The 59th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is set to take place on Sunday, August 16. Arguably the world’s finest celebration of the automobile, only the most beautiful and rare cars are invited to appear on the world renowned 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, where connoisseurs of art and style gather to see these works of art.
But car enthusiasts need not wait until the 16th to celebrate — myriad events abound for the auto aficionado during the Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend.
The Pebble Beach Auction offers car collectors the opportunity not only to see, but to acquire automobiles of the highest quality, provenance, and design. From Wednesday, August 12 to Sunday, August 16, automobiles are on view. Friday, August 14 offers a preview reception by invitation only, and the auctions take place on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16. (310/899-1960, www.goodingco.com)
During the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance on August 13, entrants in the Concours d’Elegance trace some of the most scenic portions of 17-Mile Drive and Highway One and then parade down Carmel’s Ocean Avenue. The 2009 Tour also includes a special route for Morgan Motor cars, tracing Scenic Road to the historic Carmel Mission. All Tour participants enjoy a catered gourmet lunch, a Champagne celebration at the finish, and commemorative gifts. (sjacobs@pebblebeachconcours.net)
From August 14-16, located immediately adjacent to the main pedestrian entrance to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the elegant RetroAuto pavilion features rare collectibles and memorabilia from automotive’s past, as well as the latest luxury goods and technological tools to enhance today’s driving experience. Exhibitors represent a variety of retail and manufacturing categories, including historic automobilia, auto parts, original poster art, books and literature, fine art, and photography and posters, as well as luxury items to complement the motoring lifestyle. (kleach@pebblebeachconcours.net)
The annual Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend reaches its climax on August 16 with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where the automobiles compete to be named “the best of the best.” This event is not a contest of speed, but rather of excellence. Automobiles are judged for their historical accuracy, their technical merit, and their style. And the best garner reward and recognition. Thousands of enthusiasts are on hand to celebrate these cars and enjoy the company of others who share their passion. This year’s Concours d’Elegance will feature Bugatti and Bentley, and will celebrate a century of Morgan and Audi, as well as the designs of Zagato.
At dawn the field opens to entrants. At 9am the judging commences, and at 10:30am the field opens to spectators. Awards are then presented from 1:30-4:30pm.
Also on August 16, the most respected automotive artists in the world exhibit their latest creations at the Automotive Fine Arts Society Exhibition, which has been held in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for over two decades. (www.autoartgallery.com/afas)
How To Get There
Jet-setters rejoice — as of this past May, Allegiant Air is the first commercial airline to offer low-cost, nonstop service on a 150-seat MD-80 jet aircraft between San Diego International Airport and Monterey Peninsula Airport. These flights operate three times weekly between with service on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, departing San Diego at 11:20am and arriving in Monterey at 12:40pm. Return flights depart Monterey at 9:20am and arrive in San Diego at 10:40am. (702/505-8888, www.allegiantair.com)
Where To Stay
The Lodge At Pebble Beach
Built in 1919 and situated on the south coast of the Monterey Peninsula, The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers 155 luxury guest rooms and a host of over-the-top amenities including four delectable dining options — The Stillwater Bar & Grill, Club XIX, The Tap Room, and The Gallery. The resort also offers 8,000 square feet of conference facilities and a promenade of shopping boutiques. Among many other accolades, the resort received Mobil Travel Guide’s “4-Star” Award this year. (800/654-9300, www.pebblebeach.com)
Casa Palmero At Pebble Beach
For a more secluded retreat, this elegant Mediterranean-style enclave offers 24 spacious rooms and suites. Situated along the first and second fairways of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, the lushly landscaped grounds, trellised walkways and sun-drenched patios beckon you to step back in time to a private estate offering the ultimate in modern comforts. In addition, this resort features the ultimate in personal attention and privacy. A coordinator will customize all arrangements for individual guests and executive groups alike, including corporate golf or tennis tournaments, spa services, and activities. (800/654-9300, www.pebblebeach.com)
The Inn At Spanish Bay
The Inn at Spanish Bay offers a luxurious escape of 269 guest rooms and suites for golf enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. Guests can choose between three fine restaurants — Pèppoli, Roy’s at Pebble Beach, and Sticks, and can utilize its 14,000 square feet of conference facilities. In addition, this resort received a World’s Best Service nod from Travel + Leisure in 2008. (800/654-9300, www.pebblebeach.com)
Where To Play
The Beach & Tennis Club
Located just east of The Lodge along Stillwater Cove, The Beach & Tennis Club offers 12 tennis courts (10 hard, 2 clay), a tennis pro shop, heated swimming pool, fitness room, and lounge and locker rooms for men and women. A short drive from The Lodge rests The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, which houses over 34 miles of bridle paths reaching every corner of Del Monte Forest. And for physical fitness buffs, there are winding trails throughout the Del Monte Forest, providing a beautiful setting for invigorating exercise.
Pebble Beach Equestrian Center
The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center is a diverse and active facility, offering a full lesson program, from beginner to advanced, boarding and training, camps, guided trail rides, schooling shows, and clinics along with eight A-rated hunter/jumper shows and one dressage show each year. The center also has 5 fenced jumping arenas, 2 dressage courts, the use of the Collins Multi-purpose Field, and miles of trails, and is home to over 140 horses, including 50 lesson and trail horses. (831/624-2756, www.ridepebblebeach.com)
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Of course there is also Pebble Beach Golf Links, located adjacent to The Lodge on the east, with the 18th fairway and green situated between the main building and Carmel Bay. The 2010 U.S. Open Championship will mark the fifth time that the storied course has hosted this prestigious event. Opened in 1919 and designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, Pebble Beach Golf Links has hosted ten previous USGA championships. Tiger Woods’ 15-stroke victory in 2000 — his first U.S. Open win — was the largest ever recorded at a major golf tournament. Prior winners at Pebble Beach include Jack Nicklaus in 1972, Tom Watson in 1982, and Tom Kite in 1992. In preparation for the 2010 U.S. Open Championship, Pebble Beach has unveiled a number of improvements since the 2000 U.S. Open.
The Links At Spanish Bay
Spanish Bay recalls the original Scottish concept of the game golf, established over five hundred years ago. This was the intention of the design team, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum, in their creation of a true links golf course. The course was also built with a deep respect for environmental preservation. To further continue this mission, it offers designated "environmentally sensitive" areas. Also available are chipping and putting greens. The Links at Spanish Bay is located at The Inn at Spanish Bay, off 17-Mile Drive near the Pacific Grove Gate. (831/647-7495, www.pebblebeach.com)
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Ranked number 11 on “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” list by Golf Digest for 2009/2010, Spyglass Hill Golf Course takes its name from Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel, Treasure Island. Hole names such as “Black Dog” and “Billy Bones” are hints for the unwary. Spyglass Hill was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., as a part of the master plan for the Pebble Beach oceanfront. S.F.B. Morse, founder of Pebble Beach Company, and chairman of the board of Del Monte Properties, envisioned a string of golf courses around Del Monte Forest’s shoreline. Morse commissioned Jones to design a course between Cypress point and Pebble Beach.
The design features two distinctly different kinds of terrain that influence the way the holes look and play. The first five holes roll through sandy seaside dunes challenging the golfer to carefully pick the safest path. The following 13 holes are cut through majestic pines with elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers and lakes to grab the errant shot.
Spyglass Hill is rated one of the toughest courses in the world from the Championship tees, boasting a course rating of 75.5 and a slope rating of 147. The PGA Tour consistently lists Spyglass Hill's holes 6, 8 and 16 among the toughest on the tour, and during the 1999 United States Amateur, the stroke average of the field during medal play was in excess of 79.
Spyglass Hill is an annual co-host to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, formerly known as the Crosby. Spyglass Hill co-hosted the 1999 United States Amateur during medal play rounds, and hosts many other world-class professional and amateur events each year as well. (831/625-8563, www.pebblebeach.com)
Del Monte Golf Course
Opened in 1897, Del Monte Golf Course is the oldest course in continuous operation west of the Mississippi. Designed by golf and polo enthusiast Charles Maud, this inland course boasts a meandering layout that has challenged golfers for more than a century. It was the original host of the California State Amateur and continues to serve as one of three courses on which the Callaway Golf Pebble Beach Invitational is played. (831/373-2700, www.pebblebeach.com)
Where To Unwind
The Spa At Pebble Beach
For lovers of relaxation and rejuvenation, The Spa at Pebble Beach celebrates the harmonious meeting of forest and sea with services that incorporate the healing properties of the plants, herbs, and minerals indigenous to the Monterey Peninsula. Treatments are designed to maximize the therapeutic results and enhance the ultimate feeling of relaxation. Spa services include seasonal treatments, classic massage, lymphatic massage, maternity massage, massage for the golfer, reflexology, shiatsu, cranial-sacral therapy, salt scrubs, mud wraps, herbal wraps, and facials. The spa also has a full service salon for hair and nails.
In addition, The Spa at Pebble Beach also offers Age Defy Dermatology & Wellness. A cosmetic and anti-aging medically-directed facility, Age Defy offers non-surgical restoration of the skin with physician-strength, “low downtime” services. Treatments include intense pulsed light, vein therapy, wrinkle fillers, laser treatments, medical dermatology services, Botox and Collagen to rejuvenate the skin and more. (831/649-7615, www.agedefy.com)
17-Mile Drive
A privately maintained scenic route traversing the Monterey Peninsula, 17-Mile Drive is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the western U.S., offering a showcase of the Northern California coastline and native wildlife, including deer, sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions. Breathtaking sites include the Lone Cypress, Seal Rock, and Pescader Point. (www.seemonterey.com) COMPILED BY MIA STEFANKO
