|
While Big Sur is a familiar California location, most
tourists seem to drive through the area rather than stay
there. Accommodations are limited, diverse in
nature, and lacking mid-range alternatives (gratefully, no
franchises the last time we were there.) The venerable
Ventana Inn and the relative newcomer Post Ranch Inn merit
"Beyond Mudhole" status, but we offer no first-hand experience
in staying there.
| PROPERTY |
BIG SUR
LODGE |
| ADDRESS |
P.O. BOX 190 - BIG SUR, CA
93920 |
| TELEPHONE |
800.424.4787 or
831.667.3100 |
| WEB |
www.bigsurlodge.com |
Another choice might be Big Sur
River Inn (Highway One at Pheneger Creek). We've not
stayed there, but their story is interesting.
The property dates back to
when the original Pfeiffer's owned the land and the
earliest units were constructed in 1934 (800.548.3610 or
831.625.5255). Another choice might be the Ripplewood
Resort (831.667.2242).
WHEN TO GO AND HOW TO GET
THERE:
- 26 miles south of Carmel and
65 miles north of Hearst Castle, on Highway One
- Rainy/snowy winter months are
good; competition in summer months with other tourists is
likely excessive
| BIG SUR LODGE: "The
Heart of Big Sur" |
- LOCATED
WITHIN PFEIFFER-BIG SUR STATE PARK
- LODGE UNITS
PLUS ABOUT 60 CABINS, USUALLY CONNECTED IN GROUPS OF
THREE OR FIVE
- SOME UNITS
WITH FIREPLACES, KITCHENS
- HEATED POOL,
GIFT SHOP
- ADEQUATE
DINING ROOM
- FOX AND DEER OFTEN
SEEN ON THE
GROUNDS
|
| MUDHOLE-RATING |
|
 |
QUIRKINESS |
 |
ACCOMMODATIONS |
 |
GOOD AREA FOOD |
 |
DIVERSIONS |
 |
COST |
There is no town or village at
Big Sur, but rather a string of commerce along Highway
One. To the south, the elevation descends rapidly --
first past The Esalen Institute (famous for nudity, hot tubs,
and EST), past Deetjen's Big Sur Inn (831.667.2377) which
might be worth exploring, and then on to Hearst
Castle/Cambria.
| ATTRACTIONS |
- PFEIFFER
BEACH -- TAKE SYCAMORE CANYON ROAD (UN-MARKED; ONLY
UN-GATED, PAVED ROAD WEST OF HIGHWAY ONE
BETWEEN BIG SUR POST OFFICE AND PFEIFFER BIG SUR
STATE PARK)
- HENRY MILLER
LIBRARY
|
| RESTAURANT
RECOMMENDATIONS |
- DINNER
AT VENTANA INN (831.667.2331 OR 831.624.4812)
- NEPENTHE FOR
LUNCH -- CAN BE CROWDED DUE TO DRIVE-BY TOURIST
TRAFFIC -- AND THE ADJACENT GIFT SHOP.
FORTY-MILE VIEW OF THE PACIFIC COASTLINE; BOTH INSIDE
AND AL FRESCO
DINING
|
Note: Nepenthe was owned at one time by Orson Wells
and Rita Hayworth.
|
RESOURCES |
- BIG SUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- BIG SUR LAND
TRUST
- EL SUR
GRANDE PAPER DESCRIPTION OF BIG SUR
- CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE PAPER DESCRIPTION OF BIG SUR
- http://jrabold.net/bigsur
|
This location was visited several times, with
documentation verifying
1995. | 
