Art in the Adobes: the Hidden Treasures of Monterey

Downtown Monterey is buzzing: a number of new businesses have opened or will open soon (Restaurant 1833, Caffe Trieste, Pinkberry and Starbucks… with more to be announced soon).

Here’s another reason to explore Monterey’s rejuvenated downtown: the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 2, the inaugural Art in the Adobes festival will display masterpieces of California art that have been hidden from public view for decades. The venues: some of Monterey’s most historic adobes, including the former home of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Some of California’s greatest painters, sculptors and photographers lived in Monterey in the late 19th Century, producing some of the most important works in the cultural history of the West.

Along with an opportunity to view some of the finest examples of the period, this new festival will feature lectures, live period music, and an opening night reception.

We’re including two free day passes to Art in the Adobes if you book a stay in this one bedroom, one bath penthouse apartment overlooking Monterey Bay that includes the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 weekend. It has a view worth painting—and every accoutrement you need in a “home away from home.”

Email ashley@montereyrentals.com or call 831.655.7840, and ask about the “Art in the Adobes” special.

Bringing Home the Bacon

In the mood for some gritty blues, folk and rock ‘n roll… with a touch of Philly soul?

The sizzling Bacon Brothers – Hollywood star Kevin and his brother Michael – will bring their “feel good” music to Carmel’s Sunset Center on Sept. 29 at 8 pm, with an opening act to be announced.

Why not combine this concert with a Carmel getaway? September and October are the best months of the year. Check out one of our luxurious Carmel vacation rentals:

This gated 4 bedroom/3 bath sanctuary in the treetops overlooking Pescadero Canyon and Pebble Beach is just minutes walking distance to downtown Carmel. Located on over a quarter acre, it has a swimming pool (and extensive decks and patios for pre or post-concert lounging).

 

“Point Taken,” a modernized, yet classic Carmel cottage, sleeps six comfortably with two bedrooms in the main house plus a separate master “casita” with a king bed and bath.

Feeling “footloose?” This stylish home is a short walk to the powder white sands of Carmel Beach.

Contact: Reservations@MontereyRentals.com 

 

Horsin’ Around at the 75th Annual Monterey County Fair

Ready for some mutton bustin’, bronco riding, trick roping, dancing horses, and bull riding?

Join us at the Monterey County Fair Aug. 31 -Sept. 5, a celebration of our county’s bountiful aquaculture and agriculture.

Besides cotton candy, corn dogs and carnival rides, there will be livestock, gardening, arts and crafts and cooking exhibitions, “cowboy bootcamps” for the kids, clowns, magicians, rodeos… and even a cake and ice cream eating contest.

Enjoy live music, from country star Lee Brice to rock ‘n roll by Blue Oyster Cult and fantastic funk from WAR. And if you’re over 21, The Turf Club Patio features microbrews, wine tastings and “After Parties” nightly at the Dive Bar.

Tickets are available online at http://www.montereycountyfair.com.

Monterey Jazz Festival Sept. 16-18th

It’s been called a tribal gathering, a party, an improvisation… and a “cultural colossus.”

Around here we just call it the Monterey Jazz Festival – and we wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Now in its 54th year, this year’s event takes place the weekend of Sept. 16-18 at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Over 500 artists play on eight stages… here’s just a few of the headliners:

  • Herbie Hancock
  • Sonny Rollins
  • India.Irie slotsonlinecanada.ca
  • Huey Lewis and the News
  • Hiromi
  • Joshua Redman

Tickets just went on sale for single day and 3-day admission packages. Don’t wait!

On Another “Note”

As of this writing we still have availability for the Jazz Festival weekend. Put your feet up at this lovely ocean view two bedroom/three bath home in nearby Pacific Grove.

It’s just a short walk to downtown shops and restaurants – and minutes from the Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf and Carmel.

Need info? Reservations@MontereyRentals.com 

 

 

Malbec to Merlot: Monterey Winemaker’s Celebration August 13th

Get some “viticulture” at the 19th Annual Monterey Winemakers’ Celebration – an outdoor summer festival that brings together over 40 wineries in Carmel’s lovely Barnyard Shopping Village.

Enjoy wine, food and jazz – and chat with local winemakers including Gianni Abate (Morgan Winery), Bill Anderson (Chateau Julien), Steve Pessagno (Pessagno Winery), and Paul Hahn (Hahn Wines).

From 1-4 pm, sip from a selection of some 200 wines and savor culinary treats from these Barnyard restaurants:

  • Robata Sushi Grill
  • Allegro Gourmet Pizzeria
  • Bahama Billy’s
  • Pieces of Heaven
  • Serendipity Farms
  • Flanagan
  • From Scratch
  • Hola
  • Lugano Swiss Bistro
  • The Monterey Chocolate Company

Admission is $30 in advance, $35 at the door (designated drivers are $15). You can also ride to the festival from downtown Carmel or downtown Monterey on a convenient mini bus operated by MST (Monterey Salinas Transit). Fare is just one dollar each way.

Where Commerce and Culture Collide (in a Good Way!)

Cutting edge art, great music, gourmet food, fine wine and ales: you’ll find it all August 26-28 at Sand City’s Tenth Annual West End Celebration. Over one hundred resident and visiting artists will open their studio doors, showcase their wares – and wow you with their talent.

The event kicks off Friday night, Aug. 26, with “Raising Cain in Sand City” – a benefit concert starring legendary bluesman Chris Cain, John “Broadway” Tucker, Red Beans & Rice, and the Monterey Bay Blues Festival’s “Blues in the Schools” Honor Band. The concert takes place in the Carmel Stone Imports Building, along with an exhibit by young local artists ages 12 to 22. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Saturday and Sunday there will be live music on two different stages, and Saturday afternoon the Boomtown Saints will rock Sweet Elena’s Bakery. The MST Trolley will provide free transportation to and from the event sites.

This year’s celebration has a “green” theme, with lectures on topics from “building green” to “living green” both days. Several presentations will showcase the new, green concepts being formulated and implemented in the redevelopment of Sand City.