Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as our guest, Koleen C.Hamblin of Koli Communications who represents the Monterey County Convention Bureau.
Good day Koleen and thanks for participating in our interview.
Norm:
Koleen, please tell our readers something about yourself and what are your responsibilities as representative of the Monterey County Convention Bureaus.
Koleen:
My agency, KOLI Communications specializes in travel/tourism accounts, specifically in the CVB arena. For nine years, we represented Santa Monica CVB and have represented Santa Barbara CVB since 1997. Monterey County is a new destination for us, but one that is thriving.
Norm:
Where is Monterey?
Monterey is situated along the classical California coastline, between San Francisco and San Luis Obispo.
Norm:
If you had to choose some of the most romantic getaways and wedding destination venues in the Monterey area, which ones would you choose and why?
 Koleen:
Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley. The each offer a romantic quotient that is unparalleled. Big Sur, with its stunning coastline, sultry sunsets and hideaway mentality. Carmel-by-the-Sea for its charm and wonderful world-class dining and Carmel Valley for the wine country element, golf and of course luxury lodgings.
Norm:
What is there to do in the Monterey area?
Koleen:
The county offers a tapestry of wonderful jaunts, from our booming wine country, to world class golf, the nation's #1 ranked aquarium, SCUBA and all types of water sports, hiking, biking and cultured pursuits.
Norm:
Could you name and describe six romantic restaurants in the Monterey area?
 Koleen:
***Sardine Factory on Cannery Row offers fine dining and the region's signature sardines, always great wit a chilled sauvignon blanc.
***Marinus in Carmel Valley can't be beat for its exceptional cuisine.
***Casanova in Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a wonderful Van Gogh table (which the artist ate at in France for years)
***Sierra Mar at Post Ranch Inn and Il Cielo at Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur offer the ultimate combination of views and exquisite dining.
Norm:
Please tell us something about cultural activities in and around the Monterey area?
Koleen:
Literary pursuits are one of the top attractions, following the footsteps of Robinson Jeffers, Henry Miller and John Steinbeck. Our new Scenes for your Senses Litereary & Film Map debuts this fall and links the dots to the region's literary giants.
Koleen:
Norm:
If you don't have a car, how easy or difficult is it to get around the Monterey area?
Koleen:
Downtown Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and the town of Carmel Valley are all walking towns with plenty to do.
Norm:
When is the best time to visit the Monterey area?
Koleen:
Indian Summer when you have the beaches to yourself and the weather is just wonderful.
Norm:
Could you tell us something about the beaches in and around the Monterey area?
Koleen:
Possibly the favorite beach of most is Carmel State Beach with its prisiting sand dunes and wonderful dog-friendly (no leash) policy. Pfeiffer State Beach in Big Sur is a hit as well.
Norm:
What is Cannery Row?
Koleen:
Cannery Row is a top-rate attractions harkening back to the days of the sardine canning industry. John Steinbeck made it famous in his novel and today you can tap into winetasting, fine dining, the nation's top aquarium, seaside bike paths and luxury hotels all overlooking the Pacific.
Norm:
What differentiates Monterey from Carmel?
Koleen:
Monterey is a bustling downtown with great historical sites, a path of history walking tour, the original customs house, two wharfs and plenty of museums. Carmel offers more of an artists edge with galleries, high-end shopping and dining.
Norm:
Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?
Our Website:
Thanks once again Koleen. To learn more about the history of Monterey, Click Here to read Norm's Interview with Jim Conway Author of Presidio, Pueblo and Port. Jim is the Museum Coordinator for the City of Monterey.
All photo images courtesey of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau. |
