7 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Monterey

Don't let a little bit of rain put a damper on your next visit. Whether it's visiting a new museum exhibit, sipping your way around tasting rooms, or simply enjoying views from a balcony window, there are plenty of ways to stay dry in Monterey.

1. Learn Something New

Duck for cover at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and learn about life under the sea and gaze in wonder at the monstrous octopuses in the "Tentacles" exhibit.
Scope out the latest works at the Monterey Museum of Art, learn about the Monarch Butterflies at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History or get lost in a good book at the National Steinbeck Museum in Salinas.
Looking for a bit of history? Visit the Carmel Mission and see where founding father Junipero Serra is buried or take a tour of the Point Pinos Lighthouse and learn about the oldest continually operating lighthouse on the West Coast.

2. Go Wine Hopping

Grab your umbrella and sip your way through one (or more) of the 17 tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Whether it's an oaky Chardonnay or a smooth Pinot Noir you are bound to find a new favorite and lucky for you most of the tasting rooms are all within a one-mile radius! Be sure to grab a Wine Walk Passport which will gave you access to 9 of the tasting rooms including Caraccioli Cellars, Scheid Vineyards and Vino Napoli for just $65.
Looking for more of an adventure? Take a road trip down Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley or River Road in Salinas Valley and visit the actual wineries and vineyards.

3. Find the Best Clam Chowder to Warm You Up

Grab a bowl of piping hot clam chowder from one of the many appetizing restaurants along Fisherman's Wharf. Be sure to taste your way down the row to ensure you have found the best! Some of our favorites include Crabby Jim's, Domenico's, Old Fisherman's Grotto and Paluca Trattoria.
If you are looking for the warmth of a beverage check out our list for 10 places to grab a hot drink.

4. Enjoy the Views from Inside

Watch the excitement outdoors by a cozy fireplace, a room with a view or an indoor balcony. The Hyatt Carmel Highlands Fireplace Lounge has dramatic views of Point Lobos and the Big Sur coast, as well as comfy seating, a blazing fire and wonderful art.

Grab a seat near one of the panoramic windows at A Taste of Monterey along Cannery Row and zone out with never-ending views of the Monterey Bay. Did we mention they serve almost every Monterey County wine around?

If you're really looking to get cozy book a stay at the Spindrift Inn where almost every room comes with its own fireplace and ocean view!

5. See a Show

Monterey County has one of the busiest performing arts calendars in all of California. The newly revamped Golden State Theatre in Monterey hosts a variety of shows, be it a concert, lecture, musical, or film. In Carmel-by-the-Sea you will find the Sunset Center with major headline acts like Olivia Newton John, Roseanne Cash and Chris Isaak while Pac Rep Theatres showcase local talents in Broadway musicals, comedies and dramas.


Click here to see a full list of events in the area.

6. Find your Zen

The pitter patter of rain droplets is relaxing enough, but spa treatments in Monterey will take you to the next level of Zen. Find bliss on the bay at the Monterey Plaza Hotel's Vista Blue Spa. Located on the fifth-floor the spa is equipped with a rooftop deck and fireplace, outdoor whirlpool tubs and a full-service fitness center.

Tucked away at Carmel Valley Ranch is Spa Aiyana where treatments are each based on one of four specialized gardens, Lavender, Herb, Aiyana and Alchemist. Services include massage therapies, body therapies, advanced and organic skincare, visible results oxygen fusion, nail care, and waxing.

For a truly pampering experience book a treatment at the luxurious Spa at Pebble Beach where the 22,000-square-foot space specializes in wraps, water treatments and rejuvenating massages. Other spa highlights include two Vichy showers, sauna and steam facilities, and a full-service salon that offers classic straight-razor shaves and barber services.

7. Tap Into Your Inner Child for Some Play Time

Round up the little ones and let them burn off some steam at MY Museum in downtown Monterey. Exhibits like MY Go-Fore Golf, MY Day at the Beach, MY Hospital and MY Build a House allow tots to play in a fun interactive space.

Just down from the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row lays an indoor playground like none other. Monterey Mirror Maze and Highway 1 Golf, Games and Grub are sure to get your heart and mind pumping. Start at the Monterey Mirror Maze where you will be challenged to find your way out of a psychedelic labyrinth.

Golf indoors? Why not! Just next door is Highway 1 Golf, Games and Grub where you can test your skills on their 3D black light 9-hole indoor course or play on one of their interactive arcade games. Whether you're 9 or 90 you are sure to have a blast!

Monterey Cookhouse

Legitimate southern BBQ meets home-style diner at the Monterey Cookhouse on Fremont Street in Monterey. Here everyone is family as Linda Cantrell, owner and comfort food extraordinaire, welcomes every guest with open arms as if it were an anticipated homecoming. Her contagious warmth and hospitality spills into her finger-licking dishes where everything but the bread, pasta and fries are made from scratch and taste just as comfy as the hospitality.

The cozy yet modern diner is complete with a full bar, lounge area, a variety of seating options, and a fiery open kitchen. Everyone is bound to find something on the California fusion menu that tempts the taste buds with offerings like wood-fired pizzas, barbecued ribs, smoked brisket, fresh seafood and salads straight from the fields.

The cocktail list is quite robust and full of creativity. I suggest trying their take on the pumpkin pie martini which is ideal for the holidays, but delicious at any time. It successfully blends vanilla and pumpkin flavors with a hint of nutmeg, and a cinnamon rim to top it off.

The stuffed mushrooms are a must try with a savory sausage and herb stuffing; I may or may not have eaten more than my share of this decadent dish.
A visit to the Monterey Cookhouse would not be complete without one of their renowned smoked meats, whether it is ribs, brisket, pork loin or Cornish game hen; the smell outside of the eatery alone is sure to pull you in like a tractor beam.

This time I was treated to the ½ rack of baby back ribs. The pork ribs had a zesty dry rub and a homemade BBQ glaze that was to die for! The pork was so tender that it fell off the bone and melted in my mouth, definitely worth the long hours on the Traeger smoker.
If you are more of an open flame kind of person I would highly recommend the New York steak. The wood grilled slab of beef was a superb medium rare with a brandy peppercorn sauce that was the perfect consistency, not too thick and not too runny and went nicely with the accompanied twice baked potato.
The Cookhouse Mac could technically count as a meat group with its generous allotment of bacon. Yes, you heard me right, the house mac n' cheese has bacon bits that combine wonderfully with the creamy cheesy penne pasta.
It's essential to cap off your comfort food indulgence with one of the Cookhouse's seducing sweets like double chocolate torte, New York cheesecake or homemade sorbet. I personally recommend the chocolate chip bread pudding with custardy brioche bread and a cinnamon rum sauce that will have you coming back for more.

The Monterey Cookhouse has an array of other special offerings including a killer salad bar during lunch hours, a happy hour menu, and kids menu.

Porter's in the Forest at Poppy Hills Golf Course, Pebble Beach

17-Mile Drive and legendary golf aren't the only reasons to head into Pebble Beach anymore. Tucked inside the wooded area of Pebble Beach lays one of my new favorite foodie finds, Porter's in the Forest.
Not only do they have killer views of the recently renovated Poppy Hills Golf Course, but the cuisine mashes up unexpected creations thanks to star Chef Johnny De Vivo, formally of locals' favorite Casanova in Carmel.

Porter's in the Forest features a kick-back and contemporary dining room, expansive outdoor patio with views of the Pebble Beach's Del Monte Forest.

The farm-to-table and "California Artisanal" dubbed menu is taken to a new level by featuring not only local ingredients but in-house crafted bread, condiments and even Johnny's cured meats; his smoked bacon is just sinful!

Cocktails for lunch are perfectly acceptable (and strongly encouraged) at Porter's. Here you will find a stellar specialty cocktail selection with ingredients made from their backyard, literally! The Lavender Fields Lemonade uses homemade infused lavender syrup with sprigs plucked straight from the course.

One sniff of this libation and I was immediately transported back to summertime shenanigans. Just a few sips later I realized I needed a base in my belly before I started belting out Jimmy Buffet tunes out loud.

I started out with the grilled crab flat bread and wild arugula salad, it was being shared so don't judge! The flat bread isn't something I would normally order but my friendly waiter Laurence had sold me with shitake mushrooms provided by their local forager.

Doughy yet crisp flat bread slices were topped with crème fraiche, hunks of roasted garlic cloves, a heaping amount of crab and fresh fungi. What I didn't expect were the hidden slices of Meyer lemon which gave the pizza intermittent bursts of flavor, truly a welcomed surprise!
The Manquita Farms arugula salad captured fall flavors at its best. Fresh greens came strategically presented with juicy pear slices, luscious goat cheese, colorful pomegranate seeds, and crunchy Spanish almonds all lightly dressed in refreshing pear vinaigrette. Let's just say I have added a new addition to my Thanksgiving Day menu.

For the main event we indulged in the semolina and ricotta gnocchi with a side of charred cauliflower. Fluffy potato pillows emerged from a sea or short rib and broccoli rabe, my fav! This cozy dish would make a perfect appetizer to share around the inviting outdoor fire pits.
Can't get your kids to eat their veggies? Porter's charred cauliflower is a colorful masterpiece and the flavors are out of this world! The accompanied creamy yogurt sauce provided a winning balance with the smoky paprika oil, sure to have your kids screaming for seconds.
Since I ate all of my vegetables I figured I had earned dessert, especially since the warm brownie was calling my name before we even ordered drinks. The warm and comfy creation did not disappoint with hunks of gooey chocolate chips topped off with creamy homemade mascarpone ice cream. Now if I only I had room for another cocktail....


Porter's is open daily for breakfast from 6am-10:45am, lunch from 11am-3 pm and a special twilight menu from 3pm-7pm.

5 Reasons to Visit Monterey this Winter

If you are looking to enjoy the holidays without having to shovel snow then winter in Monterey is the season for you! It's always a great time to experience the bounty Monterey has to offer but the winter months bring some of our best weather without the crowds. From whales and sea otters in the Pacific to the hiking trails in the Salinas Valley, there are plenty of activities to do that don't include having to pack your ski jacket!

Festive Events

There are over a dozen holiday happenings packed between late November and early December that evoke the warm and fuzzy feelings this season was meant to engender. Find your holiday cheer at the Cannery Row Holiday Tree Lighting on November 28 or the Salinas Parade of Lights on November 30.
Browse the lit up inns and B&Bs in Pacific Grove during Christmas at the Inns, December 2-3 and see rarely open Monterey adobes dressed up in seasonal splendor for Christmas in the Adobes, December 5-6.
Ring in the New Year at Frist Night Monterey where downtown Monterey is transformed into an all-day family-friendly NYE bash. Kick off 2015 on the right foot with at the Rio Grill Resolution Run bright and early on January 1.

No Snow!

Need we say more? The air may be cool and crisp but it rarely dips below 45 degrees on the Monterey Peninsula, which is the perfect weather to tackle that hike you have been putting off. Fog is not usually an issue in the winter months and it's often our sunnier time of year.

Rain is hard to predict but if you happen to be caught in a shower you are still sure to enjoy the accompanied clouds hugging the dramatic coastline.

Fireplaces with a View

Cozy up next to someone special and enjoy a winter night snuggling by the fire. Whether you're looking for a scenic view, a people-watching view or a view made for two, you'll find the perfect fireplace just for you.

Score seats at one of the fire pits on the upper deck of Kula Ranch Island Grill for a great view of Marina State Beach where you can often watch hang gliders take to the air or simply soak in the sunset over the ocean.
For a more intimate take book a room at the Spindrift Inn on Cannery Row where several rooms come with their very own crackling wood fire and an ocean view. Click here for a full list of the "Best Fireplaces with a View."

Warm Up with a Steamy Beverage

Several restaurants and cafés in Monterey County hope to warm you up from the inside out with one of their cozy concoctions ranging from Mexican coffee, hot cocoa to traditional Irish coffee.

Sip in the legendary views of the Big Sur coastline at Nepenthe where they brew up a legion of coffee drinks, the highlight of which is without a doubt the Keoki Coffee, made with specialty coffee, Kahlua, Créme de Cacao and brandy.

Indulge in luxury and a liquor libation at The Inn at Spanish Bay. Sit by the fire pits on the patio to admire the surf, the bagpiper and the sunset, or snuggle inside on overstuffed chairs by the fireplace. Every hot drink is done to perfection, from the traditional Irish coffee to the less traditional Nutty Scotsman to the utterly decadent (and delicious) Chocolate Raspberry Nutty Truffle, a must for every chocolate lover. Click here to view "Top 10 Places to Grab a Hot Drink."

Winter Whale Sightings

Monterey Bay is unique in that you can catch a whale watching tour just about every day of the year. Winter is especially a prime time to catch the action on the bay as gray whales begin their migration north and start appearing in the Monterey Bay region in the beginning of December. You'll even have the opportunity to see the usual residents like dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals and sea lions.

Formally celebrate the return of gray whales to the Monterey Bay during Whalefest Monterey! Old Fisherman's Wharf and Custom House Plaza throw quite the migration party for these much loved creatures, January 24-25, 2015. This 2-day family fun festival hosts a variety of activities including live entertainment, face painting, educational exhibits, historic walking tours, chalk art, live music and much more.

10 Photo Opps Worthy of Instagram in Monterey County

There's no shortage of amazing photo opps in Monterey County ranging from epic rocky coastal vistas to vineyard laden valley views. It seems as though there is a breathtaking view almost everywhere you turn and lucky for you we have rounded-up of some of the most instagrammable locations within our diverse region.

1. Bixby Bridge, Big Sur

Make your friends jealous with Bixby Bridge as the background of your next selfie. Located just off of Highway One in Big Sur this bridge has been the main actor in several car commercials. For the best views of this architectural feat pull off at Hurricane Point, you'll know when you've arrived.

2. The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

The waterfront Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail stretches through a stunning 29 miles, from Castroville all the way to Pacific Grove. The epic pedestrian and bike path hugs the coast while hitting iconic hot spots like Old Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Asilomar State Beach. It will be hard to choose from just one snapshot spot along the way!

3. River Road Wine Trail, Salinas Valley

Get a slice (or wedge) of the "salad bowl of the world" and take the road less traveled through the River Road Wine Trail in the Salinas Valley. Weaving through Steinbeck country you will pass a variety of agriculture fields producing everything from lettuce, broccoli to Pinot Noir grapes. Hahn Winery and Paraiso Vineyards boast some of the best views of the region's rolling hills, plentiful vineyards and lush fields.

4. Marina State Beach, Marina

With expansive sandy beaches, rolling waves and graceful hang gliders overhead it's hard to mess up a picture at Marina State Beach. Take the Reservation Road exit off Highway One which leads to a convenient parking lot with easy access to the beach below. If you're lucky you might even spot a migrating whale spout or a few twirling dolphins in the distance!

5. The Open Sea Gallery, Monterey Bay Aquarium

No visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Bay is complete without a silhouette pic in the Open Sea Gallery. The Aquarium's largest exhibit is home to all sorts of sea creatures sure to photobomb your next profile pic including glittering schools of sardines, massive prehistoric sunfishes, majestic hammerhead sharks and more. Your friends are going to be so jelly!

6. High Peaks, Pinnacles National Park

With its unique jagged formation and rock spires from weathered remains of an ancient volcano, Pinnacles National Park offers many opportunities for great photographs. The strenuous High Peaks Loop within the park is easily paid off once you reach the top. Your Instagram followers might even think you're in Arizona rather than California!

7. Sea Otters, Moss Landing

Wave to hello to Monterey's favorite mascot at Moss Landing State Beach and the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing! Sea otters flock to a particularly protected cove near the dunes on Moss Landing State Beach where you can often find clusters of otters huddled together in "rafts" which can contain up to 40 of the furry little critters. Head out on the Elkhorn Slough for a closer look with a kayak rental or book a trip on the Elkhorn Slough Safari.

8. McWay Falls, Big Sur

It's not everyday you see a waterfall crashing down into the ocean. The majestic McWay Falls is an easy 0.5 mile stroll along the "Overlook Trail" in Big Sur's Julia Pfeffier Burns State Park. The raging waterfall runs year round and plummets down a steep granite cliff into a picturesque cove which flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. Talk about a magnificent photo opp!

9. Lovers Point, Pacific Grove

Have you ever seen a photo of the sun rising from the ocean on the west coast? I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! Lovers Point in Pacific Grove offers one of the only spots on the west coast where you watch the sun rise over the water due to its unique east-facing location. Take that east coast!

10. Point Lobos, Carmel

Coined as "the greatest meeting of landing and sea in the world" Point Lobos begs to have its photo taken. Whether you capture a frame of the crashing waves along the rocky coast, a still of the redwoods or a snapshot of a sea otter grooming her pup there's something here to bring out your inner photographer.

Show off your own great photos of Monterey County using #GrabYourMoment or droll over our Instagram pics at @SeeMonterey.

A Sunny Escape: Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club and Courtside Bistro

Just off of Highway 68 lies a secret sanctuary that is waiting for you to discover. The Chamisal Tennis & Fitness Club sits just off of Los Laureles Road and is well-known to those in the tennis world as it holds several professional tournaments including the US Open National Playoffs.
I decided to scope out this mysterious property with a club tour. The drive from Monterey was a quick 15 minutes and lead me to the sprawling sports sanctum in no time. The fitness and tennis facility has been in operation for over 40 years with many of its inaugural guests still as acting members, and it's easy to see why.
The pristine and tree-laden property has 13 hard courts (eight of which are lighted), two outdoor swimming pools, two spas, childcare facilities, a fitness center and a plethora of group exercise classes.
The pools alone had me sold. Both the adult lap pool and family pool remain heated at a comfortable 78 degrees and are lined with plenty of lounge chairs, perfect for those who simply wish to enjoy the valley views.

The fitness room upstairs is well-maintained and includes all of the cardio, weightlifting and circuit training essentials. The fitness center leads into separate men and women locker rooms which each have their own steam room.

After the tour I stopped into the Courtside Bistro which is luckily open to non-members. The restaurant's dining room reminded me of a cozy lodge complete with high vaulted ceilings, a large stone fireplace, rustic wood paneling and relaxing atmosphere. There is even a great bar with an extensive beer and local wine list, definitely not your average club café!

Being in Monterey's "sun belt" I opted to sit on the outdoor patio overlooking a few of the tennis courts. While soaking in the sun I couldn't help but notice a strange rock formation in the distance. Apparently it's known as "Castle Rock" and is referenced in John Steinbeck's novel "Pastures of Heaven." Word has it that it's particularly stunning during sunset when the formation has a golden hue.

Speaking of pastures of heaven, the bistro sources its produce straight from the Salinas Valley. The lunch menu was full of tempting (and fresh) appetizers, salads and sandwiches; I opted for the roasted beet salad while my buddy ordered the cheddar bacon cheeseburger.

We could literally smell the burger as it was being prepared. A large ciabatta bun oozed with white cheddar cheese and savory beef all topped with crispy bacon. The French fries were crisp and right out of the fryer.
My hefty dose of chopped Salinas Valley greens came topped with roasted beets, hunks of feta cheese and grilled chicken. The sweetness and acidity from the house made balsamic vinaigrette made the fresh ingredients shine!
At an average of $10-$12 per entrée this place is really a steal for its top-notched quality, exceptional service and relaxed atmosphere! The Courtside Bistro is open 7 days a week from 11am-9pm for lunch and dinner.

Interested in fitness and/or tennis memberships? Call (831)484-1135 to schedule a tour. Need a tennis lesson but not a member? No problem, lessons are open to the public.

Baum & Blume and The Carriage House in Carmel Valley

Transport yourself into a charming European café in the heart of sunny Carmel Valley Village. Baum & Blume and The Carriage House offer not one, not two but five things in one warm German-esque atmosphere. The Wenzler family affair includes a cozy café, Biergarten, catering company, gourmet take-out and boutique all in one!
Needing a dose of Oktoberfest I headed to the quaint café and shop tucked up El Caminito Road just across from Bernardus Winery's tasting room. The modest storefront resembles a humble home which is suiting since you feel like family once you enter.

As soon as I pulled up I was immediately greeted with a warm welcome by owners (and siblings) Derek, Deborah and Diane. It's truly a family run business as Deborah was manning the café, Derek was hard at work in the open-aired kitchen and Diane was tidying up the boutique gift shop, aka The Carriage House.
Before Deborah could give me the low-down on the day's specials Derek invited me into the kitchen for a sneak peek into their famous fruitcakes. Now these are not your stereotypical fruitcakes that you mass order from your grandma's catalogs. These specialty holiday cakes are treated with tender loving care; the trio even travels to the Central Valley to pick up fresh raisins and other fruits for the ingredients. The entire process takes several weeks and makes for a wonderful Christmas gift!

After my stint in Derek's kitchen I was seated in the sundrenched patio which also transforms into a German Biergarten Thursday through Saturday from 3pm-7pm with all sorts of food specials and beers, of course.

The menu was full of fall findings like a Harvest Vegetable Shepherd's Pie and an Oktoberfest Special with grilled bockwurst and red cabbage. I finally opted for the Autumn Salad while my buddy ordered the Pecan-Crusted Chicken.

Little did we know, Derek prepared an amuse-bouche before our main courses. The tasty hors d'œuvres were made of bite-sized slices of pumpernickel toast, slathered with a chunky apricot chutney and topped with smoked salmon. The fruity chutney had a kick of ginger which went well with the mildly smoky flavor of the fish.
Soon after, my salad arrived which looked like it had just been picked straight from the garden. A mound of butter lettuce was carefully topped with sweet apple slices, shaved fennel, picked shallots, rye croutons and toasted walnuts. I was particularly pleased that it was very lightly dressed in walnut oil vinaigrette, not taking away from the natural flavors of the ingredients.
The pecan-crusted chicken smelled delightful ! Juicy chicken slices were topped with a rich and creamy Dijon-sour cream reduction sauce with a side of garlic-roasted carrots. I could not believe this gourmet dish was only $11.95!
Not wanting to leave I popped over to The Carriage House to scope out some of their always changing boutique items. I particularly love their assortment of craft jewelry and card offerings.

Doing anything November 8th or 9th? Head to Baum & Blume's Open House where Christmas comes early! Shop for curated gifts and decor in The Carriage House Boutique while enjoying hosted wine tastings from California vintners, hors d'oeuvres from the kitchen, chef demos, craft demos and more.

Baum & Blume and the Carriage house is open for lunch, dinner and take out Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm-7pm.