Cheap Activities Along the Coast

With the holidays right around the corner, many California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) residents may be wondering what there is to do in the area without having to spend a pretty penny on tourist attractions, meals, and drinks.

Due to dropping temperatures around the coast, java junkies everywhere fill coffee houses for hot drinks and a peaceful environment. Although Mundo’s on North Fremont Street may not have a typical coffeehouse vibe, it has a family friendly kitchen sense according to most visitors. They serve up fresh brewed coffee and teas unlike that of Starbucks or Peet’s coffee selections. In Marina on Reservation Road, Coffee Mia Brew Bar is a family owned business serving top notch lattes and paninis. Evan Michaels, a frequent visitor to Coffee Mia stated that, “This is real coffee, not syrup and milk, but fresh, hot coffee.”

When hitting the town, blowing wads of cash on bottle service in this beachy town is not always top on the outing lists. On the other hand, the Shadow Box on Fremont Boulevard invites people to spend some time between dingy walls mixed with cheap booze and the heavy smell of smoke. Not 21? Planet Gemini Nightclub on Fremont Street and Luxe Lounge on Franklin Street both host 18 and over college nights on Thursdays.

Fancying the arts? Momix will be at the Sunset Center in Carmel on November 10 for a one night performance. Momix is a dance company that combines props, pure talent, and music into an experience not to be forgotten. Although this event is not free, it is said that the performance Momix demonstrates is “art in motion, amazing, and hypnotic!”

Looking to charm a loved one? The 17th annual tree lighting ceremony in Cannery Row will be held on November 25. While the lights glisten around Steinbeck Plaza, the sparkle in your boo’s eye may be glistening, too! Not enough sparkle in the sky? On December 1st, both Salinas and Pacific Grove will be celebrating their 10th annual holiday parades with lights, floats, food, and fun for FREE!

Looking for a surefire way to stretch a few dollars? The Monterey Lanes on Fremont Street will be open Thanksgiving Eve for satisfying rounds of calorie burning. The place has been said to need some modernization by fellow students but it is also one of the best places to go on a rainy, gloomy day or when you just want to have a good time with a group of friends. It is not about the run down walls but rather the company attending with!

Still looking for other things to do? On November 16, Mazda Raceway track will be open to recreational cyclists to pedal around the 11 turn layout. The Monterey County Parks Department has made this open program possible to bring the community together and enjoy healthy exercise. On November 17, the Lindamood-Bell Thank-A-Thon will be held. This event allows a space for people of the community and surrounding towns to come together and create thank you notes for the troops overseas. The notes will be delivered to the men and women of the military at no cost. For more information on location and time, call (831) 372-5753.

Lastly, on December 4, along the Monterey and Pacific Grove Coastline, a lighted boat parade will take place. The boats of the bay will plan on getting decked out in lights as they set sail from the Coast Guard Pier, past Cannery Row, and up to Lover’s Point. The ships will compete to win the title of Best Decorations from the yacht club at the end of the night.