Groups & Gatherings

attention event organizers; Ojai is ready for you!

Family reunion coming up? High school reunion? Holiday gathering? Business retreat? Are you organizing an event for a bridal shower or wedding rehearsal or perhaps you just want to get together with friends to create memories that you can share for a lifetime?

Ojai has you covered.

You could begin with a group class at Firestick Pottery, they discovered the joy of creating beautiful ceramic masterpieces with their own hands. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they molded clay into unique shapes, discovering hidden artistic talents and bonding over the therapeutic nature of the craft. Classes are $55 per person, offered every day and twice on Saturdays and Sundays. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Firestick Pottery | 1804 East Ojai Avenue

| 805-272-8760 | Firestickpottery.com

What about learning why Ojai has long been regarded as one of the country's foremost arts destinations? Check these pages for Ojai Studio Artists, and at the creativity and skill showcased by the local artists, from paintings to sculptures and everything in between. Engage with the artists themselves, and gain valuable insights into the creative process and perhaps even purchase a few treasured pieces to commemorate your visit.

Ojai Studio Artists | OjaiStudioArtists.org

Outdoor adventures? Eager to immerse your group in nature's splendor? Check out Lake Casitas for a day of boat rentals — from kayaks to large pontoon boats. Feel the cool breeze against your faces as you glide across the crystal-clear waters. Maybe you'll even spot a bald eagle. The serenity of the surroundings and the camaraderie shared on the water will long be treasured.

Casitas Boat Rentals | 805-649-2043

CasitasBoatRentals.com

For an authentic Western experience try some equine therapy. Explore the scenic trails of Ojai Valley with the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Co. Mounted on a trusty steed, embark on a guided horseback ride through Ojai's meadows, Ventura Riverbottom and picturesque canyons. As you trot along the trails, the rhythmic sound of hoofbeats will merge into a symphony of nature. Your group can bond with their horses, feel a deep connection with these magnificent creatures and experience the tranquility that can only be found in the heart of nature.

Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company | 805-930-9340

OjaiValleyTrailRidingCompany.com

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy protects more than 2,000 acres and 27 miles of trails of the most critical landscape in Ojai. We encourage you to take your group on a hike through our stunning landscapes. You can traverse winding trails, venture into hidden fern grottos and primeval oak valleys and climb rocky peaks. Along the way, encounter vibrant wildflowers, curious wildlife, and breathtaking vistas.

A group hike not only provides a physical challenge but also deepens your appreciation of this beautiful place, and highlights the importance of conservation and the preservation of such pristine environments. Check the hiking map on pages 84-85.

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy | 805-649-6852 ovlc.org

Cloud Climbers Jeep Tours is a great way for your group to take in a lot of the Ojai Valley in a short period of time. You will embark on an epic adventure with Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour, both gentle sightseeing trips as well as journeying through the rugged backcountry terrain. Expert guides will reveal hidden gems and breathtaking vistas. Your group will get the "lay of the land" and climb clouds in an unforgettable escapade, perfect for families, corporate retreats, nature enthusiasts and wine lovers.

Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour | 805-646-3200 ccjeeps.com

The Mob Shop is Ojai's premier cycling hub. Equipped with top-of-the-line bicycles — from mountain and road bikes to electric bikes — you can set off on a thrilling adventure, explore the town's charming neighborhoods and picturesque countryside, pedaling along scenic routes. With the wind in their hair and the freedom of the open road invigorated their spirits, your group dynamic can't help but be enhanced by the element of fun (and maybe a friendly competition). The experienced cyclists at the Mob Shop will be happy to give you up-to- the-minute information on the best routes for your groups. The Mob Shop | 110 West Ojai Avenue themobshop.com

The prestigious Farmhouse at the Ojai Valley Inn hosts interactive cooking classes with some of the biggest names in the culinary world. Their culinary ambassador is Nancy Silverton, founder of renowned La Brea Bakery, La Campanile, and owns and operates Pizzeria and Osteria Mozza.

Under the guidance of these renowned chefs, your group can immerse yourselves in the art of gastronomy, learning new techniques and exploring the fun and flavors of the kitchen.

Farmhouse at the Ojai Valley Inn | 855-697-8780 elaine.unzicker@gmail.com

A great way to wind down a busy day of adventures is local wine tastings. The Ojai Valley's reputation as a destination for oenophiles has been growing for decades. Boccali's Winery, run by the father-son team of DeWayne and Joe Boccali, were pioneers. In the Arcade, Feros Ferio's Nigel Chisholm can give your taste buds a delicious tour. Wine events are also featured at the Farmhouse at the Ojai Valley Inn, led by some of the wine world's biggest names.

Guaranteed your group will take back from Ojai something more valuable than money, something that lasts a lifetime: shared memories and experiences. Maybe next time they will do the organizing and you can enjoy the ride. After all, you've barely touched the surface of all that Ojai has to offer.

ONE:

Mary Poppins” appeared on the big screen in 1964 and was an instant sensation, not the least because of the captivating charm of Julie Andrews, who played the titular magic nanny. The film grossed more than $100 million on its $6 million budget and won five Academy Awards. It is said that Walt Disney cast Andrews after seeing her on Broadway in “Camelot,” and delayed the film’s production to accommodate her pregnancy. His intuition paid off.

two:

While at the height of her 1960s fame, Andrews began dating another Hollywood celebrity, Blake Edwards, director of the successful “Pink Panther” franchise with Peter Sellers as well as such dramas as “Days of Wine and Roses.”

In her bestselling memoir, “Home Work,” she described their storybook courtship, which included a weekend in Ojai: “We plugged in the record player and lay on the carpet. The first thing we played was Ravel’s Piano Concerto no. 2. The perfumed Ojai air, the romantic setting, and that glorious piece of music made for a magical evening.” Bonus: Emily Blunt, who reprised Andrews’ role in the “Mary Poppins” remake, is an erstwhile Ojai resident.

TWO DEGREES BETWEEN

Sr. and Mary Pickford when he piloted his plane onto the grounds of their estate, Pickfair. Fairbanks had casually invited him to “drop by” after seeing him play hockey (Wellman was also a former pro hockey player).

ONE: The first Academy Awards was held May 16, 1929 in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. There were 270 people in attendance and the entire ceremony lasted 15 minutes. Best Picture (then called Outstanding Picture) was won by “Wings” a silent film about World War I aviators, directed by William “Wild Bill” Wellman, himself a flyer and member of the war’s Lafayette Escadrille.

Wellman was discovered by Douglas Fairbanks two: Including a short-lived marriage to a French woman during the war who died in a bombing raid, Wellman was married five times, the last to dancer Dorothy “Dottie” Coonan, to whom he was married for 41 years and with whom he had seven children. One of those children, daughter Maggie Wellman Cerminaro, is a long-time Ojai resident, community leader and volunteer with the Rotary Club of Ojai, among other endeavors.

* F i r s t v i s i t o n l y , n o o t h e r d i s c o u n t s a p p l y

FROM Theodore Roosevelt to Ojai ONE:

On May 9, 1903, Theodore Roosevelt was making a train tour of the West. He was on the road promoting his presidency, gearing up for the 1904 election against the Democratic judge Alton B. Parker. He was seeking to become the first incumbent president to win, in his own right, a term of office after ascending to the job because of assassination.

two:

During a speech after a parade in Ventura, he may have missplaced his notes, missing the name of Ojai’s The Thacher School.

“ I want to say a word of special greeting to my friends over yonder, of the school, who are on horseback. You know the old idea of education was to teach a boy to ride, shoot, and tell the truth ...,” he said. But his reference was unmistakable.

Select Consignment

Sustainable Fashion & Wares

Where you'll find gently-loved high-end designer labels for less: Chanel, Fendi, Christian Dior, Burberry, Brunelli, Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson, Daughters of India, Johnny Was, Free People, & many others!