Carmel, California Trivia Quiz

Answer: Father Junipero Serra

Father Junipero Serra was a major historical figure in California, since he walked up and down California more than once, establishing missions that were roughly one-day's walk away from each other. One of Carmel's major streets is Junipero. The Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo was likely Father Serra's favorite; he chose to be buried there.

Answer: False

The small downtown area has sidewalks, but the vast majority of the city doesn't. You walk along streets full of trees and sandy pathways.

Answer: Artists

Which artists arrived first in Carmel is debatable, but there's no doubt the sandy little town was a draw to artists of all types, including painters, dancers, and writers. Noted writers included Jack London, Ambrose Bierce, Upton Sinclair, and Sinclair Lewis. Little Carmel has about 80 art galleries in its square mile.

It was said that the mild climate with soft sunshine mixed with fog was perfect for painters' studios, and some of the original residences have studios on the property.

Answer: A tree

Carmelites are apparently nuts about their trees. The town council and planning commission have made sure all construction adheres to code, which is based on keeping the area feeling like a forest. Residents need a permit even to prune their trees. And if there's a tree where a road should be, well, then the city planners make sure the tree stays in place.

Answer: False

The artists who built up Carmel in the early 1900s used names instead of numbers for their residences -- "Sea Cradle", "Tuck'd Inn", "Tree House", and so on. The U.S. postal service never really got in there to assign numbers. All but a few residents must go to the post office, two blocks from the main street of Ocean Ave., to pick up their mail.

It makes for interesting directions and answers on forms. My first driver's license had my address something like "Santa Fe 4th NW of 3rd".

Answer: Clint Eastwood

It's said that Clint Eastwood discovered Carmel when he was stationed at nearby army post Fort Ord. It's also said he ran for mayor in large part to ease the tight zoning restrictions. Nonetheless, his one-term tenure saw the creation of the library's children's annex, the rescue of historic Mission Ranch from developers, and the dissolution of the strange ban on eating ice cream on city streets. Check out Eastwood's 1971 thriller, "Play Misty for Me", for some good Carmel footage.

Answer: Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II was so popular that he had to address the public at the nearby Laguna Seca Raceway, the only place large enough to hold the over 72,000 people who came to see him. Later he arrived at the Mission in Carmel and lay a wreath on Father Serra's grave.

Answer: Michael Jackson

The late Michael Jackson never lived in Carmel.

We've already discussed Clint Eastwood. Doris Day, a famous actress from the 1950-60s, has taken in rescued animals at her large estate in Carmel. And Betty White and her husband Allen Ludden built their dream house in Carmel, too.

Dick Sargent, the second (and many say lesser) of the two Darrins from the TV series "Bewitched", was born in Carmel. Late night host Craig Kilborn lived there when he was a reporter for the local Fox TV affiliate.

Most Carmel residents have a story or two about spotting famous people, but they also guard privacy pretty well. Must be all the trees providing cover.

Answer: Sandcastle building

Summer isn't over until the winners of the Annual Sandcastle Contest have been announced. There's always a theme -- "Creatures of the Sea", "Storybook Dreams", "Bohemians" -- and you don't need to be pre-registered to join. Just show up with your tools and be ready for the judging in the afternoon.

The winner takes home the coveted Golden Shovel Award. This is also the one day that dogs must be on a leash at the beach, so make sure Fido or Fifi is properly tethered.

Answer: White

Carmel Beach has lovely, fine, soft white sand. Here's how to enjoy Carmel Beach. Wear a sweater; this isn't Santa Monica. Park wherever you can. Walk to the bottom of Ocean Avenue where you'll see the bay from the top of a large sand hill. Take off your shoes, tuck your socks inside, and leave them upside down in the ice plant to the side of the path, safe from dogs. Take the path down the hill. Feel the sand between your toes. Walk the length of the one-mile beach along the shoreline, letting the waves of the Pacific wash over your feet. Leave the cynophobiacs (dog-fearers) at home; this is an off-leash paradise.

When you're done, hike back up the hill, reserving your energy; it's longer than you think. At the top, retrieve your footwear, use your socks to swat away excess sand, and then run water over your feet from the ankle high faucet near the restroom. Turn around to take another long look at that view and breathe in the fresh ocean air!