Ventura Flea Market - Ventura County Fairgrounds (CLOSED)

NOTE: Although this flea market is no longer in operation, a new Ventura flea market - Seaside Sunday Flea Market - commence May 28, 2023 on designated Sundays.

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The Flea Market has been closed since mid-2020 due to the pandemic. Stay tuned for reopening dates.

THE VENTURA FLEA MARKET IS NO LONGER LISTED AS AN R.G. CANNING EVENT. SO UNLESS WE HEAR OTHERWISE, THE VENTURA FLEA MARKET IS NO LONGER IN OPERATION.

The Ventura Flea Market features antiques, used and new merchandise sold by over 500 vendors and thousands of visitors. It is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. six Sundays a year at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. A special Early Bird admission is available from 6am to 9am at $10.00 per person. Regular admission starts at 9 a.m. at $5.00 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  (Prices current as of October 2020.) Pets are not allowed. Event is held rain or shine! Parking is $5 (though there is also “non-preferred parking available free of charge).

Upcoming Dates:

• 2023: NO UPDATES AS OF April 2023

Visit www.rgcshows.com/ventura or call 323.560.SHOW (7469) for more information.

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center in Newbury Park

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The Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center is located at Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa in Newbury Park. Sycamore Canyon, which cuts through Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park, was part of a Chumash trade route. Satwiwa, which means "the bluffs," was the name of a nearby Chumash village.

View of the Satwiwa area with the Center on the right and an Indian village area on the left.

In the Center is a variety of native Chumash items. Native American workshops, programs and art shows occur throughout the year. The Center is open 9 am to 4 pm on weekends, with rangers on hand to answer questions. There's a small gift shop in the Center too, as well as restrooms and a water fountain.

There is a Chumash house, or 'ap, on the grounds of the Center. It is made with willow trees and tule.

Inside the Culture Center. The table contains items that children are encourage to touch.

Small but nicely appointment gift shop in the Center has something for everyone.

Park in the adjacent National Park Service parking lot via Lynn Road to the access road at Via Goleta in Newbury Park.

Visit www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/satwiwa-native-american-indian-culture-center.htm for more information.

Access point to the Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa area in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area off of Lynn Road in Newbury Park.

Wishbone Trail in the North Ranch Open Space

The Wishbone Trail is a two mile round trip, moderately steep trail that takes you from the west end of Westlake Village Community Park through the North Ranch Open Space to the Bowfield Trail. There are two entry points - one directly behind the baseball fields and the other at the far west end of the parking lot.

This is one of the newest trails in the Conejo Open space, constructed in 2018. If you’re looking for views, you will get them on this trail. Clear views of Ladyface Mountain on the south, the Boney Mountain Range and other local scenes. And this is the best place to catch California poppies in the spring, in most years. There are several view benches along the west trail as well as a bench at the top, near the juncture with the Bowfield Trail.

More information on the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/files/routes/Wishbone%20Trail.pdf. Westlake Village Community Park is located at 31107 Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

View from the east Wishbone Trial looking west towards the west Wishbone Trail. It is definitely not a flat trail - it is a moderately steep trail.

This access point to the east fork of the Wishbone Trail is directly behind the baseball fields on the west side of Westlake Village Community Park. The other entry point is past the baseball fields at the far west end of the parking lot.

There are some patches of poppies visible off of the Wishbone Trail in the spring but the biggest patches seem to be off of the connecting Bowfield Trail. the wetter the winter, the bigger the poppy display.

Chumash Indian Museum / Oakbrook Regional Park

Located in Lang Ranch at the top of Westlake Boulevard near Avenida de los Arboles at 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks, the Chumash Interpretative Center / Chumash Indian Museum contains Chumash artifacts and historical items, nature walks and tours of the beautiful local Oakbrook Regional Park area.  The museum is open Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays from noon to 4 pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+ and $5 for children under 12 (as of March 2023).

There is no charge to walk the trails in the park, which is open from sunrise to sunset daily. No dogs, except service animals, are allowed on museum grounds or trails.

The Chumash Indian Museum is located on a historical Chumash village site and contains a large collection of Chumash artifacts.

Stroll around the 436 acre Oakbrook Regional Park, a Ventura County historical landmark #90 (designated in 1983). More on Oakbrook Regional Park at www.crpd.org/park/oakbrook-regional-park.

Contact the Center for more information about these and other events, field trips, weddings and birthday parties at www.chumashmuseum.org or 805.492.8076.

To protect the wildlife, dogs are not allowed here.

Examples of the Chumash Home - called an ‘ap (not to be confused with app). more on ‘aps at THIS LINK.

Beautiful canopied oak tree configuration at Oakbrook Regional Park, behind the Chumash Indian Museum.

Simi Valley Town Center

The Simi Valley Town Center is a 600,000 sq ft open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center in the heart of Simi Valley, off the 118 freeway between First Street and Erringer Road at 1555 Simi Town Center Way.  This mall opened in fall 2005. 

Eateries at the Town Center as of March 2023 include Corner Bakery, California Pizza Kitchen, Larsen's Steakhouse, Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings, Go Fish Sushi, Huarache Express, Baby Cakes Dessert Shop, Bree’s Cakes, Starbucks and Meera’s Minis Coffee & Desserts

Macy's anchors the west end of the mall (the east end, also previously a Macy’s is still vacant after many years as of March 2023).

The 41,211 sq ft Studio Movie Grill opened at the Town Center on October 22, 2015, with nine screens and over 950 seats. It is a beautiful theater, offering stadium seating and fixed lounge seats with individual dining tables and service.

This is also a nice mall for the kids, as there is plenty of room to run around and explore in the open air setting.  There is a kids play area, oak trees, mosaic dragon, outdoor fireplace, koi pond and gardens to explore. 

Lot of shops geared towards the kids, including Black Belt USA Tae Kwon Do, Gotta Dance Academy, Inspire Dance Studio, As You Wish Pottery Painting Place, Kid Gloves Boxing, Rockin’ Kids Play Center, Maker Studioand the Skateboarding Hall of Fame Museum.

Other shops include the Five Below discount store that opened on October 12, 2018, Marshalls, Tilly’s, Lewis Galleries, Gymboree, Victoria’s Secret, Brighton Collectibles and more.

There’s also the Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia. Quite an impressive array of military posters and artifacts on hand.

Visit www.shopsimivalleytowncenter.com for more information.

Small outdoor kids' play area (geared towards little ones)

Previously at the Simi Valley Town Center:

A lot of businesses have come and gone from the Simi Valley Town Center in years past. Here are some of them.

Apple Store (9/15/17), Urban Home, Limon Latin Grill, Souplantation (9/25/16), Anthopologie, Brookstone, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Gamestop, Haagen-Dazs, Gymboree Play & Music, Hot Dog on a Stick, Hot Topic, J. Stephens, Jos. A Bank, Lane Bryant, Lucky Brand Jeans, Nine West, The Body Shop, Things RememberedUrban Outfitters, White House Black Market, Z Gallerie, Zales and Zumies, among others.

Hunt Olive Tree - Historical Landmark in Thousand Oaks

When Richard Orville Hunt and his wife Mary Jane Hunt planted trees in their orchard on the Salto Ranch (currently Lynn Ranch) over 130 years ago, they probably never contemplated that one of their trees would be thriving next to the Sprouts Farmers Market (previously Circuit City) parking lot. 

Well, that's where this beautiful old timer is.  I'm not exactly sure why the Hunt Olive Tree was moved here from its prior home in 1993, but she looks like she is doing o.k.  This tree at 600 West Hillcrest was designated a Ventura County Historical Landmark #64 on January 25, 1982. It is also Historical Landmark #4 in the City of Thousand Oaks.

Richard Hunt served as postmaster of the Newbury Park Post Office (which at the time was located at his ranch) for 18 years, beginning in 1891.

So go pay homage to this lovely link to our local history en route to buying some fresh fruits, veggies and other health foods at Sprouts!

McGrath Family Farm in Camarillo

McGrath Family Farm at 1012 West Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (take the Central Avenue offramp from the 101...McGrath is just south of the freeway) is a sustainable farm that grows organic fruits, vegetables and flowers for the local community.

The Store at McGrath Family Farm is open Tuesday through Sunday

We've been here numerous times over the years and I just love the fresh fruit and veggies available most of the year. You can find some nice locally grown gems here like heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, avocados and so much more.

And the kids always love visiting with the animals. For only $3 per person for a 15 minute visit, a McGrath staff lead you and the kids into the farm animal area behind the farm store. With some healthful treats for the goats, ducks, pigeons, geese and rabbit on hand, you'll have a lot of fun with these very friendly farm animals.

For more information, visit www.storeatmcgrath.com or call 805.983.0333.

McGrath Farm Tours (as of September 2012)

Feeding the animals at McGrath Family Farm.

Players Casino in Ventura

Players Casino reopened in February 2022 at its new location at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., 2nd Floor, Ventura. Open daily from 11 am to 3 am.

Players Casino is one of only about 70 active cardrooms in the state of California. Although it is called a casino, technically is it a cardroom. There are over 60 Indian casinos in the state that can offer games other than card games, such as roulette, slots and craps. Another distinction is that in a cardroom, you cannot play against the house; you can only play against other players.

Games offered at Players Casino include Texas Holdem, “21st Century Blackjack,” “EZ Baccarat,” Pai Gow Poker and Three Card Poker.

For more information, visit www.pcventura.com or call 805.643.1392.

Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu

Charmlee Wilderness Park is a 532 acre park located at 2577 Encinal Canyon Road in Malibu, just 15 miles from the Conejo Valley. It is located within the Santa Monica Mountains. There are over eight miles of hiking trails, a nature center, picnic areas and more. Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset and the nature center is open on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or dark, whichever comes first). Parking is now free of charge.

Visit www.malibucity.org/561/Charmlee-Wilderness-Park for more information.

To get there from the Conejo Valley, take the 23 (Westlake Boulevard/Decker Canyon Road) toward the ocean and turn left on Lechusa Road. Continue on Encinal Canyon Road and look for the sign on the right.

Photos below courtesy of Suzy Demeter Photography.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden - Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a 33 acre retreat of hiking trails and natural habitat adjacent to Conejo Community Park off of Lynn Road and Gainsborough. 

CVBG now offers plant sales (weather permitting) every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring California native and drought tolerant plants. Reasonable prices! Enter at the Kids' Adventure Garden entrance (400 W. Gainsborough Road).

This is really a special place to bring the kids for low key hike.  There are numerous trails and a short walk/hike to the top of the mountain rewards you with sweeping views of the entire Conejo Valley, from Westlake Village to Thousand Oaks to Newbury Park.

Here is what you'll find at the CVBG:

• The Nature Trail is 3/4 of a mile long and meanders above the creek through oaks and willows. This is a moderate trail.

• The Little Loop Trail leads you above the creek, through chaparral and around a meadow.

• The Native Plant Section and Lower Meadow feature southern and northern California plants.

• Lillian's Meadow showcases perennials, shrubs and trees that thrive with minimal water.

• The Salvia Garden delights hummingbirds and butterflies.

• The Butterfly Garden is a safe haven that provides nectar and food sources for butterflies and caterpillars.

• The Nursery houses workspace for the plant propagation team and hosts plant sales.

• The Herb Garden exhibits an extensive and unusual collection of medicinal, kitchen and aromatic herbs.

• The Bird Habitat has a fresh water source and is planted with native plants that provide year-round food source for birds.

• The Australian Section features collection of plants from down under.

• The Desert Garden hilltop landscape features cacti, succulents and desert trees and provides a panoramic view of the Conejo Valley.

• The Rare Fruit Orchard holds an extensive collection of trees.

• The Tranquility Garden is planted in the Japanese style featuring California native plants.

• The Oak Tree Grove has many species of North American and other oak trees.

• The Trail of Trees exhibits 50 trees with a variety of genera.

If you have small kids, they will love the Kids' Adventure Garden and treehouse, open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  They'll enjoy hiking through the trails and exploring the streams and bridges.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is located at 400 West Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks.  For more information visit www.conejogarden.org.

Desert Garden at the top of the hill, featuring cacti, succulents, etc.

Japanese style Tranquility Garden featuring native California plants

CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE CVBG PHOTOS!

Corriganville Park in Simi Valley

Corriganville Park is a historical 206 acre park located at 7001 Smith Road in Simi Valley that is owned and operated by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The park has over four miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, sandstone cliffs, an oak forest, seasonal stream, shaded picnic areas, Camp Rotary Youth Campground, picnic shelter and more.

The park is named after Ray "Crash" Corrigan, a stuntman/actor who owned the park from 1937 to 1965, when over 3,500 movies, TV shows and commercials were filmed there. In 1949, the Corrigan Movie Ranch opened as a Western-style amusement park with a train ride and stagecoach ride that in the late 1950s had greater weekend attendance than Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm.

Bob Hope bought the property in 1965 and renamed it Hopetown, but filming stopped after a year. The ranch burned down in the 1970s and all that is left are the cement slabs and exterior rock walls of the barn. You've got to visit the Santa Susana Depot Museum around the corner from Corriganville and see the model of what Corriganville looked like in 1960, then visit the park to see the slabs and imagine what it was like back then.

There is an interpretative trail at Corriganville with 20 markers that provide information about the vegetation and surroundings as well as some of the history. Visit www.rsrpd.org/business_detail_T9_R53.php for a link to pdf brochures with information about the history and trails of the park. Or call 805.584.4400.

The 4th Wall Acting Studio West in Agoura Hills

The 4th Wall Acting Studio West is located at 30317 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills. The studio specializes in acting for film and television through detailed script analysis & character development. The studio was founded as a place for actors to continually build upon their craft in a safe, competitive, professional environment. Classes for adults and teens.

More information at www.the4thwallactingstudiowest.com.

Majestic Ventura Theater in Downtown Ventura

The Majestic Ventura Theatre offers a 1920's Mission Style Architecture ambiance - you can see and feel close to the band from practically anywhere in the theater. All genres of music. 1200 capacity venue with multiple full bars, ballroom and occasional dinner shows. The theater is located at 26 S. Chestnut Ave., Ventura.  For more information, visit www.venturatheater.net or call 805.653.0721.