Sponsored Listings:
By: Leila Najafi, Contributor
Shop for local produce at the Ojai Certified Farmers Market
by: Tnkntx flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Ojai Valley is best known for their locally grown citrus, particularly the Pixie Tangerine, and avocados. Pick your colorful produce and support local farmers at this weekly Sunday market.
Take a cooking class at the Ojai Culinary School
by: slj_tribe flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
The Lavender Inn is not only an adorable bed and breakfast, it’s the backdrop for cooking classes which are offered regularly in the kitchen. Check out their upcoming winter soups or gluten-free classes, most of which are demonstrations so you can learn the cooking techniques but you get to eat all the fruits of the chef’s labor.
Have dinner at The Farmer and the Cook
by: futurestreet flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
The name says it all. This Ojai gem celebrates all things local with a farm-to-table, Mexican-inspired vegetarian menu. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio and enjoy those huevos rancheros with farm veggies (that may or may not have been picked that morning)!
Get a massage at the Ojai Valley Inn
by: lostintheredwoods flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
The luxury spa is a sought-after destination to relax and get pampered for a day. Choose from one of their many popular treatments and treat yourself to a little R&R.
Go wine tasting at Casa Barranca
by: stefano lubiana wines flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
This cozy Craftsman-style tasting room is situated in downtown Ojai’s historic Arcade area and is perfect for small groups; it’s also the first certified organic winery in the Santa Barbara region. Taste one of two flights that consist of 5 of their organic wines.
Visit Lake Casitas
by: The Castro House – Courtesy: Trip.com
Just a short 3 miles from Ojai’s center, Lake Casitas offers all the outdoor activities you could dream of — fishing, camping, kayaking, bike riding and so much more.
Get lost in Bart’s Bookstore
by: existation flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
What makes Bart’s Bookstore so special? It’s the largest independently owned outdoor bookstore in the country. The charming shop that has been around since 1964 and is definitely worth a visit.
Tour the Ojai Olive Oil Farm
by: Rodrigo_Soldon flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
The best part of this farm is that they offer free tours to the public, no reservation needed. You can also sample olive oil and shop their products in the tasting room where you’ll find everything from extra-virgin olive oil for cooking, to olive oil skincare, and balsamic vinegars.
Hike the Gridley Trail
by: lelahwithanh flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Ojai is the perfect place to get your hike on. There are tons of options, depending on what you’re looking for. If you’re a more experienced hiker, looking for a challenging hike, try the Gridley Trail which is an 11.7 mile, dog-friendly hike that offers gorgeous views of the Valley.
Go on an Ojai food tour
by: kcxd flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
There’s no better way to explore a city than by foot. Let Ventura Food Tours do all the planning so you can get a taste of Ojai Valley (pun intended). The tour consists of six stops where you’ll get the chance to meet the shop owners and chefs that make the breads, olive oils, tamales and artisanal foods that you’ll be tasting.
Trip.com makes having great experiences less work and more fun. Download the free app now to start exploring.
Source: gogobot.com