American Dream TV, Carmel Lifestyle

Why Do I Love being An American Dream TV Host?

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Pacific Grove Coastline

When people hear that I’m a host for American Dream TV, they often assume it’s simply about showcasing luxury homes. While beautiful homes are certainly part of the experience, what I’ve discovered is that being an American Dream TV host is really about something much deeper — it’s about storytelling, community, and helping people connect emotionally with a place they may someday call home.

Susan, Tyler DeWhitie and Luis Contreras (LC1 Productions), my amazing videographer.           F

For me, the most rewarding part of hosting American Dream TV has been the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible people, businesses, nonprofits, and hidden gems that make life on the Monterey Peninsula so special.

Whether I’m walking along the breathtaking coastline of Pacific Grove watching whales pass by offshore, touring a spectacular Pebble Beach property, interviewing a local chef, or highlighting the inspiring work being done at Rancho Cielo, every segment is an opportunity to tell the story of our community through a more personal lens.

Real estate has always been about more than square footage and statistics. People aren’t just buying homes — they’re buying a lifestyle, a feeling, and a dream. Through American Dream TV, I’m able to help viewers experience what it feels like to live here. The sound of waves crashing against the shoreline. A sunset walk along Ocean View Boulevard. Golf at world-famous Pebble Beach. Dining at a new local restaurant with friends. The warmth and charm of our small coastal towns.

That emotional connection matters.

One of the things I love most about American Dream TV is that it allows me to support and promote our local community in an authentic way. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing local business owners, nonprofit leaders, artists, restaurateurs, builders, and entrepreneurs who are all contributing to the unique character of the Monterey Peninsula. These stories deserve to be told.

I also believe viewers can tell when someone genuinely loves where they live — and I truly do. After decades in real estate on the Monterey Peninsula, I still feel grateful every day to call this extraordinary place home. Being an American Dream TV host gives me the opportunity to share that passion with a much larger audience.

Susan with Karen Vidales, General Manager of Crema at Lover’s Point

Another important aspect of hosting the show is building relationships. Every interview and every collaboration creates new connections within the community. Over time, these relationships become incredibly meaningful both personally and professionally. I’ve found that when you approach people with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, wonderful opportunities naturally follow.

Julie, graduate of Rancho Cielo, tells Susan about her experiences here.

Perhaps most importantly, American Dream TV has allowed me to position myself not just as a Realtor®, but as a trusted local resource and community advocate. My goal has never been to simply “sell” real estate. Instead, I want to help people discover the lifestyle, beauty, and sense of community that make this area so extraordinary.

Photo by Bob Borden, photographer

At the end of the day, being an American Dream TV host means telling stories that inspire people, elevate local businesses and nonprofits, celebrate our coastal lifestyle, and create meaningful connections.

And honestly — I feel very fortunate to be able to do exactly that.

— Susan Clark

American Dream TV, Pacific Grove Lifestyle

Where Coastal Elegance Meets Pacific Grove Charm

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Pacific Grove, CA Coastline

I’ve lived here in Pacific Grove for 27 years now – and there’s something quietly magical about Pacific Grove.

Perhaps it’s the sound of waves rolling against the rocky shoreline, the sea breeze drifting through towering cypress trees, or the feeling that life naturally slows down here in the best possible way. And that’s exactly what I needed after many years of living in San Francisco. I’m happy here and love the Pacific Grove lifestyle.

Kimpton Mirador Hotel Pacific Grove

And now, tucked just a few blocks from both the coastline and the charming downtown streets, a new destination is adding another layer to the Pacific Grove experience — the stunning Kimpton Hotel Mirador.

As host of American Dream TV, I recently had the opportunity to step inside this thoughtfully designed boutique hotel and sit down with Director of Sales and Marketing Tyler DeWittie for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this property feel so special.

Susan, Tyler DeWhitie and Luis Contreras (LC1 Productions), my amazing videographer.

Watch this short teaser

Unlike large resort properties that can sometimes feel overwhelming, the Kimpton Mirador offers something more intimate and curated. From the moment you enter, the atmosphere feels warm, sophisticated, and deeply connected to the Monterey Peninsula lifestyle. The interiors blend modern luxury with coastal comfort, creating spaces that invite guests to truly unwind.

Pacific Grove Coastline

What I especially loved is the hotel’s walkable location. Within minutes, guests can stroll to the dramatic Pacific Grove coastline, enjoy sunsets along the Recreation Trail, explore local boutiques and cafés downtown, or simply breathe in the fresh ocean air that makes this area so beloved.

The Caledonian Restaurant in the Kimpton Mirador

The hotel’s restaurant, The Caledonian, adds yet another dimension to the experience and is already a favorite of locals. Beautifully designed and welcoming, it reflects the same elevated yet approachable spirit found throughout the property. Wait until you see their private dining room! It’ s divine the the perfect spot for a special occasion.

For visitors discovering Pacific Grove for the first time — or longtime locals looking for a refined staycation experience — the Kimpton Mirador captures the essence of coastal living on the Monterey Peninsula.

Watch my short teaser below for a quick glimpse inside, then enjoy the full American Dream TV feature for the complete tour and interview.

Watch the Teaser Video

 

Full American Dream TV Feature

 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, entertaining out-of-town guests, or simply exploring what’s new on the Peninsula, the Kimpton Mirador is well worth experiencing.

And as always, I love sharing the people, places, and stories that make our coastal communities so extraordinary.

Thinking of moving to the area? Call me, I’d love to help you find your Dream Home on the Monterey Peninsula.

 

Luxury Homes, Market Updates

Pebble Beach~Carmel Q-1 Market Report

Pebble Beach Coastline

As we move through the early months of 2026, the real estate market—both nationally and here on the Monterey Peninsula (including Pebble Beach, Carmel, Pacific Grove and Monterey) —continues to evolve in thoughtful and sometimes unpredictable ways. Ongoing volatility in the financial markets, combined with questions surrounding interest rates and broader economic policy, has prompted many buyers and sellers to take a more measured, strategic approach.

Here along the coast, however, the fundamentals remain strong. The Monterey Peninsula has always held a unique position—where lifestyle, natural beauty, and long-term value intersect—and that continues to resonate with buyers who understand the rarity of owning property in places like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, and Monterey.

Pacific Grove Coastline

What we’re seeing is not a slowdown in desire, but a shift in pace. Buyers are more discerning, sellers are more thoughtful, and successful transactions are the result of careful positioning, strong guidance, and a deep understanding of the market. As always, I’m working closely with my clients to navigate these changing conditions—identifying opportunities, crafting smart strategies, and keeping a steady focus on long-term goals.

                 Enjoy our Q-1 Market Report

In a market like this, experience and local insight matter more than ever. And while conditions may shift, one thing remains constant: the enduring appeal of coastal living on the Monterey Peninsula.

If you’re considering a move—whether buying, selling, or simply exploring your options—this is a time to have a knowledgeable, locally connected advisor by your side. With deep roots on the Monterey Peninsula, a pulse on the market, and the added exposure I bring through The American Dream TV, I offer a level of insight and marketing that truly sets your property apart.

I would be honored to help you navigate this market with confidence and clarity. Let’s connect and discuss your goals—whether now or in the future—and create a strategy tailored specifically to you.

Community Events, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Honoring a Life of Impact: A Pebble Beach Resident Receives the Lucile S. Packard Award at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Diane Hoffmann

There are moments in our community that truly capture the spirit of the Monterey Peninsula—where passion, purpose, and place come together in a meaningful way. This is one of those moments. A remarkable Pebble Beach resident has been honored with the prestigious Lucile S. Packard Award at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, recognizing her extraordinary contributions and lasting impact. It’s a celebration not only of individual achievement, but of a life deeply connected to the ocean, to stewardship, and to the vibrant coastal community we are so fortunate to call home.

Congratulations, Diane!

Green Sea Turtle, Monterey Bay Aquarium
Diane Hoffmann
“Whether sparking excitement for science and the exhibits with visiting students and guests, or ensuring that materials are autoclaved and sterile for next week’s microbiology sampling, Diane Hoffmann’s dedication to volunteering and commitment to the Aquarium’s mission are clearly on display.
Diane joined the volunteer program in 2019, serving in numerous roles, including volunteer guide, information center guide, conservation associate, education volunteer, and applied water quality volunteer. Diane distinguished herself early on and has accumulated over 7,000 hours in just seven years. During the Aquarium’s closure, Diane stayed connected with her volunteer guide shift and the Aquarium, becoming a familiar face on weekly Zoom calls. Upon reopening, Diane’s enthusiasm was exceptionally helpful during a time of uncertainty, and helped the interpretive programs team rebuild a strong core of volunteer guides.
As an education volunteer, she shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of ocean enthusiasts. In 2022, Diane joined the team in the applied water science lab and became a reliable anchor for them. Diane’s energy has a ripple effect: she’s always willing to share her observations, knowledge, suggestions, and positive experiences with staff and fellow volunteers.
From the beginning of her volunteer service, Diane has shown incredible dedication to the Aquarium staff, volunteers, and guests. Her passion for the ocean, for conservation, and for the well-being of those around her is obvious in everything she does.”

                       

Stories like this are a beautiful reminder of what makes life here on the Monterey Peninsula so special—the people, the purpose, and the connection to something greater. It’s one of the many reasons I love sharing these moments through my work in the community and  on American Dream TV, highlighting the individuals and stories that shape our community.

If you’ve ever dreamed of calling Pebble Beach or the surrounding coastal communities home, I would love to help you explore the possibilities. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply curious about the lifestyle here, let’s connect and turn your real estate goals into reality.

 

Susan's Musings by the Sea