ELLE (Canada)

The winter wonderland of Quebec City or the foodie paradise of the Cali coast?

Would you rather soak up the sun in Carmel-by-the-Sea or frolic in the snow in Quebec City? It’s a tough call.

- christina reynolds

WALK Carmel Beach is just a short stroll from La Playa. Let your toes sink into the fine white sand while you chat with locals who have the ultimate luxury of living across the street from the waves. lunch Book the Vincent Van Gogh table (transporte­d from an inn in France where the painter used to eat) at the rustic, romantic Casanova Restaurant in Carmel. Order the pot of shellfish with herbs and garlic, and keep an eye out for celebs like Clint Eastwood (who has his own restaurant nearby). DRIVE Pebble Beach’s 17 Mile Drive, which winds along the jaw-droppingly-lovely coast and through the misty Del Monte Forest, is just a 15-minute drive from Carmel. Give yourself lots of time—there’s much more to see here than just the iconic Lone Cypress (like vibrant wildflower­s clinging to the cliffs). Keep driving south to Big Sur via Highway 1 for another 140 kilometres of lookouts, bridges and beaches to explore. You’ll want to pull over at almost every curve, but save time for Pfeiffer Beach. Its patches of purple sand and keyhole arch set in the surf are stunning. SHOP Pop in to peruse the Henry Miller Memorial Library, a quirky coffee stop/outdoor concert venue/book shop where some cabinets have signs like “Dear Beautiful Person, Please open me up and take a look. I am a lonely cabinet and crave attention & affection. Love The Cabinet & My Fellow Books.” DRINK & dine Book a late meal at Jeninni Kitchen + Wine Bar in Pacific Grove. Chef Jeffrey Weiss’ Southern Mediterran­ean share plates will make it almost impossible to decide between offerings like octopus with lemon mermelada and lamb meatballs with mint and muhammara.

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