Carmel California

The coastline on the American West Coast is beautiful and the area around Carmel California is no exception. Formerly known as Carmel-on-the-Sea, it is not a typical small town. It has a long history of supporting the arts and a long-standing community of artists and writers. There has been a careful planning policy, to preserve the homely feel of the town. Situated 120 miles south of San Francisco in Monterey County, it is classed as a moderate risk for seismic activity. The 2000 census reported an estimated population of just over 4,000.

The area was first inhabited by Native Americans and the first Europeans to sight the land were Spanish sailors. Carmel California became part of Mexico but was restored to the United States after the Mexican-American War. Writers and artists started to come from the San Francisco area after the 1906 earthquake there.

Culture is important to the residents. In 1910, an outdoor theatre called the Forest Theatre was built, which is still used for productions, including an annual Shakespeare Festival. There is an Arts Association in Carmel California that promotes local artists. The Sunset Community and Culture Center is a concert hall that hosts events and is home to the Monterey County Symphony orchestra. The annual Carmel Bach Festival is a highlight on the center's calendar.

Residents have excellent shops and amenities. The oldest shop is a bakery that specializes in pretzels. Shopping is a delight in the town, the largest complex being the Carmel Plaza. There are well known chains such as Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton and Cole Haan. Charming independent stores are also here, including jewelry shops, an art shop, a luxury stationary shop and a British style candy store in a cottage. Daily life is reported in the local newspaper. A Spanish Mission which was founded by religious Fathers in 1770 is officially deemed a National Historic Landmark.

There have been many famous people associated with the town, over the years. Clint Eastwood served as Mayor from 1986-1988. As the town planning rules are very strict, there was no ice cream parlor in Carmel California when Eastwood began his term. He achieved a victory in persuading the town elders to allow one to be built. Other resident actors have included Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, Kim Novak, Doris Day and Betty White. Celebrated photographer Ansel Adams also lived there and authors Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson.

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