PIE planner: Monterey, Calif.: PIE attendees have many leisure-time options—incredible waterfront restaurants, wine-tastings, tours, even a sports museum - Trade Shows

Pool & Spa News, Sept 19, 2003

It's almost that time again, when pool and spa service technicians and builders head for scenic Monterey, Calif. The 17th Annual Pool Industry Expo is set for Oct. 2-4 at the seashore community's convention center.

A pre-show golf tournament is scheduled for the 18-hole Black Horse Course at Fort Ord on Oct. 1.

As always, PIE offers a comprehensive seminar slate. The 48 sessions will cover topics ranging from customer service and computerized accounting to pool equipment, vinyl-liner repair and soils/geotechnical issues. Rounding out the educational offerings will be a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) course and water chemistry certification. (IPSSA and PIE are conducting the water chemistry exam Saturday, Oct. 4, 1-2 p.m.

Of course, manufacturers and distributors will be on hand with displays and exhibits. And watch for PIE traditions such as the Friday Fiesta Barbecue, the Pool Man Band and the Pool Man Olympics, set to kick off at 6 p.m. in the Plaza.

This show planner, compiled by the Pool & Spa News staff, should serve as a handy guide to the host city's top restaurants, clubs, museums and sightseeing tours.

TOURS/SIGHTS

Chris' Whale Watching & Fishing Trips: These tours offer whale watching year 'round. The two-hour-long excursions are fully narrated and run daily. Tickets are $18 adults; $12 children; call for tour times. 48 Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. (831) 375-5951.

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Ocean wonders, from reefs to underwater Monterey Canyon, unfold for visitors at this world-class aquarium. Special exhibits and regular exhibits, too. 866 Cannery Row, Monterey. (831) 648-4888, information; (800) 756-3737, advance tickets.

Monterey Bay Scenic Tours, 17-Mile Drive: This bus-tour company provides an award-winning DVD multimedia tour to enhance passengers' enjoyment of the scenery viewed from its luxury coach. 2 Serrano Way, Monterey. (800) 343-6437, information and reservations.

Ag Venture Tours: This tour company specializes in agriculture, wine-tasting and sightseeing in the Monterey Bay region. Each tour or "ag venture" is designed to be fun and educational and includes visits to wineries, vineyards and vegetable farms. (888) 643-9463, information and reservations.

WINE-TASTING ROOMS

A Taste of Monterey: More than 100 wines from 35 local wineries are available here, plus deli/gift sales. Receptions and dinners for groups may be arranged. Monterey County Wine & Produce Visitors' Center, 700 Cannery Row. (831) 646-5446.

Bargetto Winery: Tasting room with deli/gift sales. Winery tours arranged. Open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 700 Cannery Row. (831) 373-4053.

Baywood Cellars Tasting Room: Includes a deli/gift shop and can be booked for private parties. 81 Cannery Row. (831) 645-9035.

MUSEUMS

Maritime Museum of Monterey: Learn about Monterey's seafaring heritage, from Spanish conquistadors and mission settlements to trading schooners, fishing, the Navy and more. 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey. (831) 373-2469.

Monterey Bay Sports Museum: The museum displays baseball, football and boxing memorabilia, with an emphasis on the Victorian era. The collection includes baseball equipment from the 1920s, uniforms predating 1960, trophies from the 19th century, gum and tobacco cards, and more. 883 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey. (831) 655-2363.

Monterey Museum of Art: Known as the best "small town museum in the U.S.," it displays works by early California and traditional American artists, Asian and Pacific Rim art, and global folk art. Locations: 559 Pacific St., (831) 372-5477; and 720 Via Miranda, (831) 372-3689, Monterey.

DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Blue Fin Care & Billiards: Plenty to do at this pub with 19 pool tables, darts, foosball, shuffleboard and live music Thursday-Saturday. Menu includes steak, seafood, burgers, sandwiches; 22 beers on tap. 685 Cannery Row, third floor, Steinbeck Plaza. (831) 375-7000.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Shrimp everywhere: shrimp cocktails, shrimp spaghetti, shrimp scampi. But there are other delectables, too: Pacific Northwest salmon, crab, steaks, ribs and burgers. Fun waterfront location features memorabilia from "Forrest Gump" film. 720 Cannery Row. (831) 373-1884.

California Grill: This restaurant combines comfortable surroundings with expansive windows overlooking the flower-filled Custom House Plaza. It features steaks, pastas, chicken and fleshly caught seafood along with an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 2 Portola Plaza (in Double Tree Hotel), Monterey. (408) 649-4511.

Cafe Fina: This award-winning four-star restaurant serves Monterey seafood/Italian cuisine, from shrimp, clams and lobster to homemade pastas, pizzas and more. Full bar; extensive wine list. Reservations recommended. 47 Fisherman's Wharf Monterey. (831) 372-5200.

Cibo Ristorante Italiano: Cibo (pronounced chee-bo) means "food" in Italian. Located in downtown Monterey, this eatery has an eclectic menu, ranging from gourmet pizzas to multicourse meals. It also has an extensive wine list and live jazz. Open evenings. 301 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 649-8151.