Don’t Miss…

With its name coming from the ancient Greek for “anti-depressant,” Nepenthe Restaurant is the most inspirational perch to view Big Sur. From the largest selection of local Santa Lucia Highlands wines, their house Pinot Noir is vibrantly ripe and plummy, and pairs with an Ambrosia Burger of ground steak. These are the keys to sitting by the patio fire pit and looking out over the ocean in wonderment. Monterey is home to a thriving microbrewery scene. A beer flight at Peter B’s Brewpub offers five four-ounce samplers including Legend of Laguna IPA with floral aromas and a cannabis finish; or Dancing Goat, a Russian Imperial, subtly dry and fruity with aromas of espresso and chocolate.

At Alvarado Street Brewery & Grill, the fermentation tanks funnel directly to the taps for bright, citric, experimental, west coast IPAS. Try infusions like Thai Chili or Kaffir Lime. This is the home of the legendary Monterey Pop Festival where, “Jimi Hendrix, baby believe me, set the world on fire.” Check out the celebrated Monterey Jazz Festival; the Annual Summer Live Music Series; the Blues, Brews and Barbeque Festival; and the Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival.