolutely gorgeous and the trails are not difficult. If you haven%26#39;t been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, your group might enjoy that. Check their website for info on group reservations. There are also plenty of nice spas in the area if some of you want to take a break for a massage or facial: Spanish Bay Resort in Pebble Beach has a nice spa; Spa on the Plaza near the Portola Plaza Hotel in Monterey; in Carmel, A Signature Day Spa. For wine tasting, try Chateau Julien in Carmel Valley.

I was going to suggest La Playa also, but forgot to mention it in my previous post. We stayed there in May of 2005 and I really loved the property. It is a Historic Hotel and the grounds and gardens add so much to the charm and ambiance of the property. We had a rather small room but it was very nice with a view of the ocean and gardens. There is also a pretty good restaurant there, the Terrace Grill where we enjoyed breakfast.

If you are looking for a spa experience, there is a very nice one at the Monterey Plaza, it is up on the rooftop with gorgeous panoramic views of Monterey Bay. The bromine jacuzzis are very relaxing and there is an outdoor fireplace where you can relax after your treatments.

I also agree with PG on Tarpey%26#39;s Roadhouse for dinner. It is a very spacious restaurant with beautiful grounds, next door to the Ventana Tasting Room where you can wine taste for no charge. I also have a review with some photos of both La Playa and Tarpey%26#39;s Roadhouse if these places sound interesting to you.

Hope this helps with your decision making for your trip, there are so many great things to do/see in this area. :)

Syrahgirl %26amp; PGdenizen, thank you very much for your suggestions! We are checking into each one. So far Katy%26#39;s and Tarpy%26#39;s look like we will definately add to our list of dining places for our stay. Also, we are exploring other options for the 50th Anniversary dinner.

Thanks again taking the time to provide recommendations!

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