Category Archives: Carmel Lifestyle

“Car Mania” in Carmel ~ Pebble Beach ~ Pacific Grove ~ Monterey

“Car Mania” in Carmel ~ Pebble Beach ~ Pacific Grove ~ Monterey

After a year and a half of pandemic isolation, it was a relief for many to see “Car Week” return to Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula.  It wasn’t quite as full blown as in years past, but it was still an amazing week drawing thousands to see the incredible cars and enjoy the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.

Car enthusiasts arrived from all over the country to enter their cars in the various car shows, participate in auto rallies, attend reunions of their car clubs and go to auctions to buy more cars!  Then thousands more came just to view the unique vehicles and ogle the “Eye Candy” in all colors.

One of the most popular car shows was the free “Concours On The Avenue” which took place in downtown Carmel on the Tuesday of “Car Week” featuring sporting cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and luxury cars.  This car owner is polishing his beauty diligently preparing for the judges.

There are cars for everyone’s taste.

1934 Ford Sedan

Some of the cars were  sophisticated classics and some were WILD!

Our Carmel Realty office on Ocean Avenue was right in the middle of all of the action entertaining the viewing public with an Open House complete with refreshments.

What’s your favorite car?

1959 Porsche 356A convertible

Every car was identified by a sign on its windshield describing the car which was very helpful.

 What’s my favorite car?

1959 Chevrolet Corvette

I love this 1959 Corvette – look at this wheel!

1959 Chevy Corvette interior

But then Ferrari’s are pretty cool too!

The classic 1950 Chevy convertibles are pretty neat too.  OK, I love them all!

On Sunday “Car Week” ended with the piece de resistance, the Concours d’  Elegance – and elegant it is!

Wow! Love that color!

I didn’t go to the Sunday event, but this is one of the cars shown in a prior year when the Tour d’ Elegance would park in downtown Carmel on Thursday for 2 hours while the car owners enjoyed lunch in the park.

These amazing classic cars are something to behold!

In case I have now turned you into a car lover, put a week in Carmel on your calendar for next year and come and enjoy!

Dining Guide for Celebrating 4th of July in Carmel


It’s 4th of July weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea and I think we’re all ready to celebrate!  How are you going to kick up your heels this weekend?  Spending time on the beach, playing golf, or taking in one of our great restaurants in Carmel?

Imagine teeing off on this gorgeous spot!

If you’d like a handy restaurant guide, here are a few restaurants you may want to consider.  However, you spend the weekend, have fun!!

And by the way, I’ll be at our CARMEL REALTY COMPANY office on Ocean Ave, between Dolores and Lincoln, south side of street, from 9:00am – 2:00pm for all of your real estate needs!

Susan’s Suggestions for Carmel Dining

Grasing’s $$$$ Corner of Mission & 6th Av ,831-624-6562

La Balena $$$$ Junipero between 5th & 6th Av, 831-250-6295

Anton & Michel $$$$ Mission between Ocean & 7th Ave,                831-624-2406

Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant $$-$$$ Mission between Ocean & 7th Ave, 831-624-5008

Little Napoli $$-$$$ Dolores between Ocean & 7th Ave,                  831-626-6335

Vesuvio $$-$$$ Corner of Junipero & 6th Ave, 831-625-1766

La Bicyclette $$-$$$ Dolores between Ocean & 7th Ave,                  831-622-9899

Pangaea Grill $$-$$$ Ocean between Dolores & Lincoln,                    831-624-2569

Dametra Cafe $$-$$$ Ocean corner of Ocean & Lincoln,                  831-622-7766

Basal Seasonal Dining $$-$$$ San Carlos between Ocean & 7th Ave 831-626-8226

Portabella $$-$$$ Ocean between Lincoln & Monte Verde ,          831-624-4395 

Mission Ranch Restaurant $$-$$$ 26270 Dolores,                               831-625-9040 (No Reservations)

Forge and the Forest $-$$ Corner of Junipero & 5th Av,                     831-624-2233

Tommy’s Wok $-$$ Mission between Ocean & 7th Ave,                     831-624-8518

This is just a partial list.  There are many more choices – too many to list every single one.

Nielson Brothers Market, Carmel, Corner San  Carlos & 7th Ave

If a beach picnic is more up your alley, you can buy ingredients at 5th Avenue Deli (5th Ave between San Carlos & Dolores), Bruno’s Market (Junipero between 5th & 6th), or Nielsen’s Market (Corner of San Carlos & 7th)!. ENJOY!

Susan Clark enjoying Carmel Beach

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

 

 

Real Estate on the Monterey Peninsula ~ What now?

Dear Clients, Friends, and Associates,

This past month has been very challenging for all of us.  We have all been impacted in different ways, however, for none of us has it been life as usual.  I know some of you have been unable to see elderly loved ones, and many of you have become “teachers” to your young children.  Some of you have been able to work from home and others have been furloughed or have had your small business forced into closing.  My whole-hearted thanks go out to all of our essential businesses that have been keeping us safe, healthy, and fed. 

Mary Aliotti from Victorian Corner in Pacific Grove serving a Take-out order

Thank you to all of the police officers, doctors and nurses and other health care workers, our grocery stores, and our restaurants serving take-out orders.  During a Shelter-in-place order we quickly find out how many people we depend on daily to take care of our basic needs.  Thank you all, for being there for us!

Just Sold! 23675 Determine Lane (Represented the Buyer)

So how has the “shut down” affected Real Estate on the Monterey Peninsula I keep being asked?  To begin with we had a very strong first quarter and the Q-1 statistics are attached.  Most of the sales that were in escrow when the SIP order took place did proceed to close. 

First Quarter Report ~ by Carmel Realty Company

But what now?  Yes, that is the $64,000 question.  At this time, no one wants to forecast an exact answer to this question, because there are still so many variables.  There are a number of key drivers at play –  both positive and negative.  At Carmel Realty Company we are working to accentuate the Positive with new sales tools and new channels of messaging to reach our prospective buyers and sellers.  

Adwerx, a digital advertising campaign, is just one of the ways we reach out to prospective clients

As a Realtor with 33 years experience in both San Francisco and on the Monterey Peninsula, I have seen our real estate market survive many crises.  I remember the AIDS epidemic in the late 80’s and early 90’s, the Stock Market crash of 1987, the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989, the dot com boom and then crash in 2001, the crazy upwards rush of prices ending in a crash in 2007 and the housing collapse in 2008 with foreclosures and short sales becoming common place.  What I have learned is that “this too will pass”. 

Susan with husband, Allan, on the Rec Trail in Pacific Grove.

What I know for sure is that we live in one of the most desirable communities in the world with a limited inventory of homes.  We’ll get through this crisis like we survived the others.  In time our community will return to become healthy and vibrant with appreciating real estate values and an extraordinary quality of life.

Susan Clark, Realtor 831-320-6801

Take care, stay safe, stay healthy.

Q-1 Report