In Focus: Monterey, CA

Last year I was lucky enough to spend nearly a week in Monterey, CA and its environs. I was in town to run the Big Sur Marathon, one of the most amazing days of my life by the way. If you're into running, I highly recommend that marathon. It's just breathtaking. The organization and volunteers were phenomenal, as were the views along the course.

I was so excited to get out of Boston and was looking forward to some warmer-than-here weather. I wasn't disappointed. What are people talking about Monterey being foggy? The only time it was foggy was marathon morning. The rest of the time it was picture-perfect and clear, real Chamber of Commerce Days.

This slideshow has pictures from just Monterey even though I did a little more exploring outside the city, stay tuned for those pictures in the future.

The city is a funky little town with a fun mix of art, history, museums, bars, restaurants and very nice people too! John Steinbeck, a native of neighboring Salinas, immortalized Monterey in his novels Cannery Row, Tortilla Flat and East of Eden. Hank Ketcham, the creator of Dennis the Menace, had an office in Monterey for many years and also designed a playground in El Estero Park. The city has a rich history of music and performance (Monterey Pop Festival, Jimi Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire) and indeed while I was there, live music was being played every night, but I didn't see any guitars on fire...bummer.

There is lots to see and do in Monterey. The blue skies made everything seem even more colorful while I was there, I hope you can visit some day too. Enjoy the slideshow!