Whats New In Monterey County California
What’s New in Monterey County is a quarterly publication of the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information, members of the media should contact the MCCVB Communications Department at 831-657- 6405 or e-mail julie@mccvb.org All contents of What’s New in Monterey County, and additional information, can be found on the “Media” section of www.montereyinfo.org, or can be sent to you via fax, regular mail or email text.
EXPERIENCE NATURE, GET AWAY WITH THE GIRLS DURING UPCOMING MONTEREY PROMOTIONS
Ring in winter with a roar – this January and February, “Monterey’s Wild For Nature” offers discounts and value-added deals on everything from whale watching and kayaking to birding adventures, guided nature walks and more. Plus, visitors will go wild for savings at 27 participating hotels offering the season’s lowest rates. Visit www.montereyinfo.org to make hotel reservations. In March and April, it’s time for spring rejuvenation as the new “Girls’ Goodlife Getaway” celebrates Monterey County’s fine wine, spas, and other indulgences. In addition to deals from Monterey’s most luxurious resorts, waterfront hotels and cozy B&Bs, women can pamper themselves with spa specials, discount golf lessons and two-for-one cooking classes. A Wine Survival Guide and deals on horseback riding and classic car rentals are among other highlights. (Of course, men are invited to participate, as well!)
For more information on Monterey’s Wild For Nature and the Girls’ Goodlife Getaway, visit www.montereyinfo.org and click on “Great Deals.” Media contact: Julie Armstrong, Monterey County CVB, 831-657-6405, Julie@mccvb.org
MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL’s ‘NEXT GENERATION’ FEATURES STUDENT TALENT
The world-renowned Monterey Jazz Festival is nurturing young talent at its newly created “Next Generation” jazz festival to be held April 8-10, 2005. Featuring some of the country’s top youth musicians and high school jazz bands, Next Generation will include a full weekend of performances and events. Artist-in-residence Branford Marsalis and other top name jazz greats will provide clinics and other mentoring opportunities. Competing students can win cash prizes, scholarships and even a chance to play on stage at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September. Media contact: Paul Fingerote, 831- 655-5600, fingerote@aol.com
NEW ‘OCEAN’S EDGE’ EXHIBIT OPENS WITH A SPLASH THIS MAY
A walk-through wave crash, expanded touch pools and aviary, and high- definition video exhibits are highlights of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s new exhibit, “The Ocean’s Edge: Coastal Habitats of Monterey Bay,” opening on May 28, 2005 (www.montereybayaquarium.org). A renovation of many near shore exhibits that have anchored the aquarium since it opened twenty years ago, “Ocean’s Edge” reintroduces visitors to the coastal habitats of California’s central coast. Other features include expanded Coastal Wetlands and Sandy Shores galleries, a Living Wharf gallery that addresses healthy fishing and ocean wildlife, and intimate “jewel case” exhibits. Print media contact: Ken Peterson, 831-648-4922, kpeterson@mbayaq.org; Broadcast media: Mimi Hahn 831-648-4918, mhahn@mbayaq.org
LAGUNA SECA WELCOMES MOTOGP CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE U.S.
One of the top events in international motorcycle racing, the MotoGP World Championship returns to the United States for the first time since 1994 when Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (www.laguna-seca.com) hosts the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix on July 8-10, 2005. The race will be held at the track for the next five years. Support races during the three-day event include a doubleheader for the American Motorcycle Association’s U.S. Superbike Championship. For tickets, call 800-327-SECA or visit www.laguna-seca.com Media contact: Ed Nicholls, 831-242-8216, pr@laguna-seca.com
HISTORIC STEVENSON HOUSE REOPENS FOR GUIDED TOURS
Fresh from renovations and seismic retrofitting, the Stevenson House has now reopened to the public. Robert Louis Stevenson lived in the historic downtown Monterey building in 1879, when it was The French Hotel, and his time in the area inspired Treasure Island and The Old Pacific Capital. The newly renovated first floor features Stevenson artifacts on display for the first time, as well as work by local artists who frequented the building from 1870-1930. The building is currently open by guided tour only; for tour times and information, call 831-649-7118. Media contact: Dave Schaechtele, 831- 649-2900, daves@parks.ca.gov
CULINARY CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW VOCATIONAL ARTS PROGRAM
The Culinary Center of Monterey (www.culinarycenterofmonterey.com) has launched an eight-month, 1400-hour vocational program for students pursing training in the culinary arts. Courses take advantage of the center’s unique Monterey County location, close to the nation’s top produce growers, award- winning winemakers and various fishing businesses. With over five hundred restaurants on the peninsula alone, as well as prominent food and wine events such as Cooking For Solutions and the Monterey Wine Festival, students will have access to prestigious internships, regular field trips and hands-on training and experience. Media contact: Josh Burns or Lola Pagan, 831-333-2133
SURF’S UP WITH NEW CLASSES FROM ADVENTURES BY THE SEA
Visitors looking for a true California experience can learn to safely tackle the waves with new surfing lessons from Adventures by the Sea (www.adventuresbythesea.com). Instruction, which costs $75 per person, lasts between two and three hours and includes board and wetsuit rental. Individuals and small groups are welcome, and local surf experts with years of experience choose each lesson location based on weather and current wave conditions. Guests should make reservations at least three days in advance. Adventures by the Sea also offers kayak and bicycle rentals and guided tours, as well as a full-service beach party facility. Media contact: Frank Knight, 831-372-1807 or 831-648-7236, or sales@adventuresbythesea.com
THE BODY SUITE PLANS FOR NEW MONTEREY LOCATION
The Body Suite Day Spa (www.bodysuite.com) will open its doors at a new Monterey location in February 2005. Just off the Monterey Bay Recreation Trail, the new 550 Wave Street (lower level) site offers convenient parking for guests and features stunning views of the Monterey Bay. The new location overlooks Cannery Row and is within walking distance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and area hotels, shops and restaurants. The Body Suite Day Spa’s Heritage Harbor location closed in January. For more information, visit www.bodysuite.com or call 831-375-4375. Media contact: Nell Counsell, 831-375-4375, nell@bodysuite.com
THE SPA AT PEBBLE BEACH OPENS NEW ESTHETICS CENTER
Guests are being treated to the latest in spa technology with the opening of the new Esthetics Center at The Spa at Pebble Beach (www.pebblebeach.com). Expanded facilities include a makeup area, sitting room and retail offerings, as well as a couples massage room. Five new facial rooms are open with a full range of facial services, and guests can order appetizers, entrees and desserts ranging from healthy to indulgent at the new outdoor terrace. The Esthetics Center offers convenient access to The Spa and The Keller Skin Institute. Media contact: Valerie Ramsey, 831-625- 8557, ramseyv@ptebblebeach.com; or Stacy Lewis, 310-453-2539, stacy@murphyobrien.com
NATIONAL STEINBECK CENTER EXHIBIT HONORS EDWARD RICKETTS
The National Steinbeck Center (www.steinbeck.org) presents “From the Tide Pools to the Stars: The Pacific Vision of Edward F. Ricketts,” through February 27, 2005. Ricketts inspired “Doc” in Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and his biological work is still used in marine studies programs today. The exhibit features biographical information and material from Ricketts’ studies in three Pacific coast regions, including maps, photographs, manuscripts and artifacts (including preserved specimens). The exhibition is free with paid admission to the center. Media contact: Amanda Holder, 831-775-4725, aholder@steinbeck.org
MONTEREY COUNTY BUSINESSES MARK MILESTONES IN 2005
Several Monterey County businesses and events are planning special celebrations to commemorate anniversaries in 2005. Among those marking milestones are:
* La Playa Hotel (www.laplayahotel.com) – 100 years
* Old Fisherman’s Grotto (www.oldfishermansgrotto.com) – 55 years
* Steinbeck Festival (Aug. 4-7, www.steinbeck.org) – 25 years
* California International Airshow (Sept. 30-Oct. 2, www.salinasairshow.com) – 25 years
* Big Sur International Marathon (April 24, www.bsim.org) – 20 years
* Monterey Bay Blues Festival (June 24-26, www.montereyblues.com) – 20 years
THE PIPES, THE PIPES ARE CALLING AT NEW BAGPIPE SUMMER SCHOOL
The Monterey Celtic Arts Academy (www.montereycelticartsacademy.org) will offer the Monterey Bay School of Piping, June 12-17, 2005, at Robert Louis Stevenson School in Pebble Beach. Featured instructors from Scotland, Australia, Canada and the U.S. will lead students of all ages and skill levels. Attendees are welcome to take advantage of special room and board rates at Stevenson, and a limited number of scholarships will be available. Media contact: Michel d’Avenas, 831-333-9423 or 831-372-2020, bagpipe11@comcast.net
MONTEREY COUNTY HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS ANNOUNCE RECENT AND ONGOING RENOVATIONS
* The MONTEREY BAY INN (www.montereybayinn.com), on Cannery Row, has kicked off $1.7 million in renovations to its 47 guest rooms, main lobby and outdoor surroundings. New arrangements will take advantage of spectacular Monterey Bay views; highlights include cherry wood furnishings, new linens, and marble floors and granite vanities in the bathrooms. Completion is slated for February 2005. Media contact: Anne North, 858-535-1411, AnneNorth@aol.com, or Rob Akins, 707-887-1361, rob@akinsberry.com
* The VENTANA INN & SPA (www.ventanainn.com) in Big Sur finished renovations of its 60 guest rooms in July, creating a new floor plan with two- story villas, spa suites and fireplace suites; amenities include oversize showers with indirect natural light, plasma TVs and Bose surround sound, hammocks on the suite’s private decks and high-speed Internet. Media contact: Gabriela Knubis, 707-265-7783, Gabriela@knubis.com, or Kristen Hunter, 831-375-1747, khunter@hunter-pr.com
* The MONTEREY MARRIOTT (www.marriotthotels.com/mryca), steps from the Monterey Conference Center and the Monterey Bay, completed updgrades to its 341 guest rooms in January 2005, complete with new mattresses, down comforters, lounge and desk chairs, in-room lighting, carpet, wallpaper and artwork. The redesign pays homage to the area’s fishing heritage. Media contact: Jay Ibarolle, 831-649-4234, Jay.Ibarolle@marriott.com
* The PORTOLA PLAZA HOTEL (www.portolaplazahotel.com), also convenient to downtown Monterey and the conference center, began a $1 million renovation of its California Grill restaurant in January (completion slated for April), and will follow with complete renovations of the hotel’s executive level guest rooms and executive boardroom, and updates to all meeting space. Media contact: Wade Bryant, 831-649-4511, wade@portolaplazahotel.com
* HYATT REGENCY MONTEREY (www.hyatt.com) completed its “Grand Bed” upgrades, with new Sealy Posturepedic 720 series mattresses, down blankets, and new sheeting with an exclusive Hyatt design. The hotel has nearly completed installation of T-Mobile wireless broadband Internet. Media contact: Todd Statz, 831-647-2001, tstatz@mrydmpo.hyatt.com
* BLUE FIN CAFE & BILLIARDS (www.bluefin-billiards.com), offering views of the bay from its Cannery Row location, has revamped its interior space and can now seat up to 100 people in one area of the restaurant. Both stages have been remodeled and two sport media walls have been added; in addition, Blue Fin offers free interactive satellite trivia, which allows contestants to compete with players inside the club and across the country. Media contact: Danny McNeill, 831-375-7000, manager@bluefin-billiards.com
* After $500,000 in renovations, ISABELLA’S (www.isabellasonthewharf.com), formerly Wharfside Restaurant, now offers the largest fresh fish menu in Monterey, nearly 30 wines by the glass, and new chairs, fixtures and cherry wood counters. OLD FISHERMAN’S GROTTO (www.oldfishermansgrotto.com) also launched a new menu in January 2005. Both restaurants are partners in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program; guests receive a complimentary Seafood Watch card with each meal. Media contact: Keeley Marks, 831-372-2406, keeleym@fishhopper.com
* Carmel’s TALLY HO INN (www.tallyho-inn.com) is adding five new rooms above a new underground garage, and all rooms will have fireplaces, private decks, ocean views, spa tubs and wireless Internet. Completion is scheduled for July. Media contact: Bob Harr, 831-624-2232
UPCOMING SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS
Nearly 300 events, festivals and celebrations are scheduled annually in Monterey County. Below is a sampling of major events through May 2005. For a complete listing, along with brief descriptions and contact information, visit www.montereyinfo.org and click “Events.”
JANUARY
21-29 * Valley of the World Wine & Food Festival * 831-595-3341 * www.salinasrotary.org
FEBRUARY
7-13 * AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am * 800-541-9091 * www.attpbgolf.com
12 * A Day of Romance in Old Monterey * 831-647-6226
17-20 * Masters of Food and Wine * 800-401-1009 * www.mfandw.com 18-20 * Wine Passport Weekend * 831-375-9400 * www.montereywines.org 27 * Steinbeck’s Birthday Celebration * 831-775-4721 * www.steinbeck.org
MARCH
4-6 * Dixieland Monterey * 888-349-6879 * www.dixieland-monterey.com 12 * National Marine Sanctuary Symposium * 831-647-4255 * www.montereybay.noaa.gov
APRIL
8-10 * Next Generation Jazz Festival * 831-373-3366 * www.montereyjazzfestival.org
14-17 * Sea Otter Classic * 650-364-7612 * www.seaotterclassic.com 24 * Big Sur International Marathon * 831-625-6226 * www.bsim.org 28-30 * Monterey Wine Festival * 888-814-WINE * www.montereywine.com April 29-May 1 * U.S. Sports Car Invitational * 800-327-SECA * www.laguna- seca.com
MAY
14-15 * Castroville Artichoke Festival * 831-633-2465 * www.artichoke-festival.org 14-15 * 24 Hours of Adrenalin Cycle Race * 905-944-9436 * www.24HoursofAdrenalin.com
20-21 * Cooking for Solutions * 831-644-7561 * www.montereybayaquarium.org
Media Contact:
MCCVB Communications Department
831-657- 6405
julie@mccvb.org
www.montereyinfo.org
Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association
February 1, 2005
Posted in: United States West