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Nepenthe Restaurant, Café Kevah and The Phoenix Gift Shop
Nepenthe Restaurant, Café Kevah and The Phoenix Gift Shop
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48510 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA 93920
831-667-2345
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Craft & Hobby Store
Souvenir & Gift Store
Roadside Landmark
Café
Restaurant
Nepenthe Restaurant, Café Kevah and The Phoenix Gift Shop Description
Describing Nepenthe to my kids before we got there, I couldn't figure out what to say. "Why would we want to go to a shop and drink lemonade, mom?" they asked, and I had to admit, it did sound puzzling. But soon as we got there they saw why. What Nepenthe's famous for, above all else, is the spectacular not-to-be-missed view. The restaurant can be crowded, so my favorite way to do Nepenthe is order some appetizers and a drink at Café Kevah and sit out on the terrace (it's actually the roof of the giftshop), where the view is better anyhow. Then we spend the bulk of our time in the Phoenix which is part gift shop, part local craft display. No one minds how long you stay checking out the artists' wares (the Big Sur jade jewelry is gorgeous), reading up on the area, and just absorbing the ultimate in California arty atmosphere.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: Are welcome, but watch little hands in the gift shop, where many items are breakable.
Planning Notes
- Crowd control. To avoid enormous crowds, don't come at lunch or dinnertime, but early or late. Sunset is also a nice time to visit.
Just the Facts
Hours: Lunch available every day of the year from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; dinner from 5-10 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Fees: $10-$20.
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
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