Giant Artichoke

Castroville is the Artichoke Capital of the World, and the Giant Artichoke is a fitting icon for the town. The Giant Artichoke is a must-stop for anyone traveling to or from the Monterey Peninsula. The deep fried artichoke hearts, while clogging your arteries, are majorly tasty; these should be eaten hot or at least warm, though -- few things are as unappetizing as these little nuggets the next day.

The restaurant is on the right of the artichoke, the fruit and vegie stand to the left. You can get bags of frozen artichoke hearts for deep-frying at home, too. There's an annual Artichoke Festival and parade, but Ray Bei's Giant Artichoke Restaurant and Fruit Stand is open year 'round. Marilyn Monroe was crowned as the first Artichoke Queen in 1947.

The Giant Artichoke was made in 1963 of steel and plaster and is 20 feet tall and 12 feet across.