Castroville is a tiny agricultural town with a big heart. Just a few miles inland from the Monterey Bay and surrounded by robust fields of artichokes, sits Castroville, known as the "Artichoke Center of the World."
Each May, Castroville hails the violet-thistled veggie with a festival that attracts foodies, farmers and folks who like to celebrate! The two-day event serves up artichokes in every way possible, and includes a first-rate parade, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, a car show and lots of arts and crafts vendors. A highlight of the event includes choosing the Artichoke Queen, following the footsteps of the first queen crowned in 1948 – Marilyn Monroe! Our Castroville Artichoke Festival section has information on the event, plus nine fantastic artichoke recipes from local chefs.
Castroville lies at the intersection of two of Monterey County's important roads, and is only a few minutes from both Highway 101 and Highway One. For overnight Castroville hotel accommodations, try the Artichoke Inn or Castroville Motel.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2009 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
