Hidden along the Highway 68, off of the famous California Highway 1 is Asilomar, the former YWCA western conference center and today's popular conference location on the Monterey Peninsula.

The serene shores that make up Asilomar State Beach have been a part of the California State Park system for over 50 years, and little has changed.

Known as the "Refuge by the Sea," this narrow one-mile stretch along the coast is made up of tranquil white sandy beaches as well as rocky coves. Beyond the beach, Asilomar Conference Grounds has become an ideal venue for various retreats, from corporate events and business meetings to family reunions and weddings.

Located on 107 acres of beachfront forests and dunes, Asilomar is a great place to stay for both large events and getaways. The Asilomar staff can help coordinate retreats and offer creative catering from the country themed Crocker Dining Hall, which can accommodate up to 850 people.

Tucked away in the quaint town of Pacific Grove, Asilomar remains on the outskirts of Monterey Bay, but still close enough for families to venture into the other nearby seaside towns for more attractions, such as the Point Lobos State Reserve, "The Crown Jewel of the State Park System," and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. Another must-see while at Asilomar is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

Also nearby is the lovely town of Carmel, another popular destination for weddings; in fact, years ago I was the flower girl for a family wedding in Carmel. Back then, my favorite part of the area was visiting the shores that were crowded with sea otters.

Throughout Asilomar's 30 buildings are 313 guest rooms; all are free of modern day distractions, such as televisions and telephones. However, all rooms have private bathrooms and most feature welcoming common areas with fireplaces and comfortable furniture.

Guests have the option of staying in a suite, standard room, or historical room, which would be located in buildings that were designed by famed architect Julia Morgan. The first licensed female architect in California, Morgan, was hired by the YWCA to design the building of Asilomar for their western conference center. Of the 15 original structures she designed between 1919 and 1928, 13 remain today.

This retreat is also a great value, with bed and breakfast packages, including accommodations for one night and a full breakfast for two in the Crocker Dining Hall, starting at just $119/N plus tax during spring. For more information, please visit www.visitasilomar.com or call 866/654-2878 to make reservations. To plan your family reunion or group event, please call 831/642-4222 and one of their specialists will help you enjoy this special place.

by Jennifer Moore

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