San Benito Bene invites you to join them in an annual tradition of chocolate tasting in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Delight your taste buds with gourmet chocolates and truffles including raspberry hearts, champagne truffles and macchiato bon bons. These treats are created in small batches by award-winning chocolatiers from San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Jose and, of course, Hollister. Come out and sample on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on 615-B San Benito St., downtown. For more information call (831) 638-1188.
HOLLISTER
County Art Showcase
Students, families and community members are invited to attend the County Art Showcase “The World in Me: Self-Portraits, Nature and Stories” created by Pre-K to 12th graders. This free event will showcase paintings, performances, sculptures, mixed media and the literary arts. Participants need to submit entries to the San Benito County Office of Education at 460 Fifth St. in Hollister by 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Come in support of youth and the arts on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building on 649 San Benito St. For more information go to sanbenitoarts.org.
Wine Trails
San Benito’s winemakers share in the limestone-rich soils and ocean breezes that make the area an extremely favorable one for growing wine grapes along the San Benito Wine Trail. In fact, Pietra Santa means “sacred stone” in Italian, referencing the limestone-laden soil. Many of the winery properties and grapes were originally established in the 1800’s from Italian immigrants. Together these wineries create a body of wines that honor the area’s heritage with distinction. Take a wine tour along the trail and enjoy beautiful landscapes, special events and a wide range of Italian varietals. Find the map at Hollister.ca.gov.
GILROY
Fungus Fun Hike
Be fascinated by fun fungus while hiking along the Timm Trail, Spike Jones Trail and more in search of Coe Park fungi. Your guide, Chris MacIntosh, is an expert in identifying the many mushrooms and fungi along the trails. Wear sturdy footwear, layered clothing and be prepared for possible encounters with poison oak and ticks. Pack an easy lunch and bring plenty of water for this moderate hike on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Hunting Hollow Entrance off of Gilroy Hot Springs Road with $6 for parking. Reservations are required at coepark.net.
MONTEREY
Salvador Dali
Visit Monterey and stop in at Dali17, a new, permanent exhibition including original etchings, mixed media, lithographs and rare sculptures by the most celebrated surrealist artist, Spaniard Salvador Dali. The name ties Dali’s influence and history to the original 17-Mile Drive, where he lived and worked in the 1940s. Bringing this private collection to the area will support the revival of Dali’s life story and capture the rich history that ties him to the Monterey region. Plan a visit on Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Museum of Monterey on 5 Custom House Plaza. Admission ranges from $10 to $20. Find out more at dali17.com.
Literature and Music
Friends of the Marina Library are hosting a local Songwriters Showcase for an afternoon of original music and touching stories in conjunction with the February Book Sale. Come listen to Amy Warren, Glenn Bell, Harry Thomas and others while browsing a fantastic selection of books to add to your own personal library on Sunday, Feb. 12 from Noon – 3 p.m. at the Marina Library on 190 Seaside Circle in Marina. Everyone is welcome to this free event. For more information check out amysrevolution.com.
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
Fashion Show
In support of San Juan Bautista’s downtown, the San Juan Bautista Merchants will present the first annual Fashion Show, which features many businesses such as Tresor Boutique, Alpaca Headquarters, Mrs. B’s Z-Place and more. Modeling the exciting new fashions will be One-of-A-Kind Arts. Enjoy live entertainment from Lisa Long while you sip local wine and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres. Come early for lunch or stay for dinner and make a full and memorable day on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Posada de San Juan Hotel at 310 Fourth St. Visit eventbrite.com.
Historical Village
History buffs can get their fill of relics from the past at the San Benito County Historical Village, with its diverse collection of historic homes, buildings, vehicles, farm implements and more. The Historical Society’s mission is to preserve materials so that the public can learn about the past. Learn more about the Tres Pinos Jail, and the first structure placed in the village, the Sullivan House. Arrange a tour and visit the Historical Village, open from dawn to dusk, on Highway 25, one mile south of Tres Pinos. Admission is free with a $3 parking fee. Donations are always welcome. Visit sbchistoricalsociety.org.
Talking Art
Pack a lunch and join in on the Brown Bag Art Talk, a free lunchtime discussion series that encourages artists and community members to come together over art and culture. The event is designed to be open and fluid, and everyone is invited to contribute and suggest topics for each session’s discussion. The topic for February, facilitated by Amanda Chiado, will be Exploring Local Literary Arts. Bring a lunch and come discuss ideas on how to curate your own show on Friday, Feb. 17 from Noon-1 p.m. at ARTspace on 240 Fifth St. Registration is encouraged at eventbrite.com or call (831) 636-2787.
First Saturdays
Celebrate the artistic culture in historic San Juan Bautista with Credo Studio for First Saturday San Juan joining with Vertigo Coffee Roasters in hosting special activities. The aim is to bring more interest into town by promoting local artists and providing special monthly events. Support your local small businesses and come out to San Juan Bautista every first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m at Credo Studio on 1 Polk St. For more information visit eventbrite.com.
