Posts Tagged ‘Monterey’

Wine Trolley Package for 2

Friday, October 5th, 2012

Wine is one of those strange and wonderful things that for some is the means to a good time and for others it is the time itself. It is the most ancient of libations and one that through the ages has been enjoyed by princes and paupers alike. There are many ways to experience wine. It could be over a fine dinner or at home with friends, but nothing beats experiencing wine at the source; the tasting room. And nothing complements the tasting room like an expertly guided tour of several of the region’s best aboard an open air Wine Trolley. With more grapes grown in the Monterey County region than in any other area in California, Monterey County wines are quickly becoming some of the most sought after varietals in the country. Your five hour guided tour stops at five of the area’s finest boutique wineries while taking in the sites along the way.

Your package also includes a stay in one of the Portola Hotel & Spa’s nautically inspired guest rooms, a warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival and breakfast buffet for two at Jacks Restaurant. In addition you’ll also receive complimentary corkage fees at Jacks Restaurant & Lounge and access to the outdoor heated pool, relaxing cabanas, Jacuzzi and state of the art fitness center.

Fine wine, a journey of discovery that awakens the pallet, comfortable lodging and more. Salud!

For more information about the Wine Trolley Package for 2

Tags: Food & Wine, Jacks Restaurant, Monterey, Wine Trolley
Posted in Portola Packages | No Comments »

Fall Fun

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

Fall means leaves change colors and kids go back to school,

But it also means witches, ghosts, goblins and ghouls

Bats and broomsticks and things that go bump in the night,

It’s costumes and candy and fun and a fright

But Halloween is more than scary things,

It’s friends and family and doorbells to ring

Trick or Treat is heard on that special day

Here’s some Halloween themed events throughout the Bay

The staff at the Portola Hotel & Spa loves Halloween – check out our staff’s favorite picks for a spook-tacular time during your October visit.

Get lost at the Haunted Monterey Mirror Maze
Boo! Take the Ghost Trolley of Old Monterey
Saturday, October 19^th learn how to make scary sock monsters at the Monterey County Youth Museum (reservations required)
Visit Borchard Farms’ Endless Corn Maze & Ghos Town
October 20-27, explore the Point Sur Lightstation during a Halloween Ghost Tour (reservations required) (831) 649-7139
Learn about scary spiders and slithery snakes during Science Saturday on October 27^th at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, costumes encouraged!
Pick out a pumpkin and explore the Corn Maze at Earthbound Farms
Trick or treat! Explore downtown Pacific Grove, Saturday, October 27^th from 10am-5pm and take the kiddos trick or treating at local stores, restaurants and boutiques
Glow in the dark, black light mini golf at Oceans 18
Pumpkin Pandemonium at Del Monte Shopping Center – crafts, costumes, candy and pumpkins for ghosts and goblins of all ages – October 31^st , at Del Monte Shopping Center

Tags: Family, kids, Monterey, Portola Hotel
Posted in Explore Monterey, Local Events | No Comments »

Blue Ocean Film Festival

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Photo by Doubilet©

If you are lucky enough to grow up around the ocean you’ll almost certainly develop an appreciation for the great big blue and if your childhood was spent landlocked, chances are that you’ll want to experience as much of the ocean as you can. For all the ocean you can handle, plan on attending the BLUE Ocean Film Festival. The BLUE Ocean Film Festival, September 24-30, 2012, is being held right here in Monterey and is a global film festival and conservation summit for underwater filmmakers and marine researchers. While an “industry” event, it is open to the public and is more than just insiders talking fish. It’s a true celebration of the ocean and all its wonders. Since it is a film festival, there are entries and submissions from all over the world, each showing a new and different perspective. Some of the films are true art and some are more documentary in style, but after you attending just a few minutes of the festival, you will come to appreciate what a wonderful natural treasure you have right in front of you.

The home of this year’s festival is the Portola Hotel & Spa. As Monterey’s first and only LEED^®-EB (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ certified hotel, it’s only natural (no pun intended) that they partner with the festival to host some of the events. Selected films then tour the country as part of BLUE On Tour, but nothing is more powerful than watching a submission and then walking outside to look out upon the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. A truly wonderful experience.

For tickets to the Blue Ocean Film Festival visit www.blueoceanfilmfestival.org

Tags: Blue Ocean Film Festival, Festival, Monterey, Portola Hotel
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Cherries Jubilee

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

While Classic Car Week showed of the best of the best in foreign and domestic antique and early model autos, Cherry’s Jubilee brings a decidedly more homegrown flavor to the Central Coast. Dubbed the “biggest oldies party of the year”, the “Cherry’s” as it is fondly referred to, takes place all over the Monterey Peninsula and is a celebration of the restored and supped up American Muscle Cars and Hot Rods made popular in the 1950’s and 60’s.

In its 20^th year, the Cherry’s Jubilee is presented by the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation and proceeds benefit the hospital itself. The event runs September 12^th – 16^th and features locations throughout the area including: Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Downtown Monterey, Old Town Salinas and a poker run through Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach.

What sets the Jubilee apart from some of the other local auto events is the passion and hours of loving restoration the owners have put into their cars. Very few are acquired in mint condition with the majority are painstakingly refurbished from the ground up and are actually driven to and from these “show and shine” events. Even more impressive, is the willingness of the owners to share their tips and stories to fans of their autos.

Cherry’s Jubilee will bring back fond memories of malt shops and car hops and may just remind you of a simpler time. Oh, and the cars are pretty cool to look at too!

Tags: Classic Car Week, Classic Cars, Monterey
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2nd Annual Monterey Beer Garden

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

There is just something inherently right about enjoying a beer outdoors. Whether it’s on a hot summer day, tailgating at a football game on a crisp autumn afternoon or simply relaxing with friends in the backyard, fresh air and a freshly poured beer go hand in hand. That’s why the return of the Monterey Beer Garden is being met with such anticipation.

The second annual event held on September 22^nd from 12pm-4pm at Monterey’s historic Memory Garden at Custom House Plaza is shaping up to be a Who’s Who of the Central Coast Craft Beer scene. With local heavy hitters Peter B’s Brewpub and English Ales leading the way and Seabright Brewing, Rock Bottom Brewing and Hollister Hills Brewery among the 11 participants, attendees are sure to get a sense of the skill and imagination of our local brewers.

Sponsored by the Portola Hotel & Spa, The Offset Project, The Monterey County Weekly and Peter B’s Brewpub, the event features unlimited beer tasting, BBQ and live music from local favorite Cheeky Spanks with proceeds of the event benefiting local environmental non-profit, Save Our Shores. And if that was not enough, Save Our Shores will also be raffling off a number of great prizes.

Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased online at www.montereybeergarden.com . Raffle tickets are sold separately at the door.

Good Friends, Good Cheer, Good Time, Great Beer!

Tags: Brewing, Brewpub, Craft Beer, Events, Monterey, Monterey Beer Garden, Monterey County, Peter B's Brewpub, Save Our Shores, The Offset Project
Posted in Craft Beer, Local Events | No Comments »

Breakfast for Two

Wednesday, August 29th, 2012

Ahhhh breakfast. It starts you off right and gets you ready for the day ahead. Such a popular meal, that many restaurants now offer it for dinner! What’s better than enjoying a vacation on the Monterey Peninsula when you’ve just had one the finest breakfasts around? Nothing, unless that breakfast is part of the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Breakfast for Two Package.

Begin your morning with a scrumptious breakfast buffet at Jacks Restaurant. The fresh, seasonal, European style buffet features made-to-order omelets, assorted petite pastries and muffins, sliced cold cuts, fine artisan cheeses and much, much more. Not to mention bottomless mimosas! Dine in our cozy fireside dining room, or breathe in the fresh coastal air on our outdoor, pet-friendly heated patio.

Along with breakfast buffet for two, this fantastic package also includes accommodations in a nautically inspired guest room and a warm homemade chocolate chip cookie on arrival. So start your day and your vacation off right with the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Breakfast for Two Package.

Click here for package details!

Tags: Jacks Restaurant, Monterey, pet-friendly, Portola Hotel
Posted in Portola Packages | 1 Comment »

Top 10 Automotive Activities

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

With so many events scheduled during the Monterey Peninsula’s Classic Car Week Monday, August 13 through Sunday August 19^th is an automotive fan’s head might start spinning like the wheels on one of those amazing machines trying to decide what to see. There is something for everyone, but since the fun is just around the corner, we thought we would give you a little primer.

Here are the unofficial Top 10 Automotive Activities (in random order) during Classic Car Week:

10. The Portola Hotel & Spa – All week long

A fan favorite among enthusiasts taking part in Classic Car Week, the Portola is home to the famous RM Auctions. Known as a hot spot during the festivities to locals, return visitors and collectors, the Portola is a great location for casual viewing of some awesome autos.

9. Legends of the Autobahn – Friday, Aug. 17, 9am-5pm at Rancho Cañada Golf Club, Carmel Valley

Guttenta! BMW’s, Audi’s and Mercedes-Benz’s are on display for owners, enthusiasts and aficionados of these distinctive German cars.

8. McCall’s Motorworks Revival – Wednesday, Aug. 15, 5pm-10pm at the Monterey Jet Center, Monterey

This exclusive party for the elite held at the Monterey Jet Center, features exhibits ranging from motorcycles and cars to deluxe jets,

7. The Little Car Show – Wednesday, Aug. 15, Noon-5pm, Downtown Pacific Grove on Lighthouse Avenue

Showcasing the small, but mighty, this event in historic Downtown Pacific Grove includes “little cars” up to 1,601cc engines and electric cars.

6. Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours of the Avenue – Tuesday, Aug. 14, 10a-5pm – Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea

An annual event featuring classic, sporting, luxury, hot rods and muscle cars gathering on Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

5. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering – Friday, Aug. 17, 10am-4pm at Quail Lodge, Carmel Valley

A mixture of fantastic sporting autos and food on the Quail Lodge Golf Course.

4. Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion – Aug. 17-19 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey-Salinas Highway

Motorsports history is on display with authentic racecars competing on a Mazda Laguna Seca’s world-class track.

3. Tour of LeMons – Saturday, Aug 18, 10am-1pm along 1234 Canyon Del Rey Boulevard, Seaside

Relaxed and fun. This alternative event showcases misfits, lemons and junkers.

2. Concourso Italiano – Friday, Aug. 17, 9am-3pm at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch, Monterey-Salinas Highway

This celebration of Italian style, culture and craftsmanship is sure to get your motor running.

1. Pebble Beach Concours d ‘Elegance – Sunday, Aug. 19, 10:30am, Pebble Beach Golf Course, 18^th Hole

Around since 1950, the Consours is known to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile.

Tags: Auction, Classic Car Week, Classic Cars, Concourse d'Elegance, Monterey
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Events on the Monterey Peninsula

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Everyone knows that the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula is without question. Whether you are walking along the Coastal Recreation Trail, driving the scenic 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach or hiking the winding trails of Big Sur, the sights and sounds of this wonderful area are there to behold on a daily basis. But what to do when you are done with all nature has to offer? How about experiencing any one of the numerous local and world-class events held right here on the Central Coast. Check out what’s on tap this August and September:

Monterey Auto Week – August 13 – 19
Pebble Beach Concours d ’Elegance – August 15 – 19
“Beauty & the Beast” at the Forest Theater – August 16 - 19
Sand City West End Celebration – August 24 – 26
Mumford & Sons’ Gentlemen of the Road Stopover at the Monterey Fairgrounds – August 25
Turkish Festival – August 25
Monterey County Fair – August 29 – September 3
Monterey Bay Greek Festival – September 1 – 3
Tri-California Triathlon at Pacific Grove – September 7 – 9
Fiesta Italia – September 7 – 9
Continental Sports Car Festival – September 7 – 12
2^nd Annual Monterey Beer Garden – September 22
Blue Ocean Film Festival – September 24 - 30
Carmel Authors & Ideas Festival – September 28 – 30

Tags: 17-Mile Drive, Concourse d'Elegance, Festival, Monterey, Monterey Beer Garden, Portola Hotel
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Classic Car Week 2012

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

Imagine being transported back to a simpler time, when the constant pull of technology was non-existent, craftsmanship took center stage and the flash of the time combined with a timeless elegance. Every year that feeling returns, the week of August 13, 2012, with the world renowned Classic Car Week. The entire Peninsula is transformed into a car lover’s playground with showcases, auctions, runs and races scheduled throughout the week. Most of the action centers on the major viewing competitions and the various auctions. From the tony Pebble Beach Concourse d’ Elegance and the horsepower and high fashion of the Concorso Italiano to the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering and the RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey auction, the multitude of offerings is almost too many to fathom.

The Portola Hotel & Spa is not only right in the thick of the action, but it also home to the RM Auctions Sports & Classics auction event. With secure covered parking and a number of alternate transportation options right at your fingertips, classic car owners or fans of the cars themselves can easily access any of the events around the Peninsula. Just steps from the Monterey Bay and some of the area’s best attractions the Portola is the perfect place to get away from the rev of the engines, if even for just a moment. Featuring Jacks Restaurant & Lounge and Peter B’s Brewpub, guests of the hotel mingle with auction and event attendees and participants while enjoying the rejuvenated menus of both locations.

It’s time to polish up your four-wheeled classic and hit the road to Monterey and the Portola Hotel & Spa.

Tags: Auction, Classic Cars, Concourse d'Elegance, Events, Monterey
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Kids on the Peninsula

Thursday, August 2nd, 2012

When most people think of the Monterey Peninsula they think of beautiful golf courses, million dollar homes and some of the world’s most famous events. Others think of miles of pristine coastline, romantic walks along the water and shopping and dining. But some do not realize the amount of kid-friendly activities available. With as many family friendly activities as there are par fours, Mom, Dad and the little ones can have the time of their lives. Oh, and if the “little ones” are actually teenagers…there is plenty for them to do as well.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium on Historic Cannery Row is one of the world’s premiere displays of aquatic marvels. The Splash Zone is entirely devoted to kids and kids of all ages and the aquarium as a whole can keep the family interested for hours, but what about the next day?

How about Dennis the Menace Park located by Lake El Estero in Monterey? Hank Ketchum, the legendary creator of the cartoon icon Dennis the Menace made Carmel his home and this park brings the same smile to all who come. Free and open seven days a week, the park is perfect for families and offers a multitude of play structures, tunnels, bridges and a maze. The cornerstone of the park is an actual Steam Engine that can be climbed and played upon, if you’re looking for something indoors, try the interactive, hands-on Monterey County (MY) Museum.

If you are traveling with kids a little older, check out the paddle boats available for rent on Lake El Estero directly behind the park. It’s a great time and you can get up close and personal with the ducks, Canadian Geese and swans that make the lake their home (don’t forget the breadcrumbs!) Or, for a more radical departure, make a visit to the free skate park also adjacent to Dennis the Menace. With exciting elements to challenge the skills of skateboarders and in-line skaters, this park was created with input from community skaters resulting in a fantastic design overlooking the lake. Between glow-in-the-dark mini golf on Cannery Row, hiking at Point Lobos to kayaking on the Bay, an activity for every member of the family awaits!

Most all of these activities are within walking distance of the Portola Hotel & Spa making a trip to the Peninsula one of ease and most importantly fun! With green grass, picnic benches and the beach just across the street, why not order a delicious lunch to go from Peter B’s Brewpub and enjoy a wonderful day!

Tags: Aquarium, kids, Monterey, Peter B's Brewpub, Portola Hotel
Posted in Family Fun | No Comments »