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Cultural Tour in Monterey, Monterey
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Cultural Tour in Monterey
Guide Location: USA » Monterey
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 6
Tour Duration: 2 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 3.3 km
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Amadscientist
Author: nicole
A cultural tour helps us discover the city or the country from inside. Knowing historical events will give us a better picture of what kind of a nation we are visiting, what are its goals, what it has been fighting for. This guide will help you see what Monterey was in the times past, and what it is today. From colonial Spanish life to being the first capital of California, and on to the 21st century, we take you through the various phases in the history of Monterey.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Recycled Records
1) Recycled Records
Recycled Records is a wonderful place for those who still remember what a vinyl record is. Here you'll find rare versions of good old songs. They also offer the possibility to sell or just find out the value of your own vinyl record. For those who grew up in the CD era this place is a glimpse of the youth of their parents and grandparents.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and minimoniotaku
Thomas Kinkade Gallery
2) Thomas Kinkade Gallery
This gallery was founded in 1994. Thomas Kinkade's works contain oils, lots of sketches, landscapes and studio work. One of the most amazing things about the museum is that the whole exhibit is organized like a large mansion. Entering it you will be surprised not only by the great art pieces hanged on the walls, but also by the personal, intimate approach offered to spectators of the artist's house, life, and vision.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Thomas Kinkade
California's First Theatre
3) California's First Theatre
A truly magnificent story! This theater was built by Jack Swan. He was an English sailor who settled in Monterey in 1843. Swan used lumber from a shipwreck to construct this theater in 1845. In 1847 former Army officers convinced Swan to build a small stage. The theater had benches, whale-oil lamps to light up the interiors, special candles for footlights and curtains, that were made of red and blue blankets. Most of the plays were melodramas and a ticket cost $5. In 1906 this theater was bought and donated to the State of California.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and d.neuman
Osio Plaza Theatre
4) Osio Plaza Theatre
Osio Plaza Theatre is an independent company. It's the best spot for indie films and eclectic movies. Of course, Osio is never late with the latest releases, but twice a week rare and old movies find their way out to the screen. The theater is not very large, which is a good thing for those who love intimacy while watching.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and James Knox
Golden State Theatre
5) Golden State Theatre
This wonderful construction was opened in 1926. It has a very rare organ with an unusual history. It was very hard to bring it to Monterey, but later is was sold to a collector. The present organ is an exact copy of the original, and it is considered to be one of the best organs in the USA. So many stars of the past performed here: Morte Mortensen, and, later, Pauline Hellam, "Bud" Buttle, Danny Danzigger, Harold Wright, and Edward C. Hopkins. It is a rare occasion to hear, see and touch the music and cultural history of California right here in Monterey.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and BWChicago
La Miranda
6) La Miranda
La Miranda museum of art is a Spanish style colonial house. The exhibits include handcrafts, clothes and household objects from the colonial era. Also the interior of the museum offers visitors an extraordinary example of colonial baroque. The building is colorful and the exhibits are of great interest to both locals and tourists.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and unforth
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