LIKE A PHOENIX, BIG SUR RISES
07-16-2008
CALIFORNIA'S FIRST SCENIC HIGHWAY 1 OPENS, AREA HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS REPORT NO DAMAGE, STATE PARKS REMAIN CLOSED
- Hotel Properties Report 90+% Occupancy by July 25th
BIG SUR, CALIF., July 14, 2008 - Like a Phoenix, that iconic stretch of California Coastline encompassing El Sur Grande – or Big Sur – once again rises! Tourism facilities along the rugged 90-mile stretch linking Carmel to San Luis Obispo report no damage following the Basin Complex Fire, which started June 21, 2008. Highway 1 officially reopened in both directions Sunday, July 13. Air quality in the Big Sur area is “moderate” with low particulate reading; visibility is unrestricted according to Ed Kendig of the Monterey Bay Air Pollution Control District (www.mbuapcd.org).
HOTELS REPORT POSITIVE BOOKINGS
Just like its rugged coastline, Big Sur has weathered its share of adversity – from fires to mudslides – without charring its core. This redwood playground dubbed the “greatest meeting of land and sea” is a master at reinventing itself, as this new rebirth will showcase. Area hotels, including some 250+ guestrooms, readying to recoup the summer season noted occupancy rates rising above 90% as early as July 25th. “We have a strong following in the international market and an emotional pull that draws repeat visitors,” according to Janet Lesniak, General Manager at Big Sur River Inn, who credits the quick comeback to the region’s loyal clientele. Other properties reporting in the 90 percentile as of July 25th: Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur River Inn, Ripplewood Resort, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, Big Sur Campground & Cabins, Riverside Campground & Cabins, Big Sur Lodge, Gorda Springs and Treebones Resort (98%) in south Sur.
Deetjen’s Big Sur River Inn, a mainstay along Highway 1, plans to reopen July 18th. At the other end of Big Sur, Ventana Inn & Spa will open Cielo restaurant July 19. The Inn & Spa will open August 1st, following a refreshing and revitalizing of surrounding landscaping; no Ventana buildings were harmed. Esalen Institute, perched on 27 acres of classic Big Sur coastline, will also reboot July 18 with a full roster of upcoming seminars including Living Love: The Ingredients of Successful Relationship Renewal, August 22-24 2008; Body and Mind: The Spiritual Challenges of Our Time, September 5-7, 2008 and Deep Thinking Through Writing, September 21-26, 2008 (www.esalen.org).
LANDMARKS, RESTAURANTS GEAR UP FOR SEASON<
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