Introducing Salinas
Salinas is the birthplace of John Steinbeck and a major agricultural center whose top crop is the crunchy iceberg lettuce. From May to September, more than six million heads are harvested each day, a feat that’s garnered the area the nickname ‘the world’s salad bowl.’ Salinas makes a strong contrast with the conspicuous affluence of Monterey, a mere 17 miles to the west, a fact of life that helped shape Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Its historic center stretches out along Main St, whose northern end is punctuated by the town’s main attraction, the National Steinbeck Center. The addition of a 12-screen multiplex is a sign of a new, thriving downtown.
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Pick up information and maps at the Salinas Visitors Center (831-424-7611; www.salinaschamber.com; 119 E Alisal St; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri), four blocks east of Main St.
Seasonal highlights include the huge California Rodeo Salinas (831-775-3100; www.carodeo.com), starting the third Thursday in July and the CaliforniaInternational Airshow (888-845-7469; www.salinasairshow.com) in September or October.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: How Bad is P.M. Rush Hour Traffic, San Francisco to Big Sur?
by onlymike 10 September 2011
Personally I would go with the 280, 85,101,152 to Monterey. Another option that I like to take but I think it will put you in more rush…
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RE: One Week in Monterey California
by onlymike 17 July 2011
Hi I reccomend that you do one of the walking tours through Monterey definitely. They have a few different ones. Cannery Row is very popular…
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RE: West Coast Road Trip
by nutraxfornerves 15 July 2011
For literary, you may want to spend a day in the Monterey area, home of John Steinbeck, a Nobel laureate in literature. Cannery Row in…
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