A message from Hanni, co-owner of Lilify, located at 281 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey:

We opened Lilify in 2012. As we prepared to open the shop, we were abustle with anticipation and adrenaline. In a particular moment of complexity our bookkeeper turned to me and said, “Hanni, we’re not playing shop. This is a shop.”

Now in our tenth year, I have learned that a business is a living, breathing, ever evolving entity. I have also learned that as a result of that evolution, an artisan shop has the ability to create community, transport, inspire, and offer an oasis.

On behalf of my family, the talented Lilify team, and the many independent artists, makers, and movers that make up Lilify, we thank you for your continued support and for allowing us to “play shop."

On The Beach Surf Shop has some new arrivals in the shop: stylish Thread wallets and lanyards! Thread offers functional products that allow you to do what you love and to look good doing it. On The Beach is located at 693 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

Have you tried our Godzillatots at Hula's Island Grill? The dish features crispy tater-tots with sriracha aoili, grilled onions, and roasted seaweed. Oh yes, it's a thing. Visit us at 622 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey and try some.

We have a new session of classes starting soon! It's not too late to register for one of the classes listed below. Spaces are limited. For more information, click the links below and register today to secure a spot!

Youth Classes

Street Food Round the World (6-12 yrs)

Skateboarding: Little Shredders (6-14 yrs)
Skyhawks Sports - Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Hoopster Tots, Soccer & Baseball, Track & Field

Bellydance with Lila (16+)
Hula and Polynesian Dance (3-7, 5.5-12, 12+)

Futsal Kingz (5-12 yrs)...Read More

The Pearl Works, a co-working space located at 288 Pearl Street in Downtown Old Monterey, is happy to announce that we are now officially recognized as a California Green Business!

To reduce our environmental impact as an organization, we've: prioritized composting and recycling; used solar to power our building; upgraded to high-efficiency water fixtures; reduced trash by having a low-waste kitchen; utilized 80% pre-used furniture; used refill containers for coffee and tea in the kitchen; chosen recycled/unbleached paper products; and opted to use non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products.

At Nacho Bizness, people often ask us about our cheese sauces. When we tell them it’s just cheese and milk with a blend of spices and peppers they always look awestruck.

That's right, we do NOT use canned cheese or cheese from a jar of any sort. We make our own cheese sauces daily and they take a ton of stirring to get just right. Mild cheddar cheese and Monterey jack cheese are at the heart of our Jalapeño Cheddar Sauce and Chipotle Jack Sauce. Don't do dairy? We also offer a vegan cheese sauce!

Come get some nachos with cheese sauce and see what the fuss is all about. Nacho Bizness is located at 470 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey.

Manasiri's Crepes and Sandwiches, a family-owned restaurant at 321 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey, invites you to try our caramel and banana crepe!

Manasiri's, serving a range of sweet and savory crepes as well as panini, and salads, is open Sun-Thur, 8am-7pm and Fri-Sat, 8am-midnight. View our menu here.

Comanche Cellars Wine Room is pleased to announce our new tasting menu! Visit us and try the 2020 Dog & Pony Rose of Pinot Noir, 2020 Comanche Cellars Chardonnay, 2018 Comanche Cellars Pinot Noir, 2019 Dog & Pony Barbera, and the 2018 Dog & Pony Il Rinnegato. Our five-flight tasting is $20 per person - if you make a two bottle purchase, we'll waive one tasting fee.

We're located at 412 Alvarado Street in Downtown Old Monterey and open for wine tasting and retail wine sales.

Did you know? You can purchase plants that have been propagated from the Cooper Molera Gardens. Just visit the Cooper Molera Museum entrance Wednesday - Sunday, 10am-4pm at 506 Munras Avenue in Downtown Old Monterey.

One gallon pots cost $10; two gallon pots cost $15. Cash, card, and Apply Pay accepted. All proceeds benefit Cooper Molera.

Right now, we have Clivia Minata, or "Bush Lilly" in stock (pictured here). Get them now while they are blooming! Bush Lily is a broadleaf, evergreen, clumping perennial native to South Africa. It takes a few years for a Bush Lily plant to bloom, so unless you are very patient it is best to purchase a mature plant like the ones we have in stock here. The blooms are showy and long-lasting, usually an orange, white, or yellow color and lily-like in shape. The plant grows up to 2 feet high and 3 feet wide.

Are you a freediver who's ready to learn spear fishing? Bamboo Reef Dive Shop encourages you to sign up for our NAUI Underwater Hunter & Collector Course! This course is designed to provide certified freedivers with the skills and knowledge necessary to spearfish and forage specimens while being safe and having fun.

In this 2-day class (Friday on Zoom, Sunday in person), you'll learn about freediving techniques, hazards and cautions, safety concerns, equipment, conservation, fishing laws and regulations, sportsmanship, specific techniques, utilizing the catch, selecting specimens, preservation, shell collecting, and diving locations.

Course will be offered Feb 18 & 20 and March 4 & 6. Please visit our website for more information. Bamboo Reef Dive Shop is located at 614 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

American Burger, Al and Friends, and Athletes That Care are still seeking financial support to help cover the costs of their annual Super Bowl To-Go Lunch for the Disadvantaged, which took place on Sunday, February 13. Please consider making a donation - $15 will cover the cost of a meal for a disadvantaged person in our community. Donations of new or gently used items of clothing are also welcome.

Donations should be made to Al and Friends - please contact them at 831-402-0820, online, or at P.O. Box 1022, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. And a big thank you to New Monterey's American Burger for once again participating in this great event.

Al and Friends, a 501(c)3 organization, provides a dignified, nutritiously balanced meal every Sunday morning at the beach in Monterey to those who are hungry (with no questions asked). These weekly feasts are designed to amaze the guests, but are also aimed to feed and uplift some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Beautiful new dresses have just arrived at Cypress Boutique! There is something for everyone - long, short, floral, and solid. Hurry in and check out our new arrivals at 800 Lighthouse Avenue, Suite C in Monterey. We want you to look fabulous this spring.