Fall 2024

114 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 4 River Inn staff members call this highly detailed sand sculpture by Rusty Croft and Kirk Rademaker their “90th birthday cake.” Nearly a century after its beginnings, the restaurant/motel is a thriving and beloved Big Sur destination. Photo: Kelli Uldall restaurant manager and now in charge of all operations.“We’re constantly making incremen- tal changes, elevating guest’s experience while honoring the history of this place.”Twohig wants to makeThe River Inn “the jumping off point for exploring Big Sur.” Going back to the Apple Pie days, this has been a place with a deep sense of service. Kate Novoa (aka “Big Sur Kate”) is a longtime local.“The River Inn family is incredibly community oriented,” she says.“They support local causes: numerous Big Sur charities, such as the Health Center and Big Sur Fire. Personally, it’s my choice for gatherings of the Ladies of Big Sur, who have been gathering here for each other’s birthdays for 30 years.” Music has been a key feature here for decades. During warm months, the deck over- looking the river comes alive with the sounds of jazz. Local favorite Jack Stock and his Abalone Stompers held court here for many years, and as part of The River Inn’s 90th anniversary, Stock’s nephew, trumpeter Brian Stock will lead a hand-picked band to honor the Stompers’ legacy this fall. If there’s one experience everyone takes away from a visit toThe River Inn, it’s the oppor- tunity to lounge in one of the oversized Adirondack chairs perched in the river. There’s nothing like soaking one’s feet in the cool, swirling waters of the Big Sur River, hearing the breeze ruffle the overhead trees and sipping an excellent beverage—perhaps one of the bar’s signature Bloody Marys. It's rare that a business is so deeply entwined with the lore and history of its place. For 90 years,The River Inn has become as deeply asso- ciated with Big Sur as its iconic coastline and redwood forests. It will be exciting to see how it evolves over the next 90 years. The Big Sur River Inn is located at 46800 Highway 1 in Big Sur. For more information, visit www.bigsurriverinn.com or call 831/667-2700.