Old Monterey District Blog

Venture Gallery presents a group exhibit of local artists, A Few of My Favorite Things. The show will feature smaller, favorite works that have special meaning for the artists who made them.

As artists, the urge, the desire - the need to create - moves that creative energy through us. This show of our favorite things will perhaps be your inspiration for gift-giving! Bring joy to a loved one and support local artists by purchasing paintings, jewelry, wood, and glass creations.

Venture Gallery is open daily, 10am-6pm daily. Closed on Christmas Day. We are located at 260 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Kayuragi Incense is back at Luminata Books and Gifts. Indulge in the light, dreamy fragrances of new scents including Wisteria, Mikan Orange, Osmanthus, and Pomegranate.

Nippon Kodo incense from Japan is renowned for its high quality, using closely guarded techniques and scents dating back to the 16th century. Current perfumers interpret the traditions of Takai Juemon, an incense artist who supplied the Emperor of Japan in the Tensho Era.

Luminata Books and Gifts is located at 631 Cass Street in Downtown Old Monterey. Designated parking spaces are available in the lot outside our shop.

Have a book lover in your life? Consider giving them a holiday book bundle from Old Capitol Books! Tell us what kind of books they like and our in-house experts will curate a book care package they'll love. Book care packages are now available for $15, $25, and $100. Visit our website to shop online!

$15 Holiday Book Bundle
Includes one book personally selected by our experienced booksellers based on your preferences plus a special, unique gift.

$25 Holiday Book Bundle
Includes two books personally selected by our experienced booksellers based on your preferences plus two special, unique gifts.

$100 Holiday Book Bundle
A big ol' box of books personally selected by our experienced booksellers based on your preferences along with some special little gifts.

Old Capitol Books is located at 482 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey and open Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-6pm.

Rosine's Cuisine, the Culcasi Family's newly redesigned cookbook featuring a treasure trove of recipes from Monterey's legendary family restaurant, is now available at 434 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey. Updated tried-and-true favorites, new chapters, new breakfast and brunch recipes, new soups, main dishes, and even more dessert recipes! Treat yourself and purchase one for that special holiday gift.

For a limited time this holiday season, Comanche Cellars is offering Secret Santa Six Packs of wine for $100. They're specially curated for holiday entertaining and boxed and decorated for easy grab and go.

You can choose from one of two options:
1) Mixed reds & whites
2) All reds
They're all current releases of six unique wines - no duplicates! And part of the fun is that they're secret.

Please stop by our wine room at 412 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, or call us at 831-747-2244 for more information and to place your order. This offer is only available through December 31, 2023.

Work Horse Bicycles is having a storewide holiday sale! Get great deals on bicycles and clothing from November 22 through December 24.

An independent, locally-owned bike shop, Work Horse is located at 486 Washington Street in Downtown Old Monterey. We're open Sun & Mon, 10am-5pm; Tue-Fri, 10am-6pm; and Sun, 9am-6pm.

Downtown Old Monterey is fortunate to be home to two very worthy non-profit organizations that work with children and youth: Monterey County Youth Museum (MY Museum) and Youth Arts Collective (YAC). We ask you to consider supporting local kids at all stages of their development by donating to these two organizations through Monterey County Gives this season. Now through December 31, participating community partners will match a percentage of your gift, increasing the impact of your donation!

MY Museum
MY Museum believes that every family with young children should have the opportunity to visit the museum regardless of their socio-economic status, and is committed to making that happen through reduced admission programs. But we need your help to sustain this.

Our School Subsidy Program offers reduced field trip rates of just $5 per child and no cost for teachers and chaperones. And, as part of the national “Museums for All” program, any family with an EBT or WIC card issued by the State Welfare Department can enter the museum for the reduced admission price of $2 per person for up to 4 people.

YAC
An after-school art studio for artists ages 14-22, YAC is an artist collective built to support and engage Monterey County's young artists. Professional artists working in the studio mentor each YACster in technical and life skills, fostering confidence, gratitude, and respect.

Most importantly, YAC connects students with a community of other young people who share a passion for art, providing a place that feels safe yet pushes students to new possibilities of self-exploration. It encourages relationships built around mutual respect, creativity, and compassion. And it provides a community of adults who care about and support young artists for exactly who they are.

Johnny Wicks Candle Studio invites you to join us in our third annual holiday gift drive for foster children, the Foster's Fosters Christmas Experience. The mission of this project, organized by Johnny Wicks founder, Johnny Foster, is to bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging to those children who, for various reasons, don't have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas like most of us do.

Whether it's a warm coat, a special gift, or a memorable Christmas experience, every dollar you donate brings us one step closer to making their dreams come true. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small. Together, we can ensure that these children have a wonderful, heartwarming, and unforgettable Christmas.

We welcome donations of gifts and gift cards dropped off during business hours at the Johnny Wicks Candle Studio, 499 Calle Principal in Downtown Old Monterey, or you can make a financial donation online here. The candle studio is open Wed, Thu, Sun, 12pm-5pm, and Fri & Sat, 12pm-6pm. You can also find us at the Downtown Old Monterey Farmers Market on Tuesdays, 4pm-7pm.

It's pie time! Come to Alta Bakery and Cafe and preorder pies for your Thanksgiving festivities. We have 3 delicious options: classic pumpkin pie ($36), pecan-honey pie ($38), and apple pie ($40). To order, visit us at 502 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey or click here. Pickups available on Tuesday, November 21, and Wednesday, November 22.

This Thanksgiving, Paris Bakery is offering a beautiful selection of pies - pumpkin, pecan, apple, blueberry, cherry, key lime, lemon meringue, peach, and mincemeat - in addition to special themed cookies and a full assortment of fresh breads and baked goods.

Preorder your Thanksgiving delights by Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2pm for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 22 - call us at 831-646-1620. A family-owned business, we're located at 271 Bonifacio Place in Downtown Old Monterey.

When choosing where to host the holiday party for your business or organization, don't get stuck in a rut with the same old places and ideas. Board & Brush offers a unique setting for teams to collaborate, socialize, and get creative together at our studio at 458 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Our studio is for EVERYONE...and we promise your group will leave with lasting memories and a piece of decor they'll be proud of. Learn more about our corporate event offerings here.

At Board & Brush, we work to perfectly curate each event to fit your team’s unique needs. From a large variety of design options to virtual offerings in case some of your team is not local - we're here to help make your event a success.

Let Alta Bakery & Cafe and Cella Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Old Monterey help you craft an unforgettable holiday party with luncheons, private dining, and catering.

Picture a gathering of family and friends, savoring a hearty, shared feast curated by Chefs Cal Stamenov and Ben Spungin, complete with the perfect wine pairings by Bernabe DeLuna. And let’s not forget the delightful custom cocktails crafted by Joshua Perry, adding that extra flare to your dining adventure.

Our family-style meals are all about bringing people together, whether it’s a snug get-together or a lively rehearsal dinner. We’ve got you covered with options, from substantial hors d’oeuvres to casual cocktail-style service, giving your event that personal touch. With our versatile venues, including a cozy heated pergola, an inviting dining room, and a private event space, we can host a variety of gatherings.

Planning a celebration for 14 or more? Email Lily at Cella to discover how we can make your event extraordinary. We’re excited to help you craft unforgettable memories during this holiday season and beyond.

The Feral Market now carries these whimsical new keychains made by Pigeon Print Shop in Monterey. We have 3D printed forest pixies, spiders, skeletons, and more, all with articulated joints so they bobble and wiggle along with you. They're delightful. Come and see them at the shop, 261 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.