Ojai – coming back to the Earth
By Diane Feen
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of our tiny town and long for the simplicity of yesteryear, check out Ojai, California. Not many Floridians know about this mountainous artsy community, but they should. That’s because Ojai is nestled in a picturesque valley and surrounded by lush hills and orchards. As a matter of fact, this small town is so picture perfect it seems like a lot at Universal Studios and not a real town.
Besides the innate beauty of this insular place (it is 65 miles north of Los Angeles), the collective consciousness of the locals is equally as stunning. The people seem happy, healthy and excited to meet and greet their guests and friends. If I didn’t know better I would have thought that Ojai was on another galaxy, not planet Earth.
It’s no wonder that this town of 8,000 people attracts a lot of artsy folks – writers, photographers, painters, sculptors and spiritual types. The downtown reflects this laid back artsy heritage with stores like Rains that sells everything from clothing to pots and pans and gourmet food. This department store (opened in 1914) bears no resemblance to Macy’s and is staffed by local folks who seem more interested in how your day is going than what they might make from your purchase.
Another famous place to check out is Bart’s Books, one of the country’s largest (and perhaps only) outdoor bookstores. They have used and new books, and when you return a book you get credit toward another one. There is also an honor system for buying books outside after closing. You just toss the coins into a box outside if you make a purchase after closing (it does feel like the 1960’s).
If you’re looking to get healthy (or travel solo and feel comfortable) check out the Oaks at Ojai. This inclusive spa is reasonably priced and provides a non-stress atmosphere filled with exercise and healthy food. The outdoor pool area is surrounded by the calming mountains and it is located right in the heart of town. There are exercise classes that range from yoga to Pilates, aqua cardio, mind-body awareness, cardio step and hikes, dance classes and veggie breaks throughout the day. The best part is that no one bothers you to do anything you don’t want to do (oaksspa.com). The food is great and meals are served to you at your leisure (heaven awaits).
If you stay at the Oaks at Ojai you can take a few side trips around town. The one I suggest is a 10-minute drive up the mountain and is appropriately named Meditation Mount. The views are stunning – you can almost touch the mountains with your imagination from the short walk to the garden. This sacred space is made up of 32 acres, but is spiritually beyond measurement. There are early morning meditations for the full moon as well as other educational initiatives.
Eating in Ojai, like most of California, is a local thing. Food is freshly prepared (never saw a Sysco truck) and products are usually local or organic. For a great meal go to Feast Bistro, they will woo you with a great attitude fresh food (great veggie burgers) and luscious desserts.
If you want to see some terrific local artwork, don’t miss the Ojai Valley Museum. This small, yet intimate museum was not only displaying colorful and powerful art work, but the pieces on display were for sale (and were reasonable). If you would rather wear your work of art, walk a few blocks to Human Arts, a gallery of crafts and jewelry with colorful handmade scarves, handbags and artworks that defy gravity.
There are many other treasures in Ojai, but take my word for it, this place is heaven on earth.
For information go to www.ojaivisitors.com
