Category Archives: Events

Escape to Monterey Bay for a Fall Getaway

Posted on September 28, 2018

Just a two hour drive south from San Fransisco is the ideal location for the relaxing fall getaway you so richly deserve. If you like playing golf on championship level courses, tasting fine wines, eating at gourmet restaurants, attending fun festivals or exploring the natural beauty of the California coast, then Monterey is the place for you. And the best place to stay in Monterey to experience all of these iconic activities is Old Monterey Inn. Not only are the rooms luxurious and comfortable, but the expansive gardens and quiet neighborhood surrounding our Inn provide for a secluded and private feel, yet we’re just steps from restaurants and shopping. It’s a wonderful home base for exploring Monterey, Carmel and the Big Sur coastline.

Have Fun at 2018 Fall Festivals

There are so many things that make this area special, and we’re always excited to celebrate them! It seems like the Monterey area has a festival for every interest. For nature lovers, we celebrate the return of the Monarch Butterflies with the Monarch Parade & Bazaar on October 6th. For auto fans, the Pirelli World Challenge showcases long distance GT racing at the world famous Laguna Seca raceway from October 26th-28th. For foodies and wine lovers, venture down the coast for the fantastic Big Sur Food & Wine Festival from November 1st-4th. For country music fans, we’ve got the 20th Annual Monterey Cowboy Festival on November 3rd, with a great musical lineup featuring Jon Pardi! And finally for the running enthusiast, join us in the Monterey Bay Half Marathon on November 11th, where you’ll get up-close views of the exquisite coastline from Monterey and Pacific Grove.

Relax at Our On-Site Spa

Whether you’re planning to spend your days shopping in downtown Carmel, strolling down a local beach, or visiting the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, you’ll be happy to return for a relaxing treatment at our on-site spa in Monterey. We offer a variety of massages, facials, aromatherapy treatments and more for both singles and couples. Our professional therapists will make you look and feel your best before you head out for your evening on the town at one of the many fantastic restaurants near Monterey and Carmel.

Two people with Wine Glassses on the Beach

Go Wine Tasting Near Monterey

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Monterey as one of the “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations in the World” for good reason. We are home to over 55 tasting rooms and distinctly different wine growing regions. For a tasting tour that requires little planning, just hop on the Wine Trolley, they’ll pick you up just one mile from the Inn. The Carmel Valley offers a classic wine tasting experience with country roads to explore in between stops, while Carmel-by-the-Sea has several tasting rooms within walking distance of each other so you can sip, and then stroll. Or you can get the VIP treatment and take advantage of our Chauffeured Wine Tour Package! No matter which you chose, be sure you buy a bottle to enjoy at dinner that pairs well with our area’s fresh seafood and incredible local produce.

Explore the Outdoors

With our temperate climate, this season provides ideal weather for outdoor excursions. Whether you sign up for our Kayak Adventure Package, hit the greens for a round of golf, or venture south to Big Sur for a day hike, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the comfortable daytime temps. When you return in the evening from your active day, the mercury will drop just enough so that you can get cozy by the fireplace, which are featured in all of the romantic rooms at our Monterey bed and breakfast.

Get Ready for the Ultimate Monterey Getaway

Before winter sets in, make your way to the beautiful Monterey coast for a fun and relaxing getaway. Choose your favorite room with all of the luxury amenities needed to ensure an experience worth your time away. We’ll have the freshly baked cookies, hors d’oeuvres and wine waiting for you at our romantic bed and breakfast in Monterey.

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An Enchanting Elopement in the Monterey Bay

Posted on July 27, 2018

Now that you have fallen in love and become engaged, the next step in your happily-ever-after is a magical wedding. Let us help you celebrate your love and commitment to one another at our luxurious Monterey bed and breakfast. Our award-winning inn has earned national acclaim and was even featured on the Today Show as a romantic destination. So whether you’re imagining a private elopement with just the two of you or an intimate ceremony with up to 40 guests, we have the venue and package to make your special day unforgettable.

The Splendid Setting

Our glamorous estate provides the perfect backdrop for your intimate wedding or elopement. Nestled off the beaten path in the heart of Monterey, our peaceful Inn sits on over an acre of serenity. The estate features a whimsical garden that is reminiscent of a scene in a fairytale book, making it ideal for your storybook wedding. Age old oaks and majestic cedars watch over the formal English garden, complete with rose trees, fragrant lavender, vibrant flowers, and lively hummingbirds. Now picture just you and your best friend holding hands and delighting in your love for one other. When planning your big day, our experienced staff is here to give you suggestions regarding local vendors for catering, flowers, music, and any other detail you may have questions about. We are happy to to help you make your Monterey wedding everything you have dreamed of and more, so you can relax and savor every moment with your loved ones. Our unmatched wedding venue is guaranteed to create a memorable ceremony.

The Perfect Package

For an intimate ceremony for just the two of you with no distractions and no stress, we have handcrafted the ultimate Elopement Package. This package includes two nights for the special couple in our best available suite at the time of check-in. We will provide a full day of wedding coordination and an exclusive ceremony in our captivating garden. You will also receive Champagne, engraved flutes, daily gourmet breakfast, evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, concierge services, and all our deluxe amenities at the Inn. If you are dreaming of a ceremony with all of your family and friends, we also have an Intimate Wedding Package available to accommodate up to 40 guests.

The Glamorous Getaway

The beauty of weddings is that your love story is only just beginning. So why not extend your stay and spend your honeymoon in Monterey as well? Our charming Inn is the perfect place to spend some quality private time with one another and celebrate this joyous occasion with one of our many romantic packages. Whether you’re drinking wine by the cozy fireplaces, strolling through the sweet-smelling gardens, admiring the starry sky from the private balcony, or indulging in a relaxing massage treatment in our private spa, we guarantee that the opportunities for romantic here are endless. If you can tear yourself away from your suite, you are sure to find even more adventures nearby. Monterey has many local vineyards, stunning shores, and state reserves where you can make fun memories that will last for a lifetime.

So if you are looking for an enchanting wedding day, join us at Old Monterey Inn, where romance, elegance, and charm combine to create the day of your dreams. The weather right now is perfect for a gorgeous summer wedding outside in our beautiful gardens. The crisp air in the fall also makes for a great autumn wedding with a vibrant array of warm colors painting the garden. If you would like to celebrate your love here or want more information, fill out this form and we will get back to you!

Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival

Posted on February 23, 2017

Come to Monterey this spring and celebrate the 10^th annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine festival happening April 20-23. This event takes place on the beautiful California coastline and features 250 wineries as well as 100 chefs. This four-day extravaganza offers a variety of events and entertainment and truly has something for everyone. Continue reading →

The Best Monterey Festivities of the Spring

Posted on February 19, 2016

Do you have plans to visit our Monterey inn this spring? Good news! Dixieland Monterey’s Jazz Bash by the Bay is back! March 4-6th Jazz Bash features world-class musicians and vocalists from traditional jazz, ragtime, swing, classic tunes of old New Orleans, “party music,” gypsy jazz, zydeco and blues backgrounds. Badges are available for purchase for those interested in a special Thursday Night Dance Party featuring Clicktrax Jazz orchestra or a special One-Night-Only appearance from the We3 trio featuring Bog Draga, Jeff Barnhart and Danny Coots.

This annual event was once a supplement to the Monterey County Fair and is now a popular event with live acts in small venues full of history and local color. Everyone from youth bands to big band musical acts will perform. Don’t miss it! Festival badges and Patrons packages can be ordered by calling 888-349-6879 or 831-754-8786.

While you’re enjoying Jazz Bash by the Bay, you might as well extend your stay and take advantage of all the Monterey local events and attractions.

The Ninth Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine event is more than worth checking out. It’s also more than just an event! This four-day destination experience features 250 acclaimed wineries and 100 celebrity chefs. It offers the most unique dining opportunities in the world in the most gorgeous west coast location. Mark March 31-April 3, 2016 on your calendar and get ready to enjoy events like “Beyond Chardonnay – Exploring The Other Great Whites” and Domaine “Leflaive: Burgundy’s Best.”

Up for even more fun this spring? Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium, go on a Monterey Bay Whale Watch, or visit one of our favorite local restaurants!

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance :: Monterey Car Week

Posted on August 5, 2015

Monterey Car week is coming soon. Starting on Monday August 10, 2015 and ending with a bang Sunday August 16, 2015. Enjoy a cornucopia of classic to exotic automobiles all week long, on the Monterey peninsula. With different venues and exhibits happening every day with the grand finale being the world’s greatest car show, the Concours d’Elegance. All week long and all over the peninsula there are many different car shows taking place. From the Little Car show in Pacific Grove to the numerous auctions and industry events throughout Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove. Come see and perhaps bid on rare and classic cars in one of the live auctions. Last year, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder sold for $11.8 million. Concours d’Elegance is held every year in Pebble Beach, come and enjoy the festivities as well as the beautiful, rare and sought after collector cars gathered in Pebble Beach. Only the 175 best collector cars get a spot on the prestigious 18^th fairway, and fewer still will receive official recognition for style, technical merit and historical accuracy.

If you are headed to the Monterey Car Week to take in the sites and enjoy all the beautiful cars, please give the Old Monterey Inn a call. Normally we are booked a year in advance but with a rare last minute cancellation we now have 1 room available (five night minimum). Come relax at our fabulous Bed and Breakfast all week, while discovering all the fantastic automobiles along the Monterey Peninsula. Enjoy a great breakfast with us in the morning, depart to take in the sites and return for complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres from 4pm to 6pm; either in our parlor or our beautiful gardens and share your day’s adventure with fellow auto enthusiasts. Book online or by phone 831-375-8284.

Fourth of July Celebration in Monterey

Posted on July 2, 2015

Independence Day also known as the Fourth of July is right around the corner. If you are looking for something to do, you have found it. Come to the Monterey Peninsula, for fun and activities all day long. With so many different things happening during the Fourth, you won’t have a chance to get bored. Come to Monterey, where there will be a Fourth of July parade. At 10am, come down to Alvarado and Calle Principal and watch the festivities. Afterwards stick around for the annual lawn party on the grass in front of Colton Hall on Pacific Street from 11am to 4:30pm. With non-stop music, carnival games, face painting and food stands.

Or you can head over to beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Starting at 12pm in Davendorf Park on Ocean Avenue, the park will transform into red, white and blue. All day long enjoy amazing live music, food, fun and games. Or just relax in the park and enjoy the classic rock stylings of Cheeky Spanks.

Pacific Grove is also throwing a party for the Fourth of July. Come to “America’s Last Hometown,” enjoy BBQ and live entertainment at Caledonia Park from 11am to 3pm. With live music from The Firefly Band and Tom Faia & the Juice, as well as games, popcorn, snow cones and old-fashioned BBQ.

With so many awesome things happening during the Fourth of July, why haven’t you already planned your trip to come stay at the Old Monterey Inn? Located in the center of Monterey, we are the perfect place for you to stay during this amazing holiday. Just a 5 minute walk from all the festivities happening in Monterey and only a 10 minute drive from Carmel or Pacific Grove. Go out and enjoy the Fourth of July, then return to the Old Monterey Inn to relax and wind down, with complimentary wine and Hors D’oeuvre’s from 4pm to 6pm and a beautiful garden to enjoy them in. So come stay with us over at the Old Monterey Inn and we promise to make your stay here a memory you will never forget.

The 39th Annual Monterey Wine Festival

Posted on June 5, 2015

With so many wonderful things taking place in the Monterey Peninsula, it isn’t a surprise that there is yet another spectacular event beginning to unfold. The 39th annual Monterey Wine Festival is scheduled to take place June 6th through June 7th at the Custom House Plaza in downtown Monterey. With a spectacular view of the harbor and bay, you can enjoy your day sampling the fantastic eats and of course the world class wine.

An addition to the festivities there will also be the 6th Annual West Coast Chowder Competition. With chefs from Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, and many other places coming to take on the local chowder kings of the Monterey Peninsula. Guests can sample or buy a cup of chowder, and vote for their favorites for the people’s choice award, comparing their pallets with that of the judges.

With a history of serving local wines, from our wine cellar, we at the Old Monterey Inn are the perfect place to stay for this fabulous event. Centrally located on the Monterey Peninsula, close to Carmel and Pacific Grove, and Located just a short walk from the Custom House Plaza; we are perfectly located so that you don’t miss a minute of the festival. Go enjoy the great food and wine, then come back and relax in our gardens at the Old Monterey Inn, with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres from 4-6pm. We aim to make your stay as memorable as possible, and truly hope you choose to stay with us.

23rd Annual Winemakers Celebration :: Monterey County Wineries

Posted on April 30, 2015

The Winemakers Celebration is just a 10 minute drive from the Old Monterey Inn, where you can enjoy some relaxation at our beautiful property while also enjoying some of the best wine Monterey county has to offer. In 2013 Wine Enthusiast named Monterey County one of the “10 Best Wine Travel Destinations” in the world. Napa County did not make the list that year; neither did any location in France.

Monterey County has more 43,000 acres of vineyards, producing not only amazing Chardonnay and Pinot, but also many other different varietals. Fifty three different types are grown in the county; Monterey produces 7 percent of California’s grapes.

Over 30 Monterey County wineries from 9 American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) will offer their wines for tasting at the Winemakers’ Celebration. Try rare wines – including library, reserve, and limited release labels – while rubbing elbows with the winemakers themselves.

On Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm there will be plenty of food from local restaurants and live music along Dolores Street in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Don’t miss the fantastic silent auction including lifestyle packages, special wine items, photo sessions, hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates and more! For more information and tickets, please visit montereywines.org

Relaxing in the gardens of the Old Monterey Inn with your favorite varietal is the perfect way to end a great day of wine tasting on the Monterey Peninsula.

Ghost Tour Old Monterey

Posted on October 21, 2014

Get in the spirit this Halloween and take a Ghost Tour of Old Monterey. The trolley tour starts at some of our most notoriously haunted buildings. You will visit the oldest church in California, Monterey’s historic cemetery and old legendary houses as part of the tour.

Tours are Saturday nights at 8:00 PM. Tickets must be reserved and can be purchased online. Bring warm clothes and your cameras! Please be advised that no children under 5 are allowed on this tour.

Make it a truly entertaining weekend and let us pamper you after a night of being spooked, or we can help you plan a romantic outing on Sunday at our Old Monterey Inn.

California International Airshow Comes to Salinas in Monterey County

Posted on September 25, 2014

Get ready for an event of epic proportions as the California International Airshow (CIA), http://salinasairshow.com, comes to Salinas on September 27^th and 28^th starting off the fall season with a big roar! Established in 1981, this event has been showcasing aviation excellence for over 30 years, all while raising about $8 million for local charities! Its main purpose is not only intended to entertain those that come to watch, but also meant to create memories of community involvement through showcasing local business venues and volunteer groups.

This event is packed full of surprises as it includes everything from fireworks, jet cars, monster trucks, and fire-breathing robots, to of course the top dogs of the sky. Entertainment from U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, C-47 Normandy, Liberty Jump Team, Clay Lacy Lear Jet Aerobatics, Sean D. Tucker Oracle Challenger, the award-winning aerobatic pilot Melissa Pemberton, Vicky Benzing with Aerosports, World War II B-25 with Mitchell Bomber, Metal Mulisha with motocross experts, and of course the Monster Truck team including Kelvin Ramer’s “Time Flys” along with”Wild Flower” driven by Rosalee Ramer. With generous contributions from loyal sponsors and 12 months of planning, this event is sure to amaze all that attend.

Doors open at 9:00 am, all ages are welcome, and parking tickets can be bought online. So what are you waiting for? Come help support our troops all while watching them soar through the sky. If you’re planning on attending both days, there are plenty of accommodations as well as transportation throughout the Salinas-Monterey Peninsula, but if you’re looking for some peace and quiet after an eventful day among crowds and fireworks, then Old Monterey Inn may be the escape you’re searching for. Tucked away on Martin Street in Downtown Monterey, centrally located to wonderful restaurants and tourist attractions. So make the most of your visit and don’t be shy to stop by!