The Carmel Wayfarer Inn sits on the corner of 4th Ave. and Mission St., encircling a lush garden courtyard. The two story building fit right in with the quaint architecture of the area, an appealing characteristic of the small California hamlet by the sea. It was a welcome sight after a long day on the road.

We had reserved a room with king bed, trundle bed, fireplace and kitchen, which was spacious and decorated with French Country style. Quilts and shams in soft colors created a relaxing atmosphere in the main room, while rust-sienna walls and tiffany-style sconces in the tiled kitchen balanced it off with a subtle infusion of color. It was perfect for our weekend needs – a home away from home for two humans and two dogs.

We checked in mid-afternoon, with time to enjoy both the cranberry muffins waiting for guests at the front desk and the wine and cheese reception held between 4PM and 6PM. Brie and crackers helped tide us over until dinner. Scattered patio tables and chairs gave us comfortable outdoor seating areas to enjoy the late afternoon sun.

Arranged by a family relative, we met for dinner at Nico Ristorante Mediterraneo, where a pet-friendly back patio allowed both humans and canines. Under the warmth of a heat lamp that dispelled the chill of the Carmel night, we sat down to a feast, served in white linen tablecloths which were graced with trios of yellow roses in flutes and flickering votive candles. It was a perfect meal in many ways, from cuisine to service to family company.

The menu featured dishes from both Italy and Greece. Plates of bruschetta and baskets of fresh bread with an anchovy-pesto dip were the first to arrive on our table. These were followed by plentiful servings of spinach fettuccini with pesto and walnuts, pasta carbonara and a variety of other equally delicious entrees. Red wine flowed freely, as did conversation in the elegant yet comfortable patio setting. The meal ended with tiramisu, crème brulee and baklava, accompanied by espresso for some and decaf for others.

The inn offers a morning breakfast, with homemade granola, bagels, fresh fruit, juice, yogurt and hard boiled eggs, along with fresh brewed coffee and an assortment of teas. We opted instead for breakfast at a local café, Belle, were we ordered a morning specialty of polenta with sautéed mushrooms and roasted Roma tomatoes, poached eggs and creamy goat cheese. We followed this with a stroll between galleries and stores, many offering water dishes and dog biscuits to four-legged friends passing by.

Carmel Wayfarer Inn is not the most luxurious inn in Carmel, but neither is it the most basic. Sometimes in-between is just right – amenities that are upscale enough to make for a delightful stay with a price tag that doesn’t break the bank. The décor is warm and inviting and the rooms are immaculate. Having a kitchen as an option is a bonus, especially for guests staying for more than one night. The fireplace: yet another plus.

The inn’s location is excellent, an easy three block walk to Ocean Ave., the hubbub of shopping activity. A longer, downhill walk of about nine blocks leads to the beach, saving the hassle of parking, though necessitating a huffier and puffier uphill return to the inn. Not a bad way to work off spinach fettuccine, though.

There’s more to do in the Carmel area than can be fit into a weekend visit, or even into a week. Aside from the draw of the many shops, galleries and cafes in the town itself, the 1771 San Carlos de Borromeo de Carmelo Mission is just south of town, where visitors can get a glimpse of California mission history.

Big Sur, located twenty-five miles south along the coast, is easily accessed for excellent hiking and outstanding photographic opportunities. North of Carmel, Monterey holds a multitude of possibilities for local visitors, including Cannery Row and the fascinating and educational Monterey Bay Aquarium. At various times of the year, music and art festivals can be added to itinerary. Museums, fine dining and whale watching are all there to be enjoyed, too.

With an area that has so much to offer visitors, it’s ideal to have more than one lodging option. Fortunately, the Carmel/Monterey area has many. For lodging that is plush enough to be comfortable, yet basic enough to be affordable, the Carmel Wayfarer Inn is a great choice.