“Calla Lily Sunset, Big Sur” photo taken by Greg Clure

Wouldn’t you like to frolic in this canyon full of calla lilies in Big Sur?

Do you have an amazing shot of Monterey County that you think is worthy of “Flickr Photo of the Week?” Submit your photo to our Flickr Group and you just might get picked!

Spend Memorial Day Weekend in Monterey County! Don’t worry; we have plenty to keep you busy with everything from food festivals, live music to scheduled hikes.

The California Roots Music and Arts Festival will be jammin’ at the Monterey County Fairgrounds all weekend long. The three day festival is dedicated to reggae and roots music, good food, creative artwork and sending out good vibes. They have quite the line-up with performances from Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Matisyahu, The Expendables, The Dirty Heads, Mystic Roots and many more! Friday-Sunday, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. SOLD OUT!

Monterey Clam Chowder & Calamari Festival

Two of Monterey County’s most loved dishes come together Memorial Day weekend for The Great Monterey Clam Chowder and Calamari Festival. Custom House Plaza, connected to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, will be swarming with comforting cuisines from the sea paired with lots of entertainment! Local chefs will demonstrate how to properly clean and cook calamari, the Chicano All Stars will jam out on the main stage and there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. Saturday and Sunday from 11am-7pm and Monday from 11am-6pm. Custom House Plaza, Monterey. Free event.

Friday

Head to the Paper Wing Theatre in Monterey for a performance of “Mr. Bruce, Do You Swear?” Jody Gilmore stars as Lenny Bruce in this serio-comedy which is sure to have the audience rolling in their seats. 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $17-$20.

Saturday

Check out Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley this morning with guides from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. Today they will venture out on the Maple Canyon Trail and Sky Trail for amazing views of Mesa Pond. The 3.5 mile hike is expected to last three hours. Don’t forget to bring water, lunch and to wear good hiking shoes. 9am, Garland Visitors Center, Carmel Valley. Free event.

Couldn’t make Friday’s performance of “Mr. Bruce, Do You Swear?” at Paper Wing Theatre. Check it out tonight! 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $17-$20.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpcYigWXKLM

Folk and Americana band, Rainbow Girls perform tonight at the Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur. These talented gals use all sorts of instruments including harmonica, accordion, mandolin and drums. 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. Free event.

Sunday

This morning, scope out some of migratory birds that call Palo Corona home. Amateur birders will take a crew on lower trails in search of winged creatures like raptors, red-tail hawks and kestrels. The 2.5 mile hike is expected to last three hours. Don’t forget to bring water, lunch, binoculars and to wear good hiking shoes. 10am, Palo Corona Barn. Free event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pmArSTQeIU

Since there’s no work tomorrow take a road trip to the Big Sur River Inn. Dip your toes in the river and enjoy live music from Tom Faia and the Juice. His acoustic guitar and jams are sure to held you chill out. 1pm, 46840 Highway One, Big Sur. Free event.

Monday

Happy Memorial Day! Take time to remember what this holiday is all about at the Memorial Day Celebration at Devendorf Park in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The event will begin with the ringing of the bell in the World War I Memorial Art on Ocean Avenue and will conclude with speeches from city dignitaries and military officials. 11am, Ocean Avenue between Junipero and Mission, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free event.

Pick up some fresh produce for the week at Pacific Grove’s Farmers’ Market. Here you will find a bounty of fruit, veggies, craft vendors and food trucks. 3pm-7pm, Central and Grand, Pacific Grove. Free event.

Pèppoli at Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach, California or Florence, Italy? That is the question as soon as you step foot into Pèppoli; this Tuscan-style eatery resembles a high-end villa with all the authentic décor one could hope for. The rustic color palette puts your mind at ease while the aroma from the open terra-cotta tiled kitchen gives you immediate hunger pangs.

Dining Room at Pèppoli

Open Kitchen at Pèppoli

When I stopped by for a visit with Chef Angela Tamura she whipped up quite the feast, as if I was a long lost Italian relative, and the ricotta cheese crostini was just the beginning. The crispy Italian bread was lathered in homemade ricotta cheese and topped with a buttery caramelized onion. Delish!

Ricotta Cheese Crostini

Soon after her award-winning lasagna (at least in my eyes) came out piping hot. The pasta’s crunchy shell gave way to an oozing inside of mozzarella cheese, thick tomato sauce, succulent sausage and the smell of Italian herbs.

Lasagna Tradizionale

Time for some protein! The bistecchina, a.k.a. Angus steak, was no joke. This honkin’ piece of meat was cooked to perfection on the oak grill and then sprinkled with a dash of sea salt. The accompanied slices of caramelized onion and creamy blue cheese made the smoky flavors from the steak pop. I can only imagine what this meal would have been like with a glass of vino from their extensive wine collection!

California Angus Steak with Sea Salt

Roy’s at Pebble Beach

It is amazing that just to the side of this Tuscan haven sits a much different International delight. Roy’s at Pebble Beach may overlook an Scottish-influenced golf course but the cuisine is straight out of the Pacific Islands. Roy Yamaguchi’s masterpiece of a menu includes a blend of unique flavors in what he dubs as “Hawaiian-fusion.”

The contemporary and modern design puts you on island time but the high-paced energy surrounding the kitchen keeps things alive. The master behind Roy’s creations in the Pebble Beach kitchen is Chef Pablo Mellin. During a recent visit Pablo noted some of their specialty items like their various sushi rolls, bento boxes and mixed plates.

Chef Pablo Mellin talks about the bento boxes

Needing to try some of Pablo’s concoctions I dove into a Lakanilau Roll. This was not your average over-the-counter sushi roll. Dynamite crab, panko crusted asparagus and avocado surrounded in rice and wrapped with a thin layer of, wait for it… Kobe beef! The Kobe beef literally melted in your mouth and the crunch from the fresh asparagus gave this dish an unexpected burst of freshness.

Lakanilau Roll

I also had a little tester of their blackened rare ahi. The fresh slab of tuna had a spicy kick to it but the soy mustard butter sauce cooled it all down, I could even gather a hint of a sweet berry as I devoured my tasty morsel.

Blackened Rare Ahi

STICKS

Those looking for a little comfort food can find just that, and then some, at casual hangout STICKS. Here you can easily envision yourself kickin’ back and watching the game, grabbing an ice-cold beer or chowing down on some tasty chicken wings without being judged.

Views of The Links at Spanish Bay at STICKS

The casual bar resembles a refined Irish pub with epic views of the golfing greens, multiple TV screens, cozy fireplaces and plaid accents scattered throughout. Chef Todd Fisher has succeeded in creating the menu at this down-home grub hub which includes almost every sought after comfort food imaginable. Things like black truffle popcorn, bacon-wrapped meatloaf and country fried chicken with waffles make you feel like you instantly gained five pounds.

Chef Todd Fisher talks about the plethora of comfort food options at STICKS

Needing some comfort I opted for the blue bacon slider. A rich blue cheese and jalapeno spread was doused on a toasted fluffy bun with salty pieces of bacon and a savory Angus burger on the inside. The collaboration of meat and aioli sauce made my taste buds dance.

The tater tots served on the side were not your grocer’s freezer section tots. I was slightly embarrassed that the guests across from me could hear the deep-fried crunch from across the table but then I realized they were too good to care.

Tater Tots, Blue Cheese Burger, Bacon Lollipop and Fish Taco

Did I mention this came with a bacon lollipop? At first bite I was in love- juicy goodness oozed from the core while hints of bourbon and maple were evident in its preparation. Chef Todd Fisher knows his bacon, as he should; he is the host on Destination America Channel’s “United States of Bacon.”

It’s Bacon!

Next time I am STICK-ing around for dessert; as I was leaving I got a glimpse of the 7-layer carrot cake and warm apple pecan bread pudding, I swear as I walked through the door they were calling my name!

“Ghost Tree” photo taken by Mariaslens

Pebble Beach‘s mysterious “Ghost Tree” is located on famed 17-Mile Drive . This location is also  a hot spot for surfing in winter months as waves can reach 40-50 feet.

Do you have an amazing shot of Monterey County that you think is worthy of “Flickr Photo of the Week?” Submit your photo to our Flickr Group and you just might get picked!

This weekend is made for special events in Monterey County! Not one, not two but several festivals are going on in and around the county including the Carmel Art Festival, Cooking for Solutions and Castroville’s Artichoke Festival. Read below for more information.

Beer Flight at Peter B’s Brewpub

One of Monterey’s favorite breweries celebrates American Craft Brewery Week with all sorts of beer tastings, new releases and brewer’s dinners. Join Peter B’s Brewpub all this weekend for an extended Happy Hour from 4pm-6:30pm and brewery tours from 4pm-5:30pm. Check out a full list of all the action here. Monday-Sunday.1 Portola Plaza, Monterey.

The Carmel Art Festival kicks off this Thursday in quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea. On Thursday and Friday over 60 juried artists will scatter throughout Monterey County to produce paintings of the destination. These works will be on display all weekend long at Devendorf Park in downtown Carmel, the hub of the four-day artistic event. Other events include art exhibitions, family fun activities, live music and more. Thursday-Sunday. Devendorf Park, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free event.

Come one, come all to the Salinas Valley Fair in southern Monterey County. This hootenanny has all the makings of a traditional country fair including livestock exhibits, a rodeo, carnival rides and lots of fair food. Thursday-Sunday from 10am-10pm. 625 Division Street, King City. $8 for adults and $6 for children.

Enjoy a blast from the past at the Monterey Rock n’ Rod Festival. The Monterey County Fairgrounds transforms to an era from the ‘50s and ‘60s with everything from classic cars to old school rock n’ roll. Get your poodle skirt out for the Sock Hop which kicks things off on Friday at 5:30pm! Friday-Saturday, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. $20-$25.

The Monterey Symphony brings on guest pianist Dubravka Tomsic. She will dazzle on stage with back up from the talented symphony as they play works from Bernstein, Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky for this show entitled Ecstasy. Friday at 7:30pm at the Steinbeck Institute for Arts and Culture, Saturday at 8pm at the Sunset Center and Sunday at 3pm at the Sunset Center. Various ticket prices.

Sustainable seafood is the star at this weekend’s Cooking for Solutions at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Over 70 celebrity chefs and 60 wineries will be on hand for a tasty three day event with everything from a glamorous Gala, Food and Wine Adventures to a Street Food Extravaganza. Friday-Sunday. 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Various ticket prices.

Castroville Artichokes

Check out Monterey County’s favorite thistle this weekend at the Castroville Artichoke Festival! The event is dedicated to everything artichoke including cooking demos, artichoke-themed art and souvenirs, an artichoke parade, a farmers’ market, a classic car show, a wine exposition, and of course artichokes prepared in every way imaginable. Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Castroville. $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Friday

Head to the Paper Wing Theatre in Monterey for a performance of “Mr. Bruce, Do You Swear?” Jody Gilmore stars as Lenny Bruce in this serio-comedy which is sure to have the audience rolling in their seats. 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $17-$20.

Saturday

Learn about the importance of Chinese immigrants to the Monterey Peninsula’s fishing industry today at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. From 10am-2pm guests can check out a model of Pacific Grove‘s 19th century Fishing Village and listen to a lecture from Sandy Lydon at 2pm on “Feeding the Hungry Ghosts: The Resurrection of Pacific Grove’s 160 Year-old Chinese Legacy” at Chautauqua Hall. At 3:30pm guests will gather at the museum for a Walk of Remembrance along Ocean View Avenue honoring those who lived in the Chinese village that mysteriously burnt down in 1906. 10am-4pm, 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove. Free event.

Couldn’t make Friday’s opening performance of “Mr. Bruce, Do You Swear?” at Paper Wing Theatre? Check it out tonight! 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $17-$20.

The Bermuda Triangle Service performs tonight at the Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur. Don’t miss the trio’s infectious twangin’ country vibes! 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. Free event.

Sunday

Massive trucks dominate today at the Salinas Sports Complex. Bring the kids on out to Monster Jam for some car crushing action, family fun activities and great food. 12pm-5pm. 1034 North Main Street, Salinas. $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Had a busy weekend? Relax out by the river at the Big Sur River Inn. This afternoon Jackson Stock and Friends and will be out playing tunes on the deck. 1pm, 46840 Highway One, Big Sur. Free event.

Sea Lions on Elkhorn Slough

Begin your trip out on the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing, one of California’s largest tidal salt marshes. This protected playground is populated with some of Monterey County’s favorite mascots including sea lions, harbor seals, pelicans and lots of sea otters. One of the best ways to get out on the slough is via kayak or the Elkhorn Slough Safari. Several kayaking companies are available for tours and/or rentals. Captain Gideon with Elkhorn Slough Safari takes a crew out on his comfortable pontoon boat pointing out the various species that call this unique gem home while throwing in a joke, or two.

Sea Otter on Elkhorn Slough

Kayakers on Elkhorn Slough

Elkhorn Slough Safari Tour

After working up an appetite out on the slough, stop in for a sizzling lunch at the Whole Enchilada. The menu is packed with mouth-watering specials like seafood enchiladas, mariscos chimichangas and Mexican cioppino. For a little taste of everything order Ray’s Platter. This gigantic plate is full of Monterey’s freshest bounty including mussels, calamari, ceviche, jumbo prawns, seafood flautas and a large Castroville artichoke. Not only are the items themselves tasty but the accompanied sauces and dips makes them irresistible! Be sure to bring plenty of friends to help polish off this monstrosity, there’s at least enough to feed a family of four.

The Whole Enchilada

“Ray’s Platter” at the Whole Enchilada

See why Monterey County is the known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” at the outdoor market next door. Pick up some fresh fruit, vegetables and artichokes that were grown just down the street at fantastic prices!

Now that you are fueled up, head over to the Salinas River State Beach just down Highway One. Make a reservation with the Monterey Bay Equestrian and trusty steeds will meet you at the entrance for a leisure jaunt down one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Monterey County. This is one of the only beaches in Monterey County where you can strut along the shoreline on horseback.

Horseback Riding on Salinas River State Beach

Horseback Riding on Salinas River State Beach

Horseback Riding on Salinas River State Beach

No day trip is complete without a chance to unwind and relax. Head back to the center of Moss Landing at Revive Day Spa. Choose from treatments like the hot stone massage and European facial or relax in the infrared sauna. You can event opt to have a bio slimming wrap where you could loose up to 10 lbs; now that’s what I call a productive day in Moss Landing!

“In Monterey” photo taken by Dmitrii Lezine

The Monterey Peninsula ignites with a variety of wildflowers every spring. See the stunning colors for yourself along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail.

Do you have an amazing shot of Monterey County that you think is worthy of “Flickr Photo of the Week?” Submit your photo to our Flickr Group and you just might get picked!

Multiple classes of sports cars burn their rubber this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca during American Le Mans Monterey. The Endurance Race on Saturday is the main event where cars will race around the track for four hours straight for the coveted title. Don’t miss all of the action off of the track with activities like autograph sessions, team chats, tech briefings and a Yamaha Marketplace full of automotive vendors. Thursday- Saturday. 1021 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey. Various ticket prices.

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Need a laugh? Catch a performance of “9 to 5, the Musical” at the Paper Wing Theatre this Friday or Saturday. The musical version of the popular movie starring Dolly Parton is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with songs like “Joy to the Girls” and “Shine Like the Sun.” Friday and Saturday at 8pm, 320 Hoffman Avenue, Monterey. $22-$25.

Looking for a last minute Mother’s Day gift? Head over to Custom House Plaza in downtown Monterey for the Spring Fest Arts & Crafts Faire. Over 50 artists and craft makers will showcase and sell their handiwork. Don’t miss all of the accompanied food, music and fun! Saturday and Sunday from 9am-5pm, 4 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. Free event.

Saturday

This weekend Monterey County celebrates Bike Week with an Intergenerational Ride today that pedals along the beautiful Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. Visitors are welcome to join local residents in this free event for all ages, abilities, and types of bicycles. Riders will gather at 10 a.m. at the Fort Ord Dunes State Park parking lot. For further details visit Bicycling Monterey where you’ll also find the Tips for Bicycling Monterey County guide and lots of other bike things to do. 10am, Fort Ord Dunes States Park. Free event.

Bring your Mom to the Del Monte Center for “Everything Mom.” Not only will your Mom love the shopping but she will also enjoy free cookies, coffee and photo opps! Many merchants will also give away free gifts and hosting other special activities like cupcake decorating at Williams and Sonoma. 11am-3pm, 1410 Del Monte Center Monterey. Free event.

Celebrate Mother’s Day early with an Afternoon Tea at Bernardus Lodge in sunny Carmel Valley. A variety of teas will be offered using herbal ingredients from their on-site garden as well as light refreshments like scones, cucumber-mint sandwiches and watercress tea sandwiches. 2pm-4pm, 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. $50.

The Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea brings The Mikado to the stage this evening. The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players give an outstanding rendition of this opera with hilarious characters and familiar tunes like “Three Little Maids from School Are We and “A Wand’ring Minstrel I.” The Sunset Center will also host a Gala event before the event with a stunning menu from Chef Kurt Grasing. The pre-show gala begins at 5pm for $225 (includes admission to The Mikado). 8pm, San Carlos at Ninth Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $59-$79.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXWkIZUPmDY

Sunday

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms out there! Nudge your kids to bring you out to a fabulous gourmet brunch in Monterey County. Click here for a list of delicious offerings.

The Monterey Mirror Maze on Cannery Row recognizes Mother’s today with free unlimited access to their crazy maze! 10am-9pm, 751 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

10. Guided Segway Tours

Segway Tours Monterey

Venture Monterey Peninsula’s coastline while on your very own personal transporter! Segway Tours Monterey offers three iconic tours including “Historical Monterey,” “Recreation Trail” and “Seventeen Mile Drive.” Each visitor will get a crash course in “Segway safety” before hitting the trail to take in some of Monterey County’s finest sights and historical tidbits.

9. Electric Bikes on the Rec Trail

Electric Bikes from Blazing Saddles

Want to enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail without breaking a sweat? Blazing Saddles, located in front of the InterContinental the Clement Monterey, just introduced their electric bicycle which reaches speeds up to 20mph. Youcan cruise scenic trails and climb some of the toughest hills like champ!

8. Eat Like the Elite with Sierra Mar’s Three-Course Lunch Menu

The exclusive Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur recently introduced a new three-course prix fixe menu at their cliff-side and award-winning restaurant Sierra Mar. Lunch at this foodie favorite is offered from 12:15pm-3:00pm for $40 and an additional $27 for wine pairings with each course. Dinner is also available as a four-course prix fixe or a-la-carte. This is quite the hot spot so be sure to make reservations in advance.

7. Obama Inducts New National Park

In January, President Barack Obama designated Pinnacles National Monument as a sacred National Park. Explore all that this 26,000 acre park has to offer including bird watching, camping and hiking.

6. Otters Back at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

After a six month hiatus the sea otters are back in town with new and improved living space at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Check out Ivy, Abby, Kit, Rosa and Gidget at their new digs in the two-story 55,000 gallon tank.

5. Hunker Down on a Fast Raft

Take to the open sea on the new Fast Raft! Their Marine Eco-Tours are the way to go when it comes to exploring the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in an exhilarating way. Captain Henry takes crews of six and maneuvers the speedy and comfortable pontoon boat through the Monterey Bay. Tours leave from Monterey at 9:00am and 1:30pm.

4. Vacation like a Celeb at Revamped Gardener Ranch

The former historic John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch which once hosted the likes of Ronald Reagan, Clint Eastwood and Lucille Ball has just been refurbished and renamed Gardener Ranch. The rustic property located along the Carmel River in Carmel Valley offers a variety of accommodations from a Main House with three bedrooms and a private swimming pool to a River Cottage with one-bedroom and a fireplace. The ranch hosts a variety of activities like bocce, horseshoes, croquette and lawn bowling.

3. Munch on Sustainable Seafood at Cindy’s Waterfront

Chef Cindy Pawlcyn re-opens the highly anticipated and renovated restaurant and cafe at the Monterey Bay Aquarium April 27th. Cindy’s Waterfront and Express Café feature farm-to-table menus with locally sourced items and sustainable seafood from the Seafood Watch program. At Cindy’s Waterfront visitors can enjoy items like Monterey Bay calamari with Cindy’s curry vinaigrette, grilled line-caught albacore sandwiches and apricot/sour cherry brioche bread pudding with caramel sauce.

2. 28 Million Reasons to Revisit Quail Lodge

Quail Lodge & Golf Club

The spacious 850-acre oasis in Carmel Valley known as Quail Lodge & Golf Club is back open for business! After three years and a $28 million renovation the sprawling golf resort introduces 93 revamped California Ranch-style bungalow rooms with plush amenities like a deep soaking tub and separate shower.

1. Cheers to New Wine Tasting Venues

Not one, not two but multiple wineries have opened their doors and popped bottles for the first time in Monterey County this year. Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley in particular are swarming with new tasting rooms pouring labels for Cima Collina, Manzoni Cellars, Tudor Wines and Trio Carmel. Carmel-by-the-Sea has even launched a Carmel Wine Walk-By the-Sea passport which allows visitors to taste from seven different venues. Carmel Valley also touts a hefty amount of tasting rooms along the East End Wine Row. Cheers!

“Sunset at Pebble Beach” photo taken by Mariaslens

A sunset so beautiful that it even stopped a seagull in its tracks!

Do you have an amazing shot of Monterey County that you think is worthy of “Flickr Photo of the Week?” Submit your photo to our Flickr Group and you just might get picked!