Magical Monterey

Program Registration. When you arrive at Hidden Valley’s campus, come over to the main office next to the parking lot to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. At 5:00 p.m., we’ll meet our fellow participants for a wine and cheese reception in the Fireside Room and Dining Room. We’ll enjoy some California wines and/or juices and savor cheese and crackers before dinner.

In the Dining Room.

Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, locally sourced meals, and evening entertainment. Every day before breakfast, there will be a popular class of long, slow stretching and breathing in the dance studio. Toast and juice will be available in the dining room before class. This is not an aerobics class and there is no need for special clothing or shoes and no need for a shower afterwards. Food selections will be healthily prepared with local ingredients. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Public bus service will be available across from the campus driveway. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the Dining Room.

We will board a motor coach with a local expert on Monterey and learn why Robert Louis Stevenson called this the “most beautiful meeting of land and water on the face of the earth.” From fabulous coastal scenes to famous homes on Pebble Beach’s 17-mile drive, to historic Monterey Adobes that served as the capital of California under Spanish rule, this area is a never-to-be-forgotten treasure of beauty and interest. On our scenic drive, we’ll learn about the Monterey peninsula’s dynamic history, ecology, culture, and beauty. We will pause at scenic stops to stretch our legs, breathe the fresh ocean air, and experience how all of these unique components fit together to make up Monterey.

In the Dining Room.

We will be joined in the theater by a coastal expert who will introduce and explain some of the fascinating natural history of this extraordinary area. The lecture will be illustrated by a wealth of gorgeous slides. Time before dinner is free to relax and enjoy the atmosphere at Hidden Valley’s campus. You might like to take a walk in the valley to the local park and village, with its historical center, local art galleries, and wine tasting rooms.

In the Dining Room.

A talented pianist, teaching from the keyboard, will perform music of Scott Joplin and others. You may recognize some of the hit tunes from the turn into the 20th century that are still ingrained in the music world.

In the Dining Room.

John Steinbeck will be in fine fettle as he joins us in class for a talk about his life, work, and his beloved Monterey — never mind that he passed away many years ago!

We’ll pick up sack lunches, prepared fresh in Hidden Valley’s kitchen. You are welcome to eat on campus or take your lunch with you if you go out.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Public bus service is available across from the campus driveway.

In the Dining Room.

A local winemaker or vineyardist will join us in the dining room for an introductory class to learn about new wines, the process that goes into producing them, and ultimately experience them through a tasting. Carmel Valley is perhaps the most distinct of the seven appellations comprising Monterey County’s diverse wineries; of these, Carmel Valley is perhaps the most distinct. Nestled in the Santa Lucia foothills, our summers yield exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other red varietals.

In the Dining Room.

We will board the motor coach for a field trip to the National Steinbeck Center in historic Oldtown Salinas. En route, we’ll drive along California scenic highways through oak chaparral and lush agricultural land. At the Center, we’ll delve more deeply into Steinbeck’s life through a docent-led exploration as well as on our own as we view art galleries inspired by his work, artifacts, and a rich local history. Docents will be available to answer questions, provide insights, and further enhance our experience. Please note that the National Steinbeck Center is within a building owned by California State Monterey Bay (CSUMB). As such, they are required to follow the safety regulations dictated by the CSUMB President and risk management department. Cleaning protocols have been enhanced throughout the building, and hand sanitizer stations have been placed at the Museum’s entry and in other locations throughout the Museum. They ask that you practice safe social distancing while at the Museum and stay home if you are not feeling well.

Sack lunches.

Next, we’ll ride to the fascinating Monterey Bay Aquarium on Cannery Row. On the drive, we’ll see more scenic countryside and go through historic Cannery Row where Steinbeck’s best friend, Doc Ricketts, had his marine lab. This was the site of the canning industry that defined Monterey for years. The beautifully constructed Monterey Bay Aquarium cares for more than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species that fill 34 major galleries. With nearly 200 exhibits in all, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean. During our self-directed exploration, knowledgeable docents will be stationed at each exhibit to provide commentary and answer questions. We’ll return to Hidden Valley after our field trip.

Dining Room buffet.

A local expert will continue our natural history focus with stories about the Point Lobos region that will give us background on what makes this area so fascinating.

In the Dining Room.

We’ll board the motor coach for a field trip to Point Lobos State Natural Preserve with our local expert from last night. Upon arrival, we will enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the famous coast and hear stories connecting us with the nature, history, culture, and peoples of the area. Our expert will also lead nature walks as we enjoy the ocean panorama.

In the field.

We’ll continue to explore Point Lobos. The California State Parks say that Point Lobos “in addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos — Point of the Sea Wolves — where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the Reserve has often been called the crown jewel of the State Park System. We’ll return to Hidden Valley after our field trip.

In the Dining Room. Share favorite experiences and camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our last dinner.

At Hidden Valley, we’ll enjoy a film highlighting Monterey's region and culture. Or spend more time in the company of new Road Scholar friends with informal activities such as board games, cards, or puzzles over coffee or tea in the Fireside Room. Prepare for check-out and departure after brunch in the morning.

In the dining room before the last stretching class, light offerings.

Jack London, once a frequent visitor to our area, will stop by Hidden Valley to share his recollections of "the old days" and talk about his works — a fitting farewell to our program in magical Monterey.

In the dining room, we’ll have a farewell brunch buffet to commemorate the great program we have enjoyed with new Road Scholar friends. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!