2008-01-09T20:45:59-08:00
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<p>Especially for any of my "left coast" friends, this area is a must see, must do.</p><p> </p><p>1. <b>Moss Landing</b>/Castroville</p><ul><li>Fabulous artichokes, strawberries and more </li><li>Mexican food that rocks at<b> <a target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.wenchilada.com/" href="http://www.wenchilada.com/">"The Whole Enchilada"</a></b></li></ul><p> </p><p>2.<b> Castroville Artichoke Festival in May 19-20</b> make plans now!</p><ul><li>The first Artichoke Queen was a girl by the name of Norma Jean in 1948. Yep, that's Marilyn Monroe to those in the know.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>3. Monterey/Monterey Bay Aquarium </p><ul><li>The Monterey Bay Aquarium is fabulous and breathtaking. </li><li>The town is lovely to walk around.</li><li>Terrific Barbecue (I know! In Monterey!) at<a target="_blank" mce_href="http://restauranteur.com/willyssmokehouse/" href="http://restauranteur.com/willyssmokehouse/"> Willy's</a>!</li><li>The Annual <b><a href="http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/cooking/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/cooking/">"Cooking for Solutions"</a> </b>event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is May 16-17th. I'll be there sharing and learning about Sustainable Seafood.<br> </li></ul><p> </p>
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2008-01-09T20:51:07-08:00
One perfect artichoke. Any roadside stand holds yummy treasures: artichokes the size of grapefruits; luscious strawberries the size of tennis balls. Amazing.
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2008-01-09T20:48:56-08:00
Stand in the Jellies' room..darkened, yet illuminated by walls of tanks with gently undulating Jellies floating by.
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2008-01-09T20:53:06-08:00
California Poppies line the roadside.
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2008-01-09T21:06:19-08:00
Terrific Food Here. Not to be missed.
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2008-01-09T21:09:05-08:00
Did I mention the MARGARITAS?
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2008-01-09T21:14:42-08:00
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa is luxurious. There's a rooftop gym, spa and pool. Or, open your balcony doors, listen to the seals and order room service.
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2008-01-09T21:19:02-08:00
Artichokes everywhere. For an East Coast girl - this is heaven on earth!
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2008-01-09T21:20:33-08:00
Never far from the water. The whole drive is gorgeous.
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2008-01-09T21:23:45-08:00
The Town that Artichokes Built
The annual festival is in mid-May.
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