Schmap Monterey and Carmel Art & Entertainment

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Monterey and Carmel - Art & Entertainment
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Monterey and Carmel Home
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The Monterey Bay Area has long been a magnet for artists, writers, and actors, so it's no surprise that its arts scene is robust, as is its nightlife.

Festivals are big in Monterey, for some reason, whether it be festivals of classical and popular music, festivals of cars, festivals of squid. More on that later.

Festivals-Music

The Monterey Jazz Festival, that hoary but vibrant, three-day celebration of jazz, is held every September at on multiple stages at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The Monterey Blues Festival, in June, brings in heavyweights like B. B. King and Etta James at the same venue.

Festivals-Theater

Monterey Bay Theaterfest is a self-explaining but thoroughly entertaining theater festival put on at Monterey's Waterfront in June.

Other Festivals and Events

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am isn't art, music, or theater, but it can easily draw a bigger crowd. (It's become an institution, really.) Monterey's Living History Day and The Whalefest are also in January; the Squid Festival takes place in May, and you shouldn't plan to miss it.

In June, it's the Mission San Antonio Fiesta, and in August, the Concours d'Elegance draws car lovers from all over the countr and well beyond. September means that it's time for the Artichoke Festival in nearby Castroville. (You will want to see the newly-crowned Artichoke Queen.) And Pacific Grove's signal Butterfly Parade begins in October.

Nightlife

The liveliest nightlife is in Monterey. Doc's Nightclub is a favorite for live rock n' roll and rhythm and blues; Planet Gemini on Cannery Row is big on dancing, whether it be to salsa, rock, or country. There's also live comedy, always iffy. If your dancing demands a DJ, and one who knows his techno from his house from his freestyle, try McGarrett's, on Alvarado St. In Pacific Grove, Whitey's Place also lets you rock out and boogie to live music Thursday-Saturday.

Carmel

A trip to Carmel and its environs on the Monterey Peninsula offers a wide variety of entertainments for all types of visitors. Whether a die-hard nature lover or a dyed-in-the-wool indoors-type, this locale provides spectacular opportunities for cultural, physical and spiritual endeavors.

Nature's Bounty

Sightseeing along the rugged coastline of this secluded peninsula is one of the all-time favorite ways to enjoy a trip to this area. Visitors marvel at the sea's sheer power as waves crash against the craggy cliffs; lovers wonder together at the magnificent seascapes as they wander along the white sand beaches. Hiking trails are abundant throughout the area, although many are now sequestered within privately owned resort properties. Photographers from around the globe seek out the famous "Lone Cypress," the longstanding symbol of this area along the Seventeen Mile Drive, to try their hand at capturing its time-tested majesty. Spending time out of doors in the ageless beauty of this region can be as much entertainment as one needs, but there is much else to do close at hand.

Music

The Monterey County Symphony's October to May series of concerts pulls in internationally renowned guest artists for a classically based program, seasoned with choice works from the modern repertoire. The musicians perform at the Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel. Sharing the venue are the Chamber Music Monterey Bay, which pulls in top small-group performers for its six-concert, winter-and-spring series; and, the Carmel Music Society, which for its 70-odd years of existence, has emphasized solo recitals.

Also in Carmel, the Camerata Singers, a world-famous vocal ensemble, make full use of the acoustics of the Carmel Mission Basilica. The self-descriptive Keyboard Artist Series also stages its winter-spring season at the Sunset Cultural Center.

The famed Carmel Bach Festival takes place over three late summer weeks at the Sunset Cultural Center, and is not in any way limited to the works of J.S. Bach or his contemporaries. Corollary events like a children's concert make this an entirely satisfying series.

Nightlife

A tip: do not go to Carmel to hear music in one of its nightclubs. Music, in clubs at night, is not allowed. (Neither, for that matter, is sidewalk dining. Do we see a pattern?

Sporting Life

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Golf Tournament is not art, music, or theater--but it can easily draw a singularly larger crowd than any of those pastimes combined. The classic sporting event that brings players and lovers of the game together each year is a major draw to the Carmel area, and has become a local institution of its entertainment scene. Duffers and others flock to this event every winter as they have for more than 60 years.

Golf is a worldwide calling card to the courses that grace the surrounding Carmel area. Pebble Beach Golf Links has recently been named number one of its "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses in a Golf Digest poll. The links at neighboring Rancho Canada Golf Club are decidedly less upscale, but provide golfers with an opportunity to play their choice of its two courses while visiting the area.

For spectators of another sort, first-class equestrian events take place throughout the calendar year, bringing some of the finest mounts and riders together to share the pristine air of the peninsula. For those who would rather participate themselves in a brisk canter across the Carmel surrounds, Holman Ranch offers horseback rentals for riders of all ages and skill levels.

Other Delights

Culinary events and festivals held at the prestigious resorts, local winetastings at a number of local top-notch wineries, dining at some of the most discerning restaurants on the West Coast, relaxing at some of the finest spas in the country, viewing a collection of classic motorcars, flying kites during the Carmel Annual Kite Festival and shopping among some of the trendiest boutiques and art galleries seen anywhere, will surely fill out your list of ways to entertain yourself while visiting Carmel.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Carmel

Monterey and Carmel
United States

Carmel takes quality-of-life matters very seriously, which is why you will see no neon signs, telephone poles or street numbers on houses. Affluent Carmel preserves its idyllic gracefulness with a stern propriety one might associate with Martha's Vineyard. In spite, or perhaps because of this, the town, known far and wide for exclusive gift shops, award-winning restaurants and secluded resorts, has been a popular destination for more than a century. That the city fathers remain so adamantly opposed to the intrusions of the late 20th century (to say nothing of the 21st) has inevitably brought them into conflict with development-minded area businessmen. It was just this that swept Mayor Clint Eastwood into office. Mr. Eastwood has served his term and stepped away from Carmel politics, although he remains a Carmel resident.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Carmel Mission

Father Serra's favorite 3080 Rio Road
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93923
United States
+1 831 624 3600 / +1 831 624 1271 Also known as Mission Carmel Basilica and more formally, as Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, this was the second of the nine missions founded by Father Junipero Serra. The area was originally chosen for its agricultural possibilities in 1771, but the temperate climate and exquisite landscape soon made it Father Serra's favorite. Indeed, he is buried, as per his wishes, in front of the church's main altar. The building, which fell into ruins in the 19th century and has since been completely restored, exhibits classic Mission-style, fortress-like architecture, with thick, bougainvillea-covered adobe walls and a central courtyard. A Moorish-style bell tower contains nine bells and is open to the public. Though some may find the climb up the steep staircase taxing, the views from that vantage point are magnificent.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Monterey

Monterey and Carmel
United States
While no longer the county seat nor even its largest city (both honors rest with blue-collar Salinas), Monterey remains the area's best-known and most popular destination. A city of only 32,000, it attracts easily 100 times that many tourists each year, motivated mostly by its aquarium. Arguably the finest in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is as good as it is not only because of its imaginative presentation and great funding, but also because it focuses on what is just outside in the deep waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. You will see otters at play, a towering kelp forest, trance-inducing jellyfish, and the world's largest aquarium window, and you can pet a velvety bat ray.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Pacific Grove

Monterey and Carmel
United States
West of Monterey along Highway 1 lies the cozy seaside community of Pacific Grove. Three hundred and fifty-five days out of the year, Pacific Grove is as quiet a town as one could hope to find, with tree-lined streets fronting small quaint houses (the mix of Spanish adobe construction with Victorian accents is irresistible). But in November, a peaceful madness descends: Pacific Grove truly becomes the "City of the Butterflies" as hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies stop off on their annual migration. Many of Pacific Grove's Victorians double as bed and breakfasts, and some as noteworthy restaurants. This is also the site of the Julia Morgan-designed Asilomar Meeting Center, situated in the dunes at the shore. Next to the meeting center is Asilomar State Park, with plenty of dramatically crashing surf.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Planet Gemini

Mammoth Nightclub 625 Cannery Row
Suite 301
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93940
United States
+1 831 373 1449 This huge nightclub offers a variety of events. Stand-up comedy takes place on weekend evenings, before the place opens up for the late-night dance crowd. Sunday is Salsa night, and Wednesday is "Fiesta Mexicana." The typical subdued purple and black nightclub interior makes a great backdrop for every event. See website for calendar, reservations and more.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Planet Gemini photo by wcities
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Seventeen Mile Drive

World-famous drive Seventeen Mile Drive
At the corner of Lighthouse Avenue
Monterey and Carmel, CA 93950
United States
+1 831 373 3304 One of the most scenic drives anywhere in the world, this stretch of highway runs between Pacific Grove and Carmel. You will see incredible beaches, six golf courses and more mansions than you can count. You will drive by several epicurean restaurants, all of which will refund the USD8 toll fee that you pay to drive this road. Pedestrians and cyclists can enter for free. The road snakes its way like a serpent, along the California coast and then through the Del Monte Forest. This drive is an absolute must for anyone visiting the Monterey Peninsula. Bring lots of film. See website for visitor details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Monterey and Carmel - Art & Entertainment"
Monterey and Carmel
Monterey and Carmel - Historical Background
Monterey and Carmel - Neighborhood Guide
Monterey and Carmel - Where to Stay
Monterey and Carmel - Dining & Drinking
Other nearby cities:
San Jose and Silicon Valley (88 miles)
San Francisco (136 miles)
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Yosemite (223 miles)
Sacramento (227 miles)
Lake Tahoe (326 miles)
Reno (377 miles)
Los Angeles (444 miles)
San Diego (604 miles)

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