Like I mentioned in my last blog post about Pacific Grove, as a Central Coast real estate agent, I’d like to share my knowledge on the Central Coast region, to help homebuyers decide where to buy, and to help those relocating decide where to settle down and create roots. With so many communities on the Central Coast, I want to help separate one from another!

I’m not the only one out to share information about the Central Coast region. Recently, The New York Times wrote a piece about Salinas Valley and the lush fields, good wine and Steinbeck history that can be found in this region. Salinas, located in Monterey County, is vaster and much less touristy than its Monterey County neighbors. However, that is beginning to change, as more people realize the riches of the area.

The author John Steinbeck was born in Salinas in 1902, and incorporated details about the region into many of his books. The area is known for Steinbeck, and also for its abundance of farms, fields and crops. As The New York Times article stated, 59 percent of the country’s lettuce is grown in Salinas Valley, along with 53 percent of its broccoli. Living in or near Salinas, we are blessed to get to enjoy these crops at their freshest, as many local restaurants serve food straight from the farm. Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of them.

Here a few Salinas attractions that the author of the NY Time article recommended:

• Agricultural Tours – Major brands work in the Salinas region, and you can find agricultural tours at many of the farms, large and small, to better understand how the system works. Ag Venture Tours is one, which leads half and full-day excursions through the Valley and highlights what is growing in fields along the way.

• Winery Visits – Many vineyards are located in Salinas, particularly in the Santa Lucia Highlands, but tasting rooms are just beginning to pop up. Most of the Salinas wineries have tasting rooms located in Carmel, because it is more heavily trafficked. One winery worth visiting is Paraiso Vineyards. While they do have a tasting room in Carmel, they also now have a patio for tastings at the vineyard, where they also serve lunch.

• Downtown Salinas – Many new businesses are beginning to pop up in downtown Salinas, making it a hot spot for hangouts now.  Businesses include Dubber’s, a lively sports bar, Patria, an elegant European restaurant, 201 Main, home to several establishments, and Giorgio’s, an Italian restaurant. A Starbuck is set to open in May, which is a sign of growth in this area!

• The National Steinbeck Center – This is also located in downtown Salinas and includes a museum and cultural center for fans of John Steinbeck and his written work. You will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the author’s life and books here at this center.

Learn more about Salinas Valley in the NY Times article. When you are ready to buy a Central Coast home, or you need relocating assistance, contact me, your Central Coast real estate agent! Allow me to help you find the home, and the community, of your dreams.

Grace Borzini

Your Local Lake Nacimiento Real Estate Expert
Oak Shores Realty

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Oak Shores Realty specializes in Oak Shores at Lake Nacimiento properties. Please contact us today to get more information on Lake Nacimiento lake homes. Oak Shores Realty can also provide you an insiders “Lake Nacimiento Buying Guide” with great information including maps and market information.