Summer !

Although Spring is my favorite season, Summer is a very close second. 

I have always considered Memorial Day the kick off for Summer activities and it has arrived.  I am ready to go outside and enjoy the plethora of activities that are easily available throughout the Monterey Peninsula. I do have to admit that our climate usually allows most of these activities throughout the year. However, there is just something special and carefree about Summer.

Because tickets are going fast, today I want to mention the very special Carmel Bach Festival (www.bachfestival.org). The Festival takes place over two weeks in July. This is the 78th Season. Paul Goodwin, is in his 5th year as the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. The world class musicians and Choral members, most of whom return year after year, come from throughout the country. The theme this year is "Bach, Bohemia and Beyond." The program is wonderful; I had a very difficult time deciding which concerts I could go see. I certainly won't miss the Brandenburg Concerti, the Royal Fireworks Music, or The Magic Flute. The main venue for the concerts is Sunset Center in downtown Carmel (www.sunsetcenter.org). However, there are many other locations hosting concerts and lectures including: the Carmel Mission Basilica, All Saints Church, and the Church in the Forest. The Bach Festival website is full of excellent information about the performances, participants, and the area. For me, a perfect Summer day might be a hike, dinner, and a concert.

Following is a list of some of my other favorite Summer pass times. During the next few weeks I will  provide more specific information on some of these adventures:

• Picnics--Where to pick one up and where to enjoy it
• Hiking--Both coastal and inland
• The Carmel  Heritage House Tour
• Bicycle Rides
• Kayaking
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Dining Outside
• Building a sandcastle, flying a kite or maybe even surf lessons
• Wine tasting on a long sunlit evening
• Taking a short drive up Carmel Valley or down to Big Sur