Make your reservations now for the 52nd annual Monterey Jazz Festival, September 18-30. This three day jazzathon celebrates the best in jazz, with legendary artists Chick Corea, Dave Brubeck, Stanley Clarke, Wynton Marsalis, Susan Tedeschi, Pete Seeger and hundreds more. More than 500 artists appear on nine stages spread throughout the Festival’s 20 acres of magnificent grounds.

There is now yet another compelling reason to visit Made in Monterey at the Monterey Museum of Art-Pacific Street. Besides the beauty of the sweeping 50th Anniversary exhibition and engaging new family gallery activities, locals and visitors alike can try their hand at a contest titled Where Oh Where in Monterey? Monterey’s glorious landscape and romantic architecture has sparked the creativity of generations of artists. While many of these historic scenes are immediately recognizable, others have changed over the decades.

Participants can put their sleuthing skills to the test by correctly identifying nine different locations selected from works in the exhibition. Entry forms that correctly identify all locations depicted will be entered into a drawing to win a one-night stay at one of the luxurious Inns of Monterey.

No, it’s not the latest reality show, but ‘Cooking for Solutions’ – a celebration of great food, chefs and wines to celebrate the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 25th year! Join Alton Brown, Thomas Keller and renowned chefs from across the country, May 15-16, as they share their passion for fine food and earth-friendly living during this two-day celebration. You’ll discover how to make healthy choices that are tasty and protect the soil, water and ocean wildlife.

The Big Sur International Marathon on April 26 is a spectacular road race set along one of the most breath-taking courses in the world. But this isn’t just one giant run – it’s several, from the traditional marathon to milers and relays.

Well, neither have we, but here’s the only place you will…The 19th Annual Sea Otter Classic will be held April 16-19 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, Calif. The four-day “Celebration of Sport” is considered the world’s largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans.
Cycling superstars such as Kelly Benjamin, Manuel Prado, Melissa Buhl and more will compete. Who will be the first to bonk? More information about BMX shows, music and the beer and BBQ garden, can be found at www.seaotterclassic.com or by calling 800-218-8411.

The Monterey Jazz Festival, a nonprofit leader in jazz education since its inception in 1958 and JazzTimes Readers’ Poll multi-year winner for world’s Best Jazz Festival, is proud to announce the 5th Annual Next Generation Festival, April 3 - 5, 2009 in downtown Monterey. The weekend event, devoted to the future of jazz, includes the Next Generation Festival Jazz Competition with Big Bands, Combos, Vocal Ensembles, and individual musicians vying for a spot on the stages of the 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival presented by Verizon.

A three-year grant from the Surdna Foundation supports the Next Generation Festival and the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra’s international tours. The Surdna Foundation’s Arts Program is national in scope and supports the artistic advancement of teens, ages 12 - 18.

All Next Generation Festival competition events - from the Kick-Off Concert on Friday, April 3 to the exuberant and electric big band, vocal ensemble and combo competition on Saturday, April 4 and the College Big Band Vocal Jazz Ensemble finals on Sunday, April 5 - will be open to the public, free of charge. The Festival will also conduct clinics, workshops, jam sessions, and auditions in the heart of the historic Monterey, with music to be performed at the Monterey Conference Center, Cannery Row, and at Monterey Live.
For a complete schedule of activities and competition times, visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org.

Today, the top tour professionals including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Mark O’Meara and last year’s champ Steve Lowery team up with celebrities and athletes to compete for a $6 million purse with proceeds going to hundreds of non-profit organizations. Past celebs include Kevin Costner, Bill Murray, Don Cheadle, Dan Marino, George Lopez, Carson Daly and Huey Lewis. The tournament three different courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Poppy Hills Golf Course and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

Accessible by the spectacular 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach provides the world’s most scenic setting for golf and recreation in the world. With its famous championship golf courses, it is hailed as a Mecca for golfers. Pebble Beach also hosts the U.S. Open and the annual Concours d’Elegance, considered to be one of the most prestigious showcases of the world’s finest classic automobiles. Its stunning coastline includes Cypress Rock, Bird Rock and the Lone Cypress, one of the most photographed landmarks on the California coast.

Pebble Beach is located on the tip of the Monterey peninsula between Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Kick off your Thanksgiving festivities at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Feathered Friends event—you’ll meet birds of prey making a special visit for the occasion, and see old friends like our blackfooted penguins, common murres, and “Makana,” the Laysan albatross.

November 22-23, Sat.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

All activities are included with Aquarium admission!

The housing market may be in the tank, but you can still dream about your fantasy house. A truly visionary experience is the ultimate ‘open house’ at Sunset Magazine’s Monterey Idea House, open now through December 7.

Point Lobos State Reserve offers visitors to Monterey County a special opportunity to experience nature’s diversity on the California coast. Dramatic land and seascapes provide exceptional photo opportunities, while a well-maintained trail system guides visitors past interesting plant and wildlife habitats, archeological sites, and beautiful picnic areas.