The great thing about living in Pasadena is that it’s so conveniently located for easy getaway trips whether it’s a one day trip or a weekend. One of my favorite getaways has been to drive out to Ojai California for a relaxing spa weekend.
Ojai is an enchanting village, built in the Spanish Revival style and set in a secluded California valley, just an hour and a half away from Pasadena. When the weather is agreeable (which is nearly every day) evenings feature the magical Pink Moment, when a pastel glow shines from the hillsides above town. Ojai is also an artist’s colony, and a fine place to view the work of accomplished artists. Golf and tennis popular here, with velvety golf courses near town, and many tennis courts. Visitors can easily walk everywhere, from the abundant shopping and dining of the quaint Arcade Building to the city museum housed in the former Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas. Stately oaks shade many Ojai streets, where quiet inns and quirky bed and breakfasts welcome families and friends.
My favorite place to stay is Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Resort. Named one of the finest resorts in North America, this resort offers spectacularly landscaped grounds, a golf course, beautiful architecture, several pools, and one of the most amazing spas. Many of the Old Hollywood greats used to stay here and this getaway truly does exude Old World charm.
Staying at the Ojai Valley Inn can be quite expensive so be on the look out for specials or groupons which they do run at times. But, ultimately, the service and ambience is worth every penny.
On our last trip to Ojai, we discovered a wonderful out of the way restaurant called Papa Lennon’s which serves the most amazing pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. We ordered the Blackened Chicken Ceasar Roll-Up which was huge enough to split and absolutely delish.
Ojai Cafe Emporium is always great for breakfast and for a fun Mimosa. They also feature many local artists and you’ll be able to pick up a painting or two if you so desire. 🙂
Ojai highlights and features:
*The Ojai tennis tournament draws top champions and thousands of fans in April.
*Only 12 miles east of Ventura, old-fashioned Ojai feels much farther away in time.
*Camping at Lake Casitas is a breeze, with over 400 campsites.
*Surrounding orchards of pixie tangerines scent Ojai’s air.
*The Ojai Valley Trail is nine miles of scenic splendor.
*The Independence Day parade is small town style.
*June brings the Ojai Music Festival.
Have you been to Ojai? What are your favorite getaways?
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