It's the lifestyle of the rich and the famous. We were just stalking their exotic cars…read more I come here almost every year for the last decade with my girlfriends, those who are much smarter than I, married wealthy husbands, so they all have the life that I see in magazines. This year was different. I went with my wonderful BF, we are both broke-ass-entrepreneurs, but we are rich with our love. His love for cars is beyond anything I've known. Took him here for the first time. He got cargasm. Like a kid in the candy shop. He was oooooo and arrrrr and awwwww. Aww it was priceless. "You're the best girlfriend ever!" He said, while drooling over these cars. "Honey, so how come you have never look at me like that?" I asked, I was invisible and he was deaf at the time. True story! PS: good luck to find parking, so I only come during the week, not weekend.

If you are a car nut, like beautiful places, enjoy adventure and people watching this is a top…read moreplace to be. Getting there is not like going to your corner grocery store, you are going to have to want to be there (it's not around the corner and if it is you still have traffic ) but, once you get there it is all worth it. You can meet new friends? Hang with old friends all on the beautiful grounds of Pebble Beach, the cars, the smiles, the impeccable service, the people, did I mention cars? One of my favorite lifetime events that I will never forget or take for granted how lucky I am to having attended. Take the time to go there for Car Week as are lots of events in Pebble, Carmel, Seaside and all over the place and there is something for everyone. The Concours itself is a celebration that raises money for charities, creates memories, awards the very best and makes it possible to have the time of your life. Thanks to the Pebble Beach Company who hosts, the manufactures, participants, cars and all of us, the spectators, who get to enjoy!

This 2-hour annual show can be viewed while enjoying shopping, entertainment, and food/drinks at…read moreOld Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. This past Sunday, boats passed by the wharf around 5:30pm (actually starting a bit earlier) and showcased their beautiful and creative light displays (some boats with music and props too), as they sailed along the coast toward Lover's Point, then passed by again on their way back to the wharf. Though they essentially line up in the form of a parade, you probably don't need to watch the entire time. I'd say either in the beginning, when each boat sails out of the harbor one-by-one, or when they return. If you want a good spot on the promenade or at the end of one of the other small piers, I'd recommend getting there early. It got pretty crowded by start time. Another option is to purchase tickets on one of the tour boats to get a better view on the water. For me, arriving early and watching from the wharf promenade for free was a lot better value. Even though the lighted boat parade already took place this past weekend (first Sunday of December), the wharf's website notes than many of the boats remain lit in the Monterey Harbor during the holiday season. A cool and unique event to get into the holiday spirit, especially if you like boats :)

The way a parade on the Fourth should be. Members of the armed services, veterans, old favorites,…read moreand diverse cultures and interests. Skydivers with red white and blue chutes. No obscure club and interest groups marching just to march, no guys driving their corvettes just to show us all that they need to compensate for something. No bands stopping every 100 feet to play an entire song, slowing things down. My favorite non military was the band of 10-13 year olds in the truck bed from the music school busting out the Whitesnake.

A good mix at this parade. Patriotic to the tee and by that I mean all inclusive and showing that…read morefreedom is for "ALL" Americans and not just the few. Missing a marching band is all. Good music, entertaining, and a bit of activism as well. They showed a lot of Monterey spirit. You can see a lot of pride in this town.

We made a 3 hour drive to see Ride the Cyclone. What a wonderful idea. The performers were…read morewonderful and gracious. They were patient with the fans. Yes, there were girls lined up for autographs. Thank you to the woman who took my daughters Playbill and collected staff autographs for those still backstage. Every single person was amazing. We will be back.

Wow, another cool place to add to my list of things to do around here in the summer…read more With a group of people we headed over to see the musical "Evita". I had no idea what to expect, as others did the planning, but I knew it was outside and was told they allow picnics and to bring wine. Wow- how many places can you go these days that welcome you to bring your own food AND alcohol, no restrictions, glass is fine, etc! The theatre is hidden in a grove of trees. Parking can be difficult, they have a small lot inside their main gate, otherwise it's street parking on very narrow windy streets, so get there early! Seating is generally general admission, so even more reason to get there early. (hint- try to snag one of the few rows with a railing in the front if you're doing food/drinks because you can use it as a table!). The amphitheater is small and cozy though, and there's basically no bad seats, so don't worry. I'd also suggest bringing something soft to sit on as the wood benches get hard fast! The stage/performance/acting was great. It's kinda magical out there in the dark with just the stage and two small bonfires burning on each side. It gets cold at night, so bring layers. They apparently show various plays throughout the summer, and also movies. Not sure how much the movies are, but the Evita tix were $25 with various discounts for students/seniors etc. They have a small snack bar selling everything from coffee to soda, homemade chili to 'cup of noodles, cookies, etc. Nothing to fancy or substantial so bring stuff along. The pre-show talk mentioned something about upcoming improvements like more comfortable seating and more bathrooms. Sounds good just as long as they keep the charm, though I have no doubt they will

This is a wonderful local community event! Fabulous Food,…read moreIncredible Music & Wonderful Local Artists! Sunday, July 29, 2018 ~ 10:30-4:00pm Come one, Come All! Congregation Beth Israel Carmel 5716 Carmel Valley Road Carmel, CA 93923 **Parkingw/ Shuttle~ at The Middle School https://www.facebook.com/carmeljewishfoodfestival/ Hope to see you there!!

Unique, delicious, educational, fun way to spend an hour or two (or more) one day a year. This year…read morewas the 25th annual, and they seem to have the logistics down to a science. I'm sure that this event takes months of hard work on the part of many individuals, and it shows--well-organized, Earth-friendly, and best of all, yummy. My gf & I got to Carmel Valley Middle School by about 11:30 yesterday morning, and we were promptly directed by a number of friendly & capable volunteers to the parking area, after which we walked a short distance to the shuttle bus. The buses run at frequent intervals, so there wasn't more than a 2-3 minute wait. We were dropped off at the Temple and immediately walked down the hill, scouted out the scene (determining along the way how many "gelt" (tokens; refundable if you don't use them all) we wanted to buy in order to satiate our growing appetites. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and we determined that it would be best to start out with $25 or $30 worth of gelt to get appetizers, entrees, drinks, & dessert. (EVERYTHING was so tempting--see http://www.carmelbethisrael.org/calendar/events/jewish_food_festival/food/ for details.) We resisted the baked goods at first, splitting a savory & sweet Barbequed Salmon Plate (kasha varnishkes, one of the sides, is still not something that I've grown to like, though the side tossed salad was very good) and a Potato Knish. The texture of the knish left a little something to be desired--this is likely the result of having to prepare lots & lots of food and then store (freeze) it. Flavor was nice, esp. with some Gulden's mustard. We then went on to a Dairy Sampler (two Cheese Blintzes, half a slice of Noodle Kugel, some sour cream, & strawberry jam). The Kugel was "to die for"--as one woman told us, (perhaps) the best thing there. But there were other contenders. Sadly, the Chocolate Egg Cream didn't live up to the Chocolate Phosphates I had growing up in Ohio--not cold enough, and not enough chocolate syrup. And the texture of the blintzes was a bit off. One can only eat so much at a meal, so we left without trying the Latkes (potato pancakes)--perhaps a mistake--and the Matzo Ball Soup. The Middle Eastern food, Cheesecake, and Corned Beef certainly looked good, too. But I couldn't leave without grabbing a half a huge rye bread (with caraway seeds, of course)--brought in from San Francisco--the flavor brought back memories--plus a home-made Challah (egg bread) and some apricot Hamentaschen (fruit filled pastries). Too much food, too little stomach. And then you have the lively entertainment - we heard a great group of women--seven in all--playing guitar, flute & percussion and singing in nice harmony--in English, Hebrew & Yiddish. I believe that their group is called Zambra. Plus crafts for sale, a chance to tour the temple, hear storytellers, etc. (And a play area for the kids.) In spite of some minor shortcomings in some of the food, it's an event everyone should attend at least once. (Warning--you may get hooked & show up repeatedly at future annual festivals.)

We attended "Best of the Fest" this past weekend, on the final day of the 2023 event (favorites…read moreselected by artistic director, Grete Pederson). At first, it felt like I was at church, with the cathedral-like interior architecture at the Sunset Center, and Bach's background and history of writing church music, unmistakable with the initial performances seemingly dominated by the magnificent choir on stage. But it grew into so much more. An abundance of talent on display showcasing their musical expertise on a plethora of instruments, including some I rarely see performed, like the theorbo (lute) and harp. The concert included the music of Bach, Mozart, George Frideric Handel (Concerto for Organ), Haydn (excerpts from The Creation), Karin Rehnqvist (moving performance of Breaking the Ice)... even a Beethoven teaser for next year's festival! But my fave was Fire and Grace, with Edwin Huizibga on the violin and William Coulter on the guitar, their version of "folk and baroque" (Irish Jig, Bach Gigue, Irish Reel). Tower music on the trumpets and trombones in the courtyard during intermission, with charming string lights to help set the mood. Easy access to the event, parking available within the neighborhood, and workers quick to scan tickets. Staff included 130 volunteers, which is amazing, as that kind of dedication makes this all possible. Though I've certainly been to better venues and music events, I enjoyed my experience here, listening to the extraordinary performances of various classical works of art organized beautifully into the program.

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular,…read morebut he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.

What a great event this is. Always held in a very large venue over several days with plenty for…read moreeveryone. You will find caber tossing, dance competitions, Scottish bag pipers, massive marching bands, and plenty of food The facilities are always so clean and everything is so well planned out. You will find authentic clothing for sale with your families' particular plaid too.

Very sad and disappointing experience. We bough tickets online and paid for parking only to…read morediscover there was only one line to enter the event for both online ticket holders and those needing to purchase tickets at the Gate. There was only one team scanning for security. All this caused a very long line. Folks who walked to enter with online tickets had to turn around and walk back to the end of the line. Not good. I made this mistake once and paid for parking and tickets. I will not make this mistake again. Hope this review will help event planners improve next time for others.

Attended The Ferrari Challenge at Laguna Secca Race Track,…read more Amazing place and Ferrari pulled out all the stops entertaining at Casa Ferrari. Beautifully catered by Bernardus. If you get a chance to be invited, Go.

11 turns and 180 feet elevation changes are enough to challenge the most experienced drivers. I…read morelove to hike up to see the corkscrew with its 5 story drop. Better than any theme park ride for sure. General parking is muddy so don't wear nice shoes.