Momma Told Me: Vacations should enrich.
I grew up in Southern California.
While many families across the country planned all year for a single trip to my state the beautiful coastline, scenic attractions, and rich entertainment remained in my backyard. 'Weekend Getaways' were the thing to do. And why not when the beautiful
Monterey County coastline extends 99 miles to encompass Big Sur, the famous Pebble Beach, and Moss Landing. But Monterey has been a favorite family destination for generations not just for the breath taking scenery and wildlife- As an adult I now enjoy an even greater appreciation for it's rich cultural history and bucket list events.
Whenever people from out of state ask me what my favorite part about living in California is, I don't tell them it's the weather, or the lifestyle, I tell them it's the vast stomping grounds I have to explore with just a simple drive up the coast. In my opinion, anyone who does not live here needs to work a trip up the coastline, to Monterey, into their vacation itinerary. Even better if a road trip can be planned- When Sabrina and I drove up to Oregon this Summer we spent 3 days in Monterey county alone. And we still drove off with a slew of "Next time we'll...." or "Wish we could've"s on our list. Of course, if you live in state, there's no excuse not to maximize the value of such a rich getaway destination, and plan your own trips as well.
Monterey often gives the impression of being a weekend getaway for lovebirds, a destination wedding locale, or a great place for retirement. In truth, as large as the county is it's full of an immense range of
family attractions- one in particular I have been visiting since I was a little girl. The Monterey Bay Aquarium (and Monterey Zoo too!) are some of my absolute favorite family attractions in the country. And the Aquaium is located right on
Cannery Row, so great dining is just steps from your afternoon activity. If you're looking for something a little more unique, check out the ghost ride trolley through Oldtown Monterey or the fast paced Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
I'd be lying if I didn't say the coastline, and the beaches lining it, is gorgeous. I live 5 minutes from the beach and I still look forward to
Monterey sands every year. This Summer we were able to snag a little cottage right on the sand for less than $130 a night. The sunset alone was worth every penny, and I dare say Sabrina's sand dollar collection tripled that weekend. If you plan a visit late Spring you can still catch many of the early blooms lining the rest stops, and even see the locals wind boarding and flying stunt kites on the beach.You're never too far from an ice cream parlor, and pets are a common sight- so look into bringing yours whether you're camping or searching for a hotel.
For me Monterey County holds many childhood memories- and remains a great place to visit when I need to reconnect with simpler living and rediscover the smaller moments that make life more magical. That's exactly why I plan on taking a weekend getaway to
Caramel-By-The-Sea when I return from Rhode Island. We're nearly halfway through the year and I say a little R+R is in order!
Now, tell me, do you have a favorite stomping ground, or family vacation spot you still enjoy visiting today?
What Daughter Says: I enjoy theme parks and plane trips as much as the next person- but I also enjoy a vacation where I can truly unwind, recharge, and soak in a little bit of life's finer things.
I've been to California a few times but never to Monterey. i'd love to get up close to a shark like that!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Monterey and it looks like I'm missing out! Hopefully one day I'll get off the farm and get to visit because it sounds like a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteLet me know how your RI venture turned out. I pray that you accomplish the task. AND GIRL you do need some R&R so Caramel will be perfect. I have always wanted to go to Big Sur. Now that Walt is retiring we can hit some low air fares and get out to California more.
ReplyDeleteForget the overwhelming schedule and take some time off to relax and enjoy college life with friends literature review websites. As much as you need to ace all your assignments, you need to rejuvenate and get time away from books.
ReplyDeleteExplored an article that meticulously unraveled the threads of nurse anesthetist specialization, highlighting the various opportunities available in this critical field. https://www.nursingpaper.com/blog/how-to-become-a-nurse-anesthetist/ focus on the importance of clinical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration offered practical insights for students aspiring to embark on this challenging yet rewarding career path.
ReplyDelete