Action & Adventure
Aquarium for Two Package

March 7th, 2013
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Photograph Monterey Bay Aquarium©

It’s easy to find adventure when you are traveling by yourself, with your significant other or with friends, but finding something exciting to do with your family that keeps your interest can become an adventure in and of itself. That’s why the Monterey Bay Aquarium is such a great choice. Not only is it located right on the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, on historic Cannery Row, but it is chalk full of amazing and educational exhibits and interactive activities for kids and adults alike.

The fabulous Jellies Experience is now open and there are countless other interesting this to experience and explore. There is the Splash Zone that allows kids of all ages to engage with ocean inhabitants and feedings at each of the exhibits and countless other things to do. The Portola Hotel & Spa offers a wonderful Aquarium Package for Two. Not only is the Portola within walking distance to the Aquarium, but this package has it all! With the Portola Hotel Aquarium for Two Package, you get a nautically inspired and elegantly appointed guest room of your choice, two adult Aquarium tickets good for two consecutive days and the Portola’s famous warm homemade chocolate chip cookie upon arrival. Additionally, you also receive a delicious breakfast buffet for two at Jacks Restaurant and complimentary use of the fitness center. Guests can also purchase additional tickets right at the front desk and the Portola’s friendly and knowledgeable staff has a host of other activities and family-friendly things to do. It’s important to remember that the Monterey Bay Aquarium is more than just a place to look at the creatures of the ocean. They are one of the foremost research facilities in the world and are the stewards of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch® Program.

So the next time you are looking a fun-filled family getaway that gives back, look no further that the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Aquarium for Two Package. You’ll be glad that you did, and so will the fish!

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Action & Adventure
Refuge

February 28th, 2013
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As previously mentioned in this blog, the wild and wonderful treatments available at spas are something out of this world. Most of the newest treatments are based on the healthy and beneficial powers of different natural ingredients. Whether animal, vegetable or mineral, one might think they are at a restaurant rather than a spa when looking over the menu of services.

Refuge, in Carmel Valley bucks that trend with one of the most unique spa experiences seen in some time. Quickly becoming a hot, new activity on the Monterey Peninsula, the Refuge Experience is based on the European practice of Hydro-thermal Therapy. The practice of exposure to a hot environment, immediately followed by immersion in cold water has been around for centuries, but Refuge has created an entire spa around the experience.

The grounds are tucked away amongst the Santa Lucia Mountains and winding roads of Carmel Valley with the various features set amongst large natural rocks and forest trees creating truly serene environment. The hot to cold benefits can be experienced in several degrees with hot tubs of varying temperatures and large steam and sauna rooms to be followed by the cold water pool of your choice.  Guests can then relax around outdoor fire pits or indoors on zero gravity chairs.

Trip Advisor has ranked Refuge at the #3 experience in Carmel, but the location is spa only, so a great lodging option is just over the hill at the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. The hotel is offering a Refuge Package deal that includes two passes to Refuge and a night on one of their nautically inspired, elegantly appointed guest rooms. The package also includes breakfast for two at Jacks Restaurant and a warm homemade chocolate chip cookie upon arrival. The package is a great call for a couple or for a couple of friends looking to get away from it all.

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Explore Monterey
Stars on the Monterey Peninsula

February 19th, 2013
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With the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am now over, the celebrity count on the Monterey Peninsula may have fallen…but that does not mean that celebrity has left the Peninsula entirely. In fact, the area has been a stomping ground for entertainment’s biggest stars. From movies and music, to the arts and professional sports, the biggest names often use the Peninsula for escape, inspiration and even invention.

Star wattage on the Central Coast starts and stops with John Steinbeck. One of America’s most famous and most respected writers, many of his novels were based in and around the area. From Salinas’ East of Eden, Of Mice and Men and Monterey’s Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday, Steinbeck lived and breathed the Monterey Peninsula, as did other noted authors and poets including Robert Louis Stevenson, Robinson Jeffers and Henry Miller.

Movie stars have also made and continue to make their homes on the Peninsula. It’s no wonder with the area’s proximity to Los Angeles and slower pace of life, Monterey County and beyond, has played host to a number of notable movies, television shows and numerous commercials. If you want a closer look, check out Monterey Movie Tours Highlights include the locations from scenes in From Here to Eternity, Turner & Hooch and Play Misty For Me, just to name a few. Doris Day, Clint Eastwood and George Lopez call Pebble Beach home and let’s not forget that most of old Hollywood were at one time or another, residents or frequent visitors to the area.

How about our friends in the music industry? Well, since the 1950’s, the Monterey Jazz Festival has graced our area with the biggest names in jazz and at the time, popular music holding court at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. The popularity of that ongoing musical masterpiece let way to the seminal music experience that started it all, The Monterey Pop Festival.  Big names will often grace the more intimate venues of the area as they travel between the arenas in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. The Sunset Center in Carmel, the Golden State Theatre in Monterey and the Rodeo Grounds in Salinas have all seen world famous acts and rocker Frank Zappa, the Eagles and jazz musician Kenny G have called the area home.

If sports are your “game”, the Peninsula has plenty of high powered athletic residents. NFL coaches and referees, Jim Tunney, Herm Edwards, John Madden and Ron Rivera along with Hall of Fame Member James Lofton live here, as do Olympic athletes, Nick Cunningham, Gary Figueroa and Blake Russell. Professional baseball and softball residents include: Reggie Jackson, Pete Incaviglia, Mike Aldrete and Monica Abbott. As always, golf plays a big part of the culture of the Peninsula with many notable PGA & LPGA players either growing up here or now making their home here including Bobby Clampett, Johnny Miller and Julie Inkster.

So, if it’s star power you want without the traffic and smog of Los Angeles or the chaos of New York City, the Monterey Peninsula may just be what you are looking for – beauty and just the right amount of glitz and glamour.

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Local Events
AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

February 7th, 2013
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Chris O’Donnell, Josh Duhamel, Bill Murray.

Golden Globes attendees?

Red carpet guest list?

How about some of the many celebrity players at this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am going on right now through Sunday?!

Now I know what you are thinking, a golf tournament, you can’t be serious. Stuffy golf fanatics in mismatched outfits craning for a view of no-name players chasing a little white ball around for hours. Well friends, this is not your father’s golf tournament. These are some of the biggest names in Hollywood, playing at one of the best resorts in the world. Fantastic food and people-watching all while soaking up the multi-million dollar views of the Pacific Ocean from the Pebble Beach Resort.

The AT&T Pebble Beach is of the premiere weekends on the Monterey Peninsula and is always a good time. Want an inside tip? Head out to Pebble early on Saturday and then retire to the Tap Room overlooking the 18th green for a bit. It’s a great opportunity to put your feet up and you may even see a celebrity or two relaxing after their round.

After your time out at the tourney, make sure to head on over to the Portola Hotel & Spa, where you can kick-back in their Grey Goose Lounge.  The lower atrium of the Portola, beginning this Thursday will be transformed into a swanky, cool lounge, where you can sip and savor fabulous cocktails among fellow AT&T guests, fans and if you’re lucky you might even have a celebrity sighting!

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Craft Beer
Meet Our Brewer Kevin Clark

January 28th, 2013
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A Northern California native and a resident of Monterey County since 1998, Kevin Clark, a beer enthusiast and aficionado, is the Brewmaster of Peter B’s Brewpub at the Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California.

After graduating from California State University, Monterey Bay, Kevin traveled the world. He immersed himself in the cultures of the countries he visited, paying particular attention to their food and beverage. His destinations were wide-ranging including the continents of Africa, Asia and Europe and the island countries of Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. This cultural and culinary diversity gave Kevin a unique perspective on flavor which led him to begin his career in the industry at Passionfish in Pacific Grove, CA. There, he studied wine and food pairings, but his heart always belonged to his first love; beer. He began to experiment with the pairing of beer and food, but found his choices in hops based beverages limited in comparison with wine and its many varietals.

Soon, Kevin found himself beginning to homebrew his own beer in an effort to not only discover new tastes, but save money in the process. The plan backfired however, as Kevin began to sample and taste as many commercial and homebrewed offerings as possible, falling in love all over again with the complexities and varieties of beer.  Kevin started at Peter B’s as the Assistant Brewer and was promoted to Head Brewmaster in early 2011.

For Kevin Clark, the act of combining the beautiful aromas and flavors of malt and hops with other additions is a gift and one of life’s true pleasures. The history and traditions of the beverage are wonderful, but for Kevin, the creation of a beverage that is alive and brings people together is his gift to the world.

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Spa On the Plaza
Spa on the Plaza’s Sweetheart Special

January 16th, 2013
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With the hustle and bustle of the holidays in your rearview mirror and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t you and that special person in your life deserve to warm-up and unwind from winter’s chill? The Spa on the Plaza at the Portola Hotel has got you covered and is offering a sweetheart of a special sure to soothe and relax the busiest of couples.

Always inventive with their offerings, the Spa on the Plaza is featuring its annual Sweetheart Special. Indulge in a relaxing 30-minute aromatherapy soak in a private tub designed for two. Then, let the cares of the world melt away during a fabulous 50 minute essential oils massage in a private couples room. Afterwards, relax poolside in a cabana or take a soak in our Jacuzzi.

The Spa on the Plaza is one of the largest spas in the country with over 6,000 square feet dedicated to spa services, health and fitness. It is also one of the most decorated with numerous “Best Of” awards from local and regional publications. So if a little relaxation and down-time is needed ASAP, enhance the romance at the Spa on the Plaza at the Portola Hotel. It’s a sweetheart of a special!

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Craft Beer
Brewer’s Dinners in Peter B’s Brewpub

January 11th, 2013
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For a number of years, winemakers have been taking advantage of the well-known pairings of food and their varietals. While winemaker’s dinners have been all the rage, recently, the talented brewers of wine’s bubbly cousin, beer, have been getting in on the action. It wasn’t too long ago that beer was regulated to cookouts and college parties, but in recent years, brewmasters have elevated their craft to incredible heights. With new tastes and trends emerging all the time, the art of craft beer has taken its rightful place alongside wine as a true art-form. With that recognition, has come the opportunity to experience these creative flavors paired with chef inspired eats.

Nowhere is this being done better than at the Portola Hotel & Spa. Brewer Kevin Clark of Peter B’s Brewpub and Executive Chef Jason Giles of Jacks Restaurant & Lounge and Peter B’s; have teamed up to create a series of Brewer’s Dinners that take the best of the worlds of food and craft beer and combine them into delicious, gatherings where seasonal and special varieties of come together in a wonderful celebration of taste.

Usually featuring three to four courses of locally sourced and sustainable food prepared by Chef Giles and accompanied by beers either brewed or chosen by Clark. These Brewer’s Dinners have become one of the most popular events at Peter B’s. Seating is limited and usually sell-out so early reservations are highly recommended. If you want to experience a new dimension in flavor, “like” the Peter B’s Facebook Page and you’ll know as soon as the next of the series is announced! There are events not to be missed.

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Explore Monterey
The “Best Weekend in Monterey”

December 24th, 2012
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With the holiday season and winter finally here the special events and happenings in Monterey are as plentiful as relatives and leftovers. Choosing what to do and where to go can be overwhelming, so your friends here at Central Coast Living have put together, in our humble opinion, an itinerary for what we would like to think of as the “Best Weekend in Monterey” during the holidays.

The weekend starts off on Friday afternoon with a relaxing walk along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary as you walk or bike along the coast. From Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, it’s just over two miles of paved and rolled trail with views of Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hopkins Marine Station and the stately Victorian-era homes lining the way Lovers Point Park of Pacific Grove.

After working up an appetite, return to Fisherman’s Wharf and explore the shops and restaurants while sampling some of California’s freshest seafood.  Evening activities can include theatric or musical entertainment at one of Monterey’s many venues or depending on the weekend of your visit, holiday-themed activities including various tree lightings, historic tours of seasonally decorated buildings and special cultural and wine events.

Saturday brings a day full of activities and none greater than the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Whether a couple or a family, you are sure to be amazed by the variety of exhibits and hands-on educational opportunities. There are so many interesting areas that you might want to take two days to fully explore the Aquarium, but if one day is all you have time for, be sure to check out their newest exhibit, The Jellies Experience. You’ll learn what makes the jellyfish one of the most intriguing animals on land or sea. With the Aquarium behind you, stroll along historic Cannery Row and immerse yourself in the world of John Steinbeck while shopping and taking in the sites.

There is no better way to enjoy a trip to Monterey during the holidays than with a visit to Ice Skating on the Bay. Located directly behind the Portola Hotel & Spa on the Custom House Plaza, the seasonal ice skating rink is open from 11am – 10pm Monday through Saturday and from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday’s. After reliving childhood memories or creating new ones with your kids, head over to the Portola Hotel & Spa for your choice of dinner options. Jacks Restaurant offers an upscale dining experience featuring locally sourced, sustainable ingredients throughout the menu and an impressive wine list, all created under the expert culinary eye of Executive Chef Jason Giles. If you are in the mood for something more laid back, then relax in Peter B’s Brewpub. As Monterey’s only craft brewery features a delicious pub fare with a wide variety of beer brewed directly on site. Brewmaster Kevin Clark’s award winning seasonal brews pair perfectly with the menu and with 15 HDTV’s you are sure to find the game of your choice.

While Sunday may be the day of your departure you can still experience much more in Monterey. Walk historic Alvarado Street just steps from the Portola and treat yourself to pastries and coffee at one of the many café’s and then immerse yourself in the history of Old Monterey along the self-guided Path of History. You’ll encounter a variety of historic buildings and landmarks detailing Monterey as the first capitol city of California. With so much more to offer, the Monterey Peninsula must be experienced in more than just a weekend. Check back with us throughout the year as we give you tips and ideas on how to experience the seasons and the scenery of Monterey and beyond!

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Action & Adventure
Start the New Year Off Right

December 21st, 2012
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With the “holidaze” upon us and 2013 right around the corner, people are starting to think about what they’d like to do better in the New Year. For some it’s taking up a new hobby or checking something off their bucket list. For others it might be taking a class or perhaps volunteering. But for almost everyone, getting in shape is resolution number one. Many people start off with a great plan, but heading indoors to the gym can become repetitive. Healthy living cannot be understated, but how can you keep yourself interested day in and day out?

We’ve put together a list of the top 10 outdoor activities (in no particular order) which you can do to keep yourself in shape; your mind engaged and increase your appreciation for the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Some of these activities are low impact and some are higher, but each and every one is available right now and well within your budget.

10. Park It: The California State Parks, Monterey County Parks and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District all have beautiful and easily accessible offerings just a few minutes away. From the sandy stretch of Asilomar State Beach and the gentle terrain of Toro Park to the secluded serenity of Frog Pond and the incredible vistas of Garland Regional Park, a healthy and invigorating experience await you on the walk or hike of your choice.

9. On Your Right: The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail offers 29 miles of paved perfection winding its way along the coast from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove and parts of Pebble Beach to the south. The trail is well maintained and is used by bikers, joggers, walkers, and surreys. The trail offers a number of vistas and points of interest along the way. Bike big and tackle the whole trail or take your time and cruise a portion. Either way some of the best views of the Monterey Peninsula are right there in front of you.

8. Fore!: What’s better than spending some quality time with your family or friends? Everyone knows the Monterey Peninsula has some of the world’s best golf, but you don’t have to be Jack Nicklaus to get outside and chase that little white ball. There are a number of public and municipal courses that offer beginning, group and kids lessons and that are easy on the eyes and on the wallet. Pacific Grove Golf Links, Monterey Pines and Ranch Canada are great for those who are new or returning to the game. Laguna Seca Golf Ranch offers a fantastic practice facility and even world famous Pebble Beach boasts Peter Hay a 9-hole pitch and putt right next to its bigger brother.

7. A League of Their Own: The cities on the Monterey Peninsula offer robust Parks and Recreation programs. While each one is slightly different, most of the programs contain organized leagues for a variety of team and individual sports. Whether softball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, volleyball or even bowling, the opportunities to participate in the competition and camaraderie of a league and gain some valuable exercise are priceless. The signup and seasonal information are readily available on the website of your individual city.

6. Doggone Fun: Fido is bored and so are you. Why not take him out for a little quality time and exercise. Anywhere will do and the Monterey Peninsula has a host of pooch-friendly parks, trails and even shopping centers to satisfy event the laziest of “man’s best friends” Carmel is famous for its canine hospitality and Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Del Rey Oaks and Marina all have dedicated dog parks. If you and your dog are a bit more adventurous, check out some of the great trails available through the Monterey Regional Parks. Some even allow of leash walking, which I am sure Fido will appreciate!

5. Drop and Give Me 20: The main focus of this information us getting in shape in the outdoors and while the traditional gym membership does not fit that our model, (not to say it is bad) there is a great opportunity to get the benefits of a trainer/class environment that gives you all the benefits of Mother Nature. Spa On the Plaza offers a bi-weekly outdoor fitness class called Fitness for Body and Soul, taught by former world class athlete and Exercise Physiologist, Janel Willette. Fitness for Body and Soul is an innovative out door fitness class that integrates a full cardiovascular, strength and flexibility workout with the beauty and natural terrain of the Monterey Bay.

4. More Water Please: It is the Monterey BAY right? So, what list of outdoor fitness options would be complete without mentioning some of our favorite water sports? Yes the water might be a little chilly, but that’s what wetsuits are for and there are a number of places to pick up a suit and the water toy of your choice right on the water. Adventures by the Sea offers a complete selection of kayaks, paddle boards and instructors if needed. You can take a class or head out with a partner and get what many fitness experts call one of the best cardio vascular workouts there is. Plus, there is a very good chance you will run into some of Monterey Bay’s beloved sea creatures.

3. Paddle Away: Equally as rewarding, but somewhat less strenuous are the paddle boats on Lake El Estero in Monterey. You won’t have to brave the ocean, just some curious Canadian Geese, swans and ducks looking for a snack. The boats are perfect for families and while the kid’s oohh and ahhh at the waterfowl; you can say that you got a good solid workout paddling them around the expansive lake.

2. Go Team: Even if you don’t have kids, volunteering as a coach for a YMCA or Rec league team gets you thinking about your health as the kids run by you. Not only can impart some of your knowledge on the younger generation, but you just might learn a thing or two from them as well. You don’t have to be an expert at the pick and roll or the corner kick, just be there and the kids will love it!

“But what if I am just visiting the area? Then take in a local high school or college game. Studies say that you can burn 250-350 calories watching a live sporting event. The Monterey Peninsula offers a high level of prep and intercollegiate athletics with the California State University, Monterey Bay Otters and the Monterey Peninsula College Lobos leading the way. Let local and get loud.

1.  Walk this Way: Lace up your shoes and open the door. A low to moderate impact workout, walking is the easiest way to get in shape and enjoy the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. You’ll feel like a new person just by reintroducing yourself to the world around you!

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Local Events
First Night Monterey

December 7th, 2012
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New Year’s Eve always brings a sense of hope and optimism about the year ahead. Figuring out what to do, that makes everyone in the family happy can be a bit of a challenge. First Night Monterey solves that problem in one fell swoop. The event offers something for the young and the young at heart and takes place throughout historic downtown Monterey. Now in its 20th year, First Night Monterey is a community celebration of the arts that kicks off at 3pm on December 31, 2012. Over 25 performance sites, most of which are indoors, feature a wide variety of music, interactive art, dance and fun. The alcohol-free event focuses on family fun with kid friendly activities and themed events. The event kicks off with the Opening Ceremony on the lawn of Colton Hall and Pacific Street. Kid’s Night Out begins at 3:30pm with interactive art activities, face painting, artists, puppet theatre, folk music and magic. Then the Twilight Procession progresses down Alvarado Street at 5:30pm. Musical performances range from Reggae to Classical and Jazz to Hip Hop. Performances also include dance, art and written and spoken word. The Grand Finale starts at 11:15pm and rings in the New Year at midnight.

The Portola Hotel & Spa offers a fun First Night Package that includes two adult First Night “All Access Buttons”, a nautically inspired guest room, warm homemade cookie upon arrival and is one of the best spots on the Peninsula, especially on New Year’s Eve! With its location on Custom House Plaza, the Portola Hotel is the perfect venue to explore the sights, sounds and good times of First Night Monterey.

Ring in the New Year with the Portola Hotel & Spa!

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