I loved bowling as a kid but today bowling alleys are few and far between. The Ventura County Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, previously a Border's bookstore, prior to that was the 40-lane Conejo Valley Village Bowl in 1995 (can anyone tell me more about that alley?) but there are no bowling alleys in the Conejo Valley today.

The good news is that there are two alleys within 20 minutes of us. Harley's Bowling Centers (www.harleysbowl.com) operates alleys in Simi Valley and Camarillo. Simi has 24 lanes and Camarillo has 20 lanes.

There is another Harley's now called Harley's Valley Bowl on the east end of Simi Valley that was formerly Brunswick Zone.

There are leagues for kids ages 6 and up and for adults. There is the popular "Atomic Bowling" with loud music and black lights. These alleys also make great birthday venues too...try the bumper lane bowling for the little ones. You can rent a lane for open bowling by the hour or by the game

Harley's Simi Valley is at 480 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (exit Madera off the 118 freeway) (805.526.4212).

Harley's Camarillo is at 305 Arneill Road, Camarillo (Ponderosa Shopping Center, behind 99 Cents Store) (805.482.0747)