A Monarch Retreat

Every year, tens of thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter in Pacific Grove, California, also known as "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." The butterflies call this quaint town home from October to February, and the people of Pacific Grove welcome their cherished visitors with open arms.

The town celebrates the monarch's arrival with the annual Butterfly Parade. Children morph into butterflies and spread their wings as they march through the city's streets in early October.

It's no wonder monarchs return to Pacific Grove every year-nothing ever changes! The downtown area has been the same for years, with some shops in business for over 60 years now.

If you're visiting, some places of interest are the Monarch Café, Monarch Grove Sanctuary and the Butterfly Grove Inn-all named after their esteemed winter guests.

And if you do visit, don't forget to look for those orange beauties. You can find the monarchs almost anywhere, but especially in clusters on eucalyptus trees, which provide a much-needed nectar source with its winter blooms.

Pacific Grove is one of a few places in California that provides a suitable climate for the overwintering monarchs. It's a safe climate in winter because it's not too cold, but not too warm.

Most people in the community have planted butterfly gardens in their own backyards in hopes of attracting and keeping butterflies fluttering through the area.

Not only do locals make certain their yards are butterfly-friendly, they continue to fight for the protection of monarchs to ensure their treasured return year after year.

Visit Pacific Grove's Web site to learn more. Go to J and Sonja's Web site to see more photos and learn more about their house .