Feast of the Lanterns ~ Pacific Grove, CA

Feast of the Lanterns! July 26 -29th

Feast Court – From left to right: Bottom Row: Princess Ruby Juliana Aliotti, Princess Sapphire Jenna Hall, Princess Amethyst Serena Paci Top Row: Master Rooster Thor Birch, Princess Tourmaline Rachel Sands, Queen Topaz Caroline Evans, Princess Emerald Caroline Coen, and Master Horse Elias Yevdash                                                                                                                                       This is one of the  big festivals during the year held in Pacific Grove – that is SO Pacific Grove.  PG, as we locals call it affectionally,  is called “Americas Last Hometown”,  because it’s like the hometown that many of us grew up in across America in an earlier day.  And, yes, it’s still pretty much like that now.  
Pacific Grove coastline

My hometown was kind of like Pacific Grove – but lose the coastline.  Now I live 4 blocks away from the water and love it – matter of fact it’s my Xanadu!  In my estimation, Pacific Grove has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world – and I’ve seen a lot of them – but that’s really a different subject!

Feast of the Lanterns – Opening ceremony

Back to Feast of the Lanterns.  I’ll let you click the link to learn all about the story and the wonderful young women and men who are lucky enough to land on the court.  They will spend all year doing service for their community and receive academic scholarships.  I have to give a shout out to Juliana Aliotti who is the daughter of Dominic and Mary Aliotti who own the very popular Pacific Grove eatery known as “Victorian Corner”.  Not only great food (you will find my husband and I there most Saturday and Sunday mornings), but just a welcoming atmosphere that never fails to make you feel like you just walked into “Cheers’ and everyone yells your name.

Dinner at the Beach House

Another place we love is the “Beach House” and love to take advantage of their Sunset Special (read Early Bird special by 5:30PM).  As I looked out onto the beach this evening as we were being seated, I literally asked my husband to sit in the chair that faced the beach, so I wouldn’t have to look out at all the blankets that some people have put down 3-4-5 days before the event — so they can have a front row seat. It drives me crazy!  The event isn’t until Saturday night 2 days from now and the blankets have been on the beach for days!

Lover’s Point Beach covered with blankets by people saying Me First!

I know this may be a controversial subject, but it raises the hair on the back of my neck every year!  I usually try to stay away from controversial matters on my blog, but my Social Media Guru, Katie Lance, says one shouldn’t stay vanilla on your blog – express your opinion – so here goes.  Look at this photo above.  There are 20-25 people who have spread out blankets -as they do every year – 3-4 days – maybe more – before the big Saturday night event and fireworks. They have decided, Me First – doesn’t matter if someone might actually want to enjoy the beach this week like our locals and the many visitors that bring income to this lovely resort town.

I am really interested in how you feel about this.  Am I the Lone Ranger here?  I would love to hear your comments and what you think on the subject.

But don’t worry, I’ll get over the angst of the beach taker overs and enjoy Saturday night and the fireworks! I love this town!

Thinking of buying or selling in Pacific Grove?  I’m your gal. I love it here and know you will too!

Susan Clark, Alain Pinel Realtors 831-320-6801

 

 

 

 

Stunning & Sophisticated in Carmel-by-the-Sea CA

 

Carmel 4 SW Ocean Avenue ~ Carmel-by-the-Sea

Open House Sunday 7/23 1:00 -4:30 PM $3,895,000

Carmelo 4SW Ocean Avenue – Carmel-by-the-Sea

Can’t wait to hold this beautiful Braden Sterling design open today!  Just  a few blocks from our amazing white sand Carmel Beach,

Carmel Beach
Welcome! Come on in!!

Sometimes words are just not needed.

Susan Clark, Alain Pinel Realtors

Hope you can stop by today!  If not, call me for all your Carmel real estate needs!

So you want to live on an estate in Pebble Beach CA . . . On a budget?

Living in Pebble Beach can be a pricey proposition particularly if you are dreaming of a large estate on a large lot in the Estate area of Central Pebble Beach.

Guess what?  This category of property, just became more affordable!  Now listed at $2,350,000 –  3146 Fergusson Lane with 4,289 SF is now $547.91 per SF and is situated on a 1+ acre corner lot.  Amazing.  WALK, DON’T RUN to see this amazing property bathed in sunshine.

Open House Saturday 11/11   1:00 – 4:00pm 

Or Call Susan for an appointment, 831-320-6801

www.3146Fergusson.com

Spacious living room looking out to lovely views

This spacious five bedroom, three and a half bath residence is ideal for those who love the Pebble Beach lifestyle. The spacious living room with high ceilings and gas fireplace . . .

Spacious living room with large fireplace

flows onto a large wrap around deck where you can enjoy lovely views and sunshine.

On this main floor is also a huge master suite, formal dining room, den, eat-in kitchen, atrium, laundry room and two-car garage.

Lots more on the lower level . . .

Be close to all Pebble Beach has to offer and live the

Pebble Beach Lifestyle!

Susan Clark on the Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course

Golf anyone?  Pebble Beach is known for its many beautiful golf courses – many with amazing ocean views.

Pebble Beach Golf Links Photo taken by Bob Borden

Or you may prefer just walking on the beach!

Pebble Beach coastline close to Spanish Bay

All we know is that there is only ONE

Pebble Beach.

Pebble Beach Golf Links
Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach

Contact Susan for more information or to arrange a private showing.  Or come by the Open House this weekend

Saturday 11/11   1:00 – 4:00pm

831-320-6801

 

 

 

“Crespi Cricket” at Twilight in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Crespi 6SE MountainView, Carmel-by-the-Sea   $2,475,000

Real Estate photography and the powerful Twilight Shot

Crespi 6SE Mountain View, Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for market is to have excellent photography created that will show off your home at its very best!  As an experienced realtor with 30+ years in real estate sales, I make sure I use the very best photographers in the area.  Experience has taught me that the photos of the listing – whether in print ads or on the intranet – are usually the prospective buyer’s first introduction to the home.

Twilight shot – Crespi 6SE Mountain View, Carmel-by-the-Sea $2,475,000

This recent photo shoot by Ron Bird proved to be a bit challenging, because of our “summer” weather in Carmel.  First appointment had to be cancelled, because we were socked in with marine layer and we kept trying and trying in the week that followed.  Once earlier we had a perfect day, but Ron wasn’t available.  Finally it all came together!  What do you think?

Crespi 6SE Mountain View , Carmel-by-the-Sea~ offered at $2,475,000

The twilight shot with all the lights on is a powerful shot, because it makes an awesome impression and somehow stirs the viewers emotions as does a lit fire.  The combination of the house all lit up and the fire pit blazing is not only inviting but gets an emotional response from the viewer.

Which shot do you think is the one that will sell it?

For more information about preparing your home for sale, call me at 831-320-6801.  Susan Clark

Susan's Musings by the Sea