Referred to as "PG" by locals Pacific Grove started as a retreat for Methodists in the 19th century when inland summer temperatures soared and the cool, fresh breezes off Monterey Bay beckoned. Spaces for tents sprung up that eventually were sold as lots and homes began to be erected around 1875 when the Point Pinos Lighthouse was built. Most of those homes still exist today and PG has the largest amount of historic homes in California. Today PG is referred to as "Americas Last Small Town" as it covers two and a half square miles and has a population of 15,000. During their winter flight to Mexico Monarch Butterflies stop off, rest, mate and feed on local milkweed and eucalyptus in the Monarch Retreat. Their presence, celebrated each year with the Butterfly Parade, has dubbed PG the name "Butterfly Town." I call it home and when friends ask how living in PG is I tell them one doesn't live in PG one has a love affair with it.
Storm clouds moving across Monterey Bay into PG during winter.
One of the Historic Homes of PG that replaced a tent originally used by the Methodists.
Detail of a PG Historic Home.
Aloes bloom every year adding their beauty to PG.
A bronze statue of a boy with a sailing ship stands in Lovers Point Park and points to Monterey Bay as a reminder of the historical ties to the ocean.
The paved walking and bike trail that starts in PG and goes to Watsonville, a distance of 34 miles of paved, traffic free and uninterrupted passage.
Looking North from PG to Monterey.
The morning sun reflecting across Monterey Bay with Lovers Point jutting out.
Lovers Point just after sunset.
The White Heart a turn of the century home decorated for the holidays.
A graceful Monarch feeds from Cherry Blossom nectar in the Monarch Preserve.
Flowers bloom in the spring along the dirt coastal walking trail that goes from PG to Asilomar. The trail is dotted with benches to sit on, relax and enjoy the Bay Watch.
