There are times in any adventure when an item that you didn't plan for, didn't expect, and didn't anticipate becomes a treasured trinket of a memory. Our stop at The First Mayor's House was the highlight of our day. Our tour guide spent a dedicated thirty minutes to provide us a detailed tour of the building and the grounds....just the two of us. It was a personal experience the likes of which you don't typically enjoy. I've visited many historic homes from California to New Orleans to New York to Moscow, and during some of those experiences you are asked not to take pictures, or shuffled along quickly and efficiently so the next paid group can plod along after you, so much so that you may feel a bit like cattle and you lose your opportunity to make a connection with the place and its history and its soul. But here, we were given time to enjoy, encouraged to take pictures, shown original items and received a nice overview history of both the residents of the house and its role in Salinas history. One thing you don't often find on these types of tours is the original furniture, most have period authentic furniture, but from the beds to the dressers to the clothing, the items here were original and truly authentic.
Now, even though the tour is free, take a moment to sign the guest book and leave a tip, because these types of adventures don't come along too often. read more