I am once again joining my pals Mary Ann and Annie for our Sunday favorites. We lived in the Monterey County area for over 40 years. There are many places and people that are still very near and dear to our hearts. Let’s talk about hidden gems in Monterey County you don’t want to miss.
TANCREDI & MORGEN
We had a meeting with our accountant last week so I told Steve we needed to leave early so I could stop at one of my favorite haunts Tancredi and Morgen. I have known the Aldis family for over 35 years. I knew Marsha when she had the Old World Cloth Shop in downtown Carmel before she married Roger. Tancredi and Morgen is a family owned boutique like no other. Marsha designs and crafts unique women’s ware and pillows. Roger travels to France to source one of a kind furnishings and decor. Their two daughters Megan (photographer and videographer), and Gwynneth (artist) are also both actively involved in the business. If you travel to the Monterey Peninsula it is a must stop. You won’t be disappointed.
Since i know you will ask I am wearing the Lily skirt in olive from CP Shades. Yes they are expensive, but it is all about the cut and they are made in California. I am wearing the fabulous light weight merino tee from Eileen Fisher ( I wish I had 10 of these!), the great leather work bag from one of my favorite companies FEED (love them and what they stand for) and comfy bueno sandals (okay enough on fashion)!
They always carray a beautiful array of interesting pillows.
MORGAN WINERY
Morgan wines are organically farmed in the beautiful Santa Lucia Highlands and family owned. Not only do they craft award winning Santa Lucia Highland wines, they are wonderful people. I helped with the redesign on their Carmel Valley Tasting Room several years ago (you can read about that in my post Morgan Tasting Room’s Fresh New Look, and Steve worked for the family on different projects for many years. Yesterday we drove up to their beautiful vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands for their harvest party. If you are in Carmel be sure to visit their beautiful tasting room at the Crossroads Shopping Center, and be sure and tell them I said hello.
The harvest party always begins with a glass of wine and a hike to the top of the vineyard for those that are willing and able. The reward is the spectacular view
Even though it was over 90 the beautiful oak trees provided appreciated shade.
Morgan Winery produces award winning Pinots, Chardonnays, Syrahs, Sauvignon Blancs and Rieslings. If you would like to learn more about their wines or join their wine club, you can check out their website here. You can also follow them on Instagram here
FAMERS UNION POUR HOUSE
The town of Salinas is undergoing a resurgence. It has a lovely oldtown filled with intresting architecture and possibilities. Our kids opened Farmer’s Union Pourhouse in 2016 before a lot of things were happening. You can read about the evolution of their dream in Edible Monterey here, and on the blog here. They carry a rotating list of 24 craft beers and twelve wines. There is always something new to try.
Colin designed and built the tables from old flooring that Steve had from an old job. The old doors were left over from another job. Lauren made and framed the art above the ta bles. Colin designed the bottle wall after spotting a similar idea somewhere else.
Farmers Union is a friendly place where locals meet to grab a drink after work or after dinner at one of Salinas’ restaurants. We met a couple of their regulars at a recent wine event and they commented that Colin and Lauren always greet them with a smile and remember what they like to drink. Farmers Union Pour House is located at 217 Main Street in Oldtown Salinas. Be sure to stop by if you are visiting the area.
PATRIA
Whenever we visit Salinas we try to eat at Patria. Owner chef Paulo Kautz never disappoints. The food is fresh and wonderful and the decor is charming. Patria is located right across from Farmer’s Union Pour House in Salinas. You can follow them on their facebook page here.
OUTFIT OF THE WEEK
This week I am featuring a fun kantha jacket from Etsy, velvet birdies, a great gauze shirt from J Crew factory, kut from the kloth jeans, and a pricey but fabulous bag (that I have been coveting) from Rag and Bone.
SHOP THE POST
That’s it from my desk this week. It has been quite hot here, not at all like fall. Are the leaves beginning to turn where you are? Thanks for reading Hidden Gems in Monterey County you don’t Want to Miss. I so appreciate your support. Now let’s pop over and visit Annie and Mary Ann for their favorites.
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The Pour House is the BEST. I miss it…and Tancredi and Morgan, such a fun shop!
Hi Mary Ann
I miss them both!!
Cindy
I would love to visit each and everyone of these! You have for sure. Shared some nuggets😍
Hope your temps are moderating like ours.
All the best always,
Amanda
Hi Amanda
Hoping you come visit one day!!
wow! Just wow! I just sent a text to my kids that live in Monterey that next time we visit the Pourhouse will be on our agenda! It is adorable~ We all love craft been and wine and a fun place to hang out in together. (Andrew just texted me that they were there a few years back…)
Love Tancredi and Morgan. My friend Judy Watkins (do you know her?) told me that Marsha was a must visit when we were getting ideas for Petit Soleil. I did buy a few Ricard pitchers, pillows and other cute French accoutrements years and years ago. I have Dec 2 on my calendar to go meet Caitlin Flemming and her mama there for their book signing. Such a cute place and such cute merchandise and I cannot wait to meet those two ladies!
I think we have crossed many of the same paths. I used to sell Morgan Wines over 25 years ago and we visited the winery often. Their Sauvignon Blanc will always be a favorite of mine.
There will be lots to chat about one day.
I LOVE Carmel and Monterey (we just bought a tiny little condo on the beach) and our kids are super involved in education on the peninsula ..
I so look forward to the Pourhouse. You kids are so talented – the decor is amazing!
Cheers
Hi Diane
Didn’t Judy Watkins have the antique show that was so good years back? I cannot think of the name of it!! I am interviewing Caitlin and her mom the beginning of November. They really hit it out of the park with this book-my absolute fave!!
I visit Monterey County about once a month and I’m trying to relocate there. But the prices keep going up!!!! I always go to Tangredi & Morgan. What a fabulous shop with unique items. If only I had a bigger house and more money. I also pop over to Earthbound Farms for amazing flowers. I bring a tin flower can so I can keep them in water on the three + hour drive home. And now I will expand to Salinas.
That handbag! If I hadn’t just purchased the Rag and Bone one!!! Great and inspiring post!!
I was lucky enough to live in Monterey for a few years in the late 80s. Every Sunday, I treated myself to a walk at Point Lobos and then lunch somewhere in Carmel. It was a little piece of heaven on earth — it seems it still is. Loved this post!
PS. I meant to say something about kantha jackets. I love them and have purchased several from Etsy. Buyers should be aware, though, that they will not receive the exact jacket shown — they are one of a kind items, and unless it’s a listing for the exact one you are purchasing, you’ll need to be flexible as to pattern placement. Of the three I own, two are perfect and one has a big, light-colored floral blossom over one breast that I actually just donated because it drove me crazy.
Loved this post, Cindy and reminder that so many hidden gems are just a stones throw away. Your son and daughter-in-law have the design gene too … their place looks cozy and fun. I think Jim and I are due for a trip to the area. That bag is amazing, and pricey it may be but you get a lot of wear out of it and will for years so that puts it in better perspective. I really need to order a pair of Birdies. You and everyone else swear by them … they’re so pretty and look for comfortable Maybe today’s the day those Birdies will be on their way to me. xo
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for a lovely post. Now l know where to visit next time l am up that way ! I am going to save this for the next trip. It is still very warm here in the Santa Monica mountains and like everyone l know l am hoping for cool days and fall weather.
Hi Cindy,
What beautiful communities you shared. It’s nice to see your friends that own Trancredi boutique are still thriving. Owning a retail store is not easy.
I can see that your kids are highly talented .
Farmers Union Pour House looks like a wonderful relaxed place to hang out and unwind from the day.
Hi Cindy — Sweater weather here in Ohio this weekend so your fall fashion ideas have me thinking. And love this week’s outfit — love those kantha jackets!
Thanks for all info! Good to know for our next visit!! If only we had a shop like that here in RVA.
I always enjoy your posts Cindy. Cheryl
When my daughter and I were in Carmel in June, there were 4 young boys in Tancredi and Morgan shopping in earnest for a gift (never found out for whom). They were about 10-13 and it was so fun to observe them work within their budget. Morgan must be a magic word! I’ve been both places but need to check out the “new, improved” Salinas. So much history there and in Monterey – a great weekend get away! I think the temps are dipping this week. 👍🏼