For the most treasured digital souvenir around, read on to discover a treasured recipe straight from one of the best restaurants in Monterey.

Explore the Kitchen

Reviving the historic footprint of the Pioneer Bakery in the mid-19th century, Alta Bakery resides in the quaint collection of buildings that make up the Cooper Molera Adobe. We recommend grabbing the latte-of-the-month and a treat from the bakery case for a stroll through the adjoining gardens, landscaped to be authentic to the origins of Monterey.

Alta Bakery offers breakfast and lunch from its sunny location at the bustling corner of Alvarado street and Munras Ave; the top of the historic Old Monterey downtown district. Fresh and nourishing is the theme of the menu. Try a gluten-free quinoa bowl for either meal or try one of Alta’s creative pizzas, highlighting ingredients like delicata squash and pickled Fresno peppers.

The bakery crafts all of its sweet treats and other baked goods. Their “obligatory avocado toast” (often our treat of choice for tour guests!) features a masterpiece of produce and edible flowers all piled on Alta’s own fluffy-yet-crisp toasts.

Meet the Chef

A fixture in some of the best Monterey Peninsula kitchens, Ben Spungin now serves as chef and owner of the Alta Group. At Alta Bakery, Spungin infuses locally-grown, seasonal ingredients into his creations, paying special attention to the balance of savory and sweet. 

Get the Recipe

Need dessert for a brunch or birthday party? Try this chef’s recipe from Alta Bakery’s Ben Spungin. Note: this makes enough for a crowd!

Doughnuts a’la Alta Bakery

Ingredients

4 ½ tsp dry yeast

2 c warm milk

 10 ½ c flour

1 c sugar

2 tbsp salt

9 eggs

1 tsp orange blossom water

300 g room temp butter

Directions

1. Combine first 7 ingredients and mix for 4 minutes with a dough hook.

2. Mix butter in slowly for 2 minutes. Mix everything for another 2 minutes.

3. Wrap the dough and chill overnight.

4. Roll the dough to a thin layer and cut into doughnut shapes. Freeze or proof the dough and fry at 300 degrees.

Monterey Bay Food Tours keeps you connected to the kitchens, chefs, and creators behind your favorite Monterey restaurants. Whose recipes would you like to see next? Comment below!

Discover new and old favorites up and down one of the prettiest downtowns in California with this list of top 6 restaurants in historic downtown Monterey.

Alta Bakery

Our walk begins at the top of Alvarado Street, a bustling intersection since the mid-1800s. To this day, locals and visitors alike start at this end of downtown and stroll to the wharf. 

One of the highlights of our Old Monterey Food Tour is a stop at the corner of Alvarado 

St. and Munras Ave, lingering in the lush gardens of the historic Cooper Molera Adobe and grabbing an indulgent snack at the adjoining Alta Bakery.

Alta Bakery offers light bites for breakfast and lunch, paired with delicious hot and cold drinks. Stop by regularly to try their elegant featured latte every month, highlighting seasonal ingredients like lavender.

Toribashi

After enjoying a light snack or breakfast at Alta, walk along Alvarado Street a few storefronts to reach Toribashi. This ramen restaurant offers the perfect lunch or dinner on a cloudy Monterey day.

This narrow restaurant welcomes you into Japan with its authentic ingredients and cooler of interesting drinks to pair with the delicious, hearty serving of ramen. Toribashi also serves rice and noodle bowls, perfect for a warmer day when they open the floor-length windows to the outdoors.

Revival Ice Cream

Almost every Monterey Bay Food Tour concludes with a visit to Revival Ice Cream, our favorite local place for a sweet treat. Have you tried Bee’s Knees? This honey-flavored ice cream is their award-winning, signature flavor.

Stop by frequently to see the new flavors! This hyper-seasonal creamery incorporates only the freshest ingredients into their creative fruit and dessert flavors. 

Rosine’s

At the midpoint of downtown, we are going to cross the street to try Rosine’s. While Alvarado Street highlights a huge spectrum of global cuisines, Rosine’s offers a menu of American favorites everyone will love.

If you already have plans for meals, keep Rosine’s on your list! This restaurant’s dessert case is something to behold, with towering cakes beckoning you in from the street. Even better than gazing on these peanut-buttery, frosted, chocolate creations is taking home a giant slice for yourself.

Crown and Anchor

If you’re in downtown Monterey later at night, we suggest stopping by Crown and Anchor. While it’s technically a half-block away from Alvarado Street, the ambiance can’t be missed!

Descend the stairs and step into a traditional British pub with this elaborately-decorated and quirky spot. This is a great place to enjoy a drink like a local and dig in to a favorite late-night snack: the curry potato wedges. Choose from mild, medium, spicy, or “so spicy only the staff members eat it.”

Cibo

Cross Alvarado Street one last time for another great late-night hangout on Alvarado Street. Cibo features both a delicious menu of Italian favorites in an elegant restaurant and a lively cocktail room.

You may hear the excitement from this establishment before you see it – Cibo features jazz musicians five nights each week.

There’s no better place to find your next favorite place to eat than Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey! What is your favorite place to grab a drink or a bite? Comment below to share your recommendations.

Several new, family-friendly attractions in Monterey have been developed and are drawing crowds! Keep reading for the scoop on all of the fun things to do in Monterey.

Fresh New Old Monterey

Our Old Monterey Food Tour takes you through some of the most delicious and historically significant stops in Monterey. But aside from these can’t-miss restaurants, breweries, and ice cream parlors, Old Monterey has so much more to offer.

After your tour, enjoy downtown Monterey and Alvarado Street. Over the past few years, several new and thriving businesses now occupy the historic storefronts.

Families can’t miss High Scores, the new arcade located right next door to the sweet final stop on our tour, Revival Ice Cream. If you left the kids at home, savor a cocktail at The Whisky Club or Alejandro’s.

New Exhibit at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Visiting the otters and watching the activity in the kelp forest never gets old, but a new exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is even more reason to make a reservation for your next visit.

Discover never-before-seen creatures when you go Into the Deep, the new exhibit at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Visitors get a chance to view spooky spider crabs and dazzling bioluminescent creatures, all which live in the ocean’s deepest areas.

Cannery Row Fun for Kids (of all ages!)

Monterey’s iconic Cannery Row has made significant investments in activities for kids in Monterey over the last few years. 

Try the Monterey-inspired amusement park ride, Treasure Hunt: The Ride. This interactive dark ride weaves the story of Monterey with plenty of exciting pirate lore. All ages are welcome to board this ride, which promises an immersive, sensory experience.

For the young-at-heart, try Tipsy Putt. This indoor entertainment center features mini golf, cornhole, and duffleboard, all paired with elevated bar food and local craft beers. 

Whether you’re celebrating a break from school or just enjoying a fair weather getaway, spring break in Monterey is filled with surprises. Check out these fresh attractions for an unforgettable Monterey spring break.

Read on to explore the various ways we love to recharge in Monterey, whether that’s one of the best Monterey hikes or a visit to some of the best spas in the Monterey area.

Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail

We begin our Monterey Bay Food Tours at the convergence of the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail at Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. Why do we start here? Because this is one of the best places to connect to all of the beauty and wonders of Monterey Bay, whether that is natural, culinary, or otherwise!

The Rec Trail, as locals call it, stretches 18 miles from Castroville’s artichoke fields to the pink-carpeted trails of Pacific Grove. This trail, friendly to walkers, bikers, and pets alike, winds through our signature agricultural land and iconic coast and National Marine Sanctuary.

Use the trail to reach Monterey Bay Aquarium, grab a beer at (favorite tour stop) Dust Bowl Brewing Company, climb the rocks at Point Lobos, or explore neighboring bedroom communities of Seaside, Marina, and Sand City (and their beautiful, tucked-away beaches)! Sanctuary awaits around every corner of the Monterey Bay Coastal Rec Trail.

Vista Blue Spa

Only a short walk off the Rec Trail brings you to one of Monterey’s chicest hotel spa experiences. Vista Blue Spa is located inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel, located on Cannery Row.

Indulge in spa treatments like aromatherapy massage, vitamin C facials, waxing and nail services. Vista Blue Spa also features a panoramic sun deck, offering unbeatable views of the Monterey Bay while you relax in an upscale wellness environment.

Refuge

Tucked away off the beaten path lies Refuge spa, a unique wellness experience in Carmel Valley. Refuge Spa is part of the high-end fitness club Carmel Valley Athletic Club in Carmel Valley.

Refuge takes visitors on a “thermal cycle” through the picturesque and silent outdoor surroundings of this spa. From the first eucalyptus steam room to a cold plunge and back again, this cycle of varying temperatures helps you feel revitalized and relaxed at the same time.

Esalen

If you’re looking for a Monterey wellness experience that goes a little deeper, try the Esalen Institute in stunning, nearby Big Sur. According to the website, Esalen is a “world renowned holistic learning and leading global retreat center for guests and faculty to explore and realize their human potential through experience, education, and research.”

Esalen offers massage, yoga, and other typical wellness activities. However the beauty of this experience lies in thoughtful workshops and other programs exploring topics like plant medicine, recovering from burnout, and discovering inner tranquility.

The perfect sanctuary is waiting for you during your visit to Monterey Bay! Where is your favorite place to soak in the beauty and relaxation of Monterey, Carmel, or Big Sur? Comment below and join the conversation.

This blog will explore one of Monterey’s unique restaurants housed inside a historic building, giving you a fascinating (and maybe spooky!) appreciation for our culinary hot spots.

How Stokes Adobe Began

Stokes Adobe is considered one of the most historic old homes in Northern California, but it began as a large, luxurious one-bedroom home for fur trapper Ambrose Tomlinson in 1833. At the time, this home stood as a symbol of prosperity for successful Tomlinson. However the building received its name from the infamous James Stokes, who bought the house four years later.

Stokes holds a mysterious past, often rumored to be a British sailor who deserted his crew and stole chests of medications from his abandoned ship. The story goes, Stokes used these medications to open a pharmacy in the adobe. His fraudulent medical supplies led to prosperity for Stokes as well, eventually even treating governor Jose Figueroa. 

Stokes married and welcomed several children, expanding the home to a second-story and adding the balcony and several interior rooms.

After several family tragedies, Stokes succumbed to alcoholism and depression. He took his own life by poisoning in Stokes Adobe in 1864.

Notable Moments

After James Stokes, the adobe evolved to house several practical uses for the next 100 years. The historic home operated as a bakery, kiln for making pottery (you can still see artifacts of this today), and a print shop where California’s first newspaper was printed.

Stokes Adobe also served as a private home through the years, including to socialite Hattie Gragg. Gragg threw memorable parties in the adobe until her death in 1948.

After Gragg’s ownership, Stokes Adobe once again rose to a place of prominence in downtown Monterey in the 1950s. Now operating as the upscale restaurant called Gallatin’s, the adobe began to attract movie stars, moguls, and other celebrities. Gallatin’s marked the building’s long-time reputation as an elegant, destination restaurant.

The building still operates as a restaurant in its contemporary history, including today with the restaurant named, appropriately Stokes Adobe. Offering dinner, happy hour, and after dinner menus, diners enjoy seasonal California cuisine and craft cocktails at this Old Monterey gathering place.

Is This Restaurant Haunted?

For the believers in this blog, several people have claimed to see ghosts floating around the historic 7,000 square foot restaurant.

Because the Stokes era of this building’s past contained so much tragedy, ghost stories have been passed around for generations. Some visitors to the adobe claim to see James Stokes or his wife Josefa still floating the halls. High-profile spirits from Gallatin’s also may be seen here.

Our Recommendations

We often start our Monterey Bay Food Tours with dessert first, so we love the “after dinner” menu at Stokes Adobe, featuring both indulgent desserts, the perfect espresso or a craft cocktail to finish your meal. 

Be sure to ask questions about the various ingredients featured on the menu, as they will most likely have a local connection. Stokes Adobe offers a rotating, seasonal dinner selection, including an array of pizzas, fresh pasta, and several hearty entrees. 

Sardines? Sugar beets? Stolen cheese recipes? What is your favorite piece of Monterey foodie history? Join the conversation in the comments below.

As something of “elderfans” ourselves, this blog will provide some basic elderberry information and facts about elderflowers. We will also share some of our favorite recipes and local products made from our friends at Carmel Berry Company.

Elderberry Basics

An elderberry is a small, dark blue or purple berry that’s jam packed with antioxidants that help with boosting our immune system. Consumption of the berry dates back hundreds of years, but nowadays, consumers seek the berry for its aid in cold and flu-like symptoms.

Like so many other options in life, it is possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to how frequently and how much elderberry you consume. Try one teaspoon of Carmel Berry Company’s Elderberry Syrup to keep your immune system vigorous. 

If you’re going straight for the berry itself, be aware that the bark of the Sambucus tree or the consumption of an unripe berry could lead to indigestion issues. While not fatal and easy to avoid so long as you cook the berry (and avoid the bark), it may just be easier to let the professionals like those over at Carmel Berry Company create the heavenly and succulent syrup for you.

Elderflower Basics

Elderberry and elderflower actually come from the same plant, and represent its different growth stages. While consuming raw elderberries or other parts of the bark or leaves can be poisonous, the elderflower is an aromatic, light blossom that creates a floral and balanced flavor. 

This little flower is prized for its delicate, sunshine-y flavor as well as its health benefits. Some of these benefits can be cooked out, so stay aware of that, as well.
Health benefits include ailment for influenza and the common cold, but can additionally be used as a topical for joint pain and inflammation. Safe as a topical and as an edible? Yeah, we’re here for that.

Simple Elderberry and Elderflower Recipes

Don’t limit yourself to drinking elderberry cordials or syrups straight up. If taking a spoonful of elderberry syrup straight to the face doesn’t sound like something you’d like to do on a daily basis, add some vodka and soda to it for a simple cocktail.

The flavors of elderberry and elderflower lend themselves beautifully to mocktails too. We recommend this Elderberry Pineapple Smoothie for any warm day. 
Those of you with a sweet tooth may also enjoy this Elderflower Strawberry Shortcake as well. This ingredient, a native plant growing wild in Monterey County, provides a bright and tart flavor to so many drinks, baked goods, and more.

Buy Local Elder Products

Our good friends over at Carmel Berry Company have a great online store that includes all of their preserves, syrups, and cordials that we offer in our Monterey Bay Foodie Totes.

This innovative, woman-owned small business continues to add to their diverse array of high quality elderberry products. Their newest product is Eldie, immune-supporting gummy supplements. Carmel Berry Company also offers fresh-pressed elderberry supplements, elderflower-pluot preserves, and elderflower comfort tea in their online store.

For a curated selection of elderberry and elderflower products, along with a wide selection of other Monterey-exclusive edible goodies, check out our Monterey Bay Food Tour foodie totes.

Do you love the elderplant as much as we do? Any recipes of your own you’d like to share with us? Let us know what you think in our comments!

If romantic fine dining is on your travel to-do list, continue reading to learn all about the most romantic restaurants in Monterey.

Crepes of Brittany

Start your day with a touch of French romance with a swoon-worthy breakfast at Crepes of Brittany. With authentic ingredients imported from the owners Daniel and Thierry’s French hometown, these sweet or savory pockets of goodness make for a delicious and romantic start to your day.

Crepes of Brittany (the first stop on many of our Monterey Bay Food Tours!) is conveniently located in downtown Monterey, just off of the bustling and historic Custom House Plaza. Start here with breakfast at an intimate cafe table inside or on the expansive outdoor patio. 

After your crepes, easily catch the nearby Path of History, hop on a whale watching tour, or hang out at a local brewery.

Foray

The name of this restaurant alludes to its purpose: to reveal the natural wonders nearby through foraging for ingredients. This Carmel-by-the-Sea restaurant offers fine dining that celebrates the Peninsula’s bounty, with difficult-to-source local goodies like abalone and Perigord truffles. 

Enjoy a romantic fine dining experience at Foray, surrounded by the warmth of foraged Monterey cypress trees in the intimate dining room. Be sure to check out their extensive bar menu for thoughtfully-crafted alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Chez Noir

Another buzzy fine dining restaurant in Carmel is Chez Noir. The restaurant uses words like “pristine ingredients” and “everyday luxury” to describe its offerings, which include “micro-seasonal” ingredients sourced locally.

This award-winning bistro offers a seafood-heavy, prix fixe dinner menu inspired by the cuisines of France and Northern Spain. Get adventurous for this upscale offering: the menu changes every day.

Maligne

Even the casual neighborhood of Seaside, located next door to Monterey, offers hidden gems for a romantic dinner. Maligne presents high-end ingredients in familiar ways, like cheeseburgers and chicken parmesan. This restaurant notably offers several hearty vegetarian entrees on its dinner menu.

Maligne boasts a fine dining menu but strives for an ambiance that feels like a family restaurant. This wide-open restaurant allows you to peek into the lively, approachable kitchen. If you’re looking for upscale ingredients with a welcoming feel, try Malgine.

Big Sur River Inn

It’s not a trip to the Monterey Bay without spending some time in breathtaking Big Sur. Plan for a little road trip for a majestic and romantic lunch among the redwoods at Big Sur River Inn. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but we suggest the expansive lunch menu.

This casual restaurant (the first ever in Big Sur!) is tucked in the forest and next to the babbling river. Stop by on a lucky day and you’ll be able to enjoy the view from a set of Adirondack chairs nestled right in the water itself.

There is no shortage of romantic places to eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the Monterey Bay. What romantic restaurants are your favorite?

Read on to discover a fresh Valentine’s destination to help you fall in love with Monterey (and each other!) even more.

Dates for Foodies in Monterey

Of course the best date idea for foodies in Monterey is our very own Monterey Bay Food Tour. This tour covers the best family-owned and historic restaurants in downtown Monterey, introducing you to local favorites and delicacies, including local beers and wines.

After our afternoon tour, you’ll be ready to book romantic dinner reservations and other dates with tips from our knowledgeable local tour guides.

Our tour groups never exceed 10 people, making it a small and intimate gathering with other food lovers. Reserve with us today for an unforgettable, customized experience that brings you closer to the dynamic Monterey food community.

Dates for Adventure Lovers in Monterey

Star in your own romantic comedy with your favorite co-star and the help of Monterey Touring Vehicles. This exciting local business rents classic California cars for full- and half-day adventures. Choose from head-turning muscle cars, zippy convertibles, and other automotive icons for a once-in-a-lifetime drive around Monterey.

If you want to get even closer to the streets of Monterey, consider renting an electric bike from Big Sur Adventures. This Cannery Row-based business offers guided tours to nearby destinations like 17-Mile Drive and day rentals of their easy-to-use fleet of electric bikes. 

Dates with Drinks in Monterey

Choose a casual daytime date with your Valentine and soak up the best weather of Monterey’s Mediterranean climate. The beer garden at Dust Bowl Brewing Company beer garden and Wedo’s Tacos provides a fun and casual place to kick back and enjoy the one you love.

Cannery Row offers several beautiful and delicious oceanside restaurants, including the C Restaurant and Bar in the Intercontinental Hotel. Check out their cheeky and fun bar menu, filled with if-you-know-you-know references and plenty of local beer, wine, and ingredients.

Dates with a View in Monterey

Get a unique view of the entire peninsula from Jack’s Peak park, only a few miles from downtown Monterey.  This park is more of a locals’ spot, making it easy to find parking and enjoy the views. Bring your hiking shoes to enjoy breathtaking trails.

Follow the bike trail west out of Monterey to reach Lover’s Point in neighboring Pacific Grove. Enjoy this accessible beach or climb on some of the impressive rock formations. This beautiful open space makes a great place for a picnic or to watch the sunset. 

Is there anything better than a date with a view? The Monterey Peninsula offers many exceptional places to soak it all in. What romantic date spots did we miss?

Continue reading to get a crash course on decoding Monterey Peninsula weather and for suggestions on how to pack for your next getaway.

What is a Microclimate?

A microclimate refers to the range of temperatures and weather experienced over a relatively small region, like Monterey County. 

Proximity to the Pacific Ocean and formations like the Santa Lucia Highlands and Pinnacles National Park, two dominant mountain ranges running through the county, means you may experience a wide swing of temperatures of weather phenomena after traveling as few as 20 miles.

Generally seaside communities like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey will be about 15 degrees cooler than Carmel Valley or Salinas, which lie further inland and in a mountain valley. Afternoons in the southern region of Monterey County experience high winds in the afternoons while Pebble Beach can be blanketed in fog at that time of day. 

It’s important to consider the microclimates you may travel through as you visit Monterey County to maintain your comfort!

Typical Monterey Climate

Most of the year Monterey experiences a consistent, cool, and pleasant climate. Monterey is classified as a Mediterranean climate with an average daily high temperature of between 58 to 68 degrees throughout the year.

The climate in Monterey is similar to New Zealand, the Atlantic coast of Spain, and the western coast of Norway.

When Does it Rain in Monterey?

Rain falls only from about October to April, with virtually zero rainfall in the summer months. It is much more likely to experience showers from December to March. In recent years, the region has experienced atmospheric rivers and considerable rainfall in the winter.

While summers are dry, visitors find Monterey to be much cooler than other cities in the summer. The hottest time of year for the Monterey Peninsula actually occurs in September and October, what is considered the “second summer.”

How to Pack to Visit Monterey

A few key pieces will help you feel more comfortable during your visit to Monterey.

Light Jacket or Puffer

Pretty much every local has their go-to light jacket that makes an appearance nearly every day. On the coast, the cool fog lingers until the afternoon and returns each evening, making a light jacket or slim puffer essential to stay warm.

Wide-Brimmed Hat

A favorite wide-brimmed hat will help you ride the wave of microclimates throughout the day in Monterey. This hat will shield you from the rays and keep your hair mist-free. While sunglasses are great for the sunshine, in-the-know visitors also pack a wide-brimmed hat.

Shawl or Pashmina

Are you worried your light jacket isn’t chic enough for some of Monterey’s terrific restaurants? Consider packing a pashmina or shawl to elevate your evening looks while staying warm.

Choose an elegant, oversized scarf in a warm fabric to keep you warm while you enjoy cocktails on our many heated patios. This is the perfect accessory to help you transition into evening while savoring the cool climate.

Rain Boots

If you’re planning a winter visit, rain boots will help protect your feet from puddles during the rainy season. As an added bonus, this warm and protective footwear will keep your feet dry while you frolic in the waves any time of year!

What are your go-to fashion items for visiting Monterey? Did you buy a sweatshirt at Fisherman's Wharf when you first visited? Be sure to join the conversation below.

Whale watching tours provide unforgettable memories and a unique way to enjoy our little slice of paradise. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of a Monterey whale watching tour.

Best Time of Year for Whale Watching

When’s the best time to see whales in Monterey? Anytime! The biodiverse and nutrient-rich waters off Monterey host several different types of whales during both their migrating and feeding seasons. These two seasons overlap, which gives visitors to Monterey a more than 90 percent chance to see these majestic mammals!

Humpback Whales

Peak season: March - November (especially July and August)

Humpback whales choose Monterey for an abundant feast from spring through fall. Visitors on a whale watching tour may see surface feeding, even in groups of up to 50 whales! These active whales may put on a show for tourists, like breaching and tail-throwing.

Killer Whales

Peak season: mid-April to mid-May, late August - October

These striking animals feed on seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises, sea birds, squid, and other whales who converge in the waters of our marine sanctuary. Watch for killer whales, or orcas, in large groups called pods.

Blue Whales

Peak season: May - October

Cross this off your bucket list: getting up close with the largest animal on Earth. Blue whales travel to Monterey to feed on krill, or tiny shrimp-like animals. These whales can be up to 90 feet long and can spray vapor from their blowholes up to 30 feet in the air.

Gray Whales

Peak season: December to mid-May

Visit Monterey in winter for the reward of seeing abundant gray whales. These whales travel from the Bering Sea and Alaska to spend the cooler months in California, feeding on krill and other creatures in the deep sea. Celebrate the gray whales when you see them, they are mid-way through a 12,000 mile migration – the longest of any animal.

What Happens During a Whale Watching Tour?

A typical whale watching tour lasts about three or four hours. Depending on the tour company you choose, the boat may leave from Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey or from the Elkhorn Slough in nearby Moss Landing.
Boats may travel around 12 miles into the ocean before any whales can be spotted. But that distance is worth it – nearly all tour companies guarantee a whale sighting!

All tour companies must adhere to marine mammal protection laws and maintain at least a 100 yard distance from whales (the size of a football field). However, whales and dolphins often choose to investigate the boat and can get quite close!

How to Prepare for a Whale Watching Tour

It’s cooler than you may think in Monterey – and that is especially true once you get out on the open ocean! Be sure to dress warmly and in layers. Choose closed-toe shoes and bring a windbreaker to keep the ocean spray away.

Be sure to bring items to protect you from the elements, whether that is a sun hat or a rain jacket. Most whale watching tours will continue if rain is in the forecast (but not heavy storms or rough seas).

If you get seasick (or you think you may become seasick) it is important to take precautions before boarding for your tour. Most whale watching tours do not offer seasickness aids onboard. Research over-the-counter remedies for seasickness before you disembark.

How to Book a Whale Watching Tour

Monterey offers several different whale watching tours that all provide a unique experience. Be sure to book your tour in advance; tours operate year-round!

What questions do you have about whale watching along the Monterey coast? Comment below with your questions or if you have any advice for first-timers!

Perfectly Pressed

Located at the entrance to Alvarado Street near the historic Cooper Molera Adobe and Alta Bakery, Perfectly Pressed offers juices, cleanses, smoothies, and snacks. Perfectly Pressed specializes in cold-pressed juice made from local, organic produce grown in the nearby Salinas Valley.

Enjoy the best of seasonal produce with these raw, handcrafted treats, free from sugar or preservatives. Some of the most popular flavors include Green Dream juice made with made with cucumber, spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, celery, apple, lemon, and ginger or the trendy Matcha Mantra smoothie spinach, banana, ginger, coconut water, cordyceps, lemon, and matcha tea.

Carmel Berry

Built by a local mom who was looking for a better way to boost her family’s natural immunity, Carmel Berry elevates Monterey County’s wild elderberries and elderflowers into nutritious syrups, cordials, and supplements.

Look for Carmel Berry products in local specialty grocery stores and gift shops like Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market or Carmel Belle in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Or sample these products at restaurants like Foray in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Mezzaluna Pasteria in Pacific Grove.

Wild Plum

Wild Plum Cafe sits a quick walk outside downtown Monterey and offers an organic option for breakfast and lunch. This quaint cafe serves local and organic produce, hormone-free turkey and grass-fed beef, and local, organic coffee.

For breakfast, try their fluffy egg steamers or unique Morning Salad, complete with poached eggs and tomato jam. Wild Plum offers a dynamic lunch menu, with sandwiches you can’t find anywhere else, like The Goddess focaccia panini.

Terra Superfoods

Terra Superfoods is a local mini-chain serving healthy favorites in a bowl. Check out their smoothie, acai, or grain bowls, filled with superfoods like goji berries, chia seeds, flax, and chickpeas.

If a plate is more your style, Terra Superfoods also serves wraps and toasts using bread from Ad Astra Bakery, located just down the street. Explore your creative side and interesting health food ingredients with the build-your-own smoothie option. You can’t find trendy ingredients like blue majik and Terra Butter, the company’s own special blend of nut butters, anywhere else.

Happy Girl Kitchen Co.

Visitors to Monterey probably know all about Cannery Row, and Monterey’s important history of sardine fishing and canning about a century ago. John Steinbeck helped immortalize this culture that helped build our modern city in his novel, Cannery Row. 

Today only one cannery still functions in Monterey, about three blocks away from the famous Cannery Row. And instead of sardines, you’ll find homemade kombucha on-tap at Happy Girl Kitchen Co., located a short drive from downtown on Lighthouse Avenue in Pacific Grove. Try their jams and pickles (or bring some home!) as yet another way to celebrate the enduring food culture of the Monterey Peninsula.

Do you plan to eat healthy on vacation? Comment below with your favorite food-for-you treats you enjoy while traveling on the Monterey Peninsula.

These 4 best breweries in Monterey highlight the spectrum of top-notch breweries available for hop snobs, beer newbies, and even those who prefer a non-alcoholic drink! Read on to discover the best beer in Monterey, California and beyond.

Dust Bowl Brewing Company

On the Old Monterey Food Tour one of our first stops is Dust Bowl Brewing Company! This place combines the best of everything our Monterey breweries have to offer. 

At Dust Bowl, you can enjoy a cold beer (or hard seltzer!) inside the historic train depot or grab a seat in the extensive outdoor beer garden. The best seat in the house is around their enormous and lively fire pit.

Bring your appetite, because Wedo’s Tacos offers fresh and delicious tacos, nachos, quesadillas and other Mexican food favorites from their truck parked in the beer garden. We recommend the freshly-caught fish tacos or check out their exciting list of rotating specials.

Alvarado Street Brewery

For the last decade, Alvarado Street Brewery has built a Monterey Peninsula beer empire, with locations in Monterey, Carmel, and Salinas.

Each location has their own unique vibe and offerings, but our favorite may be the original spot in downtown Monterey. Alvarado Street Brewery offers a delicious menu brimming with local pub favorites, like delicious burgers, pizzas, and appetizers. 

We recommend enjoying this brewery in one of their two outdoor dining areas: the people-watching parklet in the front or the cozy, secluded beer garden out back.

Alvarado Street Brewery is so loved by the locals that they are in the process of opening up a third restaurant and brewery location in Old Town Salinas that was formerly Rabobank, at 301 S. Main. We absolutely can’t wait for this one and we know that you’ll love it too! 

Fieldwork Brewing Company

Speaking of drinking beer outdoors, Fieldwork Brewing Company specializes in that experience. Visit this outdoor beer garden in the Uptown Shopping Center, a short walk from downtown.

Drop by often to explore Fieldwork’s rotating beer list, containing everything from hazy IPAs to fruity sours. Fieldwork’s amazing flavors also appear in their line of non-alcoholic drinks called Supertonics.
Fieldwork does not offer its own food, but feel free to order in from nearby restaurants like a deep-dish pizza from Heirloom Pizza.

Peter B’s Brewpub

Monterey’s original craft brewery! Follow the bricks around the back of the Portola Hotel to enjoy Peter B’s Brewpub and across from the historic Pacific House to find a tucked-away gastropub and sports bar. 

In addition to dozens of TV screens, Peter B’s offers a rotating beer menu filled with locals’ favorites like Peach Crate and Belly Up Blonde. Beer enthusiasts will love being able to peek into the brew room from inside the restaurant – if you’re lucky you’ll see folks hard at work!

Peter B’s offers a full menu with pub favorites like chicken strips and fried calamari to pizzas and even a delightful dog menu.

Other Brother Beer Co.

Travel along the Peninsula a few miles and you will discover casual, approachable Seaside, a town with its own impressive casual restaurant scene and a large brewery and taproom located in Seaside’s newly-enhanced downtown.

Other Brother Beer Co. provides an airy and welcoming gathering spot where locals grab a beer and a bite from the indoor Snack Shack. You’ll find IPAs, sours, and even some natural wine on the menu here. This place is all about collaboration, so look for special brews with other local beer friends on this list like Alvarado Street.

Hidden Hills Brewing & Blending

Located in the Barnyard Shopping Center, Hidden Hills Brewing & Blending offers hand-crafted ales alongside ciders and local wine. 

Get prepared to be a little experimental at this new craft beer spot, as fresh fermentations and aging processes are always being played with here. Does a dark sour aged in tequila and bourbon barrels sound good to you? Expect the unexpected at this captivating new location.

Have you tried any of these breweries? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Alta Bakery + Cafe

The newest coffee shop on the block, Alta Bakery + Cafe is located in the historic Cooper Molera Adobe and gardens. All of the baked goods are made from scratch and the coffee is totally delicious. 
Try a lavender latte, made with flowers which grow prolifically on the Monterey Peninsula. As an added bonus, all of the plants in the garden are completely edible. We also check out those gardens on our Old Monterey food tour, so come join!

Captain + Stoker

Originally opened in 2018, the buzz around bicycle-themed hotspot Captain + Stoker has not quieted down. Check out their fun seasonal menu and their selection of local and gluten-free treats.

Located a few blocks from downtown, this coffee shop is well known for its variety of alternative milk options. Captain + Stoker continues to be the coffee shop of choice for Monterey locals.

East Village

Located next door to Melville Tavern (one of our favorite Monterey Bay Food Tour stops), East Village offers homemade chai and organic coffee in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

Grab an intimate table in one of the tucked-away corners of the shop or grab a seat during the regular, long-running open mic nights.

Old Monterey Cafe

Savor the classics at the Old Monterey Cafe, this cozy spot in downtown Monterey. While this traditional diner serves up a solid cup of joe, diners can enjoy some of their coffee specialities too. Try a mochaccino with your shrimp louie salad or “big” Belgian waffles.

Carmel Bakery

While Carmel Bakery began in 1899, the Monterey location inside the Portola Hotel is brand new to downtown. Located across the plaza from Crepes of Brittany (one of our tour stops), be sure to grab one of Carmel Bakery’s famous pretzels, cannoli, or, of course, a cup of coffee.

Have you ever tried any of these out? What are some of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

With the days starting to feel more and more like spring, dining outside feels like a luxury at times. Not all patios are created equally, however, and we wanted to list a few of our favorites. We took into consideration the shelter from the wind, available heat lamps, views, and that little something extra that helps create those lasting memories.

1) Alvarado Street Brewery and Bistro, Carmel By-the-Sea

Alvarado Street Brewery and Bistro, Formerly Yeast of Eden, has an enormous patio, with a tent big enough to house a circus. Situated within the Plaza in Carmel By-The Sea, you’ll be able to find something for everyone in your group after lunch and a few beers at this world-renowned brewpub. If you’re new to their beers, we recommend getting started with Mai Tai PA, with multiple awards won at Great American Beer Festival.

2) Anton and Michel, Carmel By-the-Sea

Anton and Michel is an iconic local restaurant situated in downtown Carmel By-the-Sea. Their patio wraps around a large fountain which looks more like a gorgeous swimming pool (no diving, it’s only a foot deep), allowing for ample room for social distancing. This has been one of the warmer patios we’ve visited, with ample protection from the wind and abundant heat lamps. All of this sets the stage for a meal crafted by their head chef, Mark Simpson, and their award winning wine list. This place is a wonderful escape from the ordinary, and is a must try while you’re in the area.

3) Lucia restaurant at Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley

Bernardus is famous for more than just their wines. Recently awarded three Forbes four star awards (one of only eight California establishments to do so), this place is a jewel in the middle of our valley. With the often warmer weather of the Carmel Valley, this is the spot to head on those cooler days at the coast. For those who want to earn their meal, Garland Ranch Regional Park is a few minutes away, featuring wonderful hiking with views of the Vineyard.

4) Nepenthe, Big Sur

Nepenthe Restaurant is unbelievable. Nearly every Big Sur trip we take ends up with a post hike Ambrosia burger on the top of a cliff at the edge of the world. We recommend mid-week trips as this place can get busy, however worse things have happened than having to wait for an hour in a redwood forest overlooking the sea. We definitely recommend bringing a jacket as no heat lamp can combat the wind and fog that has been known to roll in off of the ocean, but on a beautiful day its hard to top this place.

5) Julia’s Vegetarian, Pacific Grove

The newly outfitted patio at Julia’s is a perfectly charming match to their menu. Good to recharge with world class vegetarian food and some house made kombucha in their garden yard. I love their mushroom sampler, featuring medicinal edible mushrooms collected by local foragers. If you’re looking to step out of the restaurant experience and try your hand at some adventure, they have recently started offering foraging classes where you hunt your own edible mushrooms.

6) Hotel 1110, Monterey

Hotel 1110 is a hidden gem! With their recently renovated rooftop bar they feature delicious cocktails in a succulent garden overlooking the bay. You’ve probably driven by it 100 times and may have not even know it. We love coming here during the summer to see the sun set over the ocean. On weekends it is best to arrive early to claim one of their heat lamps, otherwise jackets are recommended cargo.

So there we have it, six places with exceptional ambiance and atmosphere, serving world class food in front of spectacular views. This pandemic hasn’t been anybody’s favorite, but at least here in California we can soak up the good times in spectacular fashion while we wait for the world to be normal again.

See you out there!

As Cupid’s shadow looms over this week, poor, well-intentioned procrastinators have been awakened with a gripped panic as Valentine’s Day draws nearer. We see you, we hear you, and we have compiled an assortment of last minute ways to make your Valentine’s Day special!

Miss Lippe’s Dumpling Party

Shortly after moving to Monterey, Emily Lippe has already established a delightful and delicious presence in the small business community! Apart from her upcoming pop up Dumpling Party at Franklin Street Collaborative this Saturday, February 13, you are also able to purchase at-home dumpling kits and book virtual Dumpling Parties to spice up your Valentine’s Day from the comfort and safety of your home!

Book your Miss Lippe's Dumpling Party or order your kit!

Virtual Tastings with Comanche Cellars

Winemaker Michael Simons has been hard at work bottling all new reds from 2018 to share with wine lovers everywhere! Now you can taste them without ever leaving home, but while still receiving the award winning customer service from their employees and the winemaker himself! Each tasting comes with five wines in conveniently half sized bottles, adorable tasting note templates that break down each wine, and a Comanche Cellars tasting room associate to walk you through the tasting and tell the stories of Michael, Comanche, and the delectable vino!

Sign up for your virtual tasting!

Or email Christina to set up a private tasting at christina@comanchecellars.com

Pour Girl Virtual Mixology Class

Be your own fancy bartender when you book virtual mixology classes through Pour Girl Bartending. They are also offering an adorable Valentine’s Day Kit that includes a cheese and charcuterie board from Little Luna, Barefoot Florals arrangement and champagne cocktails. On February 13th, Galentine’s Day also gets a chance to shine at their pop up at Barefoot Floral from 11-4pm!

Buy your tickets to Pour Girl Galentine's Day pop up!

Book your virtual mixology class!

Charcuterie Heaven

If you want to indulge in delicious and aesthetically pleasing charcuterie boards, you can order them from several local businesses in Monterey! Little Luna Cheese Boards is partnered with Pour Girl and Barefoot Florals, featured in their Valentine’s Day kit and at the Galentine’s Day pop up. You can also order the beautiful sweet and savory cheese boards separately. Tables of Plenty is another blossoming small business creating eye-catching spreads of tasty treats!

To order from Little Luna Cheese Boards, email littlelunacheeseboards@gmail.com

To order from Tables of Plenty, message them on their Instagram page @tablesofplenty

Pre-Ordered Takeout

Save yourself from cooking an intricate Valentine’s Day dinner for your loved ones and support your favorite local businesses at the same time!

Alta Bakery is offering a luscious multi-course spread for two, with a light and flavorful salad, beef wellington for the main course, chocolate pot de creme for a rich finish, as well as banana bread for the morning after!

For the meat lovers out there, Baker’s Bacon is showcasing multiple mouthwatering Valentine’s Day boxes to choose from!

Ad Astra Bread Co. is flaunting their enticing selection of sweets and pastries for their pre-order menu, everything from banana cream trifle, to tea cakes, to heart shaped pretzels!

There are countless other bakeries, restaurants and coffee shops offering amazing deals, support your favorite places and avoid the Valentine’s Day crowds by pre-ordering take out!

Order from Alta Bakery!

Order from Baker's Bacon!

Order from Ad Astra Bread Co.

Support Local Artists for your gifts this year!

The arts community has suffered greatly during this pandemic. Look to your local jewelry makers, musicians, artists as an amazing way to give meaningful gifts and support hard working artists striving to express creativity during a time when we need it the most!

Visit Venture Gallery's website for gift inspiration!

Check out The Shop Monterey for unique gift ideas!

And of course, our Monterey Bay Food Tours Marketplace!

We are also offering special Valentine’s Day gift boxes on our online store! Forever supporting your favorite local businesses, our Vday Boxes have all the best goodies to ship in and out of state, including delivery for local orders. And now that the Shelter in Place has been lifted, our food tours are back with gusto! You can book tours now or buy gift certificates for future visits to Monterey!

Visit our online store to order your Valentine's Day gift box!

Book a food tour!

Procrastinators everywhere, take a deep breath, now you have options and still a little time! Above all else, we hope that you are able to cherish your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, virtually or in person!

Happy Valentine’s Day, from Monterey Bay Food Tours!

With most of the world on hold while we wait for waves of Covid to pass us by, we've been looking for ways to feel like life is normal for just a bit. Luckily, the world of sports has kept turning and gives us an escape from the DIY crafts and Netflix we've been filling our time with.

For this week’s post we scouted around and found a handful of great locally owned restaurants with outdoor TV's. Get your jersey on and your air-five's warmed up, these five places are ranked in order of the number of TV's on their patios, with a bit of a surprise for the last one!

Gusto Pizza and Pasta

1901 Fremont Blvd, Seaside

If Pizza's your go to, you need to check out Gusto! Located on Fremont Blvd in Seaside, this gem of a restaurant produces some of the finest pizza and pasta in the bay. They adapted well to the changing times by putting up a large tent, complete with heaters and two flat-screen TV's.

They're really leaning into being one of the best places to watch the games by offering specials which let you save a few bucks on appetizers, a $10 pepperoni pizza and $6 beers on Thursdays, as well as a Sunday brunch. 

Sur Burger

409 Alvarado St., Monterey

If you're looking for a quick bite and don't want to miss any of the action, head over to Sur Burger on Alvarado Street. It's no secret that they're turning out great food, but they've recently placed a TV in their window, so diners on their patio can glance up at the score while marveling at how good a burger and fries can taste.

Mulligan Public House

5th and Dolores, Carmel By-The-Sea

Mulligan’s in Carmel really nailed it as far as the sports atmosphere goes. Their selection of American comfort food, an $8 Tullamore dew Irish coffee for those early games, and a beer and bacon flight (three types of bacon, three beers....thank us later) all pair perfectly with their three TV's spread out between two dog friendly patios.

Carmel might not be the first place you think about when it comes to sports, but Mulligan's has what it takes to be our new Sunday hangout!

*They open at 9 AM on weekends, so you'll have plenty of time to get a spot before the morning games start!

Melville Tavern

484 Washington St., Monterey

One of our favorite stops on the Old Monterey Food Tour is Melville Tavern. The old brick building sets the scene for some classic American cuisine. Easily approachable and always delicious, you really can't go wrong here. If you're out to share a plate we recommend trying out a pizza from their new pizza oven, but at some point you have to try their meatloaf (trust us on this one).

*They've flipped a TV around in order to show the games on the patio. To avoid any glare from the window in between the TV and patio, we recommend heading here for the night games!

Big Sur Taphouse

47520 CA-1, Big Sur

Nestled among the redwoods in the iconic little town of Big Sur, the Big Sur Taphouse is the watering hole of choice for many hikers and road trippers passing through.

It feels a bit strange driving for the better part of an hour with no cell phone service, only to end up in front of a flat-screen TV in a forest, but thanks to the magic of satellites we can have a scenic drive, a walk in the woods and be drinking some great craft beer in time for kickoff.

If you want to earn your lunch, there is a mile long trail known by locals as “Taphouse Trail” which winds through Pfieffer Canyon, bookended by the Taphouse and Pfieffer State Park. It's a wonderful shaded walk, crossing streams and meadows through redwood stands, and a perfect start or end to any relaxing day on the Taphouse deck.

So there you have it! From an Irish pub in downtown Carmel to a Taphouse on the edge of nowhere, you have plenty of options for places to escape for a bit and have something to cheer for.

About the author: I'm Luke Young. I started Local Thrive as a way to unite a community in Monterey, and to leverage the power of the group to make it easier to live well here! My goal is to use Local Thrive as a vehicle to create some positive change (15% of the proceeds will go to two local non-profits). I've lived in a lot of places and i've never loved anywhere as much as I love Monterey County. Nobody needs to make this place cool, I'd just like to make it more affordable.

You can find me on Instagram @my_local_ thrive or find me at Alvarado Street Brewery, where i'm slinging beers in the back yard damn near erry day.

Monterey County hosts a large variety of vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms that attract wine lovers from all over. The Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) offers bus line 24, nicknamed the Grapevine Express, that follows a delightful route to your favorite tasting rooms! The Grapevine Express is a simple, cost effective way to visit all of the unique wineries in Carmel Valley and Carmel-by-the-Sea. We were able to try out the Grapevine Express and spent a lovely afternoon wine tasting at three incredible tasting rooms in Carmel-by-the-Sea!

All the information regarding the Grapevine Express’ schedule and route can be found here. This document features year round time schedules, including holidays, as well as a complete list of all the wineries you are able to visit! With COVID-19 precautions in mind, the bus will only carry five people at one time and face masks must be worn at all times. 

Blair Estate

The Blair family has been making artisanal wines from Arroyo Seco for five generations! We tried a large variety of white wines and Pinot Noirs that have aged spectacularly in the past few years. The passion for the terroir shines through their wine, the Blair Estate website provides in depth details and history of their vineyards. Or if you’re lucky enough to bump into owner Jeffrey Blair, you will receive fascinating information first hand. All of the wines on our tasting flight have their grapes sourced from Delfina’s Vineyard, named after Jeffrey’s grandmother. With the exception of the 2015 Morgantini Pinot Noir, the Morgantini Estate is only 10 miles away from Delfina’s Vineyards but thrives in its own interesting micro climate!

• 2018 Pinot Noir Rose

• 2017 Chardonnay

• 2016 Pinot Gris

• 2016 Chardonnay

• 2015 Morgantini Pinot Noir

• 2015 Delfina’s Pinot Noir

• 2015 Reserve Barrel Pinot Noir

Dawn’s Dream Winery

Dawn’s Dream is the perfect atmosphere to enjoy delicious wine and support a myriad of good causes! Started by Dawn Galante back in 2012, Dawn’s Dream is a winery committed to more than just good wine. A percentage of each profit is donated to support local and global non-profit organizations! Organizations include Rising International, Voices for Children of Monterey County, Boys and Girls Club and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Another unique aspect of the wine selection are the Pinot Noirs, named after each of Dawn’s daughters (I definitely took a bottle of “Nicole” Pinot Noir home with me). Stick around for the “Eliza Jane” Reserve Barrel Pinot Noir, named after her granddaughter!

• 2018 Chardonnay

• 2019 Pinot Noir Rose (consistently award winning!)

• 2018 “Rachel” Pinot Noir

• 2018 “Alyssa” Pinot Noir

• 2018 “Eliza Jane” Reserve Barrel Pinot Noir

Scheid Vineyards

Our last tasting took place at Scheid Vineyards tasting room. Some of our previous Old Monterey Food Tour participants may recognize the name from a visit to Paluca Trattoria, where we sample a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc on Sal’s gorgeous patio! Al Scheid began his journey in the wine industry in 1972 by initially supplying grapes for other wineries, Scheid now consists of 12 estate vineyards in the Salinas Valley. The wines we sampled offered a large variety of interesting grapes, with a bonus pour of their “Isabelle” Sparkling Wine. Named after Al’s mother, these grapes come from their smallest vineyard of just 2 ½ acres, Isabelle’s Vineyard.

• 2018 Gruner Veltliner

• 2019 Pinot Noir Rose

• 2017 Merlot

• 2016 Touriga Nacional

• 2014 Reserve Barrel Claret

All three of these wineries have stories and backgrounds just as unique as the wines themselves! We highly recommend exploring more of  the tasting rooms on the list, remembering to start earlier in the afternoon, as many of the tasting rooms are known to close in the early evening. Only $2.50 for a bus ticket, wine tasting becomes incredibly accessible to wine lovers everywhere! There is far more to discover, taste and enjoy through the Grapevine Express!

However, if you’re not much of a drinker, especially of the bourbon flavor, that word might leave you confused and wondering why anybody would want to consume something with such a sour name.

There is oh so much more to bitters than just a name that might be a tad off putting. This week, we’re going to fill you in on some of the benefits to bitters, and why it’s so much more than just an add-on to some cocktails.

What is Bitters?

That being said, we still can’t dance around the definition of bitters, which, according to Dictionary.com, is as follows:

“A liquid, often an alcoholic liquor, in which bitter herbs or roots have steeped, used as a flavoring, especially in mixed drinks, or as a tonic.”

As you can see, the “bitter” word derives from the herbs and roots that have steeped into the flavor. Adding in this botanical flavor helps characterize the bittersweet or sometimes harsh flavor.

Will I Get Drunk Off Bitters?

Bit of an interesting question here with a complex, yet straightforward answer:

Yes, but no.

Yes in that, while bitters is typically comprised of about 45% alcohol, the truth is, you usually only put a few dashes in here or there for flavor, not additional alcohol.

The “no” of the answer comes from that same idea, in that you’d probably have to drink half a bottle of bitters, at least, before you started to feel the affects of the alcohol. Besides, the taste that isn’t exactly the best on its own, and you’re more likely to get sick before you get drunk, so it’s probably not worth it.

Compare it to something like peppermint extract that is 89% alcohol. You can certainly get drunk off a little bottle of that, but… would you?

What Flavors Are There?

That depends on a myriad of different factors, not least of all who you buy it through.

The most popular brands like Angostura and Fee Brothers that you see in most bars have quite a variety to choose from. As for us, we love the choices we get from The Bitter Ginger, but more on him in just a minute.

When we’re choosing our favorite flavors, we oscillate between chocolate, orange, or cherry flavored bitters for our main choices.

When we’re feeling a little adventurous, we’re always happy to throw in a little lavender, or even the “Zen Buddha” bitters from The Bitter Ginger.

What Are the Health Benefits?

Oddly enough, this little add-on that’s meant to enhance the flavors of your alcohol beverages actually does an equally great number on curing the headache you might find the next day.

Outside of that, there are actual health benefits you can receive from use of bitters, even when you use it in a nonalcoholic beverage.

While you should never rely on bitters itself as an end-all be-all cure, it can help with digestive issues and assist you with unwanted inflammation. Additionally, it aids in removing toxins from the liver, which may have had quite a dance with the bitters the night before and might need that extra relief.

If you struggle with overeating, it can also help you control and maintain your diet because some of the stimulates inside of bitters help suppress your appetite. Again, though, do not rely on bitters to be the only thing in your diet. It’s an add-on, not a main dish.

Where Can I Buy Bitters?

Anywhere and everywhere, but we’d sure love it if you could buy some in our online store.

If not from there, we still encourage you to head on over to The Bitter Ginger and give his flavors a try.

Outside of that, any grocery or liquor store should have more than one option of bitter flavors.

The Bitter Ginger

Producing small batch and handcrafted bitters straight from the Big Sur Coastline, The Bitter Ginger has rapidly become our favorite source for bitters.

After the owner, Brian Mazurek, saw a need to push the bar program at the Sierra Mar restaurant he managed at the Post Ranch Inn, his interest in producing bitters piqued. Living out on a citrus farm in Big Sur helped him get access to the fruits needed to start his experimentations, and he’s always pushing the boundaries of flavor and customizing his bitters options.

If the ingredients in the bitters don’t come straight out of the Apple Pie Ranch in Big Sur, they’re at least locally and organically sourced, so you already know only the best is going into this product.

Do you like bitters? If you do, which is your favorite flavor? If not, what about it doesn’t tickle your tastebuds? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re living in or visiting the Monterey Bay, we’ve compiled a list of a few (socially distant) activities you can look into for your celebration. Keep in mind, we are living in the world of COVID, and at the drop of a dime, things can change, or be canceled, or perhaps even opened up even further, although that last idea is more wishful thinking these days. Regardless, with safety matters at play, we trust the following events will survive through the weekend:

Enjoy a Drive-In Movie

Say what you will about old-school drive-in movies where you sit in your car and tune into a radio station for the audio, but we are all for the return of this type of movie-viewing! On July 3rd and 4th, Hyundai and Chevrolet in Seaside have put together a special event to enjoy classic fair food and movies! You can check out the full list of movie showings here, but for Independence Day weekend, we’ve got Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark on Friday, followed by Angry Birds 2 and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade on Saturday. There are two showings for each movie, and following the final showing of the Last Crusade sees a streamed-in fireworks show.

Even better? You can pre-order a concessions package with popcorn, water, cotton candy, Red Vines, and Junior Mints for $20. You can also pre-order a bottle of Josh Cellars chardonnay or pinot noir with four glasses. Sounds good to us! You can order your tickets here, and just keep in mind that there’s a limit to 75 cars per showing. If this is something you’d like to do, we recommend purchasing the tickets while you still can!

Drive and Dine at the Same Time

Even if you have to stay six feet away from your friends, you can still have a great time hanging out in the comfort of your own car. This year, the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Drive and Dine to celebrate the 4th of July and showcase local restaurants and eateries. There will also be a few live musicians filling the streets up with music, as well as a shirt giveaway from participating restaurants. Feel free to order your food for “dine in” via your car, and take it to go and enjoy it from your home.

The event itself is free, so if you need nothing more than just a good excuse to get out of the house and drive around a little, this is the option for you! Plus, some of our favorite Pacific Grove restaurants — like Wild Fish, Crema, and Toasties — are all part of the participants list. We’ve missed all of the businesses that have had their doors closed during quarantine, and we’re more than ready to start getting back into supporting them any way we can!

Monterey County Pops! Celebrates Freedom

Every year, the orchestra that make up Monterey County Pops! gathers together for a live performance to celebrate our Independence Day. This year, COVID isn’t going to stop the performance — but it is going to limit it to your television screen. The “POPS! Celebrates Freedom” concert will be broadcast live at 1 p.m. on Comcast Channel 24, or live streamed on the Pops! website.

The orchestra showcases the local talent of 38 members from a wide variety of different ages and backgrounds. This one-hour show includes classic patriotic favorites like You’re a Grand Old Flag, God Bless America, and the 1812 Overture. You can also get your feet moving with upbeat classics like Sabre Dance, Yankee Doodle Dandee, and Bohemian Rhapsody. If you’ve come from the Drive and Dine in Pacific Grove, this is a great segue between that and the Drive-In Movie you’ve got planned later tonight.

Also, Going Out to Eat is a Thing Again

Businesses are steadily opening, and we’re hoping that continues. As we stated, things change on an almost-daily basis, and after one round of quarantine and isolation, we’ve all learned that anything is possible. For now, however, we’re excited at the opportunities we have to be able to go out and enjoy a good meal with friends, regardless of the necessity of masks or social distancing. Sometimes sitting six feet away is better than being confined in your own house!

If you’re looking for a restaurant to enjoy a good, hearty, Independence Day breakfast or dinner, most of the restaurants are now open for business. There might be an operating hour change here or there, but since the 4th falls on a Saturday this year, we don’t expect there to be too much difficulty finding a place to eat. If you’re still leery about dine-in, take out and delivery are still always options, as well (like with the Drive and Dine). We’ll take any excuse we can get to support our local businesses and keep them thriving!

However, A Few Things to Remember…

We all want to get out and have a great time, but just a few things to keep in mind for this holiday celebration:

1. Please remain socially distant. Whether you’re going to a restaurant, taking advantage of a drive-in, or inviting a friend or two over for a beer, please remember that we’re still in the midst of a world-wide pandemic. It may seem like a distant memory, but please remember it is not yet. Have a great time, but keep your distance.

2. No fireworks. This isn’t necessarily anything “new” for Monterey, but it is just a friendly reminder.

3. Stay healthy. Social activity is vital for our health, but just stay safe, stay smart, and stay healthy. The grand majority of these events (outside of physically going to a restaurant) are designed to be enjoyed from your own “bubble,” so take advantage.

4. Have fun! We’re in trying times, but that’s no reason to keep ourselves from finding joy in even the littlest things.

What are you planning on doing for 4th of July? Any local event we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Order Him a Kit for a Cooking Class

This year, My Local Thrive is working alongside Pure Love Food Company for a live cook-along special on Father’s Day. The class is run by Chef Christian Morando, who trained out in San Francisco and worked his way through the Carmel restaurant scene before opening Pure Love. The class features an optional kit you can pre-order that has everything you need for the class, and is aired on Facebook and Instagram. However, those who have purchased the kit receive a Zoom invite that allows for a more interactive experience.

Father’s Day is the eighth in a series of online cooking courses, and each session teaches a new skill and kitchen trick. For this one, get ready to learn all you need to know about braised short ribs, slow cooked ahead of time and finished in the oven, smoked garlic mashed potatoes, and bacon Brussels sprouts. For this particular class, the aim is to make it more accessible to all different skill levels in the kitchen while still making a supremely delicious meal.

In addition to the meal, you can also take advantage of an at-home Father’s Day Wine Tasting through Integrity wine. You can order the kit for that here.

Grab Him One of Our Gift Baskets

If you love Monterey as much as we do (or if, even better, your dad is a huge fan,) consider gifting him one of our Father’s Day Monterey-themed gift packages.

Our first, the “Father’s Day Monterey Bay in a Box” features seven different local products, including locally roasted coffee from Captain and Stoker, beer-flavored chocolates from Heritage Chocolates Corralitos, hand-blended sea salts from Big Sur Salts, bitters from The Bitter Ginger, old world style all natural uncured salami from Foustman’s Salami, lemon dill marinated garlic from the Joseph Boston Store, and cowboy rub from Gil’s Gourmet made specifically for us. This box is $80 and includes free shipping. The chocolate can only be shipped to California addresses, but if your dad is outside of California we’ll substitute something of equal value.

Our second, the “Father’s Day Taste Monterey Bay in a Box” has a selection that might change based on availability. However, you can expect products similar to our other gift basket with a food-only focus that comes with five products instead of seven. This box is $60 plus shipping.

Enjoy Some Sunshine Picnics

Even though social distancing and large groups are still difficult to maneuver around, consider taking your dad and a few of your family members out for a good, old-fashioned picnic. Perhaps you can take the freshly cooked meal you’ve prepared in the cooking class or one of our Father’s Day gift baskets out to help make your meal that much more special with a personalized touch. You can even take advantage of Puma Road’s penny shipping across the country if you want to grab some wine for the excursion.

Assuming things will continue to, or stay, open after June 12, consider having a nice beachside picnic at Lover’s Point. Escape some of the traffic and go for a nice walk in the Jack’s Peak trails and eat lunch at one of the tables in the parking lots. Perhaps you can even take a little day trip down to Big Sur and eat by a river or on a rocky cliff overlooking a view that’s hard to find anywhere else. Just remember to keep it small, maintain your distance, and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Oh, My… An Actual Restaurant

If you had to stop and read that twice, we promise — you read it right the first time! That’s right, as of June 12, businesses (including restaurants) are finally opening up back for public business, and what better a way to celebrate Dad than get him and the family out and about after quarantine.

Esteban Restaurant at Hotel Casa Munras has a full Father’s Day weekend special, serving Paella dish with duck, sausage, mussels, and prawns for $42. Better yet, this is a dine-in only option, which is something we weren’t sure we’d ever be able to say again. Apart from some shorter hours and smaller staff sizes, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a place to enjoy a meal out and about. Don’t forget that mask!

Snag Him a Gift Card For the Future

Living in the world of Covid means things change on a daily basis, and it can still be hard to make plans, even if it’s only a week or two out. Although businesses are starting to open, we’ve all learned that could change in a blink, and plans we’ve made may end up having to be canceled. If you’re leery about making any plans outside of your house to celebrate Father’s Day, we still highly encourage people to purchase gift cards from local businesses so celebrations can recommence once the world has opened back up.

If Dad has a sweet tooth, consider getting him a gift card to a candy shop like IT’SUGAR on Cannery Row. If he likes outdoorsy things, maybe he’ll like a day out on a kayak or a bike through Adventures by the Sea. Maybe his favorite restaurant is closed still, so consider a gift card somewhere like Epsilon Fine Greek Restaurant or Paluca Trattoria. Perhaps he was previously interested in one of our food tours, so you can give both him and mom a gift — especially since we’re back open for small tours of 2 to 8 people. One way or another, things will eventually go back to normal, and even if you don’t want to plan for now, there’s always room to plan for the future.

What do you have planned for Father’s Day? We know we’re happy to be able to get back out an about! Let us know what you’ve got in mind in the comments!