I don’t go out much at night. The reason is simple– I have two little kids. I didn’t always prefer to stay in. Some of my favorite travel memories are of the dark hours, walking historic centers, planting myself in underground bars and wine cellars for live music and long conversation, admiring architecture lit up at night.
On my recent visit to Carmel, on California’s Central Coast, we took full advantage of the day by going out one night, wearing double layers and carrying the baby as he slept. We found an enchanting world of the cutest streets and shop windows, all loaded with Christmas decorations and lights. Bringing along a baby at his bedtime and the biting cold were inconveniences that existed only in our heads– this night walk showed us another view of Carmel that we never could have seen during the day.
This restaurant, with its Christmas trees and fire, looked so welcoming.
The window displays at the bakeries:
Carmel has a lot of old-world-style cottages. We had to stop in the Cottage of Sweets, of course.
Carmel is known for its beautiful shops, which made for lovely window shopping.
The window display at Tiffany & Co.
Too bad this shop was closed.
There were plenty of shops open. This one was full of food products to try. Yum.
Carmel is beautiful at any time of the year, but the Christmas lights along Ocean Avenue made it even more special.
My son and his tia
My concerns about the baby being out of his routine were unnecessary. He woke up about half-way through our walk, looked around the town with wide eyes, and then went right back to sleep when we got home. No big deal. And since then we’ve been going out at night more because if the baby doesn’t mind being outside his comfort zone, then why stay in? Life is too short.
This post was part of this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series.
Jenna, So pleased to see you guys getting out at night w/ your sons. As you’ve noted there really is no good reason not to do so and there is so much more joy as a parent when one’s children are part of the experience. Plus you get the added benefit of your children developing into more rounded individuals whose life is not solely focused on the homefront, computer games, and so on. Your mother and I always enjoyed bringing you out with us, in part because you were generally very well behaved and intrigued by and interested in new surroundings and experiences.
Yes, it was fun!
Carmel looks so charming! I like the idea of incorporating a baby into travel – especially when they cooperate with your plans.
Yes, when they cooperate, it’s all good, but they don’t always cooperate, and that’s when it can be challenging.
Carmel is definitely a beautiful place and Christmas there looks magical. I love the little tree with the candy canes.
Thanks. Magical is a good word for it.
Good for you for getting out – excellent for your sanity and a nice way to spend time with your husband.
I went through Carmel years ago – and remember how wonderful the window shopping was then. Looks even better decked out for Christmas.
Yes, it’s important to find ways to keep our sanity with 2 little kids!
I’ve never been to Carmel in the wintertime before—it looks like you could be in Germany or Austria. Beautiful photos, Jenna.
Thanks, and yes, I thought it seemed like central Europe as well (except the nature is very coastal!).
I’ve always liked walking around quaint Carmel but never at night or during the holidays. The decorations and photos look wonderful. We’ve always found that our kids liked walking around at night when they were infants. Maybe it’s the warmth and comfort of being bundled up and the leisurely pace that lulled them to sleep. Wishing you more scenic strolls with your little one.
I agree, kids like to be out at night, maybe because everything looks different. Thanks for the wishes and happy travels to you, too!
Carmel is such a charming town. I haven’t been there during the holidays — how beautiful it looks. Very nice pics!
I adore Carmel – such a special place. So great to see it all lit up! =)
Thanks! I love it, too.
I am SO glad you made this post! When my husband and I went for our wonderful walk at night in Carmel (that same week) I forgot to put the camera in my pocket and when I saw the beautiful windows displays and all the Christmas lights I was so so sorry. (You know how I love to whip out that camera!
Your photos are magical and a lovely reminder of the time we all shared in Carmel. I can’t wait to go back!
I love the pic of Noah and Cristiane. Your dad is right – so great to include the kids. (But you already knew that!)
Thanks! I can’t wait to go back either (even though I was there twice this year!)