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The Most Unusual Monterey Travel Packages

They Might Spook You or Save Your Marriage

Say "goodbye" to the days of boring hotel packages being offered on the Monterey Peninsula. Some new package plans include a stay in a haunted hotel looking for ghosts, a Monterey Bay Aquarium package where you get to take home your own aquarium, and an "out-of-the-doghouse" romance package guaranteed to save almost any relationship. Unlike most hotel packages, these unique activities can be combined as a package with any hotel, motel or inn to fit any budget.

Monterey Peninsula Reservations (MPR), a locally owned hotel room finding service in Pacific Grove, has set up a wide variety of creative packages to excite even the most seasoned traveler. Package options are detailed below:

Ghostly Adventure - Take a historical, 90-minute tour of historic Monterey with local historian Gary Munsinger. Walk past hidden graveyards, sites of murders and hangings, and several haunted houses. You may even see spirits emerging from a window or two! Package includes:

- One nights stay at the Monterey Hotel (ghost sightings-said to be haunted) in a room with one queen bed, non smoking including a continental breakfast.

- Dinner for two at Stokes Adobe Restaurant ($50 dining certificate) where people have seen two different ghosts.

- A historical ghost tour for 2 of Old Monterey with Ghostwalk Tours

- A reading from Mrs. Laurie, a local psychic who can attempt to get messages from loved ones that have "crossed over."

Swim in the Aquarium & Take it Home - Enjoy, two, two-day adult passes to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and bring back your own aquarium tank to enjoy and remember your trip. While you're in town, take up snorkeling and swim along many of the aquariums sea creatures in their own, natural habitat (or take a scuba dive if you are a certified diver). Package includes:

- A one nights stay at the Victorian Inn or Monterey Plaza Hotel (both just a 5 minutes walk from the Aquarium). Other hotels may be substituted based on price range.

- Two, 2-day adult passes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium including their brand new shark exhibit.

- A 5 gallon aquarium starter tank complete with everything (lighting fixture, flip-top opening, power filter, fish food and conditioner) you'll need to bring the aquarium experience home with you.

- Scuba diving instruction or snorkeling or scuba dive.

Out-of-the-Doghouse - Have you ever forgotten your wife's birthday or wedding anniversary? Taped a sporting event over your wedding video? This package is designed to help mend broken fences and get your relationship back on the path of happiness. Package includes:

- Romantic bonfire at sunset at Carmel beach (wood, blanket, and smores provided)

- Dinner for 2 at the Old Bath House Restaurant ($100 value)

- Guest room in a romantic B&B with fireplace (starts at $125 and up)

- Room decorated with rose petals, spring flowers, candles, bath salts and massage lotions.

- Breakfast in bed

- Picnic lunch to take down to Big Sur for short stroll in Julia Pfeiffer State Park up to a 40-foot tall waterfall.

- Couples massage, side-by-side

- A special message spelled out in leaves on our largest community sand dune as you head into town.

All packages are subject to availability and restrictions. Available Sun-Thurs based on availability. In addition to creative packages, MPR also offers an objective online guide to the area detailing many little or unknown places to go and things to do at www.montereyvisitorsguide.com -- including unique ways to propose.

For more information please contact Brian Borgia, owner, at 831-655-3487.

Edited by Dave Shultz

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