INSIDE MONTEREY

Travel Tips From Monterey Locals

Who knows Monterey County best? Locals do! That’s why we asked restaurant owners, wine makers, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs and community members that call this place home what they love most about Monterey County. Inside Monterey highlights favorite local spots to eat, shop, drink and explore outdoors. Get the inside scoop and start adding these local favorites to your next itinerary.

Ep. 16 Colleen Talty, Monterey Bay Whale Watch

Meet Colleen Talty, a marine biologist and Monterey local who works with Monterey Bay Whale Watch. Colleen has a Master of Science degree in Marine Biology and has been studying whales and dolphins for more than 8 years. At Monterey Bay Whale Watch, Colleen leads informative tours around Monterey Bay to observe marine wildlife and contribute research on various marine mammal populations. Join us to get an inside look at the seasonal migration of the gray whale, as well as many other whales and dolphins in the Monterey Bay. If you're interested in whale watching and want to go out to the bay to see whales, dolphins, otters, and more, learn more here: Whale Watching in Monterey County, California

Ep. 15: Nathan Sambar, Monterey GlassWorks

Meet the owner/founder & head glass blower for Monterey GlassWorks in Sand City, Nathan Sambar! Nathan is an industrial designer and glass blower residing in Carmel, CA. He moved to Monterey County a few years back to be around family. Monterey GlassWorks is a space for learning and creating for not only glass artists, but visitors and the community too! Join us as we get an inside look on the process of glass-blowing and see the beautiful products Nathan and his team have made! If you’re interested in trying glass blowing yourself, learn more and check out the class line-up here.

Ep. 14: Mike Scattini, Scattini Family Farms

To highlight Monterey Countyʻs hardworking farmers and farmworkers, we visited Scattini Family Farms in Castroville and met with Mike Scattini. Mike is a 4th Generation farmer born and raised in Salinas, CA with deep roots in farming Monterey County. Scattini Family Farms grow a variety of different row crops spanning over 3,000 acres. Their rich soil along with Monterey County’s cool, coastal microclimate create the perfect environment for growing vegetables-specifically the Original California Artichoke. Join us as we walk the fields with Mike and get the inside scoop with Mike Scattini.

Ep. 13: Mayson Bothwell, Miss California Rodeo Salinas

In celebration of California Rodeo Salinas 2023, we saddled up with Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2022, Mayson Bothwell! The King City native comes from a 5th generation California family with deep roots in ranching. The Rodeo is a 113 year old tradition here in Monterey County, consisting of professional rodeo events, food (don’t miss the churros!), western performers and more. Immerse in the Spanish ranchero days at this year's event, and get the inside scoop from Mayson below.