Carmel-by-the-Sea: What’s not to love? This idyllic, European-style village is a place I could call home. I can picture myself living in a cozy cottage in the heart of the town, taking strolls down Ocean Avenue where the shopkeepers know my name, and heading to the white-sand beach at the end of the avenue to watch the sunset.

Upscale yet comfortable, Carmel has plenty of galleries, boutiques, hotels, places to eat, wine tasting, and a fabulous sandy beach. To top it off, this walkable town is super dog-friendly – my kind of place.

Last week, I spent the afternoon in Carmel with a friend. After a delicious lunch at the Patisserie Boissiere Restaurant, she enjoyed pampering with a facial and I hunted for interesting doors.

Please enjoy a few photos highlighting the interesting character of the boutiques, restaurants, and European-style architecture in Carmel.

This post was inspired by Norm Frampton’s weekly feature, Thursday Doors.

Thursday Doors brings door lovers together to admire and share their favorite door photos from around the world.