Ojai, California

Exploring Ojai: Arts, hiking, funky shopping and travel tips for this hip California town

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• published: 25 Apr 2013
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From Los Angeles, Ojai, Calif., is an easy road trip of 80 miles, but it feels like an eternity away from the hustle and bustle. Nestled among the mountains and orange groves, the peaceful mountain town of Ojai is a true melting pot for artists, musicians and outdoor enthusiasts. Things to Do Grab some coffee from Ojai Coffee Roasting Company to get the pep for your day, and stroll the town to check out the local art culture. Ojai is an arts town; there's even space in the city hall where a rotating art exhibit features the work of local artists. Over at The Ojai Art Center, which holds the distinction of being the longest continuously operated multi-disciplinary art center in the United States, you'll find exhibitions, art workshops and theater performances. Wander down Ojai's side sreets to explore the studios of working artists; many of them will open their studios upon request. The Ojai Studio Artists non-profit organization hosts a studio tour in the fall, but can also be a wonderful source for getting closer to the town's art scene. Besides the arts scene, Ojai is known for its many beautiful parks, and in the middle of it all is Libbey Park. Located in the center of town, Libbey Park is host to many of the city's cultural events, including the Ojai Music Festival, an event with a unique approach that rotates musical directors and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Video: Exploring Ojai Ojai's valley location, surrounded by mountains, means amazing hiking trails with gorgeous mountain views and ample opportunities to encounter wildlife. Some of the trails start right in downtown, and there are trails of all difficulty, whether you're seeking a family hike or a quad-burning mountain climb. For a relatively quick excursion that offers easy access to great overlook views of the city, head to the Shelf Road Trail. All of the hiking is sure to build an appetite, though, so renew your energy with tapas at Azu or a meal at The Garden Terrace. Unsure where to eat? Take an Ojai food tour and you'll find yourself in the kitchens and talking to local chefs and culinary masters. After lunch, browse the downtown shopping for a bit of Ojai to take home. Most of Ojai's shops and boutiques are located in and around the main shopping arcade right in the center of town. Inside these boutiques, like jewelry maker Love Heals, the focus is on artisan-style quality and uniqueness. You'll find that same sense of curated, quality goods at Rains of Ojai. A fixture in the town since 1914, Rains is filled with kitchen, home and garden accessories, clothing and gifts. After a day of exploring, shopping and hiking, the luxurious four-hand massages and relaxing yoga classes at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa are a much-deserved treat. Ojai is an active town, and there are plenty of recreational options on this 220-acre luxury resort, including golf and tennis, Pilates workouts, swimming, horseback riding and hiking, art classes and even a camp for any children in the party. Lodging and Accommodations Besides the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, which has a number of luxury penthouses in addition to its 308 rooms and suites, Ojai's hotels and lodging options tend to favor smaller, boutique and independently-owned inns and bed-and-breakfast establishments. You'll find even more options if you are willing to spend the night in the nearby (and larger) towns of Ventura and Oxnard, Calif., both of which are on the Pacific coast. Thank you for joining me on my Ojai adventure. If you would like to find out more about this trip and others like it, visit http://www.wheretraveler.com. Subscribe to the WhereTV YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/WhereTVwo... Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhereTraveler Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WhereTraveler Category Travel & Events License Standard YouTube License