Make Beautiful Music in Carmel July 16-30

carmel_mission-2You probably don’t expect to hear compositions by John Coltrane and Dizzy Gillespie at a Bach music festival. But then again, this isn’t just any music festival – this is the Bach Festival in Carmel.

Carmel. A town founded by artists, poets, and writers who preferred to name their houses rather than give them numerical addresses (a tradition that continues today, much to the consternation of FedEx).

A town that allows dogs almost everywhere, but prohibits high heels without a permit. And a town that every summer celebrates the power of music with performances that run the gamut from “pastoral to exuberant, classical to jazz, and traditional to avant-garde.”

From intimate Bach sonatas at the Church in the Forest, to the festive opening night gala at the Sunset Center, this year’s schedule includes full orchestral and choral works, individual vocal and chamber ensemble concerts, recitals, master classes, films, lectures, informal talks, social and family events.

The Carmel Bach Festival runs from July 16-30 at venues around the Peninsula. Tickets are available now, and some events are free.

A “Note” Worthy Vacation Rental

t4se8new-009Indulge yourself – and your interest in the arts – in one of our many Carmel vacation rentals. Like this 1,600 square foot beauty nestled in a pine forest, just blocks from downtown.

With an enchanted backyard garden, two private decks, three bedrooms and three baths, it sleeps six (plus your dog) comfortably.

Contact:
Reservations@MontereyRentals.com

Monterey Bay Property Management kept it fresh and healthy for our beach party!

mbpm-beach-party-006mbpm-beach-party-002Many, many thanks to our home owner of vacation rental code 9V for allowing us to use the fabulous and totally functional kitchen to prep our food!

Your home is very beautifully furnished and I have to say, I was tempted to crawl into one of those heavenly beds!

It was a great time!

 

mbpm-beach-party-018016We caught our very own Jan Leasure, managing broker  and Lucinda Bliss, of  Monterey Bay Commercial Real Estate monkeying around at the party!

It was so wonderful to see all the children img_4773having so much fun on the beach.

And the winner of our sandcastle contest…….. Our Top to Bottom Housekeeping  family!

 

 by Rhonda Navarro

Golfing for Good: The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach

The First Tee Golf Tournament in MontereyWhat do you get when you match up 78 professional golf champions and 78 junior golfers (ages 15-18) on two spectacular courses? The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, July 5-10, a one of a kind golf event… and a whole lot of fun.

Joined by 156 amateurs, the play rotates between Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course, with the final round at Pebble Beach. From a spectator’s point of view, The First Tee is one of the most entertaining golf events to watch: the skill of the senior players combined with the youthful enthusiasm of the juniors is a heart-warming formula. And admission is free.

Created by the World Golf Foundation, The First Tee brings golf to youngsters around the world that otherwise would not be exposed to the game, through educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices.

Currently offered in 4,000 elementary schools, the program teaches the nine values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.

Monterey Rentals Pebble Beach Vacation RentalAnd speaking of “values,” this lovely Pebble Beach Vacation Rental is discounted to only $1,400 per week.

Why rent a hotel room when you can spread out in an elegant 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath golf course home?

Contact Michelle@MontereyRentals.com or call her at (831) 658-4001.

Save the Ales

Monterey Beer FestivalIf you love beer, the 10th annual Monterey Beer Festival, Saturday, June 11 from 12:30-5 pm at the Monterey Fairgrounds promises “the greatest assortment of beer ever assembled on the Central Coast.”

From “Waialua Wheat” to “Woodchuck Cider,” over 80 breweries will be represented, with the best beers from around the world: America, Belgium, Germany, England, France, Australia, Thailand, Italy, Asia, Ireland, Russia, Mexico, and Jamaica. Tickets are $35 – and there’s a special VIP Pre-Party that starts at 11:30 am. For $55, you can beat the crowd, taste some special beers, and toss back a few complimentary snacks.

Three “tribute” bands will play the music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, AC/DC, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and food prepared by local Monterey chefs will be available for purchase.

(Oh, and along with all the beer, food, and fun… the event promoter promises that additional rest room facilities have been added this year.)  Get the party started!

Starry Summer Nights in Carmel

imagesSee the stars – onstage and off – at the Forest Theater in the heart of Carmel. The oldest outdoor community theater west of the Rockies, this 500 seat natural amphitheater is surrounded by cypress and Monterey pines.

The original stage was built on a slope between two great pines that form the 60′ wide proscenium arch. In those days there wasn’t a curtain, and there were no electric lights. Bonfires lit the roads and paths to the theater. Then, as now, two stone fireplaces on either side of the stage are kindled before each performance, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

This season, the magic happens with two musicals: “Peter & the Wolf,” weekends through June 19, and “Once Upon a Mattress,” July 1-31. There’s also a summer line up of “Films in the Forest.”

5semvv-yellow-couchThe Argonaut Cottage, one of our most popular Carmel rentals, is a short walk from the outdoor theater and all the attractions of downtown Carmel. See a play or watch a movie under the stars… and then head back to this cozy cottage for a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace.

It’s an experience to remember.

I hope everyone enjoyed their visit here, in the beautiful Monterey Bay, for Memorial Weekend. The sun was shining down on Ocean View Boulevard this past Sunday, while the waves were crashing onto the shoreline and rocks. Come out this Summer and see for yourself, the magnificent views along the coast of Monterey, California.

The 18 mile Historic Recreational Trail follows our Coastline and beaches such as Del Monte Beach, Lovers Point, Asilomar Beach, and Ocean View Boulevard. We look forward to seeing you all, for the Summer of 2011! ~Ashley at Monterey Bay Property Management