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I was planning on taking a few days before the wedding for prep and to welcome out of town family members as they arrived. Add that to the length of time needed to take our dream honeymoon in Europe and I’m outta’ vacation days! In order to make sure I have enough paid time off - in case I am paid a friendly visit from the flu bug this winter - we’ve decided to postpone our dream honeymoon until our first anniversary. Therefore, we’re currently planning a short trip after the wedding to unwind - a.k.a. our “Minimoon.”
Our first thought was to stay in California and enjoy our beautiful coastline. Then we were informed that my Pom-In-Laws would like to contribute to our Minimoon Fund, so we started dreaming of tropical variations on a beachy theme. Perhaps an all-inclusive in Mexico a la Mrs. Penguin? Lastly, my uber-awesome DJ emailed me to share the Sigur Ros tour dates (isn’t he an awesome DJ for thinking of me!?). It just so happens that Sigur Ros is playing a concert in Portland, Oregon on the Monday after our wedding - thus adding a third option to our list.
Option #1 - California Coastline
Image via Tickle Pink Inn.
The Proposed Accommodations: The Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel, California.
To Do: Walks on the beach, shopping in local boutiques, and eating at the fab restaurants nearby.
Pros: In-room whirlpool tub and fireplace; the view; great food nearby; great wine nearby; lowest cost.
Cons: Not a very exotic locale.
Option #2 - All-inclusive in Mexico
Image via Royal Hideaway.
The Proposed Accommodations: The Occidental Royal Hideaway Playacar in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.
To Do: Lounge on the beach, drink lots of free (well, seemingly-free) booze, eat loads of tasty food, enjoy the included land and water sports, and partake in some spa treatments.
Pros: Never having to see the price tag of all that you’re enjoying while you’re enjoying it; the exotic locale; in the T+L 500 World’s Best Hotels.
Cons: Super expensive - also, October is not the best time of the year to visit that part of Mexico.
Option #3 - Big City Fun in Portland
Image via Vezeo.
The Proposed Accommodations: The Hotel deLuxe in Portland, Oregon.
To Do: See Sigur Ros in concert, shop the city, eat myself around the city and then walk it off, visit the many art galleries and city gardens, and check out Powell’s City of Books.
Pros: Duh - the Sigur Ros show, no passport needed, tax-free shopping, on the 2008 Conde Nast Traveler Gold List.
Cons: While further away, Portland still isn’t exotic and October marks the beginning of the rainy season.
Which Minimoon Adventure would you choose?
I’d honestly pick California. Getting snuggly in Carmel sounds mucho nicer than Portland to me. And I was probably going to lean towards Mexico b/c of it’s exotic nature, but then the super expensive and bad time of year turned me off. Are there any other considerations you’re making? 
october isnt a horrible time of year to go to Mexico. It’s the rainy season, but usually it will rain for short bursts and clear up quickly. have you looked into other resorts in the area? there are many that are cheaper than the Playacar resort- that way you can have a beach and an exotic location. The beaches in the Riviera Maya are to die for. if you can find an affordable location, I say, go there!
Definitely California Coast!
FH and I love the Central CA Coast and have toyed with this same minimoon (or even going to a couple places on the Coast and making it our Honeymoon)!
FH & I went to Carmel our first year together and have the BEST time! If you go, and I hope you do, you have to go to The Inn at Spanish Bay at sunset, they have a bagpiper that walks the course and plays at the back patio. You can get a glass of wine and a blanket and sit and listen to the bagpipes - SO NICE!
I vote for the CA coast…..and I say this not because I am biased (we’re driving up the CA coast for our honeymoon) but because it is beautiful and romantic….and you’re getting married at a winery so you could visit some of them along your way!
I vote for Carmel… because October is the best month to visit the peninsula. The fog is light, the weather is great and the tourists are mostly gone.
Tickle Pink is a great choice for staying in the highlands as well
I’d save Mexico for a full vacation… instead of the minimoon
I’m at the point in my planning that if one more person gives me an additional decision, I might have to check myself into into a hospital, so I can’t believe I’m about ready to do this to another person. But…if you’re already going to Portland, it’s a relatively short drive up…
Option #4 - Laid back Living in Seattle
If you include a side trip to the San Juans (easily accesible by ferry), you get your coastline cuddling as well!
Anyway, Option 1 would be my choice. And what an awesome DJ!
I guess I’m the oddball out, cuz I pick Portland! I recently travelled to Oregon for the first time, and I loved the scenery–it’s beautiful! Be prepared to be overwhelmed at Powell’s though, it’s huge!
Carmel would be beautiful in October! One possible con, however, is that it’s peak season at that time of year so it would be expensive… if more bang for your buck is important, keep in mind that there are many beautiful wineries near Portland as well. Dundee Hills have some great pinots and it’s a short half hour from the city. Plus, OR has the added benefit of no sales tax
I just came back from a great weekend in Portland, so my vote is there!
Going to Mexico would seem more like a full honeymoon to me, personally, not a mini-moon.
Ahhh, Carmel would most definitely be my first choice. I love the idea of being able to drive (leave when you want, head home when you want) and the scenery on the way down there from Sac is phenomenal. It definitely sounds the most romantic. And with help from the FILs you could really do it up!
We’re hitting up the Sigur Ros concert in the Oakland that weekend - so excited! Although I’m thinking you will actually be getting married that weekend so Monday in Portland it is. I actually think it would be awesome to go up to Portland and see them. Best concert I’ve been to yet and I cannot wait to see the next one! Plus the hotel you picked is awesome! Also - there are great wineries and if you wanted to take a few extra days you could head out the oregon coast (think maine like coastly beauty with huge sanddrifts and cape cod style beach houses)
Just wanted to say whats up to another sigur ros fan!
i love carmel! that’s where i got engaged. that inn looks so warm and inviting. would be a great choice for a minimoon.
Carmel is great, but it’s relatively close to where you live and for that reason it seems more long weekend-y to me than minimoon-y. Of the other two, I’d pick Mexico for the higher relaxation/lounging potential. Weddings are tiring!
As a former Oregonian, I have a total soft spot for Portland and completely LOVE Powell’s. October weather can be spotty, but isn’t the full-on rainy time. The city has a lot to offer in a laid-back kind of way and many excellent food options at all price points. If you end up going to P-town, I’d be happy to share some suggestions.
The other options sound great, though I’m not sure if Carmel has been impacted by the wildfires - may not be quite as scenic.
i’d vote carmel also as a california girl at heart. its gorgeous there and it’ll be so relaxing
i used to live by the california coast and recently (and reluctantly) moved to a city outside of portland so i may be just a teeny bit biased in my opinion, but i wouldn’t pick portland as my mini-moon spot. you’re right, the rainy season will have started in the northwest and not that being cuddled up with your man while it’s pouring outside isn’t romantic, if you’re wanting to see the city and get out a bit, portland weather is just so unpredictable. the california coast gets my vote! carmel is a beautiful location. not super exotic, but you’ll get exotic next year on your europe trip!
Portland. I’m partial towards Sigur Ros as well.
I agree with Mrs Lemon, save Mexico for a full honeymoon/ vacation. You both are going to have the rest of your lives to travel together- so why not go on the one that seems the most relaxing for the amount of time you have. But who am I to talk? I ate off all my fingernails planning mine… flip a coin
Sucker for Carmel, right here! And with all the money you save on flight and travel, you can blow on shopping downtown! Mr. Peng and I have always wanted to stay at the Tickle Pink, but need a VERY special occasion to do so…Minimoon is a perfect one!
I live in Portland (and work about 4 blocks from Powell’s) and think this place would be such a nice getaway for newlyweds! If you don’t care to show off a tan when you return home, then make your way to Oregon. The weather can be a unpredictable and chances are it would rain, but it’s still beautiful– the leaves are gorgeous colors and it smells amazing outside (like campfire and pumpkins)! If it does rain, you can depend on the handy Streetcar to get you to and from the places you mentioned. Email me if you’d like suggestions of great places to check out!
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Mrs. Pomegranate, Sacramento Age and Occupation: 27, Technical Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Software Engineer Engagement Date: August 23, 2007 Wedding Date: October, 2008 Blogging Since: June 5, 2008 Venue: R.H. Phillips Winery About Me: Hi, I'm Miss Pomegranate and I'm a shopaholic. I have a weak spot for the chic cheap - especially anything I can re-create on the DIY. Shoes are my vice, music is my passion in life and technology is the medium by which I live and work. When I'm not scoping out a sale, I'm spending my quality time training for a marathon, playing Wii with my fiance and snuggling with my Silver Labrador and Teacup Panther - and oh yeah, planning my wedding!
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