Black Dogs & The Cypress Inn – Carmel-by-the-Sea

There are few things in life that a day or two in Carmel, California can’t cure.  The Cypress Inn on the corner of Lincoln and 7th is in the heart of this seaside town.  Surrounded by quaint shops, restaurants and galleries and a mere few blocks to Ocean Beach it is the perfect boutique hotel experience.   For an additional $30 the hotel will allow your dog to be their pampered guest.  They provide dog treats, a dog blanket and water and food bowls for your room.  Established in 1929, the Cypress is beautiful and reminded me so much of being in Paris.  Our room was small, but the hotel had an elegant room with a stone fireplace to sit and read with your dog at your feet.  Later in the evening the hotel provided entertainment and a classical guitarist played into the night.  We had a wonderful dinner on their patio in front of a big fire with the waves crashing in the distance.

In the morning the hotel provided a delicious breakfast with eggs, country potatoes, fruit and a to die for pastry selection (this was amazingly included with your room).  The mini chocolate croissants were some of the best I’ve ever had.  Later that day we ordered pizza and ravioli  from one of my favorite restaurants, El Fornaio, at the Pine Inn, which is on your way to the beach. We had a glorious picnic looking out over the ocean with our dog.  There are also dozens of restaurants that take dogs and some even provide a dog food menu.

Carmel is definitely a dog friendly town and Polly Lou had a blast.  This was one of our favorite trips to Carmel ever.

When I started this blog about my favorite things I knew I wanted to write about dogs.  To say that I love dogs is an understatement.  I am in love with our dog.  Almost eight years ago I decided that a dog was the only thing that our family lacked.  I was warned by friends and family that once the dog was no longer a cute puppy the kids would want nothing to do with it.  The wise advised me not to get a dog unless I was ready to be the sole care taker.  I had grown up with a black lab named Sport that I loved, but was horribly allergic to.   I began my search looking for a Labradoodle which is a crossbred dog created by crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle. The term first appeared in 1955, but was not popularized until 1988, when the mix began to be used as an allergen-free guide dog.

Over several months I researched dogs and looked at so many dog website that I saw nothing but dogs in my dreams.  White and fluffy, cinnamon and chocolate brown.  Little dogs in baskets and little puppy mug shots.  I was ready to buy a grey Labradoodle from Bakersfield when one last Google search put a beautiful black Goldendoodle on the screen.  This was the closest to love at first sight that I have ever experienced.  She had the most beautiful nose for a dog.  I started to read all of the reviews from people who had bought dogs from this breeder and the common thread in all of the reviews was how funny the dogs were.  As someone with a keen sense of humor I kept wondering how could a dog be funny?  Well, I was about to find out.

Polly has done nothing but make our lives happier.  We all love her and although I do spend the most time with her everyone participates in her care.

If you are in need of a get away, and would like to take your dog along, the Cypress Inn in Carmel provides a unique and magical experience.