As you drive to The Olympia Lodge, especially if you pass through the Salinas Valley, you may enjoy seeing some larger-than-life, plywood-cut-out murals in the fields. Most of these have been created by John Cerney, along with some by Don Sung Kim, muralists celebrating Americana culture. This unusual artwork stands out literally, due to the murals’ stature and location, but also figuratively, in that the subject matter of the murals tends to be LatinX farm workers. The migrant horticulturists are often under-represented when it comes to talking about the fruit and vegetables produced in the Salad Bowl of the World, the Salinas Valley. So, this homage to those workers is especially poignant.
Speaking of Salad Bowl of the World, did you know that right here in the Monterey Bay Area—in our famous Salinas Valley—we grow about 70% of the nation’s lettuce, half of the country’s orchids, most of the country’s chardonnay grapes, and many other forms of produce, including those we are most known for Brussels sprouts, artichokes, broccoli, garlic, and strawberries?
One fun thing to do when you’re visiting our sanctuary by the bay is to stop at one of our many produce stands and put together a nice picnic (most carry bread, cheese, and meats as well as delectable berries, avocados, and other excellent food for your lunch basket). Here are a few good ones:
- Earthbound Farm Stand 7250 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
- Peninsula Produce 2400 Del Monte Ave Monterey, CA 93940
- Old Monterey Marketplace (TUESDAYS) 398 Alvarado St Monterey, CA 93940
- Pacific Grove Farmers Market (MONDAYS) 150 Grand Ave Pacific Grove, CA 93950
So, now’s your chance to put together your picnic, take a drive through Salinas Valley to see the murals, return along the ocean cliffs, find a nice place to enjoy your lunch, and end up at The Olympia Lodge for a cozy evening. Enjoy!