"Converging Lines" photo taken by Hal Bergman Photography

“Converging Lines” was taken in Salinas, CA (also known as the Salad Bowl of the World). So how did the Salinas Valley get this nickname? Well, the Salinas Valley alone produces 80% of the nation’s lettuces as well as a large portion of the United States’ supply of artichokes, broccoli, strawberries, squash and cauliflower. Take a drive out to the Salinas Valley to see the abundance of fields for yourself or check out an Ag Venture Tour to learn more about Monterey County’s agriculture industry.

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!

The 19th annual Carmel Art Festival kicks off this Thursday! Devendorf Park serves as the hub for this event hosting a sculpture-in-the-park exhibition, live music and art auctions. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s iconic art galleries will also hold special receptions and demonstrations throughout the weekend. Be on the lookout for Plein Air artists around the peninsula who will sell some of their pieces on Saturday and Sunday. Thursday-Sunday, Ocean and Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free event.

Enjoy an old-fashioned good time at the Salinas Valley Fair this weekend. This hootenanny comes complete with carnival rides, live entertainment, animal exhibitions and fried fair food! Thursday-Sunday, 625 Division Street, King City.

Are you a fan of Fiddler on the Roof? Head on over to the newly remodeled Golden Bough Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea and catch a performance this weekend! The classic Broadway musical featuring Tevye the Milkman and his five daughters will include favorite songs like “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Tradition”. Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm, Casanova Street and 8th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $7-$38.

Cooking for Solutions at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s culinary event of the year Cooking for Solutions starts on Friday! Over 70 chefs and 60 wineries will convene at the world-class aquarium to showcase the best in sustainable seafood and wines. The three-day event will be full of cooking demonstrations, presentations, a sustainable seafood challenge, food and wine adventures and more. Friday-Sunday, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. Various ticket prices.

Ferraris take over the Monterey Peninsula this weekend as Ferrari Racing Days heats up at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Spectators will enjoy three full days of races featuring F1 Clienti, 599XX, FXX races, F458 Challenge and F430 Challenge race. Friday-Sunday, 1021 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas. $25 for a one-day pass and $50 for a three-day pass.

Oldies music and classic cars rendezvous at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The Monterey Rock and Rod Festival features live music from Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, custom and classic cars, motorcycles, a sock hop and more! Friday-Sunday, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Various ticket prices.

Castroville Artichokes

Castroville celebrates Monterey County’s favorite thistle this weekend. Get your fill of all things artichoke at the Castroville Artichoke Festival. Not only will there be plenty of opportunities to taste the thorny veggie but the weekend will also includes a parade, classic car show, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, a farmers’ market and much more all in the name of artichokes! 10am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday. Castroville. $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Friday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2iReIF2q0U

The Mucky Duck hosts The Wharf Rats this evening out on their back patio. You don’t’ want to miss their irresistible covers from the ‘70s and beyond! 6pm-10pm, 479 Alvarado, Monterey. Free event.

The Carmel Music Society presents violinist Jae-In Shin tonight at the Sunset Center. Ms. Shin has won numerous musical competitions including the 2011 CMS Instrumental Competition. 8pm, San Carlos at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free event.

Classic rock band the Dreamers perform tonight at Bullwacker’s. Grab a drink and enjoy! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

Kick off your weekend at London Bridge Pub with live music from acoustic rock guitarist Rex Wheeler. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. Free event.

Saturday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AbIAQBdVkA

Classic rock band Outer Edge entertains a crowd this evening at the Mucky Duck. Afterwards DJ Joey Camacho moves the party inside for the remainder of the night. 6pm-close, 479 Alvarado, Monterey. Free event.

The Good Sams release their newest album at Bullwacker’s tonight! The release party is sure to be a good ol’ time with live performances of their Americana jams of course! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b447KzVCwvk

Time to make a trip to Big Sur mon’! Favorite reggae and ska group Jonah and the Whalewatchers will be jammin’ at Fernwood Tavern tonight. 9pm, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. Free event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FCFU1eQkSQ

Local singer songwriter Casey Frazier takes over London Bridge Pub tonight with his Americana and folk rock diddies. Don’t miss his original songs from his three addictive albums. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. Free event.

Sunday

Start your Sunday morning off on the right foot with an invigorating hike with guides from the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. Hikers will venture along Garzas Creek into the Redwood Canyon for spectacular views of ferns and flowers. The 3.3 mile hike is expected to last three hours. Don’t forget to bring water, snacks and to wear good shoes. 10am, East Garzas Trailhead, Carmel Valley. Free event.

The Salinas Sports Complex transforms into a car lovers’ paradise today. Monster Jam 2012 kicks off at noon where spectators can salivate over the enormous wheels and even get autographs from some of the lucky drivers. This event isn’t all about the massive trucks; there will also be a pit party and plenty of food, drinks and souvenirs! 12pm-5pm, 1034 North Main Street, Salinas. $20.

Get your draw on at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Today the museum hosts a sketching and painting class focusing on kitchen herbs such as rosemary, thyme and basil. Students can use these fun illustrations for seed packets, recipe cards and labels for potted plants. 3pm, 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove. $30.

Reggae mon’ Tony Miles slows your weekend down at the Mucky Duck. Chill out on the back patio before the work week hits. 4pm-8pm, 479 Alvarado, Monterey. Free event.

You can see even more photos of this year’s Motosports Reunion in our Flickr set.

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

American Le Mans Monterey at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Pet Travel to Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur
Looking to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Monterey County has plenty of great options for you and your pooch!

Yahoo picks the 10 great American road trips
See what Yahoo! says is the best part about the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1)!

Dole Salad Summit in Monterey
How fitting for the Dole Salad Summit to take place in the “Salad Bowl of the World.” Check out some of these photos from the event, fresh from the fields.

Monterey Bay: An Aquarium, a Caramel Apple, and a Mission
Read about a Via “Road Journals” writer’s latest trip to Monterey and Carmel. Who knew you could visit the aquarium a California mission and have a caramel apple all in one day!

Big Sur Marathon: A Mid-Race Engagement
What could keep you motivated that last 13 miles of the Big Sur International Marathon? Perhaps a wedding proposal at Hurricane Point?

California Cuisine at La Bicyclette in Carmel
I hope you don’t read this on an empty stomach. The photos and write-up on this quaint bistro will have you drooling!

Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey, California
Looking for a fun place for the kids to burn off some steam? Look no further than Dennis the Menace Park! This awesome kid zone was actually designed by the cartoon writer of Dennis the Menace, Hank Ketchum.

The Tower on the Windswept Crag
No need to travel to Ireland to get your fix of medieval towers. Robinson Jeffers’ Hawk Tower and Tor House in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers visitors a great tour and stunning ocean views!

Lauren’s Locales: White Sand, Rich History
See what makes Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove one of Lauren’s favorites!

Everyone Loves the Condors
Head to Big Sur and join the California Condor viewing tour for your chance to view this endangered species in action.

Tweet of the Week

"Barry Marshall, Cathy Gale paint a lovely afternoon on the trail" photo taken by MontereyCamera

It isn’t unusual to see artists and their painted canvas’ along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. The particular stretches of the trail in Monterey and Pacific Grove offer perfect inspirations for breathtaking waterfront scenes.

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!

The newly remodeled Golden Bough Theatre in Carmel-by-the-Sea presents Fiddler on the Roof all weekend long! The classic Broadway musical featuring Tevye the Milkman and his five daughters will include favorite songs like “If I Were a Rich Man”, “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Tradition”. Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm, Casanova Street and 8th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $7-$38.

American Le Mans Monterey

And their off! The American Le Mans Monterey takes place this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Patron presents the 14th season of this premier sports car racing championship featuring several classes of high-tech sports cars. On Saturday drivers are pushed to the limit with the six-hour endurance race which takes competitors from daylight, to dusk and into the darkness. Friday-Saturday, Highway 68, Monterey. Friday admission is $40 and Saturday admission is $50. General admission for both days is $60.

Friday

Golden Globe and Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine is at the Sunset Center tonight. Enjoy an evening out while Shirley delights a crowd with stories, photos and behind-the-scenes gossip from some of her movies like Sweet Charity and Steel Magnolias. Want to meet and greet the superstar? A limited number of VIP tickets are available where guests can mingle with the actress after the show. 8pm, San Carlos at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $69-$99.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLp95oCJABM

Local singer songwriter Casey Frazier performs tonight at Bullwacker’s. If you like Americana and folk rock than this is the place to be!  8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI-tn9Q0818

Al Frisby & His One-Man Band make an appearance at Pierce Ranch Vineyards in Monterey this evening. Al can play up to 20 different instruments covering an array of genres from folk, country to Hawaiian. Grab a glass of vino and relax to his smooth melodies. 8:30pm, 499 Wave Street, Monterey. $5.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZl24p6_Ruw

Jose’s Underground Lounge comes alive tonight! San Francisco band Inferno of Joy plays rock music well into the night. 9pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey.

Start your weekend off on the right foot with some relaxing jams from Rex Wheeler. He plays acoustic rock all night long at London Bridge Pub. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. Free event.

Saturday

Marina International Festival of the Winds

Fly high at the 13th annual Marina International Festival of the Winds. This is a great event for the whole family as there will be live music, kite workshops, food vendors, a giant inflatable airpark, a skate competition and plenty of kite flying! 10am-5:30pm, Glorya Jean State Park and Marina State Beach, Marina. Free event.

Want to celebrate Mother’s Day a bit early? Why not take dear ol’ Mom to Afternoon Tea at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley? Guests will be pampered in the Wedding Garden with a serenade by an acoustic guitarist and spectacular views of the valley. Fresh herbal teas will be offered with a tasty buffet featuring smoked salmon, tea sandwiches and cucumber-mint sandwiches. 2pm-4pm, 415 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. $75.

The first ever Monterey Street Food Fest is today! The aroma from Monterey County Fairgrounds will lure visitors from all over to taste some of the best street food around. Pair that kabob with live music from the Money Band and Jake Nelson’s Triple Threat. 12pm-6pm, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Free event.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History presents a lecture and book-signing from Ray March. Ray will discuss the history and misuse of the Carmel River as he has also discussed in his book “River in Ruin: The Story of the Carmel River.” 3pm-4pm, 165 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove.

The Beasts of Eden take on the Resurrection Roller Girls during Battle on the Track! Come on out to the Water City Sports Center in Marina to cheer on the local Roller Derby girls’ team. 7:30pm, 2800 Second Avenue, Marina. $15.

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

Enjoy an evening out with the Monterey Peninsula Choral Society as they celebrate their 50 year anniversary. The Sunset Center will be alive with classical and jazz music when the choral society performs classical pieces such as Beethoven’s “Hallelujah and favorites from “The Phantom of the Opera” and “West Side Story.”  The gala reception begins at 5:30pm and the performance begins at 8pm, San Carlos at Ninth Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. $25 for the concert and $85 for the gala reception and concert.

Got the blues? Head over to Bullwacker’s on Cannery Row and listen to The Minor Williams Band. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

Irishman John Michael performs at London Bridge Pub for a night of acoustic rock and alternative jams. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. Free event.

Sunday

Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Mom’s out there! Tell your kids that you want to come to Monterey to celebrate this special day. How about some shopping, spa treatments or a delectable Mother’s Day Brunch? Click here for a full list of fabulous Mother’s Day brunches in Monterey County.

Moms, we know that you just want to spend some quality time with your tots on this special day. MY Museum is making this a little easier and is offering you free admission with the purchase of one child’s admission! 12pm-5pm, 425 Washington Street, Monterey. Free admission.

California Central Coast – One of the most beautiful scenic roads on the planet!
If the title doesn’t sum it up I don’t know what does.

Movable Monterey Feast
The Weekend Sherpa rounded up three spectacular Monterey County hikes perfectly paired with a delectable dining option for each. Perfect itinerary ideas!

Pacific Grove man wins Big Sur International Marathon
Congratulations to Pacific Grove local Adam Roach! He successfully completed the 26.2 mile marathon in 2:22:30. All of his training on local trails must have paid off.

Big Sur Marathon
Read about “Runaway Bridal Planner’s” experience during the Big Sur Marathon. Were the stunning views worth the 26.2 mile run?

California’s Top 5 Secret Weekend Escapes
Lonely Planet rounded up 5 great weekend escapes and three destinations in Monterey County snagged spots! Read on to find out which destinations were pick.

Visiting John Steinbeck in Monterey, CA
Experience John Steinbeck’s novels with a tour through Monterey County.

This is Monterey County: Sand, Sea & Artichokes
Did you know that Monterey County produces 75% of the United States’ artichokes? There is even an entire festival dedicated to the thorny thistle.

Tweet of the Week

Here’s our round-up of some of the best Mother’s Day brunches offered Sunday, May 13, 2012. Click here for a full list of brunches in Monterey County. Enjoy!

Monterey’s Portola Hotel and Spa is holding a festive Mother’s Day brunch buffet at Jacks Restaurant. Brunch includes assorted seasonal salads, fresh fruit, seafood, a carving station and more! The brunch will be served from 11:30am to 4pm and costs $39.95 for adults (13 to 54), $34.95 for seniors (55+), $19.95 for children ages five through 12 and is free for children under five. Call 831-649-2698 to reserve.

Pebble Beach’s Stillwater Creek Bar & Grill lays out quite the spread all in the name of Mom. The special buffet will highlight items including a carving station, omelet station, sushi station, desserts and a special kid’s buffet. The brunch buffet will run 10am-3pm and will cost $85 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $42.50 for children (ages 11-five). For reservations call 831-625-8524.

The charming Anton & Michel restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea will host a Mother’s Day Brunch from 11am-3pm. Brunch includes your choice of beverage, appetizer and entrée ranging from lobster to lamb shanks. $36 for adults and $18 for children 12 and under. Call 831-624-2406 for reservations.

Pacific Grove brunch favorite Fandango has a diverse menu prepared for their Mother’s Day brunch, including roast leg of lamb Provencal, fresh salmon, eggs Benedict Florentine and more. The buffet is $34.75 for adults (12 and over) and $18.75 for children under 12. Call 831-372-3456 to reserve.

"Rainbow at Big Sur" photo taken by Richard Thelen

This lucky photographer was able to capture a rainbow along Big Sur’s scenic Highway One making this view even more impressive. Click here to view a Highway One Road Trip Itinerary to experience these beautiful coastal views for yourself.

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!

National Stienbeck Center

One of Monterey County’s most loved characters is celebrated this weekend.  The National Steinbeck Center‘s 32nd Steinbeck Festival, “A Voice,” will look at Steinbeck and other writers, musicians and artists who give a voice to stories, hopes and dreams. The Steinbeck Festival kicks off on Thursday and continues until Sunday with talks, panels, music, tours and more! Thursday-Sunday, One Main Street, Salinas. Various ticket prices.

Head to the Lake San Antonio this weekend and cheer on the participants of the AVIA Wildflower Triathlon. Crazy competitors compete in events like the long course triathlon, mountain bike triathlon and Olympic-distance triathlon. Visitors can also enjoy live music, great food, race clinics and shop for the latest gear at the AVIA Wildflower Triathlon Expo area. Friday-Sunday, Lake San Antonio Recreation Area.

Big Sur’s Fernwood Tavern is the place to be this weekend as Hipnic IV heats up. Over 20 bands are on the musical lineup including The Mother Hips, Brokedown in Bakersfield, Magic Trick and Skinny Singers. Friday-Sunday, 47200 Highway One, Big Sur. Various ticket and camping prices available.

One of the most loved psychic fairs comes to town this weekend at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The Rota Crystal and Psychic Fair will feature everything from lectures, readings to vendors selling books, gifts and crystals. 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. $9 entrance fee and $20 per reading.

Friday

Happy Friday! Join Oldtown Salinas this evening for First Fridays Art Walk. Several art galleries, shops and restaurants keep their doors open for a great night of music, dance, food and art! 5pm-8pm, Oldtown Salinas. Free event.

Check out Bullwacker’s tonight as Jean Wooster performs on the patio. He will be jammin’ some of the sweetest classic rock hits! 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

Kenny Chung and Friends perform at hip wine tasting room Pierce Ranch Vineyards. The self-proclaimed “strange” mix of Americana and Spanish sound is paired perfectly with a glass of Tempranillo. 8:30pm, 499 Wave Street, Monterey. Free event.

Kick back at London Bridge Pub tonight and enjoy live music from acoustic rock guitarist Rex Wheeler. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. Free event.

Saturday

Like photographing adorable animals? Join the Elkhorn Slough Safari for a Photo Tour. Photographers are invited to test their skills on the slough while snapping shots of sea otters, birds, seals and whatever else makes an appearance. 8:30am, Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing. $48.

Need a place to catch the Kentucky Derby? Check out the Monterey County Fairgrounds for “Derby Day Fun!” They will be airing the entire horse race with special appetizers and mint juleps just for the occasion. 9am-11am, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey.

Head over to the Salinas Sports Complex today for a Cinco de Mayo Festival and TT Pro Races. The day will be complete with great food, music and fun! 11am, 1034 N. Main Street, Salinas. $24.

The Carmel Art Association hosts an opening reception for “Four Views.” This exhibit contains oil paintings of Monterey County landscapes from Mark Farina, Ron Grauer, Stan Robbins and Andy Williams. The exhibit will open until June 5th. 6pm-8 pm, Dolores and 5th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Free event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DBLARXVDhg

Local favorite Firefly will be at Bullwacker’s tonight. Kate kills it on the vocals and her awesome classic rock band backs her up as usual. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. Free event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ErbJjDHqpg

Sean Ryan is at London Bridge Pub tonight to perform alternative and classic rock beats. 9:30pm, 256 Figueroa St., Wharf #2, Monterey. Free event.

Sunday

The Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada presents the Listening Place. Today readers present “Carnival of the Animals,” a fun and witty story about animals featured in literature and poems. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. Free with museum admission.

Head out on Elkhorn Slough for a Marine Mammals Babies & Behavior Tour. Elkhorn Slough Safari shows off some of their friends including harbor seal mothers and pups as well as other marine mammals. 1:15pm, Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing. $42.

Hawk Tower at Robinson Jeffers' Tor House

The Tor House Spring Garden Party is today at the Robinson Jeffers Tor House. The delightful afternoon will include refreshments, live music and, of course, Robinson Jeffers’ poetry. 2pm-5pm, 26304 Ocean View Avenue, Carmel. $15.