What are you listening to when you're cruising around from Monterey to Carmel to Big Sur?
I listen to a band called Magnet. They're from Norway. Great driving music. I always make mix CDs and do mixes on my iPod, so it'll be everything from Joni Mitchell to Magnet.

Where do you stop for a snack while you're on the road?
The Big Sur River Inn General Store. They make really great burritos. Ryan and I, when we stock up for the hotel room, always grab a burrito from there. It's quite close to Post Ranch. They also have amazing chocolate muffins.

Any final thoughts on the area?
There's really no time of the year that I would recommend that people not go to the Monterey Bay area. In the winter, it's just more about sweaters and hot drinks and keeping warm, and then in the summer, it's kind of a jubilant summer experience. There's no time of year that would be a bad time to go.

She Said …
Where Alanis Morissette gets away

LODGING
Big Sur Campground and Cabins, inexpensive
to very expensive, Big Sur, (831) 667-2322

Cypress Inn, moderate to very expensive, Carmel, (831) 624-3871

Deetjens Big Sur Inn, moderate to expensive, Big Sur, (831) 667-2377

Esalen Institute, moderate to expensive, Big Sur, (831) 667-3000

Fernwood Resort, inexpensive to moderate, Big Sur, (831) 667-2422

Hotel Pacific, expensive to very expensive, Monterey, (831) 373-5700

Post Ranch Inn, very expensive, Big Sur, (831) 667-2200

Ventana Inn & Spa, very expensive, Big Sur, (800) 628-6500

DINING
Big Sur River Inn General Store, inexpensive, Big Sur, (831) 667-2700