Ventura, Ojai, and Camarillo California real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

One of the great ways to get away without going far from home is to head to Lake Casitas. Lake Casitas has day passes to get in and then you can head out in one of the rental boats or bring your own. There are area's sectioned out to swim, use kayak's and other small floatation devices. Lots of RV parking and day or weekend camp sites. You can camp, boat, and fish for a relaxing weekend. If the kids want to get away too-there is a small water park for them.

When heading into the hills you find a lot to do. There are hiking trails to natural springs, streams to fish at, trails to play in off-road vehicles and even an area for rock climbers. When heading up the roads to get there you pass along beautiful country side and tunnels through these hills.

I can't even think of all the sports you can do here in Ventura. We are blessed with just about everyting except snow and even that can be found with a short drive to the mountains. We have it all!!!!

If you need more information, please fill out the form below and I'll do my best. Thank you for visiting.

Lorraine

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Ojai Valley Art Tour
The Ojai Valley Art Tour is an exciting two-day event enjoyed by several thousand art lovers from all over. Take the opportunity to view the artists' studios, talk about their work, and purchase a ceramic bowl, an oil painting, or lithograph. Learn about all types of media from more than 35 local artists. Check Ojai's Calendar of Events for dates.

Studio Channel Islands Art Center
Studio Channel Islands Art Center has exhibits in three major galleries that feature the works of regional and national artists, and provides studios for more than 25 resident artists. It also offers classes, workshops and many exceptional events given by local, national, and internationally known artists for art enthusiasts of all ages. The Studio grounds feature a beautiful sculpture garden and meditation labyrinth.

Buenaventura Art Gallery
The Gallery promotes and supports local artists of all skill levels. This is a highly competitive venue for Ventura County artists and a great opportunity for the public to view the best that Ventura has to offer. The Gallery sponsors several competitive shows and/or solo exhibits annually.

Camarillo Arts Council
Each summer the Council presents eight outdoor Summer Concerts in the Park at Constitution Park at the Performing Arts Pavilion. Concerts cover a wide range of musical and entertainment tastes from Country Western to Classical, and 'A Just for Youth' program gives young musicians performance experience in concerts that begin just prior to the main event. Relaxed atmosphere with plenty of food and concessions.

Ojai Valley Historical Museum and Botanical Gardens
Learn about the cultural and natural history of the area, and increase your understanding of environmental issues. Learn how Ojai Valley's earliest inhabitants, the Chumash Indians, lived; walk through botanical gardens and learn about the wisdom inherent in native plant use, and much more. The Museum is housed in a 1919 Mission Revival edifice and is the only building in Ojai on the National Register of Historic Places.

Camarillo Community Theater
This is a non- profit organization dedicated to bringing quality theatre to audiences at affordable prices. No reservations or assigned seating, so come, find a good seat, sit back and enjoy the evening. Actors with all levels of ability and experience are invited. This season you can enjoy 10 productions.

The Majestic Ventura Theatre
For the best music, artists, and shows between LA and San Francisco! Far out bands and far out talent bringing you the best rock, punk rock, reggei in the fabulous Ventura Theatre. Full bar and easy parking.

Ojai Music Festival
Founded in 1947 the Ojai Music Festival has been around and proven its metal. Attracting creative artists of international reputation it features both well-known and emerging artists. Classical and Jazz Music Lovers! Don't miss this 4-day event in Libbey Bowl - an idyllic outdoor setting. June 9-12 this year (2005).

Ventura County Calendar of Events
Listing of the really local events by month. No descriptions, but phone numbers for further information. Everything from Dog Shows to Flea Markets to Sunday Concerts to Bridal Expos plus much more.

Ojai Poetry Festival
Held on May 20 and 21st, the theme of this year's Festival will be: "What Times Are These"- A conversation with Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Joy Harjo, Galway Kinnell, and Suzanne Lummis. Also readings from selected poets from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Ventura County Museum of History and Art
The Ventura Museum preserves artifacts that grew out of the county's history and its residents. The collection contains 3-dimentional objects - farm implements, clothing from 18th to the present, quilts, furniture and decorative arts, baskets and other objects from the local Chumash Indians. The museum also displays works of art by local artists.

Museums in Ventura County
List of 27 museums in Ventura County. Collections and displays of a rich variety of subject matter, such as Albinger Archaeological Museum, California Oil Museum, Fillmore Museum of Natural History, Gull Wings Childrens Museum, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. You'll be sure to find something fascinating that will enrich your understanding of California life and history.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest encompasses nearly two million acres in the beautiful coastal mountains of central California. Stand on top of Pine Mountain at 7500 ft. to marvel at the striking views to the coast and Channel Islands, the Sespe Gorge, and the wilderness areas. Incredible contrasts in vistas!

The Derby Club at Seaside Park
The Derby Club at Seaside Park is one of the premier off-track horse racing wagering facilities in California. The best of thoroughbred, harness, and quarter horse racing, plus other specialty races can be viewed, bets placed and paid, while enjoying the ocean view on Ventura beach.

Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai Valley
Soule Park Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course that can be played by golfers of all levels of expertise. The fairways spread out through oaks and pines along the base of the Topa Topa Mountains.

Greenskeeper.org
This popular website was begun in the Fall of 2002, and has become an important focal point of information for avid golfers. Here's some of what they offer: member ratings and reviews, photos of courses, regular and discounted green fees, free handicap tracking. You can also find playing partners, engage in gold forums, and find other helpful listings. Log on for free!

Stefan's Ventura Bike Trail Pics
Avid bicyclist provides picturesque descriptions of his favorite bike trails plus photos and map. Gives you a good sense of what the area is like. Trails wind from the oceanfront, Ventura Pier, Surfers Point, and inland up through the Ojai Valley.

Oxnard Convention and Visitors Bureau - State Parks and Camping
Complete listing and descriptions of RV parks, tent camping, county of Ventura campgrounds, and recreation areas in the Ventura/Ojai/Camarillo/Oxnard area.

www.ojairesort.com
The 80 year old Ojai Inn and Spa offers first-class accommodations and health spa facilities nestled in the beautiful Ojai Valley.

Channel Islands National Park
The amazing Channel Islands National Park lies 14 miles out to sea. This magnificent nature preserve is often called the "American Galapagos" and is home to more than 2,000 animal and plant species, 145 of which are unique to the islands and found nowhere else in the world.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Lake Casitas is a popular destination for families and visitors of all persuasions. The Lake has 32 miles of shoreline, and 6,200 acres of beautiful oaks and rolling hills. Fishermen fulfill their dream catches here. Trout, sunfish, bass, catfish, and crappie fill the lake. Boat launches, fishing docks, and picnic areas complete the picture. Campsites for tents, trailers, campers, and RVs are available in camping areas that differ greatly in their character. Prestigious entertainment events such as the Ojai Wine Festival and Ojai Renaissance Festival draw thousands of merry makers and wine lovers every year! There is also a water park since this lake is a "No body contact" Lake. Fun water rides and great places to get every wet abound.

Ojai Meadows Preserve
Ojai Meadows Preserve is part of the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy, an organization that protects the natural environment, wildlife, and habitat. The Preserve consists of 58 acres of valley and live oaks, grasslands and wetlands, and provides extensive views of Los Padres National Forest. Educational activities, natural history tours, and lectures are available for the whole family.

SHOPPING

Around the Corner and Plush Surroundings Home Interiors
Around the Corner gallery represents over a dozen regional artists plus some international artists: painters, sculptors, potters and jewelry makers are represented. Be open and be surprised by the range of styles - from traditional to whimsical to abstract. The Plush Surroundings Design Studio does commissions on bedding, pillows, upholstery, slipcovers, and window treatments.

Ventura Harbor Village
Shopping, dining, and seaside fun! Take in breathtaking views of the Ventura coastline and let your imagination sail away with the ships as they cross the Harbor waters. Refresh yourself with fine cuisine or munch on a great burger before exploring the wide variety of specialty shops, boutiques, and souvenir and gift shops. Harbor Village offers many pleasurable activities for the whole family.

Harbor Wind & Kite Company
This fun specialty shop has stunt kites, unusual toys, novelty and decorator flags, wind chimes and many gift ideas. Located in Ventura Harbor Village.

Caramina Skin Care
Carmina specializes in holistic skin care. She is conversant with many areas of personal care that affect one's skin: lifestyle, health history, nutrition practices, stress, spiritual self-care. She has developed a specialized skin care line "CaraMina" Skin Care. Treat yourself to a personalized consultation from Carmina.

Ema's Herbs
Ema's Herbs are fresh and soothing. They help detoxify, cleanse, nourish, relieve, and calm the body gently and effectively. Her perspective embraces both modern and folk medicinal approaches. Visit her shop and learn more about nature's benign and effective healing herbs.

Firehouse Pottery
Massarella's work, characterized by classic forms, earth colors, and attention to design, is exhibited in galleries around the U.S. He is highly regarded, both as a craftsman and as a focal point for Ojai's community of artists. Visitors will thoroughly enjoy finding out about Massarella's work, not only by viewing it (and other artists in his gallery), but by watching him produce his fine ceramics and pottery.

DINING

The Ojai Cook
A listing of Ojai restaurants for your choice of cuisine. There are outdoor cafes with traditional fare, fine establishments presenting fresh cuisine, fast-food places with fantastic views. Find your dining place tonight! There are plenty of choices in all price ranges.

Old Creek Ranch Winery in Ojai
The Old Creek Ranch Winery is situated on an operating cattle ranch. Award winning wines have been produced here during their 21 years in operation. Visit this interesting winery in the Ojai Valley.

The Ranch House
Presenting the 'old style of California cuisine', The Ranch House specializes in fresh vegetables and garden grown herbs, and has been around for 40+ years. Guests enjoy the excellent food, beautiful wooded surroundings, and lovely fragrances that emanate from the herb gardens.

Certified Farmers Markets - Ojai
Farmers Markets abound in California - the land of fresh produce. Check out the regional vegetables, fruits, and produce unique to the Ojai Valley farmlands and orchards.

The Deer Lodge
Sit back and enjoy your friends and neighbors in this landmark bar and restaurant situated at the picturesque base of Matilija Canyon. Once an outpost from another era - now a gathering place for lovers of good food and drink.

The Greek At The Harbor
Here you can enjoy traditional Greek and Continental cuisine. Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday. Childrens' menu available. Evenings will bring belly dancing - a delight not to be found anywhere! The Greek At the Harbor has a full bar and a large waterfront patio.

The Alamo Bar and Grill
The restaurant prides itself in serving fine Mexican food freshly prepared daily with the best products available. The Alamo is also the two-time winner of "The Best Margarita" in the Conejo Valley. Fantastic food and drink at fair prices. Cantina, Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch, Catering, and Take-Out.

Anacapa Brewing Co.
The Anacapa Brewing Company is Ventura's only restaurant and brewery. Handcrafted lagers and ales - so fresh and tasty! Take your ale with a tasty dish: Memphis-style BBQ, Cajun/Creole style cuisine, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and more.

Sidecar Restaurant
This restaurant is the recipient of the 2004 Environmental Excellence Award and the 2004 Jewel Key Award. Enjoy a sumptuous meal of American and European cuisine in an elegant, vintage train car. Viva la difference! You can count on fresh seasonal ingredients, different kinds of meats, seafood, pastas, vegetables and salads.

Le Petit Cafe Bakery
Country French / California Cuisine found in a quaint harbor atmosphere! Everything is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients. Don't pass up the incredible European pastries! Located on Spinnaker Drive.

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS

San Buenaventura Mission
St. Bonaventure Mission is the last one founded during Father Junipero Serra's lifetime, and was personally dedicated by him in the year 1782. The missions along the California coast are of historic importance and each has a unique character.

Second Ojai Lavender Festival
When the lavender fields bloom discover the secrets of this beautiful purple-gray plant at the Second Ojai Lavender Festival on June 4th this year (2005). There will be free presentations on lavender aromatherapy, how to landscape with lavender, cook with it, distill and blend essential oils, make skin treatments. You can also visit demonstration gardens and lavender farms. This sounds like a great family outing.

Camarillo Fiesta and Street Fair
This event, attended by approximately 40,000 visitors each year, is Camarillo's most popular annual celebration. There are many fun-filled activities for the kids: game booths, carnival rides, a petting zoo, rock-wall climb, pony rides, water balloon toss and more. Two main stages feature shows and entertainment with diverse musical styles such as rock, folk, mariachi, and zydeco. Rides and food booths, crafts and games. The Fiesta is a wonderful combination of street fair, min-carnival and musical event.

Ventura County Fair
This year's fair will take place August 4 through 15th at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Get ready for the fun - games, entertainment, booths, food. The Grandstand Arena will feature popular entertainers and singers such as Creedence Clearwater Revisted and Crystal Gale. PRCA Rodeo with Hispanic entertainment will wrap up a great week. The Seaside Club presents blues and rock - great entertainment in a club atmosphere.

A Whale of a Good Time
Wonderful article on whale festivals in California to peak your interest.

Celebration of the Whales
Don't miss this exciting annual event in Oxnard, starting early January, when the Gray Whales migrate southward down the Pacific Coast. There will be information, booths, entertainment, and lectures. Free.

Cowboys, Heroes, and Outlaws
This is a very full and exciting daylong event. Go back in time to the Old West by 'taking a trip' to the Olivas Adobe's "Cowboys, Heroes & Outlaws: Passport to the American West." You will see reenactments of frontier life, full out with guns, chaps, and Stetsons. There will be crafts demonstrations, food, and tours to a Mission-era adobe mansion. Children can earn a "Cowboy College" diploma in horse and roping skills, storytelling, and gold panning; or learn about the traditional Native American way of life through songs and craft making. Ethnic and native dance performances and more. June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ojai Wine Festival
Welcome to the prestigious Ojai Wine Festival held at Lake Casitas. Includes 38 wineries and three microbreweries. Live entertainment: Tom Thumb & the Hitchikers. Dance or just listen to classic hits from the Drifters, Van Morrison, Chicago, the Supremes and many others, as performed by one of Southern California's best cover bands. Many fine accommodations are available in Ojai and surrounding areas.

Ojai Day
The main focus of this fair is to feature the work of local artists and to provide an opportunity for Ojai's folks to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Join in and get the feel of Ojai's unique community. See the parade and groove to the music on seven stages featuring all types of live music. Take in the creative talent and enjoy the many food booths. This event is FREE. 3rd Saturday in October every year

Camarillo House and Ranch
The Camarillo House, built in 1892, is an historic three-story, 14-room home built in the Victorian Queen Anne style. The house, ranch, and land have undergone extensive repairs and restorations in recent years. Be sure to note the beautiful gardens and the trees, some of which are on the California Historic Tree Registry. Docent-led tours.

Visit Ojai - Calendar of Events
Visit this website to discover the unique presentations, concerts, and meditations that make Ojai a gathering place for the New Age. Some of this years events: The Song of the Healing Crystal Bowls, Aquarius Full Moon Meditation, The Harmonics of Consciousness.

Things To Do In Ventura County!