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built to supply the keepers of the Point Pinos
light. It's a charming district, with many
Victorian-era storefront facades still in place.
Each spring, the street is closed off for the
hugely popular Good Old Days Celebration, a
not-to-be-missed fete for Peninsulans of all
ages. During the events surrounding the Pebble
Beach Concours d'Elegance, Lighthouse
Avenue becomes the venue for the whimsical
Little Car Show, a celebration of diminutive
motorcars from around the world.
As befits "The Last Hometown," this is a
community that loves a good parade, and the
city stages one at every oppor tunity. The city's
Monarch butterflies are honored when scores
of school children dress up like the famous bugs
and take to the streets. There's a parade for
PG's unique Feast of Lanterns pageant, as well
as one that kicks off Good Old Days and one
that commemorates Christmas.
In November 1879, famed author and one-
time Monterey resident Rober t Louis
Stevenson strolled through Pacific Grove after
the worshipers had depar ted for the season.
He related the experience in his book, "The
Old Pacific Capitol."
"I have never been in any place so dreamlike.
Indeed, it was not so much like a deser ted
town as like a scene upon the stage by daylight,
and with no one on the boards."
And that description remains apt. PG is most
definitely the most staid and sleepy of cities that
ring Monterey Bay. And that's just fine with the
proud "Pagrovian" populace. This is a highly
healthy, wholesome habitat, long prized as a
great place to live and raise a family. While some
might consider it staid and somnolent, many
consider it a refreshing change from the fast-
paced, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter world.
In fact, if Stevenson were to wander the
streets of 21st century Pacific Grove just about
any evening after 10pm, he'll likely have the
same reaction he did in the 19th. It's a land out
of time…a place where things move just a tad
more slowly.
And that's just as it should be.
For more information regarding the town, go to
www.pacificgrove.org.
HOURS: Mon-Sat 10-5:30 Sunday 12-4
Like Us on
606 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA
(831) 656-9063•
carriedawayboutique.com
Many
Designers
Including:
Zoe
Hobo
Brighton
Miraclebody
Joseph Ribkoff
PG residents take great pride in their "Last Hometown." Elaborately decorated and
impeccably maintained properties lend charm and distinction to this seaside village.
Photo:
Shutterstock
