Exploring Monterey County

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson takes listeners on a journey through Monterey County, chatting with local experts about the best places to explore, stay, and dine in this picturesque stretch of the Central Coast.

First, Johnson chats with Erin Sollecito, the business development director at Monterey Touring Vehicles. Erin shares how Monterey's diverse landscapes and rich automotive history make it the perfect place for a scenic drive. She also reflects on the thrill of cruising in one of the company’s classic cars along Highway 1 and 17-Mile Drive. "I just love jumping behind the wheel of that '54 Chevy Bel Air,” says Sollecito. “It couldn't be any cuter, and it sounds great, it drives great, and it turns heads for sure."

Next, Johnson is joined by Ben Perlmutter, managing partner at the Big Sur River Inn. A lifelong resident of the area, Ben reflects on the inn’s history and its ideal location along the river and Highway 1. "We have these beautiful redwood Adirondack chairs that we place in the river from spring through the fall. It's a beautiful place to stop, take off your shoes, dip 'em in the water, maybe grab a nice cold drink, and truly relax,” says Perlmutter. He also offers insights on must-visit spots, local dining options, and how visitors can practice responsible travel in the area.

Finally, Johnson is joined by Justin Cogley, executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cogley describes the exceptional dining experience at Aubergine and the farm-to-table philosophy that defines his cooking. “We're really lucky in this area because there's always great ingredients here,” says Cogley. He also shares his love for the incredible hiking trails in Carmel and Big Sur.

GUESTS

Erin Sollecito, business development director at Monterey Touring Vehicles
Ben Perlmutter, managing partner at Big Sur River Inn
Justin Cogley, executive chef at Aubergine

RESOURCES

Erin Sollecito is the business development director at Monterey Touring Vehicles.

Monterey Touring Vehicles
Monterey County
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
WeatherTech Raceway at Laguna Seca
17-Mile-Drive
Pebble Beach 
Cannery Row
Monterey Bay Aquarium 
Lone Cypress Tree
The Lodge at Pebble Beach
Lovers Point
Highway 1

Ben Perlmutter is the managing partner at the historic Big Sur River Inn. 

Big Sur River Inn
Big Sur
Andrew Molera State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Beach
Post Ranch Inn
Ventana Big Sur 
Nepenthe
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – McWay Falls
Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
Responsible Travel

Justin Cogley is the executive chef at the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Aubergine
L'Auberge Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Chez Noir
Palo Corona Regional Park
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

A NOTE ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Being a responsible and sustainable traveler means respecting the natural beauty, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting local communities to help preserve the area’s landscape for future generations. Learn more about how to travel responsibly in California here.

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos