Make It a Surprise!

» WHILE MOST MEETING PLANNERS organize each aspect of an event down to the table arrangements and time of guest arrival, adding an element of surprise and handing the reins off to mystery professionals can intrigue attendees and keep them on their toes. Mystery Trip, a Los Angeles-based team-bonding event-planning company, does just that. “The mystery is that none of the guests know what they’re doing until they experience it,” says Dave Green, chief mysterious officer for the company.

From behind-the-scenes tours and yoga on the beach to sailing regattas and hot-air ballooning, the opportunities are endless. Mystery Trip took a team from Netflix around Griffith Park in Los Angeles and filmed a cheesy ’90s sitcom intro; and an international group from YouTube was taken to the studio where the song “We Are the World” was recorded.

“By keeping it a mystery … it levels the playing field,” Green notes, emphasizing that the goal of this planning strategy is to have participants be their most authentic selves and truly engage with each other. The company is accessible nationwide and can host groups of 10 to 250 just about anywhere, both off-site or on-site at a hotel or event venue.

When creating these custom-made experiences, Mystery Trip connects with clients via a kick-off call to get to know the group, who they are, and what they’re looking for. The company then creates an itinerary from the information they receive. Once the activities are approved, the Mystery Trip teams organize the transportation, meals, and activities. “All they have to do is show up and have a good time,” Green says. “My favorite part of the job is that I get people at their best. They’re out of the office, having a good time, and they’re exploring.” –Amanda

Christensen

Follow The Artichoke Trail

Maybe little-known to some, nearly two-thirds of the world’s artichokes come from one small city along California’s Monterey Bay. Castroville, home to just 6,500 residents, is dubbed the “Artichoke Capital of the World” and is celebrating its 160th anniversary this year.

The Salinas Valley that surrounds Castroville is known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” and groups can experience the tasty thistle species unique to Monterey through the Artichoke Trail and the annual Artichoke Festival held in June. “The Artichoke Trail features 40 stops where visitors can enjoy California’s state vegetable in many forms, from touring the artichoke fields and farm stands to inventive artichoke dishes,” explains Teresa Savage, vice president of business development for the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The purpose of the trail is to promote agritourism. … It spotlights one of Monterey County’s unique ingredients and aims to demystify the vegetable.”

For those wanting to participate, a digital interactive trail map is available to help guide visitors from spot to spot. Attractions include the world’s largest artichoke statue and Ag Venture Tours & Consulting’s Pezzini Farm Walk in Castroville. Meet with the local growers at the Alisal Certified Farmers Market in Salinas (among several others), and experience all the flavors the artichoke offers at local restaurants like Baja Cantina & Grill in Carmel Valley, Fish Hopper in Monterey, and Flying Artichoke in Salinas (many of which take group reservations).

Mark your calendars for this year’s Artichoke Festival at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. “The 2023 festival, themed ‘Thistle Be Fun,’ will feature a wide-ranging variety of entertainment, including Chef’s Demos, a farmers market, wine tastings, a Saturday Night comedy show, and a quilting challenge,” Savage adds.

With Monterey County’s cool coastal climate and fertile soil like the Mediterranean (the native home of the veggie), California artichokes are tried and true—and Savage emphasizes that “Nothing compares to sampling an ingredient from the very place it’s from!” –Amanda

Christensen

& mysterytrip.co seemonterey.com/artichokes