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Lovers Point: Legendary Park in Pacific Grove
Featuring panoramic views stretching from Monterey to Pebble Beach, Lovers Point will bewitch you. Located in Pacific Grove, on the tip of the Monterey Peninsula, it is merely the icing on the cake. Pacific Grove is called “Butterfly Town, USA” because monarch butterflies return here year after year. It is also known as “America’s Last Hometown” because of the strong community spirit binding together this quaint Victorian town. It is home to the Asilomar Conference Center, Point Pinos Lighthouse, and also hosts the annual Feast of Lanterns. Additionally, it has been the setting for several films, most recently the “Big Little Lies” HBO series.
Lovers Point is a dalliance between land, sea, and sky that never fails to charm. Its natural beauty has been an inspiration for decades. In the 1890s, the area was an artist’s haven. At that time, a movement seeking to create art in outdoor settings in natural light and weather conditions, called en plein air, was the rage. The movement, which started in France, soon swept through Europe and expanded to the United States beginning in California. Today, you may still see plein air artists set up with their easels and paints. 
Lovers Point is a place to experience not only beauty but also adventure. The park consists of 4.4 acres. Sand volleyball, rock climbing, surfing, kayaking, biking, scuba diving, paddle boarding, snorkeling and strolling along the ever-popular waterfront coastal trail are just some of the fun things to do here. The coastal trail stretches for 18 miles, from Castroville in the north to the far tip of Asilomar Beach in the south. It follows the path of the now defunct Southern Pacific Railroad.
Located above a sand volleyball court is one of the last remaining swan boats from Lover’s Point. The swan boats of Pacific Grove were originally introduced in the 1890s to enable visitors to explore the area by sea. The swan boat fleet was owned and operated by Nathanial “Dad” Sprague for more than 50 years. The boats were then operated by a variety of owners until the mid-1970s.
The beach at Lovers Point faces west and has a concrete wall and breakwater, making it one of the few safe swimming places in the area and popular for families and children. Be advised, however, that the water here is very chilly year round.
Lovers Point State Marine Reserve, created in 2007, lies directly offshore Lovers Point Park. It is one of four marine protected areas on the Monterey Penisula. It includes a variety of wondrous flora and fauna including kelp forests, sea otters, harbor seals, pelicans, cormorants and more.
Helpful Tips:
- Numerous benches, BBQ grills and picnic tables are available.
- Fishing is prohibited in the Lovers Point State Marine Reserve.
- Bikes, kayaks, surreys, paddleboards, scuba diving gear, surfboards, and other rentals are available at Lovers Point by Adventures By The Sea.
- Nearby restaurants include The Beach House and The Grill at Lovers Point.
- Public restrooms are available.
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
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The Feast of Lanterns in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove, California, is a quaint Victorian seaside community filled with charming old homes. Each year it celebrates its history and culture during the Feast of Lanterns. It is Pacific Grove’s oldest tradition, beginning in 1905. It is a wonderful event that draws this charming small town together with a multitude of fun events and lasts for four days. The festival includes a lantern parade to the beach, fireworks over the bay, a sandcastle contest, a pageant, and a pet parade. The pet parade is held on Friday before the last day of the festival on the city’s main street, Lighthouse Avenue.
Pacific Grove has been billed as “America’s Last Hometown” and it is easy to see why, during this magical festival. Many Pacific Grove businesses & residents show their support by hanging brightly colored lanterns and lights in windows, trees, and on their porches. There are also a great many private parties held in anticipation of the festival’s finale.
Blue Willow Plate You may have heard the legend of the blue willow, a story about the beautiful antique china pattern. In this story, Chang falls in love with the beautiful Koong-se, and they fly away as immortal doves, forever free. Pacific Grove, known as Butterfly Town, has its own spin on this story, in which the lovers fly away as Monarch butterflies. This is depicted in their annual pageant, which takes place on the last night of the festival at Lover’s Point. The story takes place in pantomime. It culminates with a burst of fireworks overhead as the lovers are seen for a brief moment before departing in the guise of Monarch butterflies.
The Feast of Lanterns is held the end of July, with the culmination occurring the Saturday of the last full weekend in July. If you are planning on attending the last day’s events, be sure to arrive early in the day to set up chairs, blankets, etc. Bring warm jackets, etc. as it can become quite chilly during the evening. For more information on the festival as well as other upcoming events see Pacific Grove. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!