innsofmontereyblog

Presenting…Feathered Friends

lvarney — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:01:42 +0000

Special shows and activities include:
• Wildlife Associates presentation: This program will highlight the unique features of the great horned owl, kestrel, red-tailed hawk and turkey vulture.
• Meet the Penguin: A special presentation with our “Penguinologist” who will answer your questions about these cool birds. Plus, one lucky kid will get to touch a penguin.
• A chance to toss mealworms to our birds during an aviary feeding.
• A family craft room where you and your kids can create a unique keepsake.
• Opportunities to meet the staff who care for the Aquarium’s birds.

Visit the Feathered Friends event booth near the main entrance for a full schedule of programs and a special kid’s activity book.

Poetry Jam – Cowboy Style

lvarney — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:15:20 +0000

Cowboy poetry is a form of poetry which grew out of a tradition of extemporaneous composition carried on by workers on cattle drives and ranches. After a day of work, cowboys would gather around a campfire and entertain one another with tall tales and folk songs. Illiteracy was common, so poetic forms were employed to aid memory.
Contrary to common belief, cowboy poetry does not actually have to be written by cowboys, though adherents would claim that authors should have some connection to the cowboy life such that they can write poetry with an “insider’s perspective”.

Newcomers are surprised to hear cowboy poetry that is contemporary. Many people tend to focus on the historic cowboy lifestyle, but the work that cowboys do continues. The cowboy lifestyle is a living tradition that exists in western North America and other areas, thus, contemporary cowboy poetry is still being created, still being recited, and still entertaining many camp visitors around campfires and convention halls. Much of what is known as “old time” country music originates from the rhyming couplet style often seen in cowboy poetry along with guitar music.

Home of the future…..

lvarney — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:06:21 +0000

Taking inspiration from California’s central coast architecture and rich history of its iconic western setting, the home is comprised of three connected barn-like buildings surrounded by a native landscape dotted with mature oaks and overlooking breathtaking views of Monterey Bay. The home incorporates leading practices in sustainable construction, including solar electricity, reclaimed lumber for framing and siding, tankless hot water, and a 20,000 gallon-capacity water reclamation system. Inside, the home’s light-filled spaces are punctuated by soaring ceilings, a rich palette of eco-friendly materials, and walls of windows that provide a seamless flow to the serene outdoors.

The Idea House is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays, 9am-4pm.

Sunset Magazine’s Monterey Idea House
Now through December 7, 2008
$18 general admission
$15 Military/Seniors 60+ (Fridays only)
$5 ages 6-12 years
Children 5 and under - Free
Cash or check only, no credit cards
Purchase tickets at Sunset Idea House
Last ticket sold at 3:30 PM
No advance tickets will be sold.

A portion of the proceeds benefit CASA of Monterey County

Here’s a delicious reason to stop whining about the economy….Monterey’s Great Wine Escape Weekend

lvarney — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:50:29 +0000

No matter when you visit Monterey, you can always sip our delicious wines at ‘A Tastes of Monterey’ a lovely tasting room on Cannery Row. Open Monday through Saturday, 11am to 5pm, the tasting room overlooks Monterey Bay and offers selections from more than 35 local wineries. In many cases, this may be the only place you can sample the wines as many area wineries don’t have their own tasting rooms.

Monterey Coast: the name conjures up visions of Carmel and Big Sur, of Steinbeck and Cannery Row, of Pebble Beach and Clint Eastwood. Today, Monterey County is also becoming famous as one of the best places on earth to grow Vitis vinifera – the very same elements that make-up the area’s great scenic beauty contribute to a diversity and perfection of soils and climate that produce world-class grapes and award-winning wines.

Over 200 years ago, the Franciscan friars planted the region’s first wine grapes near the Soledad Mission. Not until the 1960s, though, did the modern-era in Monterey viticulture begin. Pioneering growers and vintners like Mirassou and Wente were the first in, soon followed by many others. Today, Monterey County boasts over 35,000 acres planted to 40 different grape varieties. The area is home to San Bernabe Vineyard, the world’s largest contiguous vineyard at over 7,500 acres.

Monterey’s famous hospitality is evident daily in the 22 Salinas Valley and Carmel Valley tasting rooms. There are over 25 winery facilities in Monterey County, with plans for several more. Many out-of-county wineries own vineyards in Monterey while several small artisan wineries buy Monterey County grapes, using other locations to assist in the winemaking.

Being in the spotlight is new to the growers and vintners here – the lessons learned over the past forty years are resulting in acclaim and demand for the fine wines of this special place. The national and international attention being focused on the wines of Monterey County is insuring that as a winegrowing region, we will continue to be a “hot topic” for many years to come.” In recognition of this, Monterey County members have been commended for their award winning wines.

Get Down…on the farm…Earthbound Farms

lvarney — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:32:36 +0000

When Drew and Myra Goodman came to California’s Carmel Valley in 1984, they were determined young transplants from Manhattan, drawn to the natural beauty and richness of the land. Even before they turned over their first shovels full of soil, they believed strongly in doing the right thing.

They settled on a 2.5-acre raspberry farm and decided that doing the right thing meant committing to farming this spectacular land organically; producing food they would want to eat themselves and would feel good about serving their families, friends, and neighbors. Their labor of love became Earthbound Farm.

It wasn’t long before Earthbound Farm was doing a lot of the right things. Undaunted by those who said it couldn’t be done, in 1986 they became the first company to successfully launch prewashed, packaged salad for retail sale. When they introduced mixed baby greens or “spring mix” to restaurants and supermarket produce aisles, they launched a salad revolution. Today, gourmet salad greens and packaged salads have become staples of grocery baskets everywhere.

Start your engines and race to the American Le Mans Series

lvarney — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:27:49 +0000

Laguna Seca’s 11-turns, with names like Andretti Hairpin, The Corkscrew and Rainey Curve, have to be considered among the sports most demanding. And when you combine this challenging race course with its stunning setting in the oak-studded hills less than 10 miles from scenic Monterey Bay, you have what many race fans consider the perfect venue.

This great venue deserves great racing and next year’s season presents the best in sports car, motorcycle, vintage open-wheel road racing. Fans love coming to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the rich history, the unique challenge it presents man and machine and the caliber of racing that is unmatched.

For tickets, please visit www.laguna-seca.com.

Frolicking Otters spotted along The Rec Trail

admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:27:18 +0000

Stretching along the bay from Fisherman’s Wharf through Cannery Row, past the Aquarium and out to Lover’s Point, The Rec Trail is located on what was once the Southern Pacific Railroad Right-of-Way. Historic Monterey photos show steam trains chugging along what is now a stunning walking and biking trail. It’s a favorite for residents and tourists, whether early morning or end-of-day joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists, gossiping friends and couples sharing some special time.

The views over the bay are breathtaking. Watch for seals lolling on the sand, sea otters frolicking in the kelp beds; grey, blue or humpbacked whales - depending on the season; sea birds including long-beaked egrets and even the occasional dolphin. The trail has separate walking and cycling paths and serves as a major walking, jogging, and bicycling route along the northeastern coastline of the city.

Step off the trail and check out the tide pools - keeping one eye on the ocean, of course - and their crabs, anemones, snails, kelp and more. Or take a picnic lunch with you and spend the afternoon on the sand.

Monterey’s year-round mild temperatures make walking or biking The Rec Trail an everyday activity. However our summer fog can appear quickly and be quite dense, so tie a sweater around your waist before heading out - and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Sardine Factory in Monterey

admin — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:44:18 +0000

The Sardine Factory in Monterey has been tempted taste buds since it opened in 1968. In 40 years, the Sardine Factory has earned numerous accolades including AAA’s coveted Four Diamond Award and Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award. The Sardine Factory is a favorite venue for group events, banquets, and private dining. The menu features such delicious choices as abalone medallion, Monterey Bay clam chowder, filet mignon, and seafood pasta. An extensive wine list complements the restaurant’s varied menu.

Address: 701 Wave Street, Monterey
Phone: (831)373-3775

Monterey Jazz Festival….September 19-21

admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:26:21 +0000

Grounds tickets for the 51st Annual Monterey Jazz Festival are still available, and provide access to world-class music on eight stages and an assortment of dazzling activities for kids and adults, including educational panels and conversations, clinics, international food and shopping jazz film, simulcasts from the Arena Stage and more on the oak-studded Monterey Fairgrounds September 19-21, 2008.

Tickets are on sale now by phone at (925) 275-9255 and on the Monterey Jazz Festival’s website, www.montereyjazzfestival.org. Family Day Tickets are priced at $45 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Daily Grounds Tickets are priced at $35 for Friday and $45 for Saturday or Sunday. A Full Weekend Grounds Package is priced at $110. Prices increase by $5.00 on day of show and patrons are advised to purchase tickets now.

Monterey Road Trips – Pacific Coast Highway 1

admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:02:06 +0000

Live the dreamy California lifestyle with the windows rolled down on exciting road trips that begins in Monterey. California Highway 1 is one of the most famous California drives located minutes from Monterey hotels. Highway 1, noted as one of the nation’s top scenic drives, extends the length of California’s coast. The section of Highway 1 extending from Monterey to Big Sur offers breathtaking views of the rugged Pacific coastline and towering redwood tree forests. Take advantage of the winding two-lane highway’s turn-offs for photo opportunities and nature viewing.