About Monterey's Old Monterey/downtown

Carousel Candies Is All Dressed Up for The Holidays..

Santa can check off many of his good little girls and boys on his list this year with a visit to Carousel Candies on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. I mean lets talk seriously..who doesn't love hand made candy using only the finest ingredients? Who would not love to receive something unique that you can only get in one place on earth??? I know everyone would love to have hand-made Salt Water Taffy with flavors that are natural and fun caramel apples all decorated for Christmas..oh and I must not forget, they make their own marshmallows for their Rocky Road Candy. An institution in Monterey since 1960, Richard and Elizabeth Elves (do you love the name?) and their children continue to give us amazing treats that are created by hand with love, tradition and attention to detail. I love sharing my favorite places on the Monterey Peninsula with you. This is one of my favorite and once you try these treats..you will never be satisfied with anything less than the perfection and quality of Carousel Candies.

I visited Carousel Candies on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey this past week-end..pure magic..she is all dressed up for the holidays from the inside out...It is such a fun place to visit, and the staff is so friendly and helpful..kinda like visiting Santa's Candy Shop!!

What did I see..gorgeous, delicious, handmade gifts...Chocolates, Saltwater Taffy, Caramel and Candy Apples..just look at the pictures here and it will make you smile.

Stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, office gifts...and we all have those people in our lives that have EVERYTHING..this is something they don't have.

Christmas gifts should be something that make us happy, something that is a treat...grab your list and go down to Carousel Candies on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.

If you are not lucky enough to live here...mail-order is available at www.carouselcandies.com your package will be wrapped with love and care and arrive in time for the holidays...

Website: www.carouselcandies.com or like them on FaceBook!! Mention FaceBook...tell them you heard about them here and receive 20% off your order!!

Carousel Candies...It's A Way Of Life!!

Exploring Monterey, California.  I am putting together a series of videos showing different parts of Monterey County.  I want to give people a glimpse into the different areas and the beauty of Monterey County. In this video, I show you Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.  A beautiful and historic place.  My Grandfather was an Italian Fisherman and I have many childhood memories of hanging out on "the wharf".

It is also a great tourist destination and people from all over the world visit every year.  If you visit, I have included two of my favorite places on the wharf.

Carousel Candies is a locally owned family operated candy store offering delectable sweet treats every day.  I love the owners and know them personally....they really care about their product and bring you only the best.  If this video makes you hungry for their treats...you can order from their website at

www.carouselcandies.com

Another favorite and locally owned establishment is

Old Fisherman's Grotto.  Owned by Chris Shake, he has  taken what his father established some 50 years ago and kept the inspiration alive and makes it better every year.  I have been dining there all of my life and can say I have never been disappointed.  It is one of our go to places in town.  Chris Shake and his staff make sure each guest feels special.  The freshest of seafood, steaks, pasta, and world famous clam chowder.  The menu is huge and there is something on it for every palate.  Do not miss this restaurant when visiting Monterey.  It is a local favorite.

You can check out their entire menu and order their clam chowder on-line at www.oldfishermansgrotto.com

There are so many beautiful sights in Monterey and the people are friendly.  It is a small town with alot to see and do.  If you want to live here, give me a call....I would love to share my glorious town with you.  I will help you find your dream home.

It's always fun finding a really good wine shop, especially when it's conveniently located. I had the good fortune of attending a conference in downtown Monterey and finding Terranova Fine Wines located right across the street. Located right at the corner of Calle Principal and Del Monte Ave, you can't miss it when heading to the Marriot, Plaza Hotel or the conference center. When you walk in, you're immediately presented with an array of well-placed wines that combine local producers with top names.

It feels a bit like walking into the wine-world equivilent of a Starbucks. There's plenty of seating, plenty of tables for two (perfect for date night), and a good long bar. I arrived at around lunch time and the place was quiet. The host, Anna Marie Lopez, welcomed me and asked what I'd like to try. You see, this is no ordinary wine bar. They have really cool technology that allows several bottles of wine to be dispensed in 1, 2.5, or 5 ounce pours so you can try many wines or just have a glass. It's perfect for a wine party or just hanging out with friends. I needed a place to work during lunch so I had a table all to myself.

I tried a set of white wines, including a semillon that was intriguing and delicious. I had also asked for a recommendation for a wine that was similar to Rombauer chardonnay. What I got was a nice alternative that hit the spot. The wine prices range from as little as a dollar to over $10 for some glasses depending on whether your get a taste or a glass. Depending on what you want, that's a great deal compared to restaurant prices. When I looked at a few of the wine prices, I found them to be well priced and reasonable with a good range from very affordable to high-end.

This was a great experience and exactly what I needed to enjoy the sunny day down in Monterey. The next time I'm in town to visit, since I'm only 90 minutes away, I'll make a special effort to stop by here again.

www.terranovafinewines.com

831-333-1313

CAROUSEL CANDIES ON FISHERMAN'S WHARF IN MONTEREY is a magical place.....

I have known Richard and Liz Elves for over 30 years. They own and operate Carousel Candies on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. The store has been in the family since 1960..one can feel the love and passion that goes into their products the minute you walk through the door. They are a perfect team and they have created a candy store that keeps people from all over the world going back again and again.

When you walk down the wharf, you can smell the scent of their delicious caramel corn being freshly made... as you follow your nose to see just what that marvelous smell is... you finally see the Hot Pink, black and white store front and you will be drawn inside not only by the sweet and wonderful scent, but by the magic of the candy store. Once inside, one is mesmerized by the handmade candies, caramel corn, candy apples, cotton candy....and the saltwater taffy which is like no other you have ever tasted...I think they have over 40 flavors...this saltwater taffy melts in your mouth and does not even stick to your teeth. The flavors are incredible from licorice and chocolate to cinnamon, grape, wild cherry...it is amazing.

All of their candies are handmade with the finest ingredients and the best belgian chocolate. I worked there when I was in college and I know from personal experience all of the effort that the Elves family puts into their products. It is old fashioned love and attention to detail and they really care about their customers.

Check out their website at www.carouselcandies.com they have Halloween goodies right now, and you can order them on-line if you can not get to Monterey. They will also have great Christmas Gifts for the holiday season...

The caramel corn is soooo good. It is perfection in a box, buttery, crispy and fresh...also, the chocolate almond turtles., oh my, the caramel in those is buttery, and just the perfect texture with the toasted almonds and the sweet smooth chocolate. Their English Toffee is another favorite of mine...

Visit Monterey, CA, go to the wharf and experience Carousel Candies...it is like walking into a magical candy factory...It is an experience that will make you feel like a kid again.

I love sharing Monterey County with you...it is a beautiful and majestic area with so much to offer.

This is a picture my husband and I took on Fisherman's Wharf a couple of nights ago...gorgeous moon over Monterey Bay. The wharf was alive with local fisherman and kids were on the docks fishing....and enjoying the evening. Monterey Bay Aquarium has extended Saturday and Sunday hours until 8 p.m. where you can explore the aquarium and listen to Jazz Festival players. It is a great way to spend the evening where the crowds are less and the magical sights of the aquarium and the out of this world view from the back deck will take your breath away.

Time 6-8 p.m. at 886 Cannery Row Monterey. Admission is $29.95 General and $27.95 seniors and students. Kids 3-12 are $17.95 kids under 3 are free. More info at www.montereybayaquarium.com

Don't miss this while visiting Monterey.....

A great day would be to have breakfast at Rosine's Restaurant on Alvarado Street...best breakfast in town..a local favorite...explore the Old Town of Monterey, have lunch at Old Fisherman's Grotto on the wharf...(another local favorite) Both of these restaurants are owned by local families and have the best food with alot of heart and the family is hands on..so you know it is good. You will not want to miss these two restaurants...Explore the wharf...go down to the Coast Guard pier where you can almost be nose to nose with local sea lions.... shop on Cannery Row, have a drink at The fish Hopper, relax on the beach for awhile, then go to the aquarium in the evening. Old Monterey is rich with local history, the smells, the sights, the sounds...a place like no other.

If you stay within Alvarado Street, Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, one can walk along the Ocean and explore Old Town Monterey....Parking is best down town in the parking garages...park all day and walk around...the parking on Cannery Row is a bit more difficult and one has to feed the parking meters. There are some new parking garages, but a bit more expensive down there to park.

Spend the day in Monterey and the Evening at The Monterey Bay Aquarium...

If you fall in love with the place and want to move here, I would be happy to show you more of what this great area has to offer.