In Monterey this fall: The Monterey Museum of Art honors 50 years

Something must be in the air in Monterey this fall, because there are so many anniversaries and celebrations it would be hard to pass up a trip to California’s coast to catch some art and culture with a little history mixed in.

The Monterey Museum of Art, which houses a permanent collection of 14,000 objects, paintings, photographs, and other works, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year by offering two fascinating exhibits.

Until September 13, the Pacific Street location shows its “Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes: The Art of Children’s Books,” which includes illustrations from “The House at Pooh Corner,” “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” and “Jumanji,” among others.

On view through October 25 and in honor of homegrown artists in the Monterey area, the “Made in Monterey” exhibit is a compilation of works from the museum’s permanent collection that traces Monterey’s local art history from the late 19th century to today.

There are also special “Art After Hours” mixers every third Thursday at the La Mirada museum for professional types needing to wind down over local wine and catered food. In addition, ongoing tours and public lectures are held at the museum.

The Monterey Museum of Art has two locations: 559 Pacific Street in downtown Monterey and La Mirada at 720 Via Mirada. For more information on the museum’s programs and exhibits, visit www.montereyart.org or call #831.372.5477/3689.

The scenic Monterey coastline


If you haven’t heard of the 17 Mile Drive, now you have, and now’s the time to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. Minutes from downtown Monterey, California, the 17 Mile Drive winds through the prestigious gated community of Pebble Beach in Carmel, past the Del Monte Forest, and along gorgeous stretches of secluded coves, pristine beaches, and oceanfront mansions.

There are hundreds of attractions along this scenic coastal road that makes traffic sometimes unbearable during the summer. You can avoid crowds by entering at the Spanish Bay gate, or it may be worthwhile to enjoy this route by bike or during the off-season, though it may be colder, foggier, and less sunny.

Aside from passing three lovely golf courses (Poppy Hills, Spyglass Hill, and Pebble Beach), this scenic road boasts natural attractions such as Fanshell Beach, Seal Rock, and the Lone Cypress tree. There’s even a new big wave surf spot called “Ghost Tree” that’s a spectacle in itself when the swell is just right.

There’s a helpful brochure that you should pick up at the entry gate in Pebble Beach that outlines the “21 Points of Interest” along the 17-Mile Drive. All you have to do is follow the marked route and enjoy the sights along the way.

If the drive is not enough, and you’re not so into golf courses and coastal vistas, there are plenty of fine dining establishments and quaint bed and breakfasts along the route.