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BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON October 31, 2014

Ojai California: 7 Reasons to Stay and Play

Why do I love Ojai California? And when should you plan your own SoCal getaway, for a day, a weekend or longer retreat?  Whenever you’re in the mood for:

1) Creative Inspiration

Let’s face it. Sunshine and balmy breezes soothe the creative soul,

Ojai Palm Tree

as does the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape,

Ojai Valley Museum

 and leisurely strolls through art museums and galleries, like the Ojai Valley Museum . . .

Ojai Valley Museum Sculpture

  or the collection at The Oaks at Ojai . . .

The Oaks at Ojai Oneness Sculpture

The Oaks at Ojai Sculptures

2) Culinary Pleasures

Ojai serves up tantalizing tastes in food and wine from locally grown organic ingredients. Visit the Sunday Certified Farmers’ Market to mingle with the locals. Pick up your favorite produce, flowers or small gifts to bring home.

Stop by the Casa Barranca Winery Tasting Room in downtown Ojai to enjoy a flight of organic wines. Hint: For your wine tasting experience, take three full sips of each to get the wine’s full flavor.

3) Parks & Recreation

Parks abound in Ojai and rumor has it that Ojai resident rocker Eric Burton (“House of the Rising Sun,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”) celebrated his birthday with a performance at Libbey Bowl inside Libbey Park just before my arrival.

Ojai Park

Outside of the parks, go biking or hiking along the Ojai Valley Trail for fitness fun.

4) Bart’s Books

Here’s a place to wile away the day, browsing the bookshelves, finding old favorites, discovering new treasures. I didn’t find a hammock, but no matter. The outdoor courtyard was delightful nonetheless.

Bart's Books of Ojai Bart's Books of Ojai CA

5) Boutique Shopping

With so many artists in residence, it’s easy to find unique jewelry, small gift items, house decor and fashions for everyone on your list.

Ojai CA Shopping

6) Rest & Relaxation

Unplug and unwind poolside for total rest and relaxation.

The Oaks at Ojai Pool View

7) Friendly Ojai Residents

Still searching for more information on Ojai? Friendly Ojai residents like 94-year-old Lerie Bjornstedt at the Chamber of Commerce are standing by to help and offer sage advice. After sharing travel tales (her favorites included Alaska and New Zealand), I asked the secret to her longevity. She replied without hesitation: “Optimism!”

Ojai Chamber of Commerce

Wander on!

Nancy

Love Heals Ojai Shop Sign

Thanks to my host for the chance to stay and play for the day in Ojai California!

What’s your favorite way to stay and play in Ojai, wanderboomers?

You may also enjoy:

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Filed Under: Baby Boomers and Travel, California Tagged With: art, Eric Burton, SoCal, The Oaks at Ojai

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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