Ojai Valley: far from the madding crowds

A world apart, minutes away from LA

Perhaps Los Angeles is too everything – too glitzy, too smoggy, too Rodeo Drive, too Hollywood – for the average over fifty traveller. Or maybe when you’ve seen it once, the gilded city loses its gloss.

Don’t get me wrong, LA is fabulous. But seasoned travellers tend to go off the beaten track, take the road less travelled … which is exactly how you might find yourself in the Ojai Valley, California, about 90 minutes north west of the City of Angels. A small town nestled in a productive viticultural and agricultural valley with the best type of Olde Mexican flavour, and a tight-knit community to go with it. But what a welcoming place.

It’s a day visit; a special one. And if you choose the slower ‘over the top’ route, you’ll be repaid by stunning views and exhilarating scenery of the Los Padres National Forest. It has a micro-climate all of its own. Feel the fresh, arid mountain valley air – a far cry from the acrid humidity and blasting heat that is LA. It’s hot, but comfortable.

The charming town of Ojai is an eclectic blend of browser shopping, art galleries, jewellers, spiritual centres, parks, spas, gift shops, wineries and theatre. If you like antiquing and gallery hopping this is the place for you to spend a relaxed day ambling and appreciating. You may well find an al fresco musical festival going on in the shady Arcade Plaza complete with its unique Matilija Poppy sculpture and a Farmers’ Market on Sundays. The art scene in Ojai is legendary, with a breathtaking annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour each October. Ojai Historical Walking Tour, Chamber Music Concerts, Artisans Fair, native plant sales, certified farmer’s market days, and concerts are all on offer on a regular basis.

Go, and have a great day out next time you visit California. You’ll fall in love with Ojai.

Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

 Loading ...