The city of Monterey starts off early in May with the 1st Annual Gospel Festival at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Top performers from the musical world of Gospel will be entertaining and praising God during this two day non stop event. Be sure to make your arrangements soon for this May 10th event that will be held only at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Call the Monterey Gospel Festival at 831-394-9422 for more information.

Mid May the focus shifts to the Monterey Aquarium for the Cooking for Solutions event. Over 12 chefs who have been recognized and selected for their awareness and consciousness towards preserving the health of land and sea, will be providing gourmet dishes on the 16th and 17th of May. Honored Chef Daria Allen along with special guest Alton Brown will also be presenting cooking demonstrations during this event. Contact the aquarium at 831-644-7561 for details about Cooking for Solutions.

The only way to bring together the Grand -Am Rolex Sports Car Series and the Champ Car World Series in one phrase is by calling it the Monterey Speed Festival. Saturday's event will be the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype and GT car race at Mazda Laguna Seca. Sunday marks the return of the Champ Car World Series showcasing the fastest of cars that have ever touched the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway track. Among the rumble of engines & screeching tires will be other events for children to participate in. Contact Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway for questions about this racing event or any other race taking place this year at (800) 327-SECA.

The Carmel Music Society kicks off the month of May with pianist Elizabeth Schumann. Schumann was the winner of 2007 Piano Competition and her play is nothing short of breathtaking and memorable. On the 10th enjoy the instrumental competition at Sunset Center where competitors can earn a grand prize of $5000. Not only will the winner receive a cash prize but will also be able to perform in concert May of 2009. For more information about the events hosted by the Carmel Music Society call (831) 625-9938.

May 15-18, forty-three art galleries will open up their pieces and impressions for the 15th Annual Carmel Art Festival. This year's festival will include a Plein Air Competition, Carmel Youth Art Show, sculpture in the Park, sculpture Withindoors, Quick Draw and Kids Art Day. Be sure to come out and see what makes Carmel such a destination for artists and art lovers. This festival will be held in the famous Devendorf Park in Carmel. Call (831) 642-2503 for more details.

Later in the month the Carmel Mission honors the forefathers that came to the California coast years ago at Carmel Mission Founder's Day Celebration. The mission courtyard will be open with music, food, historic exhibits as well as tours of the mission. Mark your calendars for this historical May 28th event and call (831) 624-1271 for more information.

In honor of mother's day you can check out the Wildlife Preserve by going on a guided tour. Tours actually take place everyday but on the first Saturday of each month kids and families are invited to participate in arts and crafts before setting out on a tour. What a fun way to say Happy Mother's Day with arts and crafts and then tour of Vision Quest Ranch. Contact Wild Things at (831) 455-1901 for more information about tours and other events that take place through out the year.

Another major event for the area takes place May 18th in Monster Truck Jam 2008. This event always sells out so get your tickets today! The Salinas Valley Fair begins May 15th so be sure to check that out as well. Call (831) 385-3242 to find out more about the Salinas Valley Fair and the Monster Truck Jam.

Mother's Day is done right at Pebble Beach at the Lodge and The Inn at Spanish Bay. May 11th you have got to get mom out for a Buffet & Dinners and indulge in fine dining, wine and great atmosphere near these impeccable golf courses known around the world. Call (831) 647-7500 for details on how to reserve your table for this Mother's Day event.

Two days later come on out for the Pebble Beach Equestrian Challenge. This week long challenge will showcase Level A horses putting them through the paces of jumping, repetition and other class challenges. This show of horses and horse training is always an anticipated event so don't miss out. Contact event coordinators at (831) 624-2756, to find out where to be for this event in Pebble Beach.

There are many other events that have not been mentioned here so be sure to visit the Calendar section of www.monterey.com to get the full listing of events that take place during the month of May. Have a great time creating memories in Monterey and stay tuned for more exciting events!

Nestled in the sunny Santa Lucia Mountains in the sunbelt of Monterey Bay are our two Monterey Peninsula hotels - just minutes from Carmel by the Sea, California. Country Garden Inns offers two Carmel, California country bed and breakfast inns with European hospitality. Both Hidden Valley Inn and Acacia Lodge represent two Monterey Bay, California hotels exuding quiet country living at its best, out of the reach of the coastal fog and boasting one of the world's finest year-round climates.

It always feels like Spring in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Perennially flowering gardens and endless white sand beaches entice visitors to return year after year. Tucked away in a quiet corner is the English-country Cobblestone Inn - a charming addition to the natural beauty of Carmel.

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