Stepping into the past in .NET framework

Encoder Data Matrix 2d barcode in .NET framework Stepping into the past

Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, more commonly known as the Carmel Mission, 3080 Rio Rd (% 831-624-3600; wwwcarmel missionorg), is one of the largest and most beautiful of the 21 Spanish missions established by Father Jun pero Serra, Spanish founder of California s mission chain Built in a baroque style with a towering Moorish bell tower, it has been in continuous operation since 1771 The burnished terra-cotta facade and soaring, romantic curves make it worth strolling by even if you don t go inside Still, if you re a history buff, make the effort, because Serra is buried here and his cell contains some of the original furnishings It s open for self-guided tours Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm (Sun from 10:30 am), with extended hours in summer Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $1 for kids 6 to 17 To reach the mission, take San Carlos Street south from town and follow the signs, or take Rio Road west off Highway 1 and follow it for a half-mile

If you d like to find out more about local history and color, take a twohour guided walk with Carmel Walks (% 831-642-2700; wwwcarmel walkscom) The walks take place Tuesday through Friday at 10 am, Saturday at 10 am and 2 pm, for $20 per person Tours leave from the Pine Inn at Lincoln Street and Ocean Avenue; call ahead to reserve your spot

The spectacular beauty of the Big Sur Coast (see 19) begins just 3 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea at Point Lobos State Reserve (% 831624-4909; wwwpointlobosorg) A cypress-dotted headland, the Big Sur Coast has been variously called the greatest meeting of land and water in the world and the crown jewel of the state parks system It s a natural wonderland, all right, with sea lions, otters, harbor seals, and seabirds populating the ocean coves; spectacular coastal vistas (perfect for whale-watching in winter); picnic areas; and miles of hiking trails The entrance fee is $8 per car, which includes a trail map Open from 9 am to 4 pm Arrive early, especially on weekends; if the lot is full, you have to wait for someone to leave before you can enter

For peninsula-wide information before you arrive, point your Web browser to wwwmontereycom, or contact the Monterey Peninsula Visitors and Convention Bureau on their 24-hour information hotline (% 831-649-1770) Another useful source of information is the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (% 888-221-1010; www montereyinfoorg) For Carmel-specific information, you can call % 888-434-3891, visit wwwcarmel-californiacom (an advertiserdriven site), or you can check out the official city Web site at www carmelcaliforniacom

Stop in at the well-staffed and well-stocked Monterey Visitors Center, near downtown at Camino El Estero and Franklin Street (1 block inland from Del Monte Avenue) It s open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm (to 5 pm Nov Mar), Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm (to 4 pm Nov Mar)

You can pick up information from the Carmel Business Association, upstairs next to the Eastwood Building on San Carlos Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues in Carmel-by-the-Sea (% 831-624-2522) You can also call ahead to have a visitor s guide sent to you The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm (check for Sun hours in summer)

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Enjoying the state s most spectacular natural scenery Choosing the best places to stay and dine Exploring Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and other highlights Watching sea lions, otters, and seals at Point Lobos State Reserve

ew shorelines in the world are as breathtaking as the Big Sur Coast Skirted by rugged shores and crescent-shaped bays, this pristine wilderness of towering redwoods and rolling hills is tranquil, unspoiled, romantic, dramatic, and overwhelmingly beautiful and, as you may assume, perfect for a true getaway If you want quiet, this is the place Although, technically, a Big Sur Village exists (29 miles south of the Monterey Peninsula on Highway 1), it s not much more than a post office and the Big Sur Bazaar/Deli, which sells sundries, gifts, and good takeaway Mexican food (and has the best prices on sandwiches, in case you need a picnic) Big Sur actually refers to the gorgeous 90-mile stretch of land between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon The main thoroughfare and scenic byway is Highway 1, blessed on one side by the 167,000-acre Ventana Wilderness, with the splendid Santa Lucia mountain range rising just beyond, and on the other by the wild, spectacular coast (see the The Big Sur Coast map on p 274) The region is at its most woodsy and breathtaking in the northern half, but the entire coastline drive is stunning Development is minimal, and you ll find little more to do here than commune with nature but oh, what nature it is! Make time to enjoy it Hike the state parks, walk the beaches, stop along the drive to watch windsurfers pirouette among the waves and sea lions sun on the rocks, or perch yourself atop the cliffs and take in the sea breeze You won t believe the effect Big Sur can have on your soul: Modern life fades into the background as you become absorbed in Mother Nature s world