It is probably redundant to say the word “hidden” in describing the idyllic berg of Ojai. The town that is found on a winding road leading inland off the 101, on the outskirts of Ventura, CA is fairly well secreted in general. But, within the citrus-dripping artist community there are bountiful hidden finds awaiting the springtime visitor.
Highway 33 meanders past Casitas Springs to the entrance to Ojai, lined with peppertrees and ancient eucalyptus. The valley is backed by the dramatic Topa Topa Mountains and drenched in citrus groves that scent the air with sweet-smelling orange blossoms. To grasp an overall glimpse of the area’s natural beauty, follow Ojai Avenue about two miles uphill to a stone bench lookout that captures what filmmakers aptly dubbed Shangri-La in Ronald Coleman’s movie “Lost Horizon.”
Magical Pixie Time in Ojai
The idyllic berg of Ojai, known for its art, is famous for something else this time of the year. Each April, the town celebrates Pixie tangerine month—that time when its crops of late season tangerines are at their sweetest height which is cause for town-wide celebration in restaurants, spas and stores—almost as celebrated as the bucolic “Pink Moment” each evening when the sun dips behind the dramatic Topa Topa Mountains that embrace the valley.
Due to Ojai’s unique and enviable geography, the town has the ideal microclimate for late season tangerines; the sweet, seedless and easy-to-peel orbs are exclusively grown in the valley. Frank Noyes planted the first Ojai Pixies as an experimental crop many years ago. Today, dozens of farms form the Ojai Pixie Growers Association which gathers monthly to share information about the exclusive fruit, from harvesting to selling and recipes. Thousands of trees are devoted to the sweet, seedless fruit, and fans are growing wide and strong—from baseball stadiums to restaurants that seek the sweet citrus.(Photo by Michael McFadden)
Stroll to town for art
Much of Ojai’s history and charm is centered on its natural beauty and its resident artists. It’s easy to see why artists find the enchanted valley irresistible. The area is bathed in ever-changing hues of light that cast soft pink shades on the surrounding mountains. The artistic flair of the town is apparent in the charming village, lined in handicraft boutiques, art galleries and artist studios.
Not surprisingly, Ojai has an exceptional certified farmers’ market each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find Pixies here through May or June from Friend’s Ranch, one of the original growers. Or take a Cloud Climbers Jeep Tour that captures a birds-eye view of the beautiful patchwork of citrus groves that forms the landscape of Ojai. (Photo by Mariana Schultze)
Listen to the sounds of spring
An Ojai tradition, the creative and eclectic Ojai Music Festival on June 7-10 takes place in an idyllic spot to smell the blossoms, grab a peek at the area’s infamous “pink moment” at sunset and listen to this year’s selections in the historic Libbey Bowl. The four-day festival with several programs, including free concerts and talks, comes at a time in Ojai’s calendar to keep you busy during the day as well—or as busy as you might want to be in this spot more prime for picnic-going than nightclubbing.
Feast your eyes on “Provence” in Ojai
Put the passport away and head to Ojai’s Libbey Park in downtown for a taste of Provence. On Saturday, June 30 the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival greets visitors with all things lavender. Downtown transforms into a lavish lavender celebration featuring more than 100 venders that showcase everything from lavender art from winning artists and promotional items to lavender-themed crafts, soaps, jewelry, clothing, plants and more. Demonstrations, food and entertainment will be ongoing throughout the day.
Cook and stay “lavender” at the inn
Ojai’s 1874 schoolhouse-turned- inn embodies south of France elegance, only much closer to home. The Lavender Inn, just a stroll from the heart of the village, is embraced by flowering gardens and offers romantic cottages and one-of-a-kind guest rooms with fireplaces, fresh flowers, art and private balconies. The inn, with its own mascot dogs, is dog friendly.
The inn’s gracious veranda makes a heavenly spot to sip wine and nibble cheese in the evening or to enjoy a chef-prepared, buffet gourmet breakfast. Both repasts are included in the stay; herbs and vegetables are picked daily from the organic garden on the grounds to accent the inn’s cuisine.
The Lavender Inn, with a separate cottage spa, is also the home of The Ojai Culinary School, offering innovative private classes and hands-on cooking demonstrations. On July 1, the inn will be offering a “Cooking with Lavender” class at the inn.
Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch as I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch! “Too much sanity may be madness. And maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be” by Miguel de Cervantes.