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New to Cannery Row? If so, here are some fun facts you might not have known about the main or surrounding area of the hotels near Cannery Row.
- Cannery Row was actually named Ocean View Avenue up until 1958. Prior to that however, the area that quickly became the “Sardine Capital of the World” was known to locals and others as Cannery Row.
- The area’s fishing industry was first started in 1851 when Chinese families first began immigrating to the area after crossing the Pacific
- While finger sized sardines might be the first thing you think of when hearing “sardines”. The sardines found in Monterey were actually 9-11 inches long!
- Cannery Row’s icon, the one pound oval sardine can, become world famous after feeding the US army and allied nations in WWI and also in WWII.
- The fishing industry in Monterey became cemented after Sicilian fishermen immigrated to the area. They used their “lampara” nets that were ideal for fishing in the Mediterranean and were exactly what was needed to catch the illusive sardines in the area
- Fishing for sardines during the late 1930s and into the 1940s actually depended on phases of the moon. The schools of sardines that would gather together caused a fluorescent green “flash” on the surface of the ocean due to the turbulence of their feeding that occurred near the surface. The “flash” could only be seen by the moonlight and thus, fishing times were made according the phases of the moon
- For some, Cannery Row might bring up memories of reading “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck back in high school. But did you know many of the people and places he mentions in his book are true? In fact, 90% of his famous story was based on fact and many of the places he mentioned can still be found today!
- The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the most visited attraction on Cannery Row. here, you’ll find new exhibits as well as fun classics such as “Secret Lives of Seahorses” as well as the “Splash Zone” a beloved area for kids.
- Right around the corner from Cannery Row you’ll find one of the largest Antique mall on the entire Central Coast. The mall offers over 140 antique dealers! Stop by at 471 Wave Street.
- Cannery Row is also known as a great place to try out local wines. Be on the lookout for Bargetto Wine Tasting room or the Carmel Ridge Winery Tasting Room, both located on Cannery Row.
