ART
and Architecture

During the early to middle 1900s, Salinas experienced immense prosperity thanks to the prominence of the agriculture industry. Art deco was the dominant architectural style at the time, resulting in Salinas being home to many classic examples to this day. The City of Salinas offers a map for a walking tour of the area’s art deco architecture as well as a few other historical places. Salinas has what many consider to be the largest collection of art deco buildings for a city it’s size between San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The First Friday Art Walk has been a staple in Oldtown Salinas since 2005, taking place on the first Friday of every month, year-round, rain or shine. The all-volunteer event features more than 40 venues and includes 15+ art exhibits, 20 venues with live local music and dance performances, book signings, poetry readings, kids creation stations, artist booths and more. If you love art, music and poetry, this is a great free, monthly event for the whole community. Everyone involved in the event is a volunteer, which gives it an extra special neighborhood feel.

LET'S Explore

 

STEINBECK
and Salinas

Author John Steinbeck, whose book The Grapes of Wrath you likely read in a high school English class, is one of the most famous Salinas residents. Visit the Steinbeck House or the National Steinbeck Center and learn more about this author who spoke to a generation. The Steinbeck house features tours, a gift shop and a restaurant, all location in the Steinbeck family home. Over at the National Steinbeck Center, walk film clips, see first editions of his novels and old photographs. The National Steinbeck Exhibition Hall is designed as a journey through the author’s “Valley of the World,” allowing visitors to experience the places he travelled, lived and wrote about.

TREAT YOURSELF
in Salinas

When the agriculture industry is so strong, especially when it comes to grapes and fresh vegetables, it’s safe to assume that the food scene is also excellent. The Salinas food scene lives up to the hype with intriguing and cultural restaurants of varying ethnic origins. First Awakenings, is one of our favorite nearby breakfast spots and has received the title of “Best Place for Breakfast: in the country since 2006. Enjoy old-fashioned American comfort food including the California crepe and an eggcellent eggs benedict. First Awakenings also makes their own homemade Beligian waffle. Can you think of a better way to start the day?

Culturas Hidalgo y Oaxaca Restaurant is a great little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant down the street from SPS Salinas. The friendly staff welcomes you in and makes helpful recommendations for your group. Culturas is a family-run Mexican restaurant serving homestyle specialties from the states of Hidalgo and Oaxaca. The food is delicious, includes vegetarian and vegan options and has an authentic flavor you’ll be dreaming of for days to come.

We’re located very close to In-N-Out Burger, which may be a fast-food chain, but as we all know is a California institution. Unload your belongings at SPS Salinas and then reward yourself with a Double Double, fries and a shake from In-N-Out on the way home. You won’t be disappointed at their freshly prepared burgers!