Just a few decades ago, sleepy Paso Robles, California, hosted no distilleries or craft breweries and only a few dozen pioneering wineries. Rodeos and pickup trucks were more pervasive than limos chauffeuring wine enthusiasts around this beautiful area in northern San Luis Obispo County. Today, vineyards abound in all directions and the overall “agriculture culture” remains strong in the fabric of this increasingly diverse community. When … [Read more...]
Escape to Carmel-by-the-Sea
There’s no place like home, but when a trip is ending, I’m always a little sad unless I’ve got the next excursion in mind. Coming home after almost three weeks of having a fantastic time in the Emilia-Romagna and Puglia regions of Italy, I needed to plan a getaway! I found solace in Carmel-by-the-Sea. About a two-hour drive south from San Francisco, Carmel is a convenient getaway for area residents or visitors to San Francisco Bay Area. … [Read more...]
Eco tourism in California, Guest Post
CALIFORNIA, America's leading state on Green Destinations California possesses some of the most innovative green destinations and eco-conservation programs in the United States, as well as the chance to be an eco-friendly visitor. As we all know, probably the biggest favor we can do to the environment is keeping our driving to a bare minimum, and California offers numerous car-free adventures to select from. Touring the state via Amtrak … [Read more...]
Step back in history in Savannah
Time has stood still in Savannah with its 24 squares and picture perfect parks with homes dating to the 1700's when General James Oglethrope arrived here to build a colony in the name of England’s King George II. Oglethrope and with city planner, William Bull of South Carolina established the squares and reserved them as public parks among the neighborhoods. One of the homes along the squares Monterey Square is home to Congregation … [Read more...]
Visit Pasadena
No one thinks about the city of Pasadena, California, unless it is Rose Bowl or Rose Parade time, except for Los Angeles County residents and people who hear the song "Little Old Lady From Pasadena". When tourists think about visiting California they most often think about going to Disneyland or cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco or beach cities like Long Beach, Monterey, Newport Beach, San Diego, Santa Monica, etc.. Very few of them … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA
Monterey (population approximately 29,000) is located roughly 2 hours south of San Francisco. This beautiful historic town takes full advantage of its location on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the ever popular Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, there are more attractions in the entire Monterey Bay area then just those in the town of Monterey. Additional highlights include the scenic 17 … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Attractions
The sites and attractions listed below are not only located within the city of Monterey but also on the Monterey peninsula and vicinity. Cannery Row is a historic waterfront region in the town of Monterey that today has been converted to shops, restaurants and hotels. This used to be home to a number of sardine factories and warehouses serving the fishing area until this industry collapsed in the 1950's. The last cannery in operation was the … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Historical
Monterey is rich in California heritage - many of these old buildings are well preserved. Most of these historical sites are within a short walk of the downtown area - and about a 15-20 minute walk from Fisherman's Wharf. Many of these sites are related to the government's influence in Monterey. Monterey used to be the capital of Alta California. An excellent history resource regarding Monterey is: www.montereyhistory.org Colton … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Nearby Towns
Note that despite a fairly small population in Monterey and surrounding communities - during rush hour traffic can be quite bad in and around Monterey - in the Cannery Row area and Highway 1 in and around Sand City. Allow extra time if traveling during these early morning and late afternoon weekday times. Castroville is a small town about 20 minutes north of Monterey - located just off of Highway 1. The self anointed artichoke center of the … [Read more...]
Monterey, CA – Wine Tasting
Monterey wineries often focus on a number of lighter style varietals including their well-known Pinot Noir (especially from the Santa Lucia Highlands - above the Salinas Valley) and Chardonnay. One can find wines made from numerous other varietals. At last count, over 42 unique wine grape varietals were being commercially grown in Monterey County. Rather then dominated by winery tasting rooms, much of Monterey County is dominated by stand … [Read more...]