The Cannery Row Block Party hits Cannery Row on Sunday, June 6, 2010 from 11am to 5pm. It's a day packed with fun, with wild animal shows, magicians, balloon artists, live music, and even ice cream and rib eating contests. It's for a good cause, too; all visitors are asked to bring a can or two of food to donate to the Food Bank for Monterey County.
Instead of just coming down for the day, make it a full weekend of fun for Mom, Dad and the kids! This family itinerary gives two adults and two children a weekend full of great times.
6PM
You arrive at Monterey's Intercontinental The Clement on Cannery Row, a family-friendly hotel that's right in the center of this weekend's action. Once you've settled in, make sure to visit the staircase that goes from the lobby to the second floor; the light sculpture there is sure to charm both children and adults.
7PM
Head over to Old Monterey for dinner at Rosine’s Restaurant. Family-run and family-focused, Rosine’s ensures that children and adults can have a wonderful dining experience together.
8:30AM
A Pacific Grove family tradition, breakfast at Toasties Cafe is the perfect way to fuel up before hitting the Recreation Trail, located just a short walk away.
9:30AM
Rent a surrey from Adventures by the Sea at Lover's Point, and pedal the coast as a team! Surreys are four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicles that can carry up to six people. For a little less togetherness, you can each rent individual bikes and explore the Recreation Trail.
11:30AM
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a favorite among both children and adults, and is in a perfect location right in the middle of Cannery Row. Enjoy the seafood while you soak up the great ocean views.
1PM
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! It's time to hop in a different four-wheeled vehicle — your car — for a ride out to Salinas Valley's Wild Things Animal Ranch. You won't just meet lions and tigers and bears but also elephants, kangaroos, porcupines and many more types of animals.
6PM
Carmel's Forge in the Forest has a history that can be seen in every corner. Children will love looking at the authentic forge from its previous incarnation as a blacksmith shop. Even the pickiest eater will find something to love on their wide-ranging menu.
8:30AM
Take a morning stroll down Cannery Row to Cafe La Strada, a perfect spot for morning pastries and coffee. Take an outside table with a view of both the bike path and the ocean, and divide your time between people-watching and wildlife-watching.
9:30AM
Follow the Recreation Trail back the way you came, and it will bring you to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You called ahead before you arrived, and arranged a 50-minute behind-the-scenes tour. Get a different perspective on the Aquarium's amazing exhibits, and learn all about the creatures that live there from the people who take care of them.
11AM
Is it June 6? Then it's time for the Cannery Row Block Party! If you have a big appetite, you can compete in the rib eating and ice cream contests. Watch a magic show, get a balloon animal, listen to live music and more.