SENIORS ENJOY CALIFORNIA



Seniors Find the “Salad Bowl of the World”

Yes seniors, it’s Salinas, California and it is properly named… over 30% of the world’s lettuce is grown in the Salinas Valley. In addition the mild climate makes for an abundance of broccoli, peppers and numerous other crops like strawberries, tomatoes, and spinach, but lettuce remains the dominant crop in the valley.

This part of California with its long growing season is also ideal for the floral industry and grape vineyards planted by world-famous vintners. “Salinas” is Spanish for ‘salt marsh’ because at that time there was a large slough that ran through the area.

The population of Salinas runs just over 150,000. This was the home of John Steinbeck who wrote several of his novels here including Of Mice and Men.  Salinas boasts an emerging arts scene led by the First Fridays Art Walk and the innovative use of non-traditional or business venues to exhibit art and host live local music. The oldest gallery in Salinas, the Valley Art Gallery, has been active for over 30 years. Yes, Salinas is a great place for seniors to visit.

The Salinas River runs the length of the Salinas Valley and empties into the Pacific Ocean at the center of the Monterey Bay. During the summer months the river flows partially underground and it is this extensive underground aquifer that allows for irrigation of cropland in an area without much annual rainfall.

Seniors Enjoy Natural Air Conditioner

The Valley is blessed with what is called a “natural air conditioner” that brings in ocean air and fog to keep the area cool and to maintain moderate temperatures for all the crops. The Valley gets around 15 inches of rain per year that is always welcome.

And vineyards. Where would California be without its vineyards… they seem to be in every part of the state.  Salinas Valley  has its share as well, so if senior travelers are interested in taking a wine country vacation, the Salinas Valley is another ideal spot.

TripAdvisor can load up your planned itinerary with some great B&Bs, hotels as well as things to see and do in and around Salinas. The #1 draw for visitors is the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The famed Hwy 101 runs right through town.

Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel by the Sea are close to the west as is Pebble Beach. So maybe you will want to  bring your golf clubs along. Be assured that you will find plenty to do in and around Salinas all year long. Virtual Tourist would like you to consider their listing with museums, architecture and some great pictures.

If you enjoy eating strawberries like I do, you’ll love Salinas.  That’s really why and how it came about that I wrote this blog.  I bought some berries and the label read: Grown in Salinas, CA.  Enjoy everything about the Valley. jeb

 

 

Leave a reply


Find Your Destination

Travel DestinationsTypes of Vacation/Travel
  • Polls

    Where would you most like to travel in 2013?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...