Henry Miller Memorial Library
48603 Highway 1, Big Sur, (831) 667‑2574, henrymiller.org
More than a decade ago, this little library‑meets‑bookstore in the woods adopted a motto: The Henry Miller Library, Where Nothing Happens. While not entirely true – the Library is frequently abuzz with musicians, filmmakers, concerts and more – the fact remains that the quiet redwood grove in the former home of Henry Miller’s longtime friend Emil White is most days a quiet oasis. Amid the redwood trees in the front yard is a wicker egg‑shaped chair suspended from a line attached to the trees above. Select a book – The Pearl, perhaps – from a robust, motley collection and find yourself tucked up in this spot with a cup of tea for a perfect afternoon of doing nothing.