Located just a couple of hours south of San Francisco, I love Carmel as a weekend getaway destination. There’s the shopping (have you been to the gigantic Anthropologie downtown?!); the spas at Pebble Beach (not to be missed); and the excellent dining options (especially if you’re a seafood fan).

Tucked away in Carmel Valley is Bernadus Lodge, which is its own little oasis in this already heavenly region of Northern California. The Lodge features just under 60 rooms, a small spa, a heated outdoor pool, and two restaurants. The Bernadus Winery is just a few miles up the road, and a stay at the Lodge includes complimentary wine-tasting.

The rooms feature fireplaces, soaking tubs and patios. The decor is simple and comfortable. Service is stellar here — and I like that there’s a flat-rate service charge included in the room rate, so I don’t have to worry about scrounging for dollars to tip the bellhop or valet.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Bernardus is the on-site dining. A small group of us recently gathered at Marinus Restaurant for an amazing dining experience at the Chef’s Table. The booth in the kitchen offered such insight into the behind-the-scenes restaurant action. The chef was a pleasure — friendly and always taking the time to answer our questions or just explain random things to us.

As long as you’re not opposed to relaxing and maybe being pampered just a bit, there’s something for everyone here. Even a croquet lawn.

Bernardus Lodge
415 Carmel Valley Road,
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
(831) 658-3400

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The first thing you should know about dining at Farmer Brown: Get a reservation. The second: The neighborhood is not the greatest (described as “on the cusp of Union Square and the Tenderloin”), but you can easily walk from the BART station or take advantage of the secure parking at a lot next door.

The third, and most important thing: Farmer Brown is fantastic. I recently visited the restaurant with three dining companions — and not a single one of us had a negative thing to say after our meal here. I cannot give enough praise to the fried chicken, which came with a side of mac’n'cheese. The chicken managed to be deliciously crispy on the outside, yet moist and juicy on the inside. The mac’n'cheese, made with Tillamook cheddar, was such creamy, slightly tangy goodness.

Aside from the comfort-food menu and dish towel napkins, there isn’t much that screams country about the restaurant. There’s a DJ spinning in the front of the dining room; a bar that is almost always crowded; and metal tables that there is surely a long wait for … Unless you heed my first point: Call for a reservation.

Farmer Brown
25 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 409-FARM (3276)

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If your New Year’s resolutions involve picking up an art or craft skill, then this is the place for you. Workshops, studio passes (per day or on a membership basis), private lessons, finishing services (for those who are good at starting projects), and special events are all possible.

The crafts here run the gamut: candlemaking, tilemaking, stained glass, jewelry, enameling, metalwork, papermaking, cardmaking, bookbinding, knitting, crochet, loom-weaving, sewing, patternmaking, quilting, embroidery … How will you ever decide!? Many of the classes are available for various levels, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or have some experience under your belt already.

Craft Gym
1452 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 441-6223

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