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California Coast Adventure: Ojai

California Coast Adventure: Ojai November 6, 2013Travel0 Comments

Our time in Ojai and at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa was short, sweet and allowed us to kick up our feet and relax after a whirlwind trip down the coast. After a busy day in Santa Barbara we were ready to drive inland, check into our suite and soak up some much needed rays at the beautiful adults only Herb Garden pool. An added thrill was checking in alongside Happy Endings actress Casey Wilson, which was our first (and last) official celebrity siting. She’s just as, if not more, beautiful in person and has an incredibly sweet smile. I wish I could say I saw all Ojai has to offer but truthfully there just wasn’t time and my husband and I needed a day to unwind. What I can say is Ojai Valley Inn & Spa was without a doubt the perfect pit stop to do so. From the warm terracotta and wood accent open concept lobby to the incredibly welcoming staff, we new the second we arrived that it was going to be an experience to remember.

As mentioned, we spent the afternoon catching some sun at the pool that also showcases Ojai’s breathtaking scenery in every direction, adding to the spa like atmosphere. A quick stroll of the grounds proved fruitful, as around every corner was another spectacular view, be it the surrounding mountains, a vine encompassed wooden door or fantastically shaped cacti. Our previous stops along the coast featured fancier evening dinners and thus we welcomed the idea of a casual meal at Jimmy’s Pub, conveniently located just down from our suite. We wanted to eat quickly because upon check-in we were informed Ojai’s famous “Pink Moment” was to take place at roughly 6:37 p.m. Because Ojai is lined up with an east-west mountain range, it’s one of few towns in the world to have a “Pink Moment” as the sun is setting. For several minutes the fading sunlight creates a brilliant shade of pink on the Topatopa Bluffs, over 6,000 feet above sea level at the east end of the Ojai Valley. From what I understand the degree of pink can vary from evening to evening and though it’s a notably magical moment, our viewing wasn’t quite as drastic as it’s been previously. After a restful evening we were up and ready to hit some local shops before making our way toward Los Angeles. My one regret is not making the most of the incredible spa offerings at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa but vow that next time it will receive my utmost attention.

The one word I’d use to describe Ojai itself is charming. It’s a charismatic town filled with an abundance of local organic agriculture and inviting small businesses, as chain stores are forbidden by Ojai city law in order to encourage development of said businesses and keep the town unique. My favourite spot was just off Ojai Avenue, home to local business Made In Ojai. Needless to say I left with many bags filled with locally made soaps, yarn, olive oils and the most delicious coconut lip balm that when empty tears may be shed.

If given the chance to visit Ojai it comes highly recommended, and a stay at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa goes without saying.

Up next, Malibu and our Los Angeles arrival!

A special thank you to Ojai Valley Inn & Spa for allowing us to feature two professional images from their website