The Area, Salinas

A trip about 17 miles inland on Highway 68 delivers you to Salinas, known for its rich soil and crops of lettuce, broccoli, mushrooms, and the birthplace of literary legend John Steinbeck. En route near Reservation Road, view larger-than-life statues of packers, trimmers, and irrigators near the entrance to The Farm, a working farm, agricultural education center, and farm stand. The highway eventually turns into Main Street, bisecting the city and running into historic Oldtown Salinas, a lively strip of boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. It deadends at the National Steinbeck Center, a multimedia resource about the author’s work as well as Salinas Valley and regional agriculture. Each first Friday of the month, Art Walk in Oldtown takes place. (The Hats in Three Stages of Landing sculpture by Claes Oldenburg in the courtyard of the Salinas Community Center is a must-see) The free event starts with receptions at several galleries and ends at local restaurants. Salinas is also home to the acclaimed Salinas Rodeo and annual Salinas Air Show.

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GUESTLIFE DON'T MISS

Catch A Show

The Western Stage at Hartnell College, presents plays, dramas, musicals, and other performances that celebrate the diversity of Salinas Valley. Many plays are based on Salinas-raised author John Steinbeck’s epic novels, including wildly popular adaptations of Of Mice and Men and East of Eden, which open with local characters espousing the virtues of their beloved valley. The theater has been producing live stage performances in Salinas since 1974.

Information: (831) 375-2111.