Saturday, July 20, 2013

Day Trip: Ojai, California


About an hour and a half away from us is a small artist's retreat called Ojai.  Other than the pace of this laid back town, a bit of agriculture and some wonderful old architecture, there isn't an awful lot to draw folks here.  But. When you're looking for a relaxing day trip that will transport you to another world, this little town is definitely what you're looking for.

There are several ways to get there and we chose the more rural route.  It may take a few minutes longer, but the scenery is absolutely worth it.  Along the way we discovered things we hadn't even known existed.  For instance, we had no idea this beautiful little college was tucked into the mountains.  Just look at it - wouldn't you want to put this on your 'possibility' list just based on the view alone?  


A little further up the road and you'll be driving right along this beautiful place:


What an absolutely gorgeous place!  The bucolic scenery belies the fact that you're not far from the LA basin ... you'd just never know it.

In the town of Ojai, there are a few spas and bed and breakfast retreats, a couple of thrift shops, a few artsy boutiques, a fabulous ice cream place, and an outdoor bookstore - really!
If you're looking for much more than that, you'll be a bit disappointed, but if this is what you had in mind, you've found your Shang-ri-la.

Check out this beautiful fountain:

I was also intrigued by this somewhat hidden wine bistro...
Love the look of this little deli - it's so European!


It was a wonderful little getaway.  Far enough out of town to know that we've been away, but no so far that we needed to book a hotel.  C'est magnifique!

No comments: