Cannery Row, Monterey
Staying in California gives you thousand choice to do things around till you say i have seen enough. But the more we feel we have seen enough we come up with more places or dieas to try and do . One such idea was to spend a day in Cannery Row, Monterey.
You might have heard about Steinbeck's classic 1945 novel "Cannery Row" or seen the quirky 1980s MGM movie by the same name starring Nick Nolte and Debra Winger. If you are still far away from rmembering or recalling anything from the name, Cannery Row here is a quick fun facts about this place.
Until January, 1958, it was named Ocean View Avenue--but known to the world through its entire ascent to becoming the "Sardine Capitol of the World" as Cannery Row. It started as wagon ruts from Monterey to China Point and Pacific Grove in the late 1800s.
The fishing industry at Monterey was mastered by immigrating Sicilian fishermen who used the "lampara" net from their Mediterranean experience and their famous "Monterey Clipper" open-boat design to catch the tons of Monterey's illusive sardines at a rate that could sustain the growth of Monterey's early canning industry.
Cannery Row's icon, the famous one pound oval sardine can, was originally designed for salmon, and made by hand on rudimentary industrial equipment in canning sheds of Monterey's early canning industry. Monterey's oval sardine can become world-famous by feeding armies and allied nations at war in WW I, and again in WW II.
WHERE DID WE STAY
Given a choice to travel to Monterey again-my answer will be yes, just to stay in this amazing Monterey Plaza Hotel. Perched dramatically on historic beachfront property above the crashing surf of the Pacific, Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa delights its guests with the sound of ocean from almost everywhere and breakfast on the open patio over looking the pacific!
You have a chance to choose room with ocean view but we had a room with a view to the historical Cannery row. Each has its beauty and uniqueness. My room overlooked Monterey Bay and the view was breathtaking.
With Christmas vibe everywhere the decoration here was just elegant and not overdone.
Look out for sea shells carved walls as you walk through corridors of the hotel.
We were late for lunch at Schooner's coastal kitchen so had to skip it and eat at local restaurant, but you can not let go of this chance to enjoy your meals on outside patio while looking at the ocean and listening to the waves with the sight of otters.
We didn't want to go hunting for local restaurants on empty stomach and decided to grab coffee paired with sandwich from Tidal coffee. Located inside the hotel this is another great hangout spot to relax and sip your morning coffee.
THINGS TO DO IN CANNERY ROW
What we loved about the location of the hotel is that it is walking distance to nice restaurants, shops, beach and Aquarium. We never missed a chance to talk a stroll in the bustling Cannery Row, full of tourists, locals, shops, restaurants, and galleries. The street certainly has a buzz to it, and the air is electric. Below are the list of other things to do.
Walk up the street of Cannery Row
As you wander the streets of Cannery Row, look for the yellow tiles in the sidewalk. When you find one, follow it for a historical tour. Along the way, you’ll see Cannery Row’s architecture and learn more about its history. Look for California’s first playhouse and Colton Hall where the state’s constitution was created. Visit the Spirit of Steinbeck Monterey Wax Museum to learn more about John Steinbeck, the famous author who wrote about Cannery Row and California’s past.
Cannery Row Monument
This was a Cannery Row highlight, especially after reading Steinbeck's Cannery Row before we arrived in Monterey. The monument is a great visual reminder of the people and events of the area. The monument has author John Steinbeck sitting on top of rock and his famous friend Ed Ricket on the bottom.
McAbee Beach
This isn't a destination beach and probably not a beach you'd plan to spend a whole day, but it's right off Cannery Row and its a fun place to stick your toes in the water. There were some sea anemones and bubble seaweed stuck in the rocks. It was fun to look at them.
Walk the Coast Guard pier
This pier is must walk through when in Cannery Row because you can have all the barking sea lions to yourself and with kids this is fun sight. Had the pier all to ourselves, and even got up close and personal with a couple of sea lions that were chilling on the rocks of the breakwater on the accessible side of the pier.
Definitely a neat experience!
Explore shops at Old Fisherman Wharf
We enjoyed our time at Old Fisherman's Wharf. It's a cool spot where you can book your whale watching or fishing trip. With little chill in the air the weather was still perfect for strolling around and watching folks and seals or admire the Fisherman Monument by Jesse Corsaut, dedicated to those who made a living from the riches of the sea.
My husband and I like walking on the pier looking at all the shops.
There's a plethora of seafood restaurants here offering samples of their clam chowder and souvenir shops and bars as well. It is hard to pick one because all the chowders are so good .
Monterey Bay Aquarium
If you're headed to Monterey, specifically for the Monterey Bay Aquarium , be sure to plan at least an entire day to explore. Not all aquariums have penguins on site, but this one does- so bring your cameras as well! Exhibits change seasonally, with the newest Viva! Baja! exhibit featuring an array of colorful and exotic warm water fish, though daily shows and feedings remain constant year round. While there are food options inside the cafe, my advice is to walk out the door, directly onto Cannery Row, and enjoy meals locally instead.
Lunch at Hula's Island Grill
Seeing so much of food display everywhere we got a bell ringing that we had skipped our lunch and it's time to pick a table and get a fabulous spread. We had late evening lunch at Grotto Fish Market which served me with my drink order followed by the Crab Louie and Chowder. Couldn't think of a better pairing for Monterey. The chowder was very buttery and just down right delicious. The crab louie was off the hook. They add their own twist by adding mango and strawberries which just make a delicious salad even better. It was reasonably priced.
Del Monte Beach
After lunch we drove over to the farthest end of the Del Monte Beach which gave us a a great vista of Monterey and Pacific Grove, the dunes at Fort Ord and Santa Cruz on a clear day. We saw loads of seabirds and a close in harbor seal, who followed us as we walked along.The big surprise was the sea glass - we collect sea glass and there was so much here! We got a cup full in less than an hour - which is a huge haul! Actually better than we did in "glass beach" in Fort Bragg!
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