THE dramatic scenery in the HBO miniseries Big Little Lies was just as much a star of the hit US series as its stellar cast.
With its famous 17-Mile Drive along the rugged Pacific coastline, known as one of the most scenic drives in the world, kilometres of beaches, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and iconic Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the charming Californian city of Monterey provided the perfect backdrop for the series and the upcoming second season starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravtiz, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep.
Ahead of the premiere of Season Two of the David E. Kelley-Liane Moriarty drama on June 9, fans of the show are flocking to the scenic Californian town in droves to experience some of the famous sights captured on film.
First stop is the waterside, family-owned Paluca Trattoria at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, which was the inspiration for fictional Blue Blues café, where the ladies meet for a brew and a gossip.
The eatery has become so popular with BLL fans trying to recreate their own scene from the show, the owners reportedly had to buy a bigger espresso machine to cope with the onslaught of visitors.
The famous non-profit Monterey Bay Aquarium also makes an appearance in the second series, as does Lovers Point Park in nearby Pacific Grove where Jane and Ziggy picnicked in season one.
During filming last summer, the BLL cast and crew stayed at the chic Portola Hotel & Spa.
The luxe hotel, located in downtown Monterey, has become so popular with tourists and BLL fans, they have launched a new Big Little Escape to coincide with the launch of Season Two.
The luxe property has ocean-view suites and a new open-air patio with vertical gardens and fire pits overlooking the beautiful Bay.
“The beachfront is really beautiful,” Witherspoon told the Draper James blog of Monterey.
“There is so much nature there, and it’s really fun to watch the sea otters and the birds. It’s truly one of the most beautiful beaches.”
During her stay in Monterey, Witherspoon reportedly frequented vegan and vegetarian favourite, Happy Girl Kitchen Co., while Kidman is said to have been a fan of Passionfish, a seafood restaurant that sources produce from sustainable farms and fisheries.
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