If you’ve been in the fresh produce industry for at least a few years, you’ve likely made your way to the Monterey/Carmel area a few times, even if you aren’t one of the many produce pros who live nearby. You may be inclined to visit your typical haunts and eateries while in the area for PMA Foodservice each year, but this year we’d like to suggest you to try something different. Personally, I love to learn or experience something new about a city each time I visit. With these off-the-beaten path tips, you may find a new adventure lurking around the corner this July or on your next trip.
- Enjoy Afternoon Tea or Breakfast in a Fairy Tale Cottage
The Tuck Box is a charming local favorite in Carmel-by-the-Sea that serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea 7 days a week. Read about its rich history here and make sure to ask about the other fairy tale cottages built by Hugh Comstock that can be found by wandering through the residential streets.
- Watch the Sunset with a Glass of Wine at Spanish Bay
Most locals will be familiar with this luxury resort, but if you haven’t had a chance to visit and watch the sunset while sipping on wine, you need to put it on your bucket list. Try Roy’s at Spanish Bay, and call ahead to see if the famous Bagpiper will be playing that evening!
- Walk to the Fisherman’s Wharf for Lunch
Take a quick lunch break and have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the Wharf. If you budget your time well, you can typically get in and out rather quickly and spend some time with the sea lions!
- Eat, Drink and Network at Montrio Bistro
Though this hotspot is no secret to fresh produce industry veterans, newbies should keep in mind that this restaurant draws a large crowd from the show every year. Stop by for a few cocktails and mingle with colleagues at the bar or make dinner reservations and meet new faces from all across the industry… and tell Tony we sent you!
- Enjoy the Best Breakfast in all the Land at the Carmel Belle
A DMA tradition, we are truly obsessed with the Avo Toast at this quaint spot. If you’re staying in Carmel, make sure to stop in for life changing breakfast that will have you creating your own annual traditions.
- Go for a Run on the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail
As an avid runner, I have to say that this is one of my favorite places to run – and I try and run in every new city I visit! The 5K for Industry Talent is on Saturday morning, so if you haven’t already signed up for this race, give it a go and run with your peers! If you need to log in additional mileage, this map of the trail is useful and you can hit the trail anytime, day or night.
- Take Time to Visit 17-Mile Drive or Point Lobos
As one of the most scenic drives in the world, 17-Mile drive won’t disappoint. This is a bucket list item if you aren’t a local, and an ideal place to log some serious mileage if you’re training to ride in the Tour de Fresh. Point Lobos offers equally stunning views and if you are coming early or staying late after the conference, you can take a few hours to hike and explore.
- Have a Cocktail with us in the Networking Lounge & Education Center on Friday
Okay, shameless plug, but most people may not know that the cocktail sipping starts at 3pm sharp on Friday! If you’ve arrived in the area in time to relax on Friday night, make sure to stop by in the Monterey Marriott San Carlos 1-4 and unwind with the DMA Team and our co-sponsors Sakata Seed. We promise a good time!
Locals and veterans, do you have your own off-the-beaten path tips for Monterey and Carmel? If so, share your insights with us below or tweet @TheCoreBlog so we can be in the know with you! We look forward to seeing you all in just two short weeks.
