Things to Do Making the Most of your Ojai Experience (in no particular order) A HIKE OR A CLIMB: 1. TAKE For first-timers to Ojai, we recommend Shelf Road. It’s an easy 3.75 miles out and back, and will take about an hour and 45 minutes. A busy trail, Shelf Road gives you plenty of opportunity for people watching and sweeping vistas of the beautiful Ojai Valley. Check out the hiking map in this issue for other nearby hikes. For the full Ojai backcountry experience, book a hike with Jordan Crow of Hike Ojai at hikeojai.com. Jordan is a lifelong Ojai native with a thorough understanding of Ojai’s remarkable flora and fauna and able to deliver unforgettable experiences. Or for a real thrilling adventure, reach out to the experienced guides at Ojai Rock Climbing, with their intimate knowledge of Ojai’s many great climbs. 805-798-3769 | hikeojai.com 805-850-8364 | ojairockclimbing.com
DOWNTOWN: 3. EXPLORE The Ojai Arcade, Post Office tower, Ojai Valley Museum and the Ojai Valley Inn sprang from the mind of Edward Drummond Libbey, wealthy glass manufacturer from Toledo, Ohio. He was a major proponent of the “City Beautiful” movement, which held that people are shaped by their environments. He hired famous architects like Wallace Neff (“California” and “Mission Revival”), Frank Mead & Richard Requa (Balboa Park in San Diego) to build out his dream. Other famous architects who helped build Ojai include Paul Revere Williams, George Washington Smith, Julia Morgan (San Simeon) and Greene & Greene. The Museum hosts walking tours of Ojai on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. except during the hottest months of July, August and September. Tickets are $10, families $25. For museum members and children, $5. 805- 640-1390 | ojaivalleymuseum.org 22
A BIKE: 2. RIDE With our shady streets, scenic overlooks and outdoor-oriented lifestyle, Ojai has long welcomed two-wheeled enthusiasts. Here’s several popular routes suitable for casual cyclists: Ojai Bike Trail: Length: 15 miles. Difficulty: Moderate. The trail starts on Ojai’s East End and winds south and east to Ventura’s pier. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Shelf Road Loop: Length: 9 miles. Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous, depending on your pace. Start and finish at the Post Office Tower. Head north on Signal Street as it zigs around Grand Avenue to the steep climb to Shelf Road. The trail connects to Gridley for a swooping descent to Grand Avenue and back to Signal Street. Not recommended for street bikes. Check online, themobshop.com/articles/ routes for more trails. The Mob Shop | 110 W. Ojai Ave. | 805-272-8102 Ojai Electric Bikes | 987 W. Ojai Ave. | 805-669-9424 A SHOW 4. SEE The Ojai Art Center keeps a busy schedule of theater events. Libbey Bowl’s summer series can bring in big touring acts and the world-acclaimed Ojai Music Festival, and there’s live music somewhere virtually every night. Surf these websites for information on shows and concerts: ojaihub.com: check out the event listings and local publications, also sign up for the weekly newsletter to keep up-to-date with Ojai events. ojaiartcenter.org: top-notch community theater. thevineojai.com: hosts live music Friday, Saturday, Sunday and open-mic Mondays. sonicbutterfly.com: not-to-be missed multimedia show with an instrument with 60-foot-long strings. 2022 OJAI VISITOR
