Monterey Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Jen is on a Journey

The Monterey Bay Aquarium

June 23, 2010 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

If you are ever on the central coast of California, you must visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium! Open since 1984, the mission of the aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. Monterey Bay ranks among the world’s most diverse marine regions, the bay is part of the largest protected marine areas in the US. The aquarium’s permanent exhibits and galleries highlight the colorful and complex marine life found in this area, from coastal wetlands to the open ocean and deep sea, along with special exhibits featuring marine life from around the world.

My older children were lucky enough to visit the aquarium in their first grade year in elementary school as part of their science curriculum. My youngest daughter had yet to go, so our family recently took a trip and it was truly amazing. My son kept saying over and over, “our ocean is so amazing…these animals are so fascinating!” They truly are! The aquarium is age-appropriate for even the youngest ocean fan, with interactive exhibits, water play, touch pools, and art. We relate so many of our encounters with “Finding Nemo” for my youngest, then the light bulb goes on for her. My older children read and learned about recycling, biology, and conservation of energy.

Check out my slide show of our visit!

There are daily animal feedings which we seemed to miss at every time frame for the Sea Otters, animals of the Outer Bay, and the Penguins as well as a Kelp Forest dive show. The newest exhibits show off hot pink flamingos and the secret lives of seahorses (including the pregnant male seahorse!) The aquarium has a number of great places to shop for souvenirs, clothing, books, and more, along with a place to dine if you didn’t bring your sack lunch!

Adults pay $29.95 and children 3-12 are $17.95 each, with senior, student, and disabled rates also available. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is open every day of the year excluding Christmas.

It was a wonderful experience, and so educational for the whole family. Located at the end of Monterey’s famous Cannery Row, you can’t find a better spot for a family vacation!

Our experience is our tried and true opinions and was not influenced by any source. We were given complimentary tickets for this review.

Best Western Victorian Inn, Monterey: Fabulous for a Romantic Getaway and Perfect for Families!

June 15, 2010 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

We are so very lucky to live on the Central Coast in California. The summers are warm, yet cool by the ocean, and the lanscape is just fabulous. Heading to Monterey for the weekend, you can walk on the wharf, shop on Cannery Row, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and at the end of the day, relax in your hotel room. If you are bringing your children with you on your trip, you must stay at the Best Western Victorian Inn on Foam Street!! On a recent trip, our family enjoyed this boutique hotel with it’s focus on quiet-comfort and added money-saving benefits.Located just two blocks from the famous Cannery Row, their underground garage will host your car while you can walk to food, drinks, beach, Ghirardelli, Bubba Gumps, or shopping!

We were thrilled to learn they offer a family suite in the hotel. Five of us in a standard room gets crowded quickly. The family suite offers a master bedroom/bathroom separated by a door into the living room (pull out double bed), kitchenette, and patio. The kitchenette is great when you want to bring snacks like popcorn or microwave meals to cut costs on your trip. There’s silverware, plates, and bowls available as well. There’s a television is a beautiful armoir for the kids to enjoy their show, as well as a fireplace for cozy evenings.

The master was amazing! A second patio, second fireplace, second television and mini-bar (added fee) make this space perfect for parents. Two club chairs are great for reading while anyone needing to do some business can sit at the desk and use wireless or wired internet access. The king bed was very comfortable, and if you have a little one like us…3 fit in this bed if need be ;). The bathroom is split into two rooms, one hosts the toilet, shower/tub, and a sink, while just outside that door there is a vanity area for multiple people to get ready at once.

Room service is available, but if you’d like to enjoy local wines without the big price tag, the Victorian offers complimentary nightly cocktail receptions in the parlor. Ventana Vineyards wines in red and white are featured, as is cheese, crackers, and grapes with coffee, tea, and lemonade. My husband and I enjoyed the Ventana Chardonnay, it was very good! If you are looking for a great dinner out, in the parlor you’ll find an enormous book of menus for many great local (Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Monterey) restaurants.

Because you walked all around Monterey, you’ll be ready for the hot tub located in the garden area of the hotel. Sunken down a bit and surrounded by walls to block the wind, parents or couples can wind down. My oldest daughter and I dipped our feet and it was hot and soothing after a long day walking through the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Wake up in the morning and enjoy the continental breakfast included in your room fee. Delicious fruits, muffins, cereals, waffles, juice and coffee fill you up and keep more money in your pocket!

Thank you to the staff, who were always helpful and friendly. The hotel is clean, the area it’s located in is beautiful, there is much attention to detail and we will stay there again when we want a getaway that has all-inclusive accommodations. Next time, a couple’s weekend!

The opinions are my experience and was not influenced by any source. We were offered a compensated room in exchange for this honest post.

The Clement Monterey: A Luxurious Ocean Front Hotel on Cannery Row

March 10, 2010 by The Mom Jen Leave a Comment

Last weekend my husband and I had a couples getaway. Thanks to a giveaway I won, we got to spend the night at The Clement Monterey, an InterContinental Hotels & Resorts hotel on the famous Cannery Row. Although the area is an hour trip from home, it’s definitely a “stay-cation” worth making!

With restaurants, wine tasting, shopping, and sight-seeing all within walking distance, park your car and have the weekend getaway without stress!The luxurious hotel expands over both sides of Cannery Row, many rooms, suites, some with fireplaces and some overlooking the ocean. We were lucky to be upgraded to a ocean view room that was amazing and the sound of the waves crashing all night long was blissful!

Enjoy outdoor fireplaces over-looking the ocean (see below photo at the bottom) with a cocktail from the adjacent C Restaurant and Bar.

Even if you do bring the kids, The Clement offers…

* On-site VIP Kids Club with baby sitting services and organized activities.
* Children’s state of the art fitness equipment, flat screen TVs, video games and enriching Monterey exploration materials.
* Opportunity to explore Monterey area and participate in kid-tested crafts, games and adventures.
* Baby-Sitting

In the room, comfort, romance, and enjoyment is priority. There’s a stocked mini-bar in the cabinet, and a bottle of a local wine (for a price) near the fabulous 37 inch TV.

Up-to-date technology sees an alarm clock/radio for your iPod! The sound is fabulous!

Enjoy a good book…

A relaxing bath…

..or get to work with the in-room internet connection (a fee)…

Small touches like the city mascot Sea Otter stuffed animal (available for purchase,

Zen Garden, Sand Rake,

Free Appetizers to a nearby restaurants, The Fish Hopper or Old Fisherman’s Grotto,

bath robes and slippers, make this hotel your home away from home!

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, enjoy entertainment in the Bar lounge and in the Reading Room area.

Just below our room was a ballroom that was hosting a wedding reception, the beauty of it was memorable! And, though we didn’t use them, there is a whirlpool, pool, and gym right on site for your family’s needs!

Next time you head to the Central Coast of California, stop by magnificent Monterey and stay at The Clement from $169.00/night, it’s worth every penny. I can’t wait to stay there again, I know you will not be disappointed!

We received a free night through a contest win. All opinions are our 100% tried and true experience.

Enjoy the Monterey Bay

November 2, 2009 by The Mom Jen 1 Comment

When we want to getaway but want a “staycation” close to home, we love to stay at the Monterey Beach Resort in Monterey, CA…

Who know a thing or two about amazing marketing, I wanted these for the logo alone!

The view from the hotel is the best around!

After checking in you can head to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, or the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf.

Oh the scents of fresh seafood and the intoxicating Carousel Candies….think taffy, chocolate, and newly-spun cotton candy!