Go Ahead Clint, Make my Night!

Clint Eastwood has certainly made an incredible impact on this world but perhaps one of his greatest achievements is not on the top of many lists. After living it last night it is on the top of mine and I thought it was well worth the tip of my hat.

Actor, producer, director, composer and even politician there is no way his contributions will ever be overlooked; The Outlaw Josey Wales was my father’s favorite but the list of films he made after his breakthrough role on Rawhide is stunning; A Fistful of Dollars, The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Dead Pool, Play Misty for Me, The Bridges of Madison County and even the funny stuff like Every Which Way but Loose. And that is just of few of them.

His passion for film is evident but there is a small strip of California coastline that Clint has an equal passion for. Carmel is an incredible village by the sea that I have had the pleasure of visiting a few times and am actually overlooking it’s beautiful coastline as I am writing my thoughts about what I experienced last night. Clint even served as the mayor of this wonderful spot and owns the Tehama Golf Club with previous ownership of the Hog’s Breath Inn.

My first trip to the Mission Ranch last night was truly memorable. The Ranch was once slated to be demolished and turned into a condo development which would have forever taken away the ability of anyone to enjoy the 22 acre parcel of splendor with it’s views of Point Lobos, Carmel River Beach and the amazing Pacific Ocean. Located just a few blocks south of Ocean Avenue the charm of this property is evident the minute you pull into the lot and see the layout of 31 hotel rooms located within various buildings spread out on the property. A stunning field full of sheep grazing adds to the beauty.

You see Clint was not going to let someone turn this amazing spot into a condo development so in 1986 he laid down a fistful of dollars and protected it. He then hired the best craftsmen to replicated the doors, moldings and hardware of the original buildings to create what you see today. If you ever make it to this part of the world it is well worth your time to stop by and enjoy it. The land was once home to one of the first dairies in California and thanks to Mr. Eastwood’s love and dedication to the area an experience you too can enjoy. Next time I make it out this way I will be staying there (I hear the Honeymoon Cottage is the best room in the house) but the Restaurant and Piano Bar are a must stop for any visitor to Carmel.

Not only was the food excellent (the bone-in prime rib was amazing) but the piano bar is the bomb. If you are a music lover (Clint is a well known audiophile and music is another one of his many passions) this place is heaven on earth and nightly the room is rocking and turns into it’s own version of Carmel has talent as various residents and visitors take their turn and I was stunned by some of the performances I saw last evening. On the top of my list was a rendition of At Last by an amazing singer who would have made Etta James proud or maybe even jealous. I am told Clint is a frequent visitor and stops by weekly so you just never know.

But take my word for it; if you ever are in this neck of the woods stop by and have an experience you will always cherish. If you happen to see Clint please thank him for me!