Love, love, love! A must-visit if you're in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This is such a unique bookstore…read moreexperience- I'm pretty sure we wandered and explored for about an hour and could have stayed even longer. They have a wonderful selection of books, tarot cards, crystals, and of course, the secret garden... how does it get any better than that? The garden is incredibly peaceful and zen, and every step feels like discovering something new. Tucked in the back is a charming little shop with a cute selection of décor, wind chimes, candles, and more. Absolutely loved this bookstore. As a bookstore lover, this one is definitely at the top of my list

If you're in Carmel, you have to visit Pilgram Bookstore and Secret Garden. Run by a lovely…read morehusband-and-wife team, both spots feel like hidden gems. Pilgram Bookstore is cozy and has an amazing selection of books for being so tiny. It's easy to lose track of time here! Just a short walk away, Secret Garden is the perfect spot to relax. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful plants. Both places are full of charm and heart. Highly recommend them!

Another great shop in Carmel. Lots of knick nacks. The couple running the store were both very…read morefriendly. I like some items, but as with most things in town. They were out of my price range. Still a great time

the owner of this shop assaulted my friend with a nutcracker…read more in a complete accident, my friend knocked over a nutcracker and unfortunately slightly damaged it (a fixable matter and could have even been sold at a discount rate). he immediately said he would pay for it we apologized and decided to leave as to not cause any more issues. as we were trying to leave the owner began to yell at us saying "i wouldn't have made you pay for it but you should have offered" and we apologized again but he was getting more aggressive and we just wanted to remove ourselves from the situation. he came out of the store and literally BOOED at us as we were walking away. as we continued on down the street and turned the corner, the owner had FOLLOWED us to violently throw the nutcracker at my friend. the nutcracker fully smashed and the owner, a sad bitter excuse for a man, said (like a child fighting on the playground) "you broke it first!!!" truly cannot believe anyone would do this and no one should support this nasty mole man or his business.

Amazing! As a bookstore and library lover, this was an absolute must during my weekend in Big Sur…read more It feels like a library, bookstore, and art exhibit all in one- such a unique place with so much character. They have a wonderful book selection and I had to pick up a book as a souvenir from my trip. We spent about an hour here exploring, browsing the shelves, and taking in all of the interesting art. The staff were very friendly and there was even a friendly cat. Definitely worth stopping by if you're exploring Big Sur!

The Henry Miller Memorial Library is named after THAT Henry Miller, famous American novelist and…read moreresident of Big Sur for an extended period of his life. Our family saw it as we were heading back to Carmel, and decided to stop in. We were too early (it opens at 11 am) so weren't able to go inside the library, but there are quite a few art pieces displayed around the property. The side southern gate vehicle entrance had been opened early, so workers could set-up and do sound checks for the outdoor stage; to be used as a concert venue later that evening (Belle and Sebastian). Took many pictures. When the sound check started to happen (initially blaring 'Happy' by P. Williams), we knew it was time to leave.

2 stars only because book selection is really good. But I randomly got charged $6 for something I…read moredidn't buy. I was visiting from out of town so I didn't check it until I got home 3 hours later. I emailed them a picture of receipt and asked why I received this charge. I thought it was the book marks but I the cashier asked us if we wanted "complimentary" bookmarks. I also called the next morning during business hours but there was no answer. I'll come back and will now always check my receipt before leaving the door. As of 4/9/24 - never got a reply - nothing.

I bought a book last week and came with 2 of my friends. I bought thinking fast and slow, I did not…read morelike it so today I went to return it. Suzan was extremely disrespectful asking if "I was sure this is the right book store I got it from" and I asked why would I walk into this bookstore then? She replied back saying "because there's more than one bookstore in this area". I did not have a receipt but I did show her the purchase receipt on my Wells Fargo account. They don't even give you a refund just a store credit, which she did not go over. Do better on handling customer service!

This store is world renowned per the lady saleswoman inside. My wife took many photos inside &…read moreinitially outside as she visited it & Yelp pointer had it located in the wrong place! That's not the first time Yelp was wrong. Finally she googled it for the correct address. Live & learn! The selection looked limitless but bc we had other errands to run she didn't stay to shop. Maybe that was a good thing for me bc shopping is a sport for her! LOL If your favorite hobby is collecting fountain pens then this store is for you! You would definitely appreciate it! This store visit was made for our special & cherished friends Klaus & Karen in Germany. We have been to Carmel many times before but it was our first time here in this store & probably not our last. My wife does like to journal since she was a child and is always looking for a new journal book to write in! It appears they do have notecards too but she didn't have time to shop. I'm sure she will find that perfect item the next time! The photos posted here were for Klaus. Enjoy! Even for us driving to Carmel takes us 3.5 to 4 hours bc we hit traffic this Memorial Day 2025 weekend! But we had a special family wedding to attend in Monterey & chose to stay in Carmel trying a new hotel. So we accomplished several things in this visit! It was all good! Life is worth living & travel to those far corners like this hidden gem can be very special. It was certainly our pleasure! Thanks Klaus for keeping my wife aware of these retail businesses. Live. Learn. Love. Life. You get only one chance at life bc you may be here yet the next minute you're gone tomorrow. If you are in Carmel come visit but google those directions as Yelp pointer is incorrect! Just a small reminder!

Great selection of pens, I've been in a few times and the staff is always welcoming, friendly, and…read morehelpful. I bought my favorite pen here!

Overall great store with lovely items, my only complaint would be that they do not refund debit…read morecards. I came in wanting to return an item for another one I had bought that day and it was a huge mess. Their system apparently does not refund debit cards and it is not displayed on their notices on their checkout stands. I stated to the employee the shop needs to advertise they do not refund debit cards to avoid situations like mine in future events.

The gentleman who was running the store was so kind and welcoming. They have a bunch of very…read morewonderful gifts and home products - I wanted to buy so many things!! The gentleman offered to wrap each of the items that I bought and told me to come back in November and December because the store is completely transformed. Such a great store!!

This gallery is right next to First Awakenings' patio. When we had brunch Wednesday I looked at…read morethe pottery and glass in the window but it's currently open Friday to Sunday from 10-4. We stopped by today after brunch and I wandered through the gallery admiring the ceramics, glass, soaps and other wares. Everything is locally made, much of it by Bay Area artisans. Lovely music played overhead, classical guitar by a local musician. I chatted w/ the gallery owner, Karen Reynolds, who told me a bit about where the work came from. One of the most impressive pieces was a stunning Chanukah menorah made of stainless steel and copper. She told me it took the artist 130 hours to create! He's making the next one of bronze, which will take less time because of the respective properties of the various metals. I didn't even ask how much it cost. This one is made to hold candles, the next one oil. Alan came in heard the overhead music and asked about it. We mentioned the loss of both the classical and jazz radio stations here and how we've been stuck w/ a garbage station in the car. Karen mentioned that KRML was Clint Eastwood's station. It pleased me that he bought and brought it back to life. Alan bought a CD, but I know KRML's place on the dial, so I knew we could find it. We did and unfortunately it's not what it was. We listened to the CD in the car and it will be a lovely addition to our music collection. We'll probably return tomorrow before we head home so I can look at some of the pieces that have been calling to me. The gallery has been open in this location for 10 months. As of April 1 it will be moving to Carmel-by-the-Sea where it will be located on San Carlos between Ocean and 7th. I'm sure it will be right at home in its new location and wish Karen well. I look forward to visiting the next time we're in the area.

This place is so cute and I always find something I need to have when I go. Megan's art classes are…read moreso well designed and Ive come home with things Im proud to have made. She and Emily are so talented, glad they are local and I can stop by and play often.

very charming inside and out. Annie Sloan lovers will enjoy this place as are eclectic and artistic…read moregift givers. I end up getting myself little something too. Nestled in a sweet spot that smells lovely inside. I enjoy this gem and the customer service is lovely.