Located on Cannery Row, the site of a number of now-defunct sardine canning factories and the setting of two John Steinbeck novels, the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa is part of an area steeped in local history and local activity. It’s located just a few blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, snorkeling, sailing, and whale watching.
Until the 1950s, there was an abundant sardine fishing and canning industry, but overfishing led to the decline of the fishing industry. More than a prime fishing location, Cannery Row was also a haven for artists and authors. The street name, formerly a nickname for Ocean View Avenue, became official in January 1958 to honor John Steinbeck and his well-known novel Cannery Row.
Concentrated efforts in the last 30 years to care for Monterey Bay have helped re-build the fish populations, which has increased populations of other aquatic life—otters, dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales. Now, Monterey Bay is one of the best places for observing ocean life in the world.
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Filip Filipov, head of B2B for Skyscanner, predicts changes in travel in the coming months. Hint: it might make for a less crowded airport, but this might not be a good thing.
Paul Michel, superintendent of the Montery Bay National Marine Sanctuary, explains why Monterey is one of the greatest wildlife viewing areas in the world, and answers the question: why are wildlife sanctuaries important?
Matt Kepnes, author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Smarter, discusses traveling for $30 a day, making the most of your travel budget, and the most expensive Big Macs in the world.
Anne Banas, executive editor of Smarter Travel, hints at great deals to look forward to, the best months for travel, and shares her secret for two-destinations-for-one airfare.
Neil Dunn, executive sous chef at The C Restaurant, Intercontinental The Clement Monterey, talks abundant local, sustainable food in Monterey (hint: it comes from the ocean).
Ted Balestreri, CEO of Cannery Row Company and local since 1956, describes what Monterey changes he loves and those he doesn’t, and explains why he calls Monterey the “language capital of the world.”
Pete Koeman, Monterey fireman, talks best food in Monterey and divulges the secret to several incredible meals for under $10. One, Koeman guarantees, will take your breath away!
Susan Eckert, founder and president of AdventureWomen, Inc., demystifies “adventure travel” and explains how it benefits women.
Mary Duan, editor of the Monterey County Weekly, talks tourism as a double-edged sword, experiencing Monterey like a local, and what she loves most about living there.
James Waller, chef at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa, makes our mouths water describing his signature dish Angry Prawns, and gives us the low down on seafood sustainability.
Ken Rauh, owner of A Taste of Monterey, talks Monterey wineries (there are 90 in the area) and explains why Monterey is the ideal location for growing great grapes.
Michelle Knight, owner of Adventures by the Sea, discusses the “magic month” in Monterey and explains why you shouldn’t pet a sea lion.
By Jessie Marek for PeterGreenberg.com
