Ojai, CA.

speeder · 06-18-2012, 11:56 PM

Drove up there with a friend today for the first time ever. One of those places I've been meaning to check out forever and just never got around to it. I went to look at a vehicle, (Land Cruiser), it was on a working vineyard on the end of Old Creek Road for those that know the place.

I knew from its rep that Ojai was a nice place but I was totally blown away. Only about 80 miles from Los Angeles and much closer to Ventura and the western SFV, but more like being in Santa Fe or Taos N.M. In fact, as much as I love N.M., (my parents have a house there), I liked Ojai better. Perfect CA. high desert weather, mountains and a small town that was charming as all get-out. It made me want to rob some banks and buy a nice little mini-ranch with a horse and maybe a motorcycle or 3. It's hippy-dippy but not in an annoying way, IMO. Lots of great-looking women and people are friendly.

I should have taken more pics but here are a couple:

widgeon13 · 06-19-2012, 02:06 AM

Nice spot. I was there a few year ago and stayed at the Ojai Valley Inn, roughing it!

Jim Richards · 06-19-2012, 03:55 AM

Looks like a very pleasant place. Denis, I'm disappointed in you for not posting pics of the "Lots of great-looking women."

Seahawk · 06-19-2012, 05:47 AM

Looks like the small ranch I grew up on, about 20 miles away.

I spent a lot of time in Ojai as a kid and in High School. Loved it.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I always wanted to go there because I had a crush on the Bionic Woman when I was a kid and she was from Ojai in the show.

scottmandue · 06-19-2012, 06:56 AM

I like it too...

Maybe we could pool our monies and start a hippy commune?

Dottore · 06-19-2012, 07:02 AM

Yup. We love Ojai.

We have a favourite unit at the Blue Iguana Motel that we stay at every time we head to L.A. And Suzannes, just off the main strip, is one of the finest restaurants in all of Christendom IMO.

In my next life I'll have a place on the beach in Santa Barbara, and a pocket ranch in the Ojai hills.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Coming from Ventura County, I've spent a lot of time in Ojai. We used to hike to the sespe Hot Springs every year out of Lion Camp. The Sespe and Matilija Creeks are a great place to cool off in the summer.

There's a great campground off of the 33 a few miles north of Ojai along with the Beer Lodge (Deer Lodge), the Ranch House and this place on the way out of town heading towards Santa Paula. Boccalis Home

jyl · jyl's Garage

The Sespe from Ojai is a great backcountry river and trail. Hot springs at the end. Hike or fish it sometime, well worth it.

Hugh R · 06-19-2012, 08:18 AM

My wife is the High School administrator in Santa Paula, which is nearby. Nice area.

vash · vash's Garage

i need to check this place out..i'll be roadtripping down to socal in about a week.

i'll pack my thai fishermen pants and birks..hahahh.

speeder · 06-19-2012, 08:42 AM

You better call me, Vash!

vash · vash's Garage

i will!! (if i can ditch my mom)..this trip is supposed to snap her out of her funk. i dont know how visiting me for 19 days is supposed to do that..but i am riffing.

speeder..so, did you buy the land cruiser? what model?

Zeke · 06-19-2012, 08:58 AM

There are things about Ojai that are not to be believed. One of the most bucolic places in CA. You might think the whole thing is a movie set.

The 33 north (Maricopa Hiway) to its terminus at the 166 is one of the best roads in CA as well.

At the 166 you can go east or west, each an interesting run back to L.A.

speeder · 06-19-2012, 09:46 AM

That whole giant triangle from Santa Barbara to Ojai to Yosemite is just God's country. The area around Santa Paula I particularly like with the fruit stands on the side of road and the beautiful farms and groves.

AFC-911 · 06-19-2012, 10:00 AM

Easy A was shot there.

daepp · 06-19-2012, 10:03 AM

If you ever go back to Ojai, check out Thomas Aquinas College. It is a beautiful example of classic Spanish style architecture and the people there are phenomenal. On the road out of Ojai towards Santa Paula.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFC-911

Easy A was shot there.

It was also in the 1937 film Lost Horizon, with the Ojai Valley as "Shangri-la". And the "Mama of Dada" Beatrice Wood lived there, throwing pottery until she passed in 1995 at 105. Larry Hagman lives there along with Ellen DeGeneres and Reese Witherspoon.

Nostril Cheese · 06-19-2012, 10:30 AM

My first girlfriend went to Thomas Aquinas. VERY nice area and there are a couple clothing optional hot springs hidden around in the hills.

Dottore · 06-19-2012, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigster59

It was also in the 1937 film Lost Horizon, with the Ojai Valley as "Shangri-la". And the "Mama of Dada" Beatrice Wood lived there, throwing pottery until she passed in 1995 at 105. Larry Hagman lives there along with Ellen DeGeneres and Reese Witherspoon.

Wasn't "Brothers & Sisters" set there as well?