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A trip to Carmel and its environs on the Monterey Peninsula offers a wide range of entertainment for all types of visitors. Whether a die-hard nature lover or a dyed-in-the-wool indoors-type, this locale provides spectacular opportunities for cultural, physical and spiritual endeavors.
Outdoor Adventures
Sightseeing along the rugged coastline of this secluded peninsula is one of the all-time favorite ways to enjoy a trip to this area. Visitors marvel at the sea's sheer power as waves crash against the craggy cliffs; lovers wonder together at the magnificent seascapes as they wander along the white sand beaches. Hiking trails are abundant throughout the area, although many are now sequestered within privately owned resort properties. Photographers from around the globe seek out the famous "Lone Cypress," the longstanding symbol of this area along the Seventeen Mile Drive, to try their hand at capturing its time-tested majesty. Enjoying the ageless natural beauty of this region can be as much entertainment as one needs, but there's no lack of other options.
Music
The Monterey County Symphony’s October to May series of concerts pulls in internationally renowned guest artists for a classically based program, seasoned with choice works from the modern repertoire. The musicians perform at the Sunset Cultural Center in Carmel. The venue also hosts Chamber Music Monterey Bay, which pulls in top small-group performers for its six-concert, winter-and-spring series; and, the Carmel Music Society, which has emphasized solo recitals throughout jits 70-odd years of existence.
Also in Carmel, the Camerata Singers, a world-famous vocal ensemble, make full use of the acoustics of the Carmel Mission Basilica. The self-descriptive Keyboard Artist Series also stages its winter-spring season at the Sunset Cultural Center.
The famed Carmel Bach Festival (The) takes place over three late summer weeks at the Sunset Cultural Center, and is not in any way limited to the works of J.S. Bach or his contemporaries. Corollary events like a children's concert make this an entirely satisfying series.
Theater
Several fine repertory groups make the area’s theater scene one of the better regional theaters in the country; keep your eye out, too, for independent local productions.
The Pacific Repertory Theatre puts on several plays each year from modern and classic playwrights each year. The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts in Carmel is a good place to catch a changing program of plays, dance performances, art workshops and so forth. In September the Outdoor Forest Theater puts on two productions of, almost invariably, The Bard.
Nightlife
A tip: do not go to Carmel to hear music in one of its nightclubs. Music, in clubs at night, is not allowed. The liveliest nightlife happens in nearby Monterey. Doc's Nightclub is a favorite for live rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues; The Planet is big on dancing - whether it be to salsa, rock or country tunes. There is also live comedy to be found. If your dancing demands a DJ, try McGarrett's on Alvarado Street. In Pacific Grove, Whitey's Place also provides dance fanatics opportunities to dance to live music Thursday-Saturday.
Sporting Life
The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Golf Tournament is not art, music, or theater--but it can easily draw alarger crowd than any of those attractions combined. The classic sporting event that brings players and lovers of the game together each year is a major draw to the Carmel area, and has become a local institution of its entertainment scene. Duffers and others flock to this event every winter as they have for more than 60 years.
Golf is a worldwide calling card to the courses that grace the surrounding Carmel area. Pebble Beach Golf Links has recently been named number one of its "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses in a Golf Digest poll. The links at neighboring Rancho Canada Golf Club are decidedly less upscale, but provide golfers with an opportunity to play their choice of its two courses while visiting the area.
For spectators of another sort, first-class equestrian events take place throughout the calendar year, bringing some of the finest mounts and riders together to share the pristine air of the peninsula. For those who would rather participate themselves in a brisk canter across the Carmel surrounds, Holman Ranch offers horseback rentals for riders of all ages and skill levels.
Other Delights
Culinary events and festivals held at the prestigious resorts, local winetastings at a number of local top-notch wineries, dining at some of the most discerning restaurants on the West Coast, relaxing at some of the finest spas in the country, viewing a collection of classic motorcars, flying kites during the Carmel Annual Kite Festival and shopping among some of the trendiest boutiques and art galleries seen anywhere, will surely fill out your list of ways to entertain yourself while visiting Carmel.
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