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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 Castroville Artichoke Festival 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!
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 Castroville Motel.
Click on the links for high-resolution maps of Monterey County communities, suitable for printing: Monterey, Carmel and Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside, Marina, Sand City and Moss Landing.
Fly direct from these five airports:
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Phoenix Skyharbor International Airport (PHX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
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