Ojai Art Center

The Ojai Art Center (formerly Ojai Center for the Arts) is the oldest multi-purpose, non-profit art center in California.  Its mission since 1939 has been to support and advance the interest of the arts within the Ojai community.

The center offers seven branches: art, theater, music, literary, photography, film and dance.  Monthly art and photography shows feature local juried exhibits as well as artists from around the country.  The theater branch puts on eight yearly productions, including a popular children's show and musical.  Chamber music concerts are offered through the music branch, monthly literary events and a variety of classes and workshops in the visual and performing arts. 

For more information, visit www.ojaiartcenter.org or call 805.646.0117.  Located at 113 S. Montgomery Street in Ojai, right next to Libbey Park.

Trails in the Conejo Open Space

The Conejo Open Space Foundation was formed in 1995 to promote and maintain the open space and trail system of the Conejo Valley and to educate residents as to their roles as custodians and protectors of the open space and the environment. COSF is a non-profit organization that is supported by donations.

The COSF website has detailed information about Conejo Valley trails, maps and educational information.

A particularly useful section of the site details a number of local trails in Wildwood Park, Los Robles, Lang Ranch/Woodridge, Dos Vientos and other local trail systems.

Visit www.cosf.org to learn more.

The Derby Club at Ventura County Fairgrounds

Bet the ponies from across the country in a beautiful setting by the Pacific Ocean.  And I'm not talking Del Mar.  The Derby Club located at Ventura County Fairgrounds features full service bars and restaurants combined with the ability to watch races and bet on them through satellite wagering. Have a snack, a drink or a meal while you watch your favorite horse at your favorite track. There is no membership.

Located at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura. Visit http://venturacountyfair.org/pages/3780/ or call 805.653.2533 for more information.

Open Wednesday through Monday. Hours of operation and admission vary according to the area to be enjoyed, the type of racing to be simulcast (thoroughbred, harness, or quarter horse) and whether racing is during the day or the evening. Information and pricing below was last updated in Summer 2012:

The Island View Room is open for any racing on Saturdays, Sundays and special race days. Admission is $12 (seniors 62 and older and military personnel $10.00)

The Surfside Room is open for all southern host track thoroughbred racing. Admission is $8.00 (seniors 62 and older and military personnel $6.00)

The Shore Room is open for all racing, day and night. Admission is $4.00 (seniors 62 and older and military personnel $2.00)

Admission for nighttime quarter horse and harness racing is free, except when southern host track thoroughbreds are racing. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to the Derby Club.

Special Events: Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, Breeder’s Cup

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Programs in Camarillo

The Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District serves an area of approximately 44 square miles and has grown from one park to 29 parks since its inception in 1962. Within the District, numerous recreational facilities exists, including indoor swimming pool, lighted ball fields, tennis courts, racquetball courts, skate park, senior center, a running track at Arneill Ranch Park, children's play equipment, picnic shelters, barbecues and much more.

Visit www.pvrpd.org for more information and for the PVRPD's latest Recreation Magazine with hundreds and hundreds of community classes, special events, summer camps and programs.  Or call 805.482.1996.

Roadrunner Wine Tours

Roadrunner Shuttle offers private and schedule tours of vineyards and wineries in Ventura County. The 4 hour tours allow time to take in the scenery and wine tasting at 2 to 3 wineries and dining at a local restaurant. Currently (April 2013) the tours are on Saturday afternoons.

More information at www.rrshuttle.com/reservation/WineTourRes.aspx or call 800.247.7919.

LEGOLAND Park in Carlsbad

LEGOLAND® California in Carlsbad is a 128-acre park geared towards kids ages two through 12. With over 60 family rides, "hands-on" attractions and shows, LEGOLAND California provides education, adventure and fun in this first park of its kind in the United States (the 150-acre LEGOLAND Florida, 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa, opened on October 15, 2011). LEGOLAND is only a 2 1/2 hour drive from the Conejo Valley.

There are over 15,000 LEGO® models in the park created from more than 35 million LEGO bricks. These models range from a Brontosaurus named Bronte (made of more than 2 million LEGO bricks) to a tiny rabbit in a magician’s hat in Miniland Las Vegas made of just four bricks.

The park is divided into various sections in a full circle, with the amazing Miniland USA in the middle. Sections going clockwise from the front gate are The Beginning, Dino Island, DUPLO® Village, Fun Town, Pirate Shores, Castle Hill, Land of Adventure and Imagination Zone. My family's favorite treat are Granny's Apple Fries in the Castle Hill section. Apple fries with whipped cream and milk (or coffee in my case). Mmmmm.

This is a no-brainer for anyone with young children. My kids are thrilled with this park up to at least ages 8 to 10. There are rides and activities for all ages and while geared towards kids, the park is certainly amazing for adults to experience too. Learn all about LEGOLAND California at california.legoland.com.

Plan ahead and get discounts on your tickets. Currently AAA has discounts (either in advance or in person) as well as Metrolink Rewards.

In addition to LEGOLAND, the world's first LEGOLAND Water Park opened on May 28, 2010. It is located at the north end of LEGOLAND® California adjacent to Fun Town. The entrance is located between the Factory Tour and the Adventurer’s Club. There is a 45 foot tall water tall with 4 slides and all sorts of fun water play. Only a $12 upgrade (as of October 2011) to LEGOLAND admission.

Additionally, the SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium opened adjacent to LEGOLAND. I walked through quickly with the family. Pretty cool though not nearly as substantial as the Aquarium of the Pacific. Gotta see it though if you go to LEGOLAND. You can buy a park hopper pass or a separate ticket.  More info at www.visitsealife.com/California.

Ventura Sportfishing at Ventura Harbor

Ventura Sportfishing Landing and Tackle Shop is located in the Ventura Harbor at 1500 Anchors Way Drive. They have daily departures to the Channel Islands and on 3 different boats. Visit www.VenturaSportfishing.com or call 805.676.3474 to learn more and to make reservations.