Getaways Made Simple with 2004 Monterey County Travel Guide Travelers, meeting planners and media can now order a copy of the 2004 Monterey Land & See, the Official Monterey County Travel & Meeting Planner. Published annually by the Monterey County CVB, the comprehensive 168-page guide is packed with information on attractions, dining, events and lodging available at the popular central California coastal destination. The 2004 edition features updated photography and a new two-page spread offering an �at-a-glance� listing of area cities and county highlights. Separate spreads cover family travel, sports and recreation, history, and nature, and the book also includes a 2004 calendar of events, maps, hotel, restaurant and winery listings, and specialized sections on planning weddings, meetings and group events. For your copy, call 888-221-1010 or fill out the order form at www.montereyinfo.org.

Coming soon to a city near you: Monterey County wines Travel media and restaurant professionals will be treated to Monterey County wines paired with meals from some of the country�s top restaurants on the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association 2004 National Tour. This year�s tour includes stops in Boston (May 4), New York (May 6) and Los Angeles (May 25), and features tastings, a luncheon, and a short presentation on Monterey Wine Country. Some 20 vintners will be included in the event. For more information, contact Rhonda Motil, executive director of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association, at 831-375-9400 or rmotil@montereywines.org.

Monterey County favorites toast to anniversaries in 2004 With celebrations that include everything from 50-cent holes of golf, to free hotel rooms for 100 year-olds during their birthday month, to farm tours and cooking demonstrations, Monterey County businesses are commemorating anniversaries throughout 2004. Those marking milestones include: � A Taste of Monterey (www.tastemonterey.com): 10 years � Monterey Bay Aquarium (www.montereybayaquarium.org): 20 years � Earthbound Farm (www.ebfarm.com): 20 years � Martine Inn (www.martineinn.com): 20 years � Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (www.montereywines.org): 30 years � The Steinbeck House (www.infopoint.com/mry/orgs/steinbeck): 30 years � Sardine Factory (www.sardinefactory.com): 35 years � Bayonet Golf Course (www.bayonetblackhorse.com): 50 years � The Monterey Hotel (www.montereyhotel.com): 100 years

Monterey Bay Aquarium opens shark exhibit, kicks off Aquarium Adventures programs Nearly two dozen live species of sharks and rays, a shark petting pool, and a 20,000-gallon tropical reef exhibit are just some highlights of �Sharks: Myth and Mystery,� the Monterey Bay

Aquarium�s new $2.5 million exhibit that opened April 2. Featuring sharks and the cultural traditions they inspire around the world, the exhibit incorporates live animals with art, stories and video through hands-on displays in seven galleries. The opening is part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium�s 20th anniversary, celebrated throughout 2004. An online press kit for �Sharks: Myth and Mystery,� is available at www.montereybayaquarium.org.

New in June 2004 are Aquarium Adventures programs, including behind-the-scenes tours, pre-opening feeding events, and special family outings not previously available to the public. Underwater Explorers also returns this summer, allowing children ages 8-13 to don modified SCUBA gear for diving in the Great Tide Pool exhibit. Print media contact is Ken Peterson (831-648-4922, kpeterson@mbayaq.org); broadcast contact is Mimi Hahn (831-648-4918, mhahn@mbayaq.org).

Have a hauntingly good time on new Monterey tour Monterey is known for its historic adobes and scenic coastline, and now, thanks to a new walking tour, it will also be known for its ghosts and spirits. Ghost Walk of Old Monterey (www.montereyghostwalk.com) offers evening walking tours of historic downtown Monterey, complete with tales of ghost sightings, burial grounds, haunts and hidden treasure. Local resident and historian Gary Munsinger brings to life the secrets and superstitions of the city where early Spanish explorers set anchor, California�s statehood began, and John Steinbeck himself walked the streets. Media contact is Gary Munsinger (831-624-1700, gary@co-media.com).

Pepin, Waters among noted chefs at �Cooking For Solutions� 2004 Jaques P�pin will be the honored chef at �Cooking For Solutions 2004,� an annual event to raise awareness of how individual buying decisions impact the health of the world�s oceans and soil. The Monterey Bay Aquarium puts on the event this May 21-22 with celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, food and wine tastings, tours and more. P�pin will be joined by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse, 14 star chefs from around the country, and local host chefs. A Friday night gala features sustainable seafood and dishes prepared with organic ingredients, and Saturday farm tours explore organic farms and vineyards and include gourmet lunch with visiting chefs. Media contact for print is Ken Peterson (831-648-4922, kpeterson@mbayaq.org); broadcast media contact is Mimi Hahn (831-648-4918, mhahn@mbayaq.org).

Enjoy spectacular views, unique facilities at Brazil Ranch Now open for business retreats, weddings, reunions and special events, the 1,200-acre Brazil Ranch elegantly combines the natural beauty of Big Sur with rustic country charm. Tucked in the Bixby Creek Valley, just 15 minutes south of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, the peaceful setting of Brazil Ranch offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, stands of native redwoods, and grassy peaks rising some 1,600 feet. Three unique buildings, built by hand from wood cut and milled on the property, feature high ceilings and exposed beams, large stone fireplaces, wooden floors and distinctive Native American decorations. Media contact is Meredith Barrett (831-869-0381, brazilranch@yahoo.com).

�Jazz at Sunset� series kicks off on a high note The 47th annual Monterey Jazz Festival (www.montereyjazzfestival.org) will be held September 17-19, 2004, but now visitors can enjoy great jazz throughout the year. New in 2004 is the �Jazz at Sunset� Spring Concert Series, featuring Ahmad Jamal on March 23, Regina Carter Quintet on March 31, Wayne Shorter Quartet on April 15, and the Poncho Sanchez Latin Band on May 7. The events are held at Carmel's newly renovated Sunset Center, the site of the first jazz concert presentations on the Monterey Peninsula by Monterey Jazz Festival founder Jimmy Lyons. Special ticket and hotel packages are available. Media contact is Paul Fingerote (831-655-5600, fingerote@aol.com).

The Great Race cruises into Monterey July 3 The checkered flag will fly on July 3 when participants in The Great Race (www.greatrace.com), the country�s oldest and longest-running vintage car race, roll into Monterey. The 15-day, 4000-mile cross-country race begins on June 19 in Jacksonville, Florida, ending at Custom House Plaza in downtown Monterey after a tour around Cannery Row and Alvarado Street. More than 100 automobiles, all at least 45 years old, compete for some $300,000 in awards as they also stop off for festivals and rallies in cities along the route. Media contact is Stefani Turcol (512-757-6586, stefani@greatrace.com).

New event focuses on fishing Tour fishing boats, sample fresh local seafood, and learn about Monterey�s fishing industry through hands-on demonstrations and exhibits at the first-ever Fishermen�s Fiesta, Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and local organizations, the family event will include tours of Monterey Abalone Company and several commercial fishing boats, presentations and activities at the Maritime Museum and Custom House Plaza, and fresh food booths, exciting exhibits and fishing instruction for kids along the docks and Municipal Wharf II. Media contact is Liz Love (831-647-4255, liz.love@noaa.gov).

It�s a jungle out there at Wild Things Children ages seven and up will roar with delight at the new Springtime Safari and Summer Safari camps at Wild Things (www.wildthingsinc.com). Day campers can give Lisa the Elephant a bath, take photos with animals, and participate in themed projects as they learn about wildlife around the world. Or, kids can curl up by the campfire after dinner and a safari under the stars at Roar & Snore overnight camps, scheduled throughout the spring and summer. The public should call 831-455-1901, ext. 3, for dates and prices. Media contact is Heather Greaux (831-455-3180, heather@wildthingsinc.com).

MONTEREY COUNTY HOTEL NEWS Asian influences guide $4 million renovation at Carmel Tradewinds Inn With tabletop fountains and orchids in each room, a meditative garden filled with Temple Bamboo, ginger and hibiscus, and unique furnishings from China and Bali, the tranquility and atmosphere of Carmel Tradewinds Inn (www.tradewindsinn.com) offer guests a true escape. The inn recently underwent $4 million in renovations inspired by Asian architecture and traditions, and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Architectural Digest. Family-owned since it was built in 1959, the Tradewinds was once a favorite of stars such as Bing Crosby and golfer Johnny Miller. Media contact is Susan Stillwell (831-624-8525 or tradewindsinn@sbcglobal.net). Ventana Inn announces new programs and plans room upgrades Ventana Inn & Spa (www.ventanainn.com) now offers several �Adventure Activities� packages designed to help visitors explore their creativity, learn new skills, and take full advantage of their time on the Big Sur coast. Options include Plein Air painting sessions, seasonal cooking classes, and guided wild mushroom hunts. Ventana will also begin a �beauty enhancement� plan for 20 of its deluxe guestrooms, adding plasma screen televisions behind two-way mirrors, Bose Surround Sound CD/DVD players, and other upgrades both indoors and out. Media contacts are Kristin Hunter (831-375-1747 or khunter@hunter-pr.com) or Gabriela Knubis (gabriela@knubis.com).

New MG display opens at the Martine Inn Guests at the Martine Inn can see a rare 1950 MG TD Von Neumann, a newly-restored 1936 MG NB, and a variety of auto art and memorabilia when the inn opens its new MG Display on May 1. Owner Don Martine, who has won more than 25 car races in the past 10 years, also has three other historical vehicles on display. The historic bed and breakfast celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2004. Media contact is Don Martine (800-852-5588 or don@martineinn.com).

Monterey area hotels renovate, offer new services The DoubleTree Monterey (www.doubletreemonterey.com), adjacent to Fisherman�s Wharf and historic downtown Monterey, has completed a $1.5 million renovation in its atrium and lobby lounge which features a 52� plasma screen TV and library-inspired design. The Monterey Marriott (www.marriotthotels.com/mryca), also steps from the Monterey Conference Center and the Monterey Bay, will renovate 170 of its 341 guest rooms starting in December 2004, incorporating design that pays homage to the area�s fishing heritage and natural beauty. The Beach Resort (www.montereybeachresort.com), offering ocean view and garden rooms on the Monterey Bay, now keeps guests and conference attendees connected to the world with recently installed wireless internet service and T-1 service. Asilomar Conference Grounds (www.visitasilomar.com), an oceanside retreat among the pines in Pacific Grove, has added T-1 Internet service to its main lobby Business Center. Asilomar also recently completed construction of an outdoor patio with a bonfire ring, sand volleyball court and picnic area.

UPCOMING SPRING AND SUMMER EVENTS More than 200 events, festivals and celebrations are scheduled annually in Monterey County. Below is a sampling of major events through August 2004. For a complete listing, along with brief descriptions and contact information, visit www.montereyinfo.org and click �Events.�

April 15-18 Hyundai Sea Otter Classic 650-364-7612 www.seaotterclassic.com 25 Big Sur International Marathon 831-625-6226 www.bsim.org 29-May 1 Monterey Wine Festival 800-656-4282 www.montereywine.com May 1-2 Road & Track Invitational 800-327-SECA www.laguna-seca.com 1-2 Jamba Juice Wildflower Triathlon 831-373-0678 www.tricalifornia.com 15-16 Castroville Artichoke Festival 831-633-2465 www.artichoke-festival.org 15-16 24 Hours of Adrenalin Cycle Race 905-944-9436 www.24HoursofAdrenalin.com 21-22 Cooking for Solutions 831-644-7561 www.montereybayaquarium.org June 13 Mission San Antonio Fiesta 831-385-4478 19 Hidden Gardens Tour 831-667-1530 www.bigsurarts.org/hg.htm 25-27 Monterey Bay Blues Festival 831-394-2652 www.montereyblues.com July 4 Living History Day in Old Monterey 831-647-6204 www.monterey.org 9-11 Honda World Superbike Classic 800-327-SECA www.laguna-seca.com 15-18 California Rodeo Salinas 800-771-8807 www.carodeo.com 17-Aug. 8 Carmel Bach Festival 831-624-2046 www.bachfestival.org 21-24 Pacific Grove Feast of Lanterns 831-649-8737 www.pacificgrove.org 25 Moss Landing Antique Street Fair 831-633-4501 August 7-8 Scottish Games and Celtic Festival 831-647-6311 www.montereyscotgames.com 5-8 Annual Steinbeck Festival 831-775-4737 www.steinbeck.org 13-15 Monterey Historic Auto Races 800-327-SECA www.laguna-seca.com 15 Pebble Beach Concours d�Elegance 831-622-1700 www.pebblebeachconcours.net 21 Annual Winemaker�s Celebration 831-375-9400 www.montereywines.org

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Media Contact: Julie Armstrong +1 831-657-6405 julie@mccvb.org

What�s New in Monterey County is a quarterly publication of the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information, members of the media should contact the MCCVB Communications Department at 831-657-6405 or e-mail julie@mccvb.org. All contents of What�s New in Monterey County and additional information can be found in the �Media� section of www.montereyinfo.org, or can be sent to you via fax, regular mail or email text