Remote Surveillance Trailer in Pacific Grove, CA

Looking for a whimsical weekend getaway this autumn?

California’s Central Coast is home to three of the most charming small downtowns in the country, according to HGTV.

The cable network went in search of “vibrant towns that invite you in and encourage you to stay and explore,” singling out 40 small towns across the United States.

“Nothing charms like a small downtown that beckons visitors with historic architecture and boutique shops or local culture and tree-lined streets,” HGTV contributors Erin Gifford and Lynn Coulter wrote in a Sept. 17 article.

In addition to stunning reviews, these destinations often offer “lively festivals, delicious foods or a nostalgic atmosphere,” HGTV said.

Here’s which Central Coast destinations landed on HGTV’s list:

Why is Pacific Grove’s downtown one of best in US?

Pacific Grove in Monterey County was the first Central Coast town on HGTV’s list due to its panoramic ocean views and enchanting downtown.Pacific Grove in Monterey County was the highest ranking California town on HGTV’s list due to its panoramic ocean views and enchanting downtown.

Known as “America’s Last Hometown,” the idyllic coastal destination boast as “classic Main Street-vibe with Victorian-style homes, quaint inns and family-owned shops and boutiques,” HGTV said.

People can wander through the 15,000-person town glimpsing “endless views” of the Pacific Ocean and sandy beaches, according to HGTV.

The tiny town was once home to “East of Eden” author John Steinbeck.

It’s also the site of one of the first natural history museums in the country — the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, open to visitors five days a week.

Is Carmel-by-the-Sea’s downtown worth visiting?

Visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea can wander through renowned art galleries and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants.

The coastal California village’s delightful downtown holds hidden courtyards and secret gardens where you can stroll through the former creative haunts of novelist Jack London and poet George Sterling, according to HGTV.

Travelers may want to wait a few months to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea when its charm is at full blast amid Christmastime.

“During the holidays, this storybook town becomes even more merry and magical with twinkling lights and whimsical window displays,” HGTV said.

What makes downtown Solvang among most charming in US?

HGTV also showcased Solvang, a town in Santa Barbara County that was established by Danish immigrants in 1911.

Downtown Solvang is dotted with half-timbered structures with thatched roofs and “charismatic” windmills, HGTV said.

The Santa Ynez Valley, where Solvang resides, is also popular for its wide variety of wines.

More than 120 wineries are situated in the valley, according to the cable network.

However, the main draw of the 6,000-person village is its European roots, HGTV said, noting that famous Danes including Hans Christian Anderson are showcased in spots all around town.

New BERNINA dealer brings professional sewing machines and expertise to the community

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Sewing Corner, Pacific Grove's newest authorized BERNINA dealer, will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 620 Lighthouse Avenue #200. The complimentary community event will showcase the latest BERNINA sewing machines and welcome local sewing enthusiasts to explore the new store.

Owner Franceska Alexander is excited to bring specialized sewing expertise to the Pacific Grove community. The festivities will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:00 AM hosted by the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, followed by the grand opening celebration at The Sewing Corner from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The grand opening celebration will feature cutting-edge BERNINA machines, including the BERNINA 990, the versatile B 790 PRO, and the newest additions to the BERNINA 7 Series lineup, the B 770 QE PRO, B 735 PRO and B 700 PRO.

"We're thrilled to bring The Sewing Corner to Pacific Grove and showcase BERNINA's incredible professional machines to our local sewing community," said Alexander. "This celebration is our way of introducing sewists of all skill levels to the quality and innovation that BERNINA represents."

The event will include machine demonstrations, expert sewing tips, and the opportunity for attendees to experience the renowned precision and reliability of BERNINA firsthand. As part of the grand opening festivities, The Sewing Corner will be giving away a bernette 33 sewing machine and will offer 0% financing on purchases throughout the grand opening weekend.

As an authorized BERNINA dealer, The Sewing Corner is committed to providing exceptional customer service, expert technical support, and comprehensive sewing education. The store will offer sales, service, and classes for the local sewing community. Their on-site service department features a certified BERNINA service technician providing expert maintenance and repair services.

The grand opening celebration is free and open to the public.

Event Details:

For more information about The Sewing Corner, visit thesewingcornerpacificgrove.com or call (831) 877-1155.

ABOUT BERNINA

BERNINA is the world's premier manufacturer of quality state-of-the-art sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, overlockers and embroidery software. Since being founded over 130 years ago, BERNINA has maintained a strong commitment to serving the creative community. This dedication threads through the Swiss precision found in every machine, the training and education available through our over 400 fully trained independent BERNINA Dealers and the endless tutorials and content shared on the BERNINA WeAllSew blog and social media channels. BERNINA products are designed for beginning to advanced sewists and priced to meet a variety of budgets, with new products being introduced every year.

Media Contact

Samantha Shreve, BERNINA of America, 1 7732087707, [email protected]

SOURCE BERNINA of America