8 minute read
12 Ojai Activities
from Ojai Visitor
Things to Do
Making the Most of your Ojai Experience (in no particular order)
1. TAKE A HIKE OR A CLIMB: 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
3. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN: 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
4. SEE A SHOW 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.
2. RIDE A BIKE: 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
ojaiartcenter.org: top-notch community theater.
thevineojai.com: hosts live music Friday, Saturday, Sunday and open-mic Mondays.
Your reasons for visiting Ojai may be varied. Rest & relaxation likely figures high on that list. Ojai is also a destination for memorable experiences. And the more we learn about happiness, the more certain it becomes that experiences are our greatest treasures. Here’s a few suggestions for you to Carpe the heck out of your Ojai Diems.
5. ARTISTS & GALLERIES: The Ojai Valley, with its sunward tilt and mountainous backdrop, has long drawn artists for its quality of light. As you would expect, there are many dozens of artists who live and work here, including some who are world-renowned. Our galleries range from plein-air scenes of Ojai’s beauty (Dan Schultz Fine Art ), modern and conceptual art from southern California’s artistic leaders (Porch Gallery) to exhibitions of 20th century icons Gustav Klimt and Alberto Giacometti as well as earlier artists at the nonprofit canvas and paper. OVA (Ojai Valley Artists) in the Arcade is a great space to familiarize yourself with local artists and artisans. Chances are very good that you can meet those artists in person. See the many Ojai Studio Artists advertising in this book. For a fun, rewarding experience, check for studio hours or make an appointment.
ojaistudioartists.org
7. RIDE A HORSE: Ojai is horse country. For proof check out the watering troughs and hitching posts throughout the valley, and the riders who saunter through town as though coming off a movie set. Laced with dozens of miles of trails, riding through Ojai’s varied landscapes on horseback may be the most interesting — and historic — way to get to know this place. Once upon a time, the renowned The Thacher School’s motto was “teach a boy to ride, shoot a rifle, and tell the truth.” Several of the local private school maintain robust horse programs.
Check out Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company on Meyer Road.
805-890-9340 | ojaivalleytrailridingcompany.com
6. EAT: With 63 restaurants, more than any just other town its size, Ojai is justifiably famous for its food culture. Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame named the Ranch House founder Alan Hooker as among her key inspirations for creating farmto-table culture. From authentic Mexican cuisine (Jim & Rob’s) to Burmese-inspired fine dining in the evening and delectable pastries and bread during the day (The Dutchess), to the famous strawberry shortcake (Boccali’s) Ojai has something to appeal to every palate. Al Fresco dining may as well have been invented here with the famous oak-shaded people-watching patios at Sage Mindful Meals. Post up at Ojai Rotíe for cool breezes and delicious food. Check out our restaurant section for Ojai’s finest culinary experiences.
8. OJAI’S NIGHTLIFE: If you know where to look, and when, Ojai, despite our reputation as the sleepy little town with sidewalks rolled up at sundown, has a thriving night life. Once regarded as the honky tonk capital of southern California, live music plays a big part of the village’s identity. Should you pass by The Hub on the Arcade on a Saturday night, you are likely to hear the joyous sounds of local talents manning the karaoke mic with KJ Leigh Balton. A key venue for live music is next door at The Vine (308 E. Ojai Ave.). It’s the venue that gave rising star Beckett McDowell his start with their Monday open mics, and hosts Ojai fixtures Smitty & Julija, TD Lind, Danny McGaw and other local legends. Have sax will travel — Karl Hunter of Big Bad Voodoo Daddies and Ruben Salinas Jr. of Eric Burdon’s band are frequent drop-ins.
The Vine | 308 E. Ojai Ave. | 805-798-9015
9. TAKE A SPA DAY: Save the best for last. The range of treatments and experiences in Ojai are peerless. Spa Ojai packages are priced per person, and all treatments are to be schedule and enjoyed on the same day. Management fees are not prorated to reflect package or discounted pricing. Packages or discounts cannot be combined. Experiences range from drop-in foot rub at the AA Relaxing Station behind the Arcade in downtown Ojai to the Spa Ojai at the Ojai Valley Inn, where the Orange Blossom and Honey Wrap uses the area’s bounty for an exfoliation, hydration, linen-cocoon, scalp massage and body butter massaged in for the final touch. The Inn’s Spa Ojai treatments also include the Chumash-inspired Kuyam treatment with self-applied desert clay infused with essential oils, intense dry heat and inhalation therapy. Check out our Spa Page on 32.
EXPLORE THE STORES:
With charming boutiques and retail establishments along both sides of Ojai Avenue, there’s an incredible variety of clothes, gift and necessities for everyone in the family. Many feature their own labels and carefully curated selections to help you create your own vibrant and distinctive style. It’s a paradox of choices. Bring friends and stop along the way for a refreshing glass of wine or beer at our local wineries and breweries. Start with a tour of the town from west to east with a visit to the world’s biggest outdoor bookstore at Bart’s Books (302 W. Matilija St.), as well as an incredible selection of spiritual/mystical paraphernalia at Crystal Corner (201 W. Matilija St.), then find something for the kids at Pixie’s General Store (203 N. Signal St.), then to the Arcade for handmade fashions at Mud Lotus (305-G E. Matilija St.), Kariella (214 E. Ojai Ave.), Danski (321 E. Ojai Ave.), unique stationery from Noted (423 E. Ojai Ave. #102) to write a postcard home, and natural-dye fashions from Ride or Dye (106 Park Road).
11. GOLF OJAI: With two of the finest golf courses in southern California, set amid stunning scenery with challenging and pleasing layouts from course design legends, Ojai’s golf scene is varied and lively. The rich history is an added attraction. Soule Park is considered among the finest municipal courses in the country. The Ojai Valley Inn has been designed, then redesigned by top-tier talents such as George Thomas and Jay Morrish, including in 1999 when the famous “lost holes” were reintroduced after nearly 60 years. Golf greats Jimmy Demaret and Doug Sanders have been resident pros at the Inn, while Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Will Smith, Kevin Costner and Michael Douglas have been among the celebrities past and present who have stalked the local links The course has also hosted seven Senior PGA Tour events.
Soule Park Yardage: 6,806 | Contact: 1033 East Ojai Avenue | (805) 646-5633 | soulepark.com Ojai Valley Inn Yardage: 6,269 | Contact: 905 Country Club Road | 855-697-8780 | ojaivalleyinn.com TENNIS, EVERYONE?
The United States Tennis Association ranked Ojai #2 on its list of Top Tennis Towns in the country in a special contest in 2009, the only city in California to make the top rankings. No wonder. Besides hosting the renowned Ojai Tennis Tournament, founded in 1898 and affectionately known as “The Ojai,” there’s plenty of public tennis courts in Libbey Bowl. With as many as 1,700 players converging on Ojai every third week in April, there’d better be plenty of places to play. The City of Ojai’s Libbey Park has 8 courts available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the member-only Ojai Valley Athletic Club has 18 courts and an additional four at the Ojai Valley Inn. The Inn’s courts are free for guests, while the Athletic Club offers guest passes on an invitation from a member at $25 per visit, maximum two per month.
