PGIF: Summer Time and Traveling Is Easy!! Especially when it’s Free!

This summer in Monterey, avoid parking fees, traffic congestion and gas usage by taking the MST Trolley!!!  It’s free and the absolute best way to get around the city of Monterey.  The free MST Trolley operates on a daily basis starting Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The route serves Downtown Monterey, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Look for the green MST Trolley signs to board along the route. 

The Pacific Grove Inn is one mile walk away from Cannery row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  Guests can choose to stroll along the bike path beside beautiful Monterey Bay or they can choose to wander down Lighthouse Ave where one can find numerous shops, restaurants and antique stores to peruse while heading toward Cannery Row.

Also, sure to check out the following exciting events happening in and around the Monterey/Pacific Grove area for the rest of July and August:

Now – July 28, 2012 – 75th Annual Carmel Bach Festival

Set in the heart of the magnificent Central California coastline, a visit to the Carmel Bach Festival is an experience of beauty in many forms-stunning natural landscapes, historic architecture, breathtaking ocean views, exotic flora, and of course, glorious music-making. Enjoy five-star lodging, award-winning restaurants, champion golf courses, spas, wine tasting, nature hikes, art galleries, and shoppingﾗplus the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row. World-class music tops off this feast for the senses and the spirit!

July 19, 2012 – July 22, 2012 – Salinas Rodeo at the Salinas Sports Complex

The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas and the West.

July 25, 2012 – July 29, 2012 – Feast of Lanterns

For over one hundred years the citizens of Pacific Grove have celebrated its history and culture with a summer festival called the Feast of Lanterns. This Festival has evolved over its 100-plus year history from the ceremonial end to the Chautauqua Assembly with a lantern parade to the beach and fireworks over the bay to a multi-cultural community event filled with entertainment. 

July 27, 2012 – July 29, 2012 –  Red Bull United States Grand Prix featuring the MotoGP World Championship

MotoGP is the world’s premier motorcycling championship at the Mazda Raceway in Laguna Seca, with a season of 18 Grand Prix race weekends in 15 countries bringing together the world’s top motorcycle manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati – plus an elite list of riders from every corner of the globe.

August 7th from 4pm to 7pm – Old Monterey Farmer’s Market

The Old Monterey Farmers Market, established in 1991, comprises of 3.5 city blocks and runs year-round rain or shine. During the summer it’s the largest gathering of people in Monterey County, attracting more that 10,000 locals and tourists in one location. You can travel the world in just three blocks, finding arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, furniture, clothing, international food, organic produce, flowers, and pastries.

August 13, 2012 – August 19, 2012 – Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Each year the Pebble Beach Concours dﾒElegance welcomes a host of visitors from around the world to its annual celebration of the automobile.

August 17, 2012 – PG Concours Auto Rally

Pacific Grove Youth Action, Inc. (PGYA) is a local non-profit organization which has put on the Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally since its inception in 1995. Since that time PGYA has assisted the youth of Pacific Grove by sponsoring after school tutoring and programs at the PG Youth Center. Our fund-raising event is the Concours Auto Rally which is held on the Friday afternoon and evening of the Concours weekend.

The Jellies Experience Opens March 31st at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

We received this in our email box from the Monterey Bay Aqurium and we are SO excited for this exhibit!!!!!!Come and book your stay at the Pacific Grove Inn and purchase your tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and recieve VIP Access to the Aquarium, along with a special 2 day pass for the price of one!!!

A World of Mind-Bending Beauty We invite you to enter the magical world of jellies—graceful, dancing drifters that pulse and glow, flash colorful lights and often pack a powerful sting. You can see them in all their psychedelic glory when “The Jellies Experience” opens on March 31. Our newest special exhibition combines 16 of the most beautiful jelly species from around the world with unusual interactive displays highlighting the intriguing lives of these unlikely animals: their graceful movements, beautiful symmetry, deceptive fragility and surprising survival skills. Learn more about “The Jellies Experience.”         Blubber jelly     Flower hat jelly

PGIF: The Longer You Stay, The Less You Pay!

In the month of March, take advantage of special discounted rates when you extend your stay!  You can put your savings towards a trip to the Aquarium, a day of Whale Watching, a round of Golf or right back into your pocket!  From March 1 – March 31st,  you can benefit from one of the following specials:

Stay 2 Nights – Get 15% Off Your Stay

Stay 3 Nights – Get 20% Off Your Stay

Call us directly at 831-375-2825 to book your stay, or click on the link below!

BOOK NOW

 

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PGI Now Available to Book through Facebook and Upcoming Monterey Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

Happy Tuesday to all~

We are very happy to announce that we have just added a new Book Now button for Pacific Grove Inn onto our Facebook page!  We’re super excited about this and wanted to share with everyone! You can check it out for yourself here!

The Pacific Grove Inn is offering a 10% off special through the month of March!  To reserve your stay, you can call us directly at 831-375-2825, visit us on our website or visit our Facebook Page! 😉

Also, there are some great events coming up that you won’t want to miss out on!

On March 6th, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones are going to be performing at the Sunset Center in Carmel by the Sea, April 19-22 brings us back the annual Sea Otter Classic at the Laguna Seca Raceway, April 29th welcomes back the Big Sur Marathon and May 18-20 brings the Ferrari Racing Days at Leguna Seca!

Make sure you plan ahead and book your reservation today, as we expect to sell out for all the events mentioned above!

$65 Special This Week Only at PGI!

Special $65 rate going out to all our beloved family and friends this week only, Dec 12 – 15th!! 

This stay will include a beautifully decorated historic bedroom with King or Queen sized bed, complimentary wireless internet access, exquisit Gourmet Breakfast cooked to order each morning of your stay, afternoon wine and cheese reception and fresh baked cookies in the evening. 

To take advantage of this special offer, you must call the Inn directly at 831-375-2825 to book your reservation.  Add on any of the following fantastic specials listed below to this incredible offer as well. Simply inquire with our front desk staff at the time of booking!

Special Rate does not include taxes or fees and is based on double occupancy in Standard King or Queen room.  Limited time offer. Available while inventory lasts. 

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Monterey Bay Aquarium

Join us and experience the wonders of ocean life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The living beauty of our ocean planet is on display at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, considered the best in the world!  You’ll explore the hidden universe in Monterey Bay, from shallow tide pools, and lush kelp forests to the vast open ocean.  Changing specials exhibitions feature marine life from around the world.  It’s a place like no other, with a million-gallon indoor ocean, a living kelp forest, jewel-box exhibits that reveal the delicate beauty of colorful sea creatures.  Get close to playful sea otters and delicate jellies, powerful sharks, charming penguins and elusive octopus.  Get in touch with sea life, too, with hands-on exhibits, aquarium adventures and daily programs. Come discover a new world at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

If you are interested in purchasing our special two-day VIP Access tickets to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the same price as you would pay for a regular ticket normally, you will have the option to include them at the time of booking your reservation.

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Two-Hour Kayak Adventure

Select from one of the following two tours.  Both offered daily year round at 10:00, 12:00 & 2:00.  Be sure to indicate your tour selection and preferred time in your reservation comments.

ELKHORN SLOUGH ADVENTURE TOUR: The 2nd largest estuary in California, this short tour is a perfect, quick getaway for beginners to discover the wonderful sea otters, seals, sea lions and variety of shorebirds. Especially recommended for families with younger children ages 3 and up. Includes sit-on-top double or triple kayaks, wetsuit or paddling jackets and pants, life jackets and all kayak gear.

MONTEREY HARBOR ADVENTURE TOUR: This short tour is a perfect getaway for everyone to discover the Monterey Harbor and beyond! Monterey provides wonderful wildlife experience as you paddle around sea otters, kelp beds, harbor seals, sea lions and shorebirds. No experience required and especially recommended for families with children 3 yrs and up. Includes sit-on-top double or triple kayak, wetsuit, paddling jacket, life jacket and all kayak gear. Wear bathing suit, quick drying clothing, water shoes and hat.

Should you be interested in either of these tours, you will have the option to purchase them at the time of booking your reservation.

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Special Occasion Package

Celebrating an anniversary, birthday or simply want to add a special touch to your stay?  Book this package and a beautiful and delectable six-inch cake will be waiting in your room to celebrate your special occasion!  We have six delectable options for you to choose from: 

• St Michel Mini Cake – Chocolate cake with dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse and Grand Marnier
• Marquise Mini Cake – Chocolate cake, chocolate truffle cream
• Fraisier Mini Cake – Vanilla cake, vanilla custard, fresh strawberries
• Schuss Mini Cake – Lemon cake, raspberry mousse
• Brazilia Mini Cake – Coffee flavored cake, chocolate mousse
• White & Dark Covered Chocolate Strawberries

**Reservations for this package are not available for stays within 72 hours, as we must allow time to ensure your cake order be prepared for your arrival.**

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Pacific Grove Golf Links

Since its initial opening in 1932, the Pacific Grove Golf Links has enjoyed a rich and storied history.  The 18-hole layout, with a front nine that offers glimpses of Monterey Bay on fairways framed by Cypress Trees, and an ocean-side back nine cut through windswept dunes reminiscent of a traditional Scottish links, has delighted visitors and locals alike for over 75 years. 

Featuring a newly constructed, award-winning Golf Shop and Clubhouse, the Pacific Grove Golf Links pairs a historical playing experience with a modern twist.  The property, from the course to the Golf Shop to the Point Pinos Grill, encourage guests to “Experience golf as it should be”.  If it’s playing the great game of golf for the first time, or playing as a seasoned tournament player, guests of the Pacific Grove Golf links are sure to find everything they are looking for, and much more.

The Pacific Grove Golf Links is open sun-up to sun-down, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

An option to include a round of golf at the Pacific Grove Golf Links will be available to you at the time of booking your reservation.

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Monterey Whale Watching

Imagine being within feet of some of the most majestic, graceful, rare animals in the world.  In Monterey Bay you will be given the opportunity to experience sights that will create memories for a lifetime.  Princess Monterey Whale Watching is Monterey Bay’s leading company in narrated ocean and bay tours.  Specializing in natural history and biology of marine wild life; especially whales!  Whale watching tours are approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours in duration.  Advanced reservations are suggested to secure preferred dates and tour times.<

The option to purchase tickets to join the Princess Monterey Whale Watching experience will be presented to you at the time of booking your reservation.

PGIF: Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Walk!

Happy Holidays to everyone out there!!

So sorry to have gona MIA for the month of November!! We hope everyone had a wonderful November and fabulous Thanksgiving Holiday full of memories to last a lifetime!  We have lots of exciting new projects afoot at the Pacific Grove Inn, including some wonderful new special promotions being offered this month only!    But first, here are some wonderful events going on this month in Monterey that you should be aware of.

Dec 2nd – Steinbeck Center Features the Book Launch of Salinas-born author, James B. Golden’s 2nd Novel “Afro Clouds and Nappy Rain”

Tonight from 5PM to 8PM, The National Steinbeck Center’s December 2 First Friday event will feature the launch of Salinas-born author James B. Golden’s second book and the opening of the Mission San Antonio Padua Exhibition.

Afro Clouds and Nappy Rain, the newest book by award-winning author-poet-journalist James B. Golden introduces readers to Curtis Brown, an amalgamation of troubled young men Golden has worked with in the judicial system.

Golden views the National Steinbeck Center as “an integral part of Salinas and my development as a writer/scholar.” With the release of his newest book, the Salinas native has once again found a way to give voice to a population of young people who have remained silent for decades. Event Cost: Free.  For more information visit: http://www.steinbeck.org/

Dec 3rd – 18th Annual Stillwell Fun in the Park in Pacific Grove

Area residents young and old are invited for some wintry fun at Pacific Grove’s eighteenth annual Stillwell’s Fun in the park set for Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

Tommy Stillwell Court, located behind the Pacific Grove Post Office, 680 Lighthouse Avenue, will be full of kiddy rides and bounce houses.  The fun will also include a petting zoo, pony rides, as well as two trains that will travel around the park. Live entertainment will include the Tinsel Tones, and the Alli Clarke Band.

Other special big treats in store for the kids are Santa’s arrival at Noon, on a shiny Pacific Grove fire truck and a visit by the Snow Queen.  Refreshments will be served throughout the day.

For additional information: (831) 373-3304 or www.pacificgrove.org

Dec 10 – 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk at Lover’s Point Park 

Come and join the 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk from 8AM to 11AM on saturday, Dec 10th!  The Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce and Arthritis Foundation are starting a new tradition starting at Lover’s Point Park, walking distance from the Pacific Grove Inn!  Its a great fun and festive way to kick off the holidays with family, friends and co-workers!  Get a head start on your holiday feasting and burn some calories, tie some jingle bells to your shoes, and help raise some funds to support the foundation! 

15% Off Special at PGI for the Month of December

We are offering a special 15% off all reservations booked for the whole month of December!  Take advantage of this special offer and book your reservations today by calling us directly at 831-375-2825 or visit us online at: www.pacificgroveinn.com 

And remember, you can always add any of the following items onto your reservation at the time of booking:  Tickets to the Monterey bay aquarium,  Two-Hour Kayak Tour, Rounds of Golf for Pacific Grove Links, Special Occasion Cake or Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Whale Watching Tour

Still want to win a free night in Monterey?

We are so happy to have made so many new friends during our Facebook Win-A-Free-Night contest in September. If you missed it, you can still win a free night at PGI on Twitter!!

The rules are simple. First, follow @PacificGroveInn on Twitter, then retweet any of our tweets that have the #pacificgroveinn hashtag on them. Remember, you have to be a follower, and the tweet you RT should have the hashtag on it. (If you RT one of our tweets without it, it can still count as long as you add the hashtag to it.)

The contest will go until Wednesday, October 26. We’ll hold our random drawing and the winner will be announced the following Friday, October 28, at 12:00 noon.

Good luck to everyone and looking forward to meeting new friends on Twitter this month!

PGIF: It’s the weekend at Pacific Grove Inn

For film, music, art, and cuisine, Monterey has it all. Here’s a quick rundown of what to do in Monterey this weekend!

The Concerts in Carmel series continues today (Friday) @ Carmel Plaza. This week’s show stars musicians Lisa Taylor & SoulCity, Wrath Wines & Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, and Bistro Beaujolais. The featured charity is Kinship Center, an adoption and foster care organization in California. Come enjoy a fun evening and show your support!

The Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa also presents a concerts series each Friday this summer, starting at 5pm. A beautiful location on the beach near Cannery Row, it houses two waterfront restaurants: Schooners by the Bay, offering fresh seafood plus ‘Best Margarita’ and ‘Best Specialty Drink’ in the county; and The Duck Club Grill, an all-American dining experience with an exhibition kitchen and winning wine list.

If you’re looking for something fun the whole family can do together, the Monterey Museum of Art is opening up their La Mirada location for Family Day Photography, a full day of fun photographic memories, including portrait galleries to appear on the museum’s Facebook and Flickr pages, still life sketching, story time, and a scavenger hunt.

For the movie buff, this Saturday (August 13) Monterey welcomes legendary filmmaker, actor, and comedian John Waters (Cry-Baby, Hairspray) to the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur. It’s a rare opportunity for inside info, Q&A, comedy…and even a chance to meet and greet and have dinner with the guest star. Tickets are limited!

For those of you who love a great sale, check out the Pebble Beach Estate Sale happening all this weekend at 3197 Del Ciervo in Pebble Beach. Today’s tag sale is by private invitation only (2pm-6pm), but you can email info[at]pebblebeachestatesales.com for your tag. Shoppers can see en exquisite collection of French & European antiques, art, furniture, and much more!

For wine connoisseurs, this Saturday is the 19th Annual Winemakers’ Celebration, one of the biggest wine-tasting events in the county, at the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. Besides a sampling of over 200 local wines and treats from neighboring gourmet restaurants, you’ll have a chance to learn more about the fascinating business of winemaking from the pros. There’s even barrel building, live music, and a silent auction.

To get a preview of Saturday’s outdoor festival, stop by Taste Morgan, one of the event’s featured wineries, for Fromage Fridays. Located in Carmel’s Crossroads Shopping Village, visitors here can get a compelling taste of local vintages from a source of certified organic grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

And of course, for those in town, Pacific Grove Inn offers an outstanding pairing of flavors at our afternoon wine reception every day from 4-5pm.

Come indulge your eyes, ears, and appetite the Monterey way in a wonderful weekend of surf, sand, music, and gourmet tastes!

PGIF: Kicking off the weekend in Pacific Grove

It’s the weekend at Pacific Grove Inn! Lots to do in Monterey this weekend…here are just a few highlights.

Looking for something fun to do with your family? MY Museum (Monterey County Youth Museum) is gearing up for a fantastic fall with their Back to School Bonanza, today from 3-5pm. Decorate backpack tags, catch up on the latest school supplies, and have a blast getting set as the back-to-school countdown begins.

Or if you’re in the mood for a musical, head down to the Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater for your favorite show tunes in BROADWAY: A Musical. Experience the classics from Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, Grease, and more right on Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Concerts in Carmel concert series kicks off tonight at Carmel Plaza. Every Friday (except August 19) from now through September 30 will feature world-class musicians, a sampling of the best local wines and bites, and a special Monterey charity.

And speaking of concerts, there’s nothing better than an evening of music by the Bay. At the Evenings by the Bay concert series hosted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, two unique worlds unite, combining the talent of Monterey Jazz Festival musicians with gourmet food and wine, a peaceful atmosphere, and the breath-taking galleries of our fantastic aquarium. Bump elbows with a California Sea Lion, or toast to a Northern Elephant Seal in an unforgettable evening of friendship and fun. Book a Monterey Bay Aquarium package at PGI and get two days’ admission for the price of one!

Enjoy the town tonight…we’ll leave the light on for you.

The History of the Pacific Grove Inn

We are often asked how our hotel was started, and how long we have been a part of this neighborhood. Pacific Grove itself dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has been home at different times to William Adam, Charles B. Judson, John Steinbeck, and other artists. The homes themselves date back almost as far! Here is a little background on our Bed & Breakfast on the Monterey Bay…

Buck Mansion

Frank L. Buck with his wife.

Our history begins in 1904, when the front house of Pacific Grove Inn was built by Frank LaVerne Buck. Buck was born in Huron County, Ohio, and spent much of his life traveling with his family, engaged in a grocery business and farming. The Buck family traveled from Ohio to Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota, and in 1900, seven years after leaving his homestate, Buck and his wife moved to California. After initially arriving in Los Angeles, they traveled through San Jose and San Francisco before reaching Pacific Grove the following summer.

It was here where Buck met Tom Work, owner of the T.A. Work Company, and purchased a half-interest in Tom’s business. He became Vice President three years later. In 1904, Buck built this lovely home, which he traded later for a fig & grape ranch near Fresno County. He also headed up the very first Board of Trade for Pacific Grove, serving the office for three years.

Tuttle Cottage

The Tuttle Cottage is the second half of our Bed & Breakfast. This home was built and owned by Charles Kirkham Tuttle, a Pacific Grove pharmacist and photographer. Tuttle was born in Benicia, CA, the second youngest in a family of four children. He began his pharmaceutical studies right out of high school at 16, and after graduating from college in 1879, he managed a drug store in Salinas, CA for J. C. Scott Tuttle. He moved to Pacific Grove in 1887 due to failing health, but decided to stay on and became involved with civic work, as well as serving on the City’s Board of Trustees for years. An avid photographer, Tuttle distributed his photos of landscapes and scenery along with his prescriptions to patrons of his lighthouse drug store.