I’m participating in a monthly photo challenge called “The Changing Seasons” to practice my photography. My first entry were photos from author John Steinbeck’s hometown, of Oldtown Salinas.
This month, I’m focusing on the historic buildings and gardens in the “old” downtown area of Monterey, as I can see a more distinct change in seasons with the lovely (and secret) gardens in old Monterey. These photographs were taken earlier this week.
Monterey is the most well-known city in Monterey County, here in the Central Coast of California. Right now, there are not many tourist, but in another month or two, there will be a lot of visitors converging in this area.
Many people have heard of Monterey, perhaps because of the annual Monterey Jazz Festival, or the world-renowned Monterey Aquarium, and tourist destinations like Cannery Row (immortalized in John Steinbeck novels), and Fisherman’s Wharf. The spectacular “Big Sur” coast, the Pebble Beach and Spanish Bay Golf Courses are also huge tourist draws for the county.
The Cannery Row area is in a newer part of town, called “New Monterey” and where most tourist visit, and because it leads to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Less visited is the older, downtown part of Monterey, which is actually very interesting with many historic buildings, all within easy walking distance of one another.
There are homes in the area that are National and California Historical Landmarks, and buildings that combine Spanish Colonial building methods with New England architectural features.
There are also Monterey Colonial style of architecture, which features two stories, porches, a hip roof, and adobe walls. Some of the buildings are occupied as offices by the city (including one by the City Attorney).
Here are a few examples of the buildings and homes in the area…
Building details…
There are espaliered and pollarded trees in the city gardens and streets, which I photographed so I can see them with leaves and in bloom for the next visit…
And finally, my favorite part, the gardens, with many plants in bloom, a feast for the eyes…
Eventually, I will learn more technical aspects of photography…for now though, I am just pointing and shooting, and enjoying the process. It is also fun to play tourist in one’s “backyard” through this photo challenge.
To see entries for this challenge hosted by Cardinal Guzman, or to participate, click here.