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california 101 Travelers Guide

WINTER 2026

LIVE • STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY MONTEREY • SAN LUIS OBISPO • SANTA BARBARA • VENTURA COUNTIES

I PICK YOUR PATH

Winter biking adventures

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I EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES

Otto and Sons Nursery is the go to spot for roses

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11604 - 11606 North Ventura Avenue, Ojai

311 Mesa Drive, Ojai

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,694 SQFT.

2 BD | 1 BA | 720 SQFT.

Listed for $1,750,000

Sold for $750,000

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VILLA TIARE VINEYARD ESTATE 1708 Orchard Drive, Ojai 3 BED | 2 BATH | 1,754* SQFT. | $1,525,000

2667 Prebel Avenue, Ojai

Welcome to the Villa Tiare Vineyard Estate. Built in 1954, this exceptional estate offers a private, yet Bali like feel from the moment you enter through the wooden gate. Walking along the wooden path you are met with tall bamboo privacy hedges, ivy embarking on the exterior of the home, exterior lighting, a wine vineyard in front and a relaxing water feature and hot tub. Inside you are met with hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace and dining room The grounds are nothing less than spectacular and a rare find in the Ojai Valley.

2791 Michael Drive, Thousand Oaks

2 BD | 1 BA | 880 SQFT.

4 BD | 3 BA | 1,946 SQFT.

Sold for $939,900

Sold for 1,225,000

CLINT HAUGAN

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS

Global Real Estate Advisor Cal DRE 02019604 805.760.2092 clinton.haugan@sothebysrealty.com

Realtor® | DRE 01950672 805. 798.1776 christopher.williams@sothebysrealty.com christopherwilliams.sothebysrealty.com

clintonhauganhomes.com © 2026 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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727 West Ojai Avenue, Ojai. California 93023

© 2026 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principals of the Fair Housing Act.

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Winter 2026

CA 101

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CALIFORNIA 101

VENTURA • SANTA BARBARA • SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES

Travelers Guide

SPRING 2025

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LIVE • STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY

Travelers Guide® California101Guide.com MAGAZINE INQUIRIES (805) 340-1057 mdawkins@ca101guide.com Published by Blue Highways Productions COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF Dennis DeLano CREATIVE DIRECTOR Dennis DeLano MANAGING EDITOR Misty Hall CONTRIBUTORS Zach Rosen Mike Miller Adam Muñez Andra Belknap Misty Hall ADVERTISING MANAGER Mike Dawkins COPY EDITOR Pamela Gaughan WEBSITE MANAGER Jessica Frakes

CONTACT US ADVERTISING mdawkins@ca101guide.com EDITORIAL mhall@ca101guide.com PHONE (805) 340-1057 MAILING ADDRESS 1129 Maricopa Hwy. #B-201 Ojai, CA 93023 Be sure to check out our website California101Guide.com California 101 Travelers Guide is a quarterly magazine distributed to over 380 business locations throughout Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey Counties. Total circulation is 25,000 per quarter.

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Winter 2026

Misty Hall Editor California 101 Travelers Guide mhall@ca101guide.com

Editor’s Note ’We like to brag in these pages about our perfect weather, quaint communities, and fun things to do here on the Central Coast. But just like one of our killer sunsets, talking up this little slice of paradise never seems to get old. It’s idyllic, iconic, and, well, insanely awesome. It sounds like I’m writing a cringey pop song at this point (don’t tempt me), but if you’ve spent any time around here, you know I’m not wrong. The summer might be peak travel season, CA but winter is actually a great time to 101 visit the Central Coast, too. You can still do almost everything you can during the summer — only you finally get to don that cute sweater you’ve been waiting all year to wear. Here’s your wintertime itinerary for 2026:

Clear the fog from your mind — if not the beaches — with a good cup of java from one of the Central Coast’s best coffee shops (PAGE 46). Writer Zachary Rosen shares his favorite spots for a caffeine fix. CA 101

Let’s go on a mission! Lompoc’s Mission Club (PAGE 28) might be a little off the beaten path, but it more than makes up for it with, as writer Mike Miller puts it, “tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and, most notably, its smallish, undulating greens.” CA 101

Located in the exclusive gated community of Rancho Matilija, this stunning home captures the serene beauty of Ojai with vistas from every angle. Bordered by the Ojai Land Conservancy and Ventura River, the property offers unmatched privacy and direct access to equestrian and pedestrian trails leading to the Los Padres National Forest and surrounding neighborhood paths. Enjoy sweeping views of the Ojai Valley and the iconic Topa Topa Mountains, the home features

Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or need a family vacation, look no further than the city of Monterey (PAGE 8). From Old Town to Cannery Row, there’s plenty to do in this sweet and historic city for everyone in your group! Another for-anybody activity: Biking! Writer Adam Nuñez takes us through four of his favorite family-friendly paths (PAGE 68). They’re largely flat and paved, but don’t let that fool you — these bike paths are not only accessible, they’re exceptionally beautiful, too!

Winter’s also the perfect time to plant roses, and there’s nowhere better to get yours than Otto and Sons (PAGE 82). This Fillmore stalwart offers a massive selection, along with tips, tricks, classes, and community to help you get the most out of your blooms (rose and otherwise!)

Looking a little further down the line, we’ve got the Simi Valley ROUND-UP Country Music Festival marked on our calendar for April 18 (PAGE 90). Get your boots ready, because this show promises excellent live music and a ton of fun for the whole family.

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Elegant Mediterranean Estate

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In most places, winter means indoor-only events. Not so on the Central Coast! Check out our Events Calendar (PAGE 8) for outdoor almost-everything — from golf tournaments to marathons, bird festivals to beer festivals, and everything in between! And yes, there’s plenty to do indoors, too (films, jazz concerts, gem and orchid shows). CA 101

12986 MACDONALD DRIVE , OJAI, CALIFORNIA

five spacious bedrooms and five bathrooms, including a primary suite with stunning views, a luxurious en-suite bathroom, and a large walk-in closet. Designed with comfort and style in mind, the open floor plan includes travertine flooring in the entry and kitchen, solid hardwood in main living areas, and three inviting fireplaces. Set on almost 3 acres with a vast variety of plants and trees including: citrus, palm, and olive trees, the backyard offers a tranquil escape with breathtaking views of Ojai’s famous Pink Moment. offered at $3,495,000

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Jack La Plante

Erik Wilde

Realtor® | DRE 02134607 805.640.5571 jack.laplante@sothebysrealty.com jacklaplante.sothebysrealty.com

Realtor® | DRE 01461074 805.830.3254 erik.wilde@sothebysrealty.com erikwilde.sothebysrealty.com

© 2025 LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. All data, including all measurements and calculations are obtained from various sources and has not and will not be verified by Broker. All information shall be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. LIV Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated and supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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Winter 2026

ETC’s Truth & Illusion Season continues!

california 101 Travelers Guide

SPRING 2025

LIVE • STAY • PLAY • GETAWAY

CONTENTS

VENTURA • SANTA BARBARA • SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES

8 28

By Zach Rosen

The Mission Club:

Putting Lompoc golf on the map

By Mike Miller

Northbound:

By Zach Rosen

Pick you path

By Adam Muñez

Everything’s coming up roses in Fillmore

Making Monterey Memories

A Coffee-Fueled Drift Up the 101

Winter biking adventures CA 101

A razor-sharp, behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the greatest films of all time.

By Adam Nuñez

Round-up and get down

Country music festival returns to Simi Valley

April 1-26, 2026

By Andra Belknap

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

Events

By Misty Hall

THE SHARK IS BROKEN By Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon Directed by Pesha Rudnick

Otto and Sons Nursery is the go to spot

Events in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties

February 4-22, 2026

Created and Written by Randy Johnson Co-Directed by Brian McDonald and Tony Award® Nominee Mary Bridget Davies Music Direction by Brent Crayon

The whiskey-soaked, soul-shaking voice of a generation comes alive in this electrifying concert experience.

Tickets available at etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400

82 6

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12/19/25 10:56 AM Winter 2026 7

Making Monterey Memories by Zach Rosen

There’s a reason why Monterey lives on in both novels and tourism. Sure, John Steinbeck romanticized the locale, but the sheer beauty of the place was established far before, and is what keeps bringing people back. Between living history and natural splendor, the sweep of highway leading into Monterey draws visitors deeper into the adventure and memories. Museums, historic sites, art, and shopping — couples and families can find exactly what they enjoy, while creating the memories they want to keep.

Photo by Charlesreid1 via Wikimedia Commons

The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.

A Museum for Every Moment

Monterey is somewhere you have probably heard about, but probably not a place you have actually learned about. From the drafting of California’s first constitution to the internationally renowned aquarium, the town meets any visitor where they are. A visit to Colton Hall – where California’s first constitution was born – sets the tone for any visit. There is a quiet dignity to the room and its preserved desks, the windows, and sense of civic order that still feels intact. Just next door sits the Old Monterey Jail. Families can enjoy the thick walls and jokes about locking up the troublemaker in the family. On Cannery Row, the preserved cannery

Winter 2026

Photo by Sgerbic via Wikimedia Commons

Colton Hall is a great place to start your trip into history.

workers’ shacks deepen the narrative. Families, couples, and solo adventurers alike will love being immersed in the local human story of Monterey. The Pacific Biological Laboratories, Ed Ricketts’ former workspace, adds a literary layer for those familiar with Steinbeck.

The Monterey History & Art Association provides additional depth through exhibitions rooted in place. Explore the historic adobes, curated narratives, and artifacts from different eras, while imagining Monterey as it existed before canneries or car travel.

The Monterey Museum of Art gives visitors a chance to focus on California painters and photographers — artists who captured coastal light long before visitors filtered it through smartphone lenses. The museum’s scale encourages lingering; its galleries feel intimate, inviting slow looking and conversation. Parents bringing children will find a similar comfort in the manageable size. The works are varied enough to spark questions — about color, landscape, portraiture — without overwhelming young attention spans.

Exhibits at the Stanton Center, including the Jo Mora Collection, bridge the worlds of art, cartography, and playful illustration – equally engaging for adults who appreciate Mora’s stylized interpretations and kids who respond instinctively to the characters and storytelling embedded in his maps.

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Smaller galleries in Monterey and Pacific Grove give visitors a chance to browse at their own rhythm, slipping into side-

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street studios or contemporary spaces. For families, these stops become brief, colorful interludes – easy to enter, easy to exit, always sparking a bit of curiosity. The Youth Arts Collective often inspires older children and teens by showing real young artists at work. Couples enjoy the community energy; families appreciate the reminder that creativity is not passive, but something practiced and lived.

Walking Cannery Row

Cannery Row welcomes travelers with the sense that they’ve stepped into a place where the past is given into waterfront views. In recent history, Cannery Row was a world defined by industry and immigrant labor. Sardine production

Winter 2026

at the giant Pacific octopus as it unfurls its arms.

The historic Cannery Row.

present. Enjoy the zen of rooms filled with soft blue light, the hypnotic sway of the Kelp Forest, or the open expanse of the million-gallon Open Sea exhibit. Or, bring the family and follow sea turtles, lean over the touch pools, or watch in awe

The Aquarium succeeds because it layers spectacle with substance. The Ocean’s Edge galleries anchor visitors in the near-shore Photos courtesy of Cannery Row ecosystem: tidepools, otters, rays, and the towering kelp that defines the bay’s underwater world. Move slowly through these spaces, absorbing visual details and enjoying the natural hush that settles over the exhibits. The Open Sea expands everything outward: schools of sardines spinning like a single living fabric, tuna slicing through the blue, and jellies glowing in chambers that feel almost meditative. For families, this room is awe in its purest form— kids fall silent, captivated by the movement and scale.

Photo by Sgerbic via Wikimedia Commons

The historic room where California’s constitution was first signed

soared during the early 20th century, turning the area into a booming, cacophonous corridor of smoke, steam, and machinery. Today’s Cannery Row is not as raucous but is just as poetic, with its historic architecture, tasting rooms, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. This layering creates a distinctive destination without sacrificing the sense of place. For couples, the Row becomes a long, scenic promenade. They drift between shops, linger over coffee, and pause at the water’s edge. Wine flights at A Taste of Monterey come with panoramic bay views. Hotels like the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa place guests directly above the surf, appealing to those looking for a retreat that still feels connected to the streetlevel bustle.

Families find different touchpoints. The proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium keeps anticipation high, and the flat paths make moving between attractions easy for kids. Ice cream stops, viewpoints, and kid-friendly menus offer natural breaks throughout the day. Cannery Row is flexible: romantic when you need it to be, educational when you want it to be, and always tied to Monterey’s waterfront identity.

Science as Storytelling

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the connective tissue between Monterey’s natural and cultural history. Built inside a former cannery, it links the industrial past to the ecological

Photos courtesy of Cannery Row

Views and fun along Cannery Row.

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Winter 2026

Photos courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium

of Cannery Row

Wine Tasting on Cannery Row - A Taste of Monterey Wine Market & Bistro.

Into the Deep, one of the most ambitious deep-sea exhibitions in North America, brings unfamiliar life to the surface: bioluminescent creatures, translucent drifters, and organisms that seem pulled from science fiction. Couples appreciate the science; children appreciate the strangeness. No matter the timing, the Aquarium becomes an anchor memory – one of the places that gathers everyone’s attention at the same level, even if for different reasons. The Working History of Fisherman’s Wharf Old Fisherman’s Wharf carries the imprint of every era it has survived – Chinese abalone divers, Portuguese whalers, Japanese salmon fishermen, Italian sardine crews, and the evolving commercial fleets that shaped Monterey’s identity.

Photos courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium

Palm and Boy cozy patio.

from stands along the walkway, or a sunset dinner at Old Fisherman’s Grotto turns the experience into something intimate and nostalgic. Those looking for a deeper connection to the water can book a cruise with Monterey Bay Sailing or join a whale-watching tour through Princess Monterey or Discovery Whale Watch.

sheets, and the buzz of post-aquarium energy.

Families experience the Wharf as a series of unfolding events. Kids point out pelicans diving or seals sleeping on the docks. Glass-bottom boat rides offer an old-fashioned kind of fun. Restaurants like Crabby Jim’s and Paluca Trattoria stay loud enough that children blend right in, and the staff is used to tables filled with sandy shoes, coloring

The Wharf’s gift is that it still feels like a working waterfront, even with its layers of dining and shops. History isn’t curated here – it’s simply present, woven into the way the tide moves around the pilings.

A Coastline Built for Wandering

Monterey’s outdoors is one of the rare places where the needs of couples and families overlap naturally. The coastline is wide enough for solitude, yet lively enough for kids to explore. Every viewpoint feels intentional; every trail feels accessible.

Couples walking the planks feel the nostalgia immediately: the scent of chowder drifting from restaurants, sea lions barking beneath the pier, the view of sailboats sliding past the marina. It’s atmospheric, without trying to be. For families, the Wharf is pure entertainment. Kids gravitate toward candy counters, taffy pullers, and the marine-life activity happening everywhere. Charter boats unload fishing catches. Whale-watching tours prepare for their next departure. Sea otters roll through the harbor grass as if performing on cue. Shops with windows full of shells, sweatshirts, and wooden boats still have the power to delight. Looking to enjoy the Wharf at a quieter pace? A bay-view coffee from Water + Leaves, a shared chowder sampler

Photos courtesy Monterey Bay Aquarium

Palm and Boy cozy patio.

Winter 2026

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Palm and Boy cozy patio. Winter 2026

Photos courtesy of Fishermen’s Wharf

Fishermen’s Wharf.

Photos courtesy of Fishermen’s Wharf

The Little Mermaid heading out for the day.

You can begin along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, a paved shoreline path ideal for long walks or easy bike rides. The route invites a slow pace. Relax on benches positioned for conversation, pause to watch sea otters roll in kelp, and take in viewpoints that unfold as the light changes. Morning and sunset are especially good, as the water moves from silvery blue to deep gold. Families use the same trail differently: scooters, strollers, surrey bikes from Adventures by the Sea, and frequent stops for wildlife sightings. It’s a route that allows freedom while keeping everyone on the same visual page – ocean to the left, Cannery Row rising behind, the Aquarium anchoring the horizon.

or the dramatic rocks at Asilomar, where they can settle into a pocket of sand and watch waves break against granite. Families spread out with buckets and boogie boards. Lovers Point becomes a natural gathering place: a protected cove for young swimmers, tidepools for explorers, lawns for picnics. Anyone seeking immersion heads to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, with short trails that feel cinematic and coves that appear carved for contemplation. Families

appreciate Point Lobos for its contained distances and wildlife – sea lions, cormorants, and deer all common encounters. Whether paddling through kelp forests in a kayak, watching sea lions along the Coast Guard Pier, or simply standing at the railing as the surf builds, Monterey’s outdoor spaces encourage shared experience. It’s a landscape perfectly suited to wandering – together or with kids racing ahead.

Old Fisherman’s Grotto and Crabby Jim’s anchor the Old Fisherman’s Wharf with classic seafood plates, while Paluca Trattoria offers outdoor seating right on the harbor.

A Coastal Table for Every Type of Traveler

Couples and singles often expand outward for dinner – check out Passionfish in Pacific Grove for sustainable seafood and an excellent wine list, or Carmel’s intimate spots like La Bicyclette and Anton & Michel. These smaller dining rooms offer quieter pacing, ideal after a day outdoors.

Monterey’s dining scene gives visitors a taste of its varied, approachable history shaped by the water. Couples find intimacy in ocean view dining rooms and quiet neighborhood bistros. Families find convenience, variety, and menus that accommodate all ages.

Couples often begin on Cannery Row. Restaurants like The Sardine Factory set the tone with historic dining rooms, soft lighting, and carefully composed seafood dishes. At Schooners Monterey, perched over the water, meals unfold with the steady rhythm of waves below. Wine lovers gravitate toward A Taste of Monterey, where flights come with panoramic bay views and a romantic setting without being formal. Families, meanwhile, appreciate the practicality of Cannery Row’s casual restaurants. Louie Linguini’s, The Fish Hopper,

Beaches offer the same dual experience. Couples gravitate toward the quiet edges of Del Monte Beach

and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offer kid-friendly menus and window seats overlooking kayakers and harbor wildlife. You’re guaranteed a good meal, a view, and something happening outside the window.

Families find balance with casual spots and sweet treats. Ice cream from Ghirardelli or saltwater taffy from Carousel Candies becomes part of the ritual. Farmers’ markets provide easy picnic-ready meals to take to the beach. Dining in Monterey works because the food is tied directly to the setting. Whether lingering over wine or juggling crayons and clam chowder, every meal carries a little of the coastline with it. Between the unforgettable sights and the living history, Monterey will be a memorable trip for any visitor.

Photos courtesy of Fishermen’s Wharf

Clam chowder on the Wharf.

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Winter 2026

Family owned. Locally loved. Since 1980.

271 Alvarado Street in Monterey • 831-238-3125 • reﬂectionselegantegallery.com

A new breathtaking gallery

The new buzz in Monterey County, Reflections Elegante Fine Art Gallery exhibits original artwork, and the ambiance will captivate your interest. This is the place to plan your day of fun. It is located walking distance to both wharfs, restaurants, marina, and much more. Celebrating Artistic Innovation Founded on a passion for the arts and commitment to artists and art lovers alike, Reflections Elegante has grown from a modest local gallery to a respected name in California’s art scene. Our mission is simple yet profound: to enrich the cultural landscape by showcasing a diverse array of fine art, promoting both emerging and established artists, and fostering a community where art is accessible to all. distance to both wharfs, restaurants, marina, and much more. Celebrating Artistic Innovation Founded on a passion for the arts and commitment to artists and art lovers alike, Reflections Elegante has grown from “Bixby Bridge” acrylic Big Sur by Lori Thompson. a modest local gallery to a respected name in California’s art scene. Our mission is simple yet profound: to enrich the cultural landscape by showcasing a diverse array of fine art, promoting both emerging and established artists, and fostering a community where art is accessible to all. Welcome to Our World of Artistic Excellence At Reflections Elegante Fine Art Gallery, we believe “Bye Momma” oil by Lori Thompson (I thought painting that every piece of art would draw cowboys from Paso Robles). has the power to inspire and transform. Located in the picturesque city of Monterey, California, our gallery is more than just a space for art, a sanctuary where creativity meets community, where every visit enriches your understanding of the world through the lens of art.

Visionary Aspirations

We aspire to be a beacon of artistic excellence and community engagement. Our vision extends beyond displaying art—we aim to inspire, educate, and provoke thought, expanding our reach across California and beyond, ensuring that every collection we curate not only captivates but also inspires.

Mission-Driven Excellence

Every day, we strive to: • Promote Artists: From local talents to internationally acclaimed names, we provide a platform that elevates artists and allows their work to be seen, appreciated, and acquired. • Engage Communities: Through art exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative projects, we connect with local institutions and enthusiasts to promote a greater appreciation of the arts. • Innovate Continuously: We spotlight innovative works and new voices, keeping the art scene dynamic and evolving. • Cultivate Collectors: Our gallery guides and supports art lovers and collectors, helping them to ﬁnd art that resonates with their spirits and environments

Core Values: The Pillars of Our Identity Community and Connection 16

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Art has the unique power to connect people across diﬀerent cultures and experiences. At “Secret Admirer” oil by Lori Thompson area Big Sur. Reﬂections Elegante, we foster a welcoming environment where all can explore and share the beauty of artistic expression.

Innovation in Art

We are committed to featuring art that challenges the status quo, oﬀering fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that push the boundaries of traditional artistry Integrity and Authenticity Our relationships with artists, patrons, and partners are built on transparency and respect, ensuring a trusted environment where art is celebrated in its truest form.

Passion for Excellence

Our dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of our gallery—from the art we display to the experiences we offer. Our passionate team works tirelessly to ensure that every visit is memorable. Artists – Dedicated to representing Local Artists and their diversified mediums: oil, acrylic, folk art on glass, watercolor, pastel, alcohol Painting by Dany Gargani. ink, charcoal, mixed media, photography and sculptures. Come meet our talented artists: Barbara Aguilar, Kofi Amoa, Clay Myers Bowman, Linda Petrie Bunch, Holly Cousins, Julie Foudy, Dany Galgani, Lance Glasser, Lenn Goldmann, Kay Johansson, Filipp Kashirtsev, Tamara Keiper, Amy Martin, Marie Massey, Valentina Milaychev, Suzanne Roth, Jan Scott, Karen St. James, Lori Thompson, Jim Wagoner, Lynne Weatherman, Jane Willis, Judy Willis, Carol Woodard, Jan Zeigler, William Zeigler, and Lynn Zwagerman.

Reﬂections is located across from The Portola Hotel and Spa Owners: Gary and Lori Thompson Visit us Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday, Noon to 4pm

You can also view some of our artwork at the nearby local restaurants owned by Maurizio Cutrignelli at 32 Cannery Row, Breakwater Cove Marina in Monterey – A beautiful 15 minute walk along the water front path from Reﬂections Elegante Fine Art Gallery. Piccolos - Open Monday, Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 am to 5.30 pm. Osteria Al Mare - Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. california101guide.com

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HELLO SPRING! at MARGARITA ADVENTURES

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MYSTIC HILLS VINEYARD Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Paso Robles, California. We focus on sustainable estate-grown Bordeaux style wines that showcase our passion for excellence and our tenacity for a memorable bottle of wine. Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award winning Film Editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. His meticulous and diligent eye for a well-crafted scene in a movie is brought to life in our beautiful and extraordinary wines that will surely captivate your palette and produce an unforgettable delight for you to savor.

79550 Watkins Lane, San Miguel, CA 93451 (805) 610-1099 • mystichillsvineyard.com

DOWNTOWN TOURS ~ EATERIES ~ BARS ~ ART ~ MUSEUMS ~ WINE TASTING ~ SHOPPING ~ LODGING February 15th 7pm, Park Cinemas Valentine’s Movie Night - tickets at www.parkcinemas.com “When Harry met Sally” Tuesdays 9:30 am-12 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am-1:00 pm Downtown Farmer’s Market, City Park Saturday, April 12th Visit the Easter Bunny

Please call or email for your private appointment with Joel and Judy.

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We Deliver Open 7 days a week • Box Lunches • Meetings • Party Platters • Wedding Packages • Wine Tours • Breakfast, Lunch & More • Patio Seating • Dog Friendly • Kids Menu • Gluten-Free • Vegan Options

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Escape to the beautiful Central Coast of California... Make Serenity Yoga Wellness Retreat Center Your Next Destination RELAX UNWIND RECHARGE

Combining Elegance with Practicality “The Atascadero Inn proudly unveils its fully reimagined guest rooms, designed to offer both elegance and unparalleled comfort. Our comprehensive renovation has introduced a sophisticated aesthetic, with new furnishings, vibrant patterns, and contemporary lighting. The chic new bathrooms, boasting sleek vessel sinks, ambient back-lit mirrors, and stylish tiling, provide a luxurious retreat after a day of exploring the Central Coast.”

Perfectly situated for exploration, the Atascadero Inn offers easy access to local gems like the Central Coast Zoo. (Formerly Charles Paddock Zoo) Close to everywhere you want to be, Atascadero offers access to hundreds of wineries, championship golf and the Central Coast’s only accredited zoo. We look forward to welcoming you to your newly enhanced home away from home, and proudly cater to our diverse guests with multilingual staff. Atascadero Inn has been a cherished part of the community since May 1, 2019, building on a legacy of hospitality at this location since 1993.” For your convenience, every room includes a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator, along with a comfortable work desk and seating. Our dedicated 24-hour front desk staff is always on hand to assist, and ample free parking is available for all guests.

On our beautiful Five Acre Retreat Center in The Rolling Hills of Paso Robles Services Included:

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805-975-8338

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From cozy cabins to resort-like estates, Digs Vacation Rentals offers luxury, vacation rentals from Lake Nacimento to Nipomo and Cambria to Oceano. Wine country getaways, family reunions, 50th, 60th Birthday celebrations or just a little R&R. We have the perfect home away from home waiting for you and yours to enjoy.

• Overnight accommodation (Robes/Slippers) • Yoga, Meditation, sound Healing Spa, Ayurveda, Infrared Sauna with salt walls/color therapy... • Meals High Tea Breakfast/Lunch... • Salt Water Pool, Hot Tub (cool/hot therapy) • Healing Gardens, pond, creeks, Check out SerenityRetreatCenter.com walking paths • Day Retreat Option Retreat Packages • All inclusive Retreat Package, For full details Personalized retreats Packages to meet you or your groups needs

Atascadero Inn

6505 Morro Road Atascadero, CA 93422 • 805 466-0794 • atascaderoinn.com

805 239-9591

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ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF CAMBRIA

784 Main St., Suite A Cambria CA 93428 (800)545-5079 or (805)927-8200 Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm – Closed Sunday stay@cvrrentals.com • cambriavacationrentals.com/

www.ArtCenterMorroBay.org

Discover Comfort by the Coast

Welcome to Morro Bay Sandpiper Inn. Located just a short stroll from the shoreline, Morro Bay Sandpiper Inn offers clean, affordable lodging in a peaceful seaside setting. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet escape, outdoor adventure, or a family getaway, our cozy rooms and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to relax and enjoy all that Morro Bay has to offer. Experience coastal charm, convenience, and great value—just steps from the beach.

A quaint seaside village, is located on the Central Coast, half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, just six miles south of Hearst Castle. We are nestled in a forest of Monterey pines at the foot of the scenic Highway One/Big Sur Coast. The climate is a cool Mediterranean with clear blue skies, light seasonal fog and temperatures averaging 50 to 70 degrees F.

540 Main Street Morro Bay, CA 93442 morrobaysandpiper.com morrobaysandpiper@gmail.com Rod R. Aszman, Noon Daylight ©

805-772-7503

Welcome to Maisons de Cambria Vacation Rentals We offer a variety of lovely vacation rental homes located in a beautiful environment.

Maisons de Cambria Vacation Rentals Deborah Berk, Proprietor vacation@maisonsdecambria.com (805)927-0306 MaisonsdeCambria.com 22

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Cambria itself is a charming village that offers galleries, shops, a playhouse, local music & a variety of dining options. It’s also a gateway to the Paso Robles Wine Region & to the Big Sur Wilderness area. We hope you will visit soon… come discover the magic of the Central Coast.

You found a GEM in the heart of Cambria, California!

The Pickford House is a Victorian style mansion exclusively available for private groups! Pickford oﬀers nine spacious bedrooms, each with full bath, shower and television. Additionally your stay comes with full use of our semi-commercial kitchen, dining room, separate living room and parlor as well as a useful outdoor bbq area. Located 250 miles from Los Angeles and less than 200 miles from Fresno and San Francisco. Enjoy a perfect destination for a 15-20+ family reunion or friends gathering!

www.thepickfordhouse.com 2555 Macleod Way Cambria CA 93428 805-878-4561

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Winter 2026

Lunch • Dinner • Takeout • Delivery • Private Dining • Full-Service Catering

570 Higuera St., Suite 130 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 544-0861 mamasmeatball.com Tue – Sun 11AM – 9PM

Scan to view our menu!

AUTHENTIC PERUVIAN CUISINE

SCAN TO VIEW OUR MENU! 570 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 439-3292 mitsuraresturants.com

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Hours: Tue – Thu 11AM – 9PM Sat 11AM – 10PM Sun 11AM – 9PM

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lub :

The

n o i s s Mi Story Mike Miller photos courtesy of Mission Club

P LO MU T T I N G L F POC GO ON THE MAP

As an avid golfer living on the Central Coast, I love playing new courses for the first time, but I am rarely motivated enough to leave the core three or four courses that are closest to me after visiting a new track. That is, before I recently discovered The Mission Club in Lompoc. After playing this course, I will be going back! I joined a group that I play with on a fairly regular basis and made the drive to Lompoc not really knowing what to expect. Let me just say, I may have found one of the best hidden gems on the Central Coast.

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The clubhouse.

The Mission Club originally opened in 1962 and was designed by esteemed architect Ted Robinson. The course is a challenging one that will make golfers of all levels think about shot placements for all 18 holes.

A series of sand traps around this green force strategic play (and mental grit).

The par-72 course stretches to a modest 6,546 yards from the tips (black tees), yielding a slope rating of 130 and a course rating of 72.1. From the women’s tees (silver), golfers will be looking to navigate 5,819 yards.

While not intimidatingly long, the course’s true defense lies in its tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and, most notably, its smallish, undulating greens.

“Our course is an awesome challenge that not a lot of people know about and we’re hoping to change that,” Director of Golf Stephen Douglas said. “It is not a long course, but you have to know where your ball is going. The pride of the course is our greens; they are undulating and fast and they can be treacherous.”

The design features are a delightful mix of doglegs requiring precise placement off the tee, so club selection and accuracy are important. I thoroughly enjoyed my inaugural round at The Mission Club. We played on a beautiful weekend afternoon and the pace was perfect. I always walk while

playing, and I found it to be a very enjoyable trek. My affinity for the course was probably enhanced by the fact that I played well, much better than I normally do when playing a course for the first time. My round consisted of six birdies, but only three pars and a slew of bogeys. I was able to limit the damage to my overall score by only carding one double bogey on the day, which I was actually quite proud of given how hard the greens were to read for a first-timer. During my visit, I was also struck by the friendly vibe throughout the facility. From the time we checked in at the clubhouse to the time we walked off the 18th green, everyone was accommodating and welcoming. “The community here is awesome. It is a very mellow vibe and people enjoy their time here,” added Douglas.

Trees line the softly rolling greens.

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The Mission Club was an exclusively private club until 2017, when it became semi-private and opened tee times to the general public. According to Douglas, The Mission Club holds tee times for men’s and women’s club Winter 2026

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Douglas also started the Rocket City Open last year, which is a 36-hole gross competition open to all amateur golfers. “We plan on making it an annual event and want to expand the field. It’s a lot of fun and we play it in late August, so the course and competition are excellent,” he added. The Mission Club also has a terrific practice area if you need to tune things up a bit ahead of your round, or just want to hit a bucket of balls and work on your short game while traveling through the area. The thing I really appreciated about the driving range was that it’s natural grass, something that is seemingly harder and harder to find these days. The putting green also 32

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If you are hungry and need a bite to eat before, during, or after your round, the Hook and Slice Bar and Grill has you more than covered. Whether you are just looking for a basket of fries, a poke bowl, wood-fired pizza, or a juicy smash burger at the turn to get you back on track for the back nine, they have what you need and more. The Mission Club also offers a more formal dining experience with The Range, which is open three days a week and is home to some of the best steak offerings in the area. The Range also has a ballroom for your larger events. Whether you are visiting the Central Coast or are within driving distance to Lompoc, this course offers a country club experience for you and your family. Memberships at The Mission Club currently start at $525 a month and can offer unlimited golf at both The Mission Club and La Purisima Golf

Course, as well as access to the club’s gym, pool, and pickleball facilities, among other benefits.

theluffafarm.com

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Open: Tuesday-Saturday 11-6 • Sunday 12-4 • Closed Monday

141 West Dana Street Suite 100 Nipomo, Ca. 93444

805-619-7145

Charlie’s Charlie’s Restauran Restaurant Charlie’s Charlie’s Restaurant Restaurant Charlie’s Restaurant We specialize in homemade Mexican food,

“The Mission Club is a wonderful community with lots to offer. It is such a unique experience,” said Douglas. “For example, we have viewing parties on the 18th green where you can literally see rockets being launched. We are so close that the clubhouse shakes when they take off.”

The Original Charlie’s was opened in 1978 in Los Alamos, Califor�ia.

To a book tee time and learn more, visit missionclubgolf.com or call (805) 733-3535. Even if The Mission Club is a little out of your way during your Central Coast travels, take my word for it — you will not be disappointed. It’s worth the drive!

iconic burgers and BBQ Tri-Tip.

Charlie’s Restaurant 85 Bell St�eet Los Alamos Ca. 93440 (805) 344-4404 charliesfood.com/los-alamos

P LOMU T T I N GLF POC GO ON THE MAP california101guide.com

• C he c k u so u to n

“We get a lot of outside play and host a number of tournaments throughout the year,” Douglas said. “In fact, we host about 20 charity tournaments a year, which is something we are very proud of.”

offered me a sneak peek into what I would see on the course, which was much appreciated. And if you need lessons or a club fitting, The Mission Club has you covered in that area, as well.

events two days a week and members can book tee-times two weeks in advance, but aside from that, the general public has full access to book available tee times.

1457 Willow Rd, Nipomo, CA 93444 (805) 343-0883

s and cas s

The Mission Club is a perfect place to view Vandenburg launches, and the Club frequently has viewing parties.

Jus ta

Educational fun for the whole family!

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Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Luffa Farm

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The Luffa Farm Open to the public for free drop-in tours!

Sunday-7:00am-7:00pm Monday-Sat�rday- 8:00am-8:00pm Winter hours var�, call to verif� california101guide.com

Winter 2026

Home & Garden Treasures 2 3 5 6 A l a m o P i n t a d o A v e n u e , L o s O l i v o s • 8 0 5 . 6 9 3 .1 9 51 • j w o e s t e . c o m • O p e n d a i ly e x c e p t w e d n e s d a y 1 0 - 5 “J. Woeste, for whimsical, original garden and indoor treasures.” Town and Country Magazine

Welcome to Amada Cellars, where the art of winemaking meets the scenic beauty of Santa Barbara County. Explore our handcrafted wines, experience warm hospitality, and discover the rich history and vibrant ﬂavors that make our winery a true gem of the Central Coast. Visit our Tasting Room at:

490 Bell St., Ste. 104 Los Alamos, CA 93440 info@amadacellars.com

Tel (805)245-4768

Lady awaits your arrival.

Winter 2026

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Winter 2026

Buellton Upcoming Events

Join Us At The Buellton Wine And Chili Festival!!! Sunday, March 15, 2026 – 12pm-4:30pm Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton An exceptional Wine Tasting event with a Chili and Salsa Cook-off. Live music, vendors, and More! Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. buelltonwineandchilifestival.com

The Buellton Brew Fest

Saturday, May 2, 2026 From 11:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (Last Pour At 4 P.M.) River View Park One of the best Beer festivals on the Central Coast. Showcasing craft beer, live music, food trucks, lawn games and more! Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. buelltonbrewfest.com

Winter 2026

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Winter 2026

Solvang Inn & Cottages

Red Viking Restaurant

Meet Lulu Hyggelig

A new troll by Danish artist Thomas Dambo!

SPECIALIZING IN DANISH & AMERICAN CUISINE

SPECIALIZING IN DANISH & AMERICAN CUISINE 1511-B MISSION DRIVE, SOLVANG • WWW.CALNATUREARTMUSEUM.ORG 805-688-1082 • INFO@CALNATUREARTMUSEUM.ORG

KIDS VISIT FREE • UNIQUE MUSEUM STORE • WORKSHOPS ART ACTIVITIES • LECTURES • AND MORE!

BREAKFAST LUNCH & DINNER

Wild in California

AUTHENTIC DANISH CUISINE Fresh Smorgaasbord Open-face Sandwiches Aebleskiver

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner EXTENSIVE AMERICAN MENU

Authentic Danish Cuisine • Extensive American Menu • Full Bar • Local Wines

Soups & Salads • Sandwiches Entrées LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN SOLVANG • 1684 COPENHAGEN DRIVE •Gourmet 805.688.6610 OPEN DAILY • TUES. - THUR. 9 AM - 8 PM • FRI. - MON. 9 AM - 8 PM

The Art of Patti Jacquemain

Cozy Quiet Rooms and Romantic Get-Away Cottages Wi-Fi • Free On-site parking FULL BAR Complimentary & LIQUOR SELECTION

Dog friendly options available • Heated pool Local Winesbreakfast • Beer Complimentary at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery

Specialty Cocktails

1518 MISSION DRIVE, SOLVANG, CA • SOLVANGINNANDCOTTAGES.COM 805.688.4702 OR 800.848.8484

VISIT US • OPEN THURSDAY - MONDAY Weekdays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Weekends, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. CLOSED Tuesday & Wednesday Go to www.calnatureartmuseum.org/visit to plan your visit.

Feel the Heart of Solvang

Located in Downtown Solvang ~ 1684 Copenhagen Drive ~ 805.688.6610 Open Daily from 8am to 8pm

September 20, 2025- February 23, 2025 in the Wildling Gallery, First Floor

Danish Village Bakery and Coffee Shop

A shop full of whimsy, enchantment, sparkle & Delight

Olsen’s Bakery of Solvang One of the Best Bakeries in the West. –Sunset MAgazine

Danish Owned and Operated since 1970 Winner of Four Gold Cups • Blue Ribbon Best Breads

1607 Mission Drive #109-110 Solvang, CA 93463 805 697-7869 fairyandfrog.net

7:00 AM - 6:00 PM WEEKDAYS • 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM WEEKENDS 1529 MISSION DRIVE, SOLVANG • OLSENSDANISHVILLAGEBAKERY.COM 805.688.6314 • 800.621.8238 38

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Winter 2026

Experience today’s west in the Township of Santa Ynez.

Photo by Lauren Maeve Photography

Slip away from the crowds and enjoy the leisurely pace of Santa Ynez. Founded in 1882, this quaint western inspired town offers everything from fine dining, uniquely curated designer clothing, quality western jewelry, fun artisan boutiques, wine tasting rooms, antique shops and more. Visit the town’s cultural museums and explore early Central California history. With so much to offer, take a drive off the beaten path and ride into the genuine treasure that is Santa Ynez.

A Museum and Cultural Center A Museum and dna muesuM A for Discovery Cultural Center retneC larutluC for Discovery yrevocsiD rof

A story that has existed since time immemorial is now ready to be told by those who have preserved it for generations. 3500 NUMANCIA STREET SANTA YNEZ, CA 93460 (844) 427-3558 SYCHUMASHMUSEUM.ORG

Book your room now for Old Santa Ynez Days, coming the weekend of June 20th, 2026 for a whole weekend of small town fun! SantaYnezChamber.org, Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce, @sychamber @enjoysantaynez 40

Winter 2026

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Winter 2026

Get Carried Away!

The Western Way of Life Artist Joe Milazzo’s Exhibition Show & Sale October 11, 2025 – May 31, 2026

While you’re here, don’t miss the refurbished Parks-Janeway Carriage House, the finest carriage house west of the Mississippi, right in the heart of downtown Santa Ynez! wednesdays-saturdays, 12:00-4:00pm · www.santaynezmuseum.org

NATIVE AMERICAN JEWELRY | VINTAGE SILVER | TURQUOISE WESTERN ART | BUCKAROO TACK | HAND-CRAFTED LEATHER GOODS 3547 Sagunto St. Santa Ynez

Winter 2026

805.350.1232

Open Thurs - Mon at 11:00am

CharlottesSY.com

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Winter 2026

Enjoy that Santa Barbara sunshine!

Happy Hour 2:30-6pm everyday, Scratch made cakes & pastries Delightful treats for every season, Breakfast, lunch & dinner Exquisite wines & European beer, High Tea served daily from 2pm 1106 State Street | 805-962-5085 Open Daily 9am-6pm, Closed Tuesdays AndersensSantaBarbara.com

Casual nook with outdoor seating, offering Thai classics along with beer & sake. We offer both dining room and pet friendly outdoor seating. Togo and delivery available through our website.

Siam Elephant 509 Linden Avenue Carpinteria, CA 93013 (805) 684-2391 siamelephantusa.com 44

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Winter 2026

ing Find Lig ht g n i M or n tum n e m Mo and tura n e V in Ventura

: d n u o b h t r No e e f f A Co ift r D d e l e u F 1 0 1 e Up th

appears in the early light as a series of palms and rooftops stitched between the mountains and the shoreline, a place where the day feels like it’s perpetually just beginning. With popular beaches, shops, and eateries, Ventura can fill a leisurely play day, or provide a quick break along the 101.

By Zach Rosen

Down by the promenade and just off the freeway, Freedom Coffee hums inside a mobile cart, where small crowds will form around it: Surfers with damp hair, dog walkers, early-shift regulars whose greeting is a nod rather than a word. The air smells like salt and espresso. Priding themselves on organic, non-refined, pure, ethically sourced ingredients from local businesses, Freedom Coffee puts coffee in your cup but also the mood of this beach town.

Finding coffee during a trip is a necessity. A coffeehouse offers more than just a cup of joe, but a chance to experience the local culture, maybe grab some breakfast, and take a moment to pause ... and enjoy the surroundings.

A few minutes inland, things settle. Ventura’s side streets hide quieter corners. Prospect Coffee Roasters Freedom Coffee kiosk. features a rotating lineup of singleorigin coffees, and provides an informed experience with baristas sharing their knowledge on the beans roasted at their nearby warehouse. The saying at Lovewell Tea & Coffee is “smiles and coffee” and both the friendly staff and vibrant, lime green setting confirm it. Lovewell is a cozy and straightforward coffeehouse to meet a friend or spend a morning.

Each town has its own aroma, its own roast, its own way of waking you up. And if you let it, the journey becomes less about the distance and more about stringing together these small, caffeinated moments of respite. What ties them together isn’t just caffeine or convenience; it’s the way each cup reflects its surroundings. Along Hwy 101, coffee becomes a language of place.

Further down Ventura’s main drag, Cafe Zoomies serves up a different experience – one to be shared with your best furry friend. The coffee is unfussy but thoughtful, with bright pour-overs and sturdy lattés, the kind you settle into rather than rush through. The main draw is its dog-friendly atmosphere and menu with “barcuterie plates,” pup cups, and

Palm & Boy cozy patio.

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Prospect Coffe bags of beans and bean roaster. Winter 2026

the morning has settled into something unhurried. Despite the relaxed pace of the town, the coffee scene in Santa Barbara is booming, and many of the most popular brands have several locations.

The popular thoroughfare of Ventura’s Main Street remains one of the area’s main draws – quirky stores, unparalleled thrifting, and entertaining eateries – it’s hard not to spend the whole day along the walking promenade. Set in a bricklined nook with overgrown vines, Palm & Boy’s selection of açai bowls and avocado toast provides a healthy way to start a day in Ventura. Main Street may be noted for its great shopping, but so is the downtown coffeeshop – Palermo. A warm wood setting and thoughtful gifts fill this downtown space. Countless knickknacks and curated treasures are there to peruse as you wait for your order to come up. The bright and colorful interior of Kaapicat Cafe is a good spot to pick up both a java jolt and a small taste of the exotic. Kaapicat has several more traditional breakfast items like a poached egg or breakfast sandwich, but their 48

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Over the years, Cajé has become one of the most popular brands in Santa Barbara. Cajé made a name for themselves with their

Santa Barbara has no shortage of coffee options, but the downtown Handlebar Coffee Roasters is the gravitational center. Cyclists lean their bikes against the curb, writers occupy the sidewalk tables, and inside, the clack of tampers and steam wands forms its own kind of music. The line can get long, but it is always worth the wait. One will often find out-oftowners there on their way through Santa Barbara, just to pick up a bag of beans as a gift.

Palermo iced coffee.

a wide selection of nutritious, single-ingredient freeze dried meat, fruit, and veggies.

while sipping on a latté and snacking on a fresh pastry or a breakfast burrito from the ever-popular Mony’s.

specialty is South Indian fare. A relaxed atmosphere, they invite visitors to stop by for a quick bite or stay for a moment and work alongside others and the aromas of samosas and the crepe-like dosas. There are stretches of the 101

k, r o e, W s u Pa y ara Pla b r d Ba an a t an in S

where Santa Barbara feels less like a city and more like a mirage – terracotta roofs, whitewashed walls, and hills that rise like a soft green shoulder. By the time you exit the freeway, california101guide.com

At the lower area of State Street, one of the older coffee shops – Santa Barbara Roasting Company – often gets overlooked by tourists, but is worth the visit. They roast the beans right there in front of the customers, and with wide open doors, the room smells like mocha and sea air. The espresso drinks are strong and hot – well, sometimes iced – but their selection of drip coffee is the main star. About a dozen or so hot pots of black coffee let guests taste the range of varietals they roast in-house. While locals may debate who has the best brew, Dart Coffee Co. undeniably has the best setting. The Funk Zone location has an open window bar where guests can sit inside or on the sidewalk. But the real draw is the outdoor garden across the street, where guests sit under rustling trees, surrounded by lush plants. Dart’s second location is in the harbor, where the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum’s gift store used to be. The interior and outdoor space has a nautical theme, and visitors can look out at the boats and fishermen california101guide.com

Winter 2026

front patio of AMSTRDM Coffee House.

ipen R Over the Day e h t o years, s g a n P i t Paso Robles Let rew in has become more B d n than just an epicenter of the a Central Coast wine scene. Its attractions, shopping, and many dining options continue to draw in a wide range of visitors. Downtown Paso is compact enough that you can park once and wander.

Spacious patio at Dune Coffee Roasters.

selection of elevated lattés that incorporate bartending flare with imaginative flavors. The fragrant lavender latté remains a staple of the space. The original Haley Street location has more of an organic design, and the State Street spot is more modern and hip. 50

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Many locals swear by Dune Coffee Roasters, and if you end up at either the Cota or State Street location, you’ll find many of them there with laptops open, headphones on, and a quiet determination humming through the room. Santa Barbara has a way of making work feel less like labor and more like presence. california101guide.com

Spearhead Coffee pulls you in with its minimalist lines and the smell of freshly ground beans carried out the door. Inside, conversations are soft, purposeful. Travelers, locals, winemakers — everyone seems to share the understanding that a good cup of coffee is the start of whatever comes next. A short walk away, the Paso Market Walk offers another california101guide.com

rhythm entirely. At Common Grounds, you sit outside with a lavender latté or something equally unexpected, watching as families wander between vendors, and cyclists cruise by on their way toward the outskirts of town. It’s lively but not loud, communal without being crowded. A place where you can stay as long as you want without feeling watched by the clock. If you continue through the streets — where olive trees cast thin shadows and the air grows warmer by the hour — you find AMSTRDM Coffee House, a café with the moodiness of a wine bar and the comfort of a living room. It’s the kind of spot where a single sip can change the pace of the afternoon. Coffeehouses invite that kind of slowing down. The drive is behind you, or perhaps just paused, but the urgency that shaped the morning has softened into something rounder. Coffee along the 101 is more than just fuel – it’s a chance to sip your surroundings. Winter 2026

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4991 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, California 93013 (805) 318-9444 • carpmooncafe.com

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Visit our Honey Tasting Room at 206 E. Ojai Ave! Family Style Venue • Ocean & Island Views • Casual Catered Events by the Sea • Full Vegan Menu

3765 Santa Claus Lane • Carpinteria 805.566.9800 • PadaroBeachGrill.com

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805.646.0207 805.646.0207

Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 7 am - 2:30 pm Closed Wednesdays

328 East Ojai Ave.

Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 7 am - 2:30 pm • Closed Wednesdays

805.646.0207

Open Daily for Breakfast & Lunch 7 am - 2:30 pm Closed Wednesdays

328 East OjaiAve. Ave. 328 East Ojai

• Sushi, Roll• Vegetarian Dishes • Teppan Yaki (Salmon, Shrimp, Chicken, Beef, Rib Eye Steak) • Soup and Noodles • Salad and More! Mon - Thur - 11:30 - 2:30/5:00 - 9:30 • Fri - 11:30 - 2:30/5:00 - 10:00 • Sat - 11:30 - 10:00 • Sun - 11:30 - 9:30 219 E. Matilija St., Ojai, CA 93023 (805) 646-8777 sakuraojai.com

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Winter 2026

44 AC RE M O D E RN R A N C H S erge Bandura

4 0 AC RE O RG A N I C C I TRU S RANCH

REPRESENTED BUYER AND SELLER

ULTRA LUXURIOUS EAST END ESTATE

FOR SALE

SOLD

12179KoenigsteinRdOjai.com

$4,575,000

3359ReevesRoadOjai.com

Offered at $7,500,000

12293 Topa Ln

Patty Waltch er

Offered at $3,200,000

Offered at $15,500,000

LUXURIOUS LIVING NATURAL BEAUTY

7 AC R E S WDE I T H LOS S W E EENCINO PI N G VI EWS CASA S

REPRESENTED BUYER Erin Gerken

REPRESENTED BUYER C ASA DE LOS ENCINOS Sonya Fris in a

FOR SALE

SOLD

15990MaricopaHwyOjai.com

$1,985,000

So nya Fr isina

534FairviewRdOjai.com

Offered at $2,475,000

2800 Hermitage Rd

Offered at $5,750,000

824 Foothill Ln

Offered at $3,095,000

ENCHAN TIN G 1950 ’S COT TAG E

8 ACRE DOWNTOWN LOT WITH VIEWS

REPRESENTED SELLER

REPRESENTED BUYER

FOR SALE

SOLD

212FoothillRdOjai.com

Offered at $1,950,000

380ValleyViewRdOjai.com

DRE# 01176473 (805) 340-3774 patty waltcher.com

Offered at $1,100,000

Over 25 years of experience matching people and property in the Ojai Valley

© 2025 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

Patty Waltcher

Winter 2026

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Erin Gerken

810 Del Oro Rd

Offered at $2,950,000

We will help you ﬁnd the home that brings peace to your mind and heart

Serge Ban dura

1047 McAndrew Rd

Offered at $3,995,000

www.pattywaltcher.com pattywaltcher@mac.com @pattywaltcherrealestate (805) 340-3774 DRE# 01176473

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Winter 2026

lic.#01488460

Mid-Century eleganCe with equestrian CharM 493 Montana CirCle, ojai, Ca 93023

Corral Canyon Ranch – 277+ acre ranch in Cuyama Valley with five recently renovated houses, equestrian facilities, pastures, hay fields, amazing views set against the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains. 29443hwy33.com $4,950,000

Royal Oaks - 5 gated, private acres close to downtown with 5 bedrooms, media room, wine-tasting room, library, 4 fireplaces, pool and spa, bocce court, putting green, chessboard, pasture, private well, copper roof and gutters, six-car garage, and more. RoyalOaksRanchOjai.com

Rancho Royale - 21-Acre Equestrian Estate with 2 Main Houses + 8 Rentals, 7 Horse Barns, 20 Covered Corrals, 4 Arenas, 2 Round Pens, Hay & Equipment Barns, Panel Walker, Entertainment Barn, Archery Range, Mountain Views & More RanchoRoyaleOjai.com $6,500,000

Nora Davis & The Davis Group Nora Davis & The Davis Group (805) 207-6177 (CA805 ) 207-6177 nora@ojaivalleyestates.com BRE#01046067 nora@ojaivalleyestates.com LIV Sotheby’s ojaivalleyestates.com ojaivalleyestates.com We Know Ojai. We’re Lifelong Residents. CA BRE#01046067

We Know Ojai. We’re Lifelong Residents. 58

Winter 2026

Views, Views, Views. This private, gated, home nestled amidst the trees and the mountains, radiates modern elegance with its thoughtful upgrades, abundant natural light, and seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces. You are welcomed into the large living room with vaulted beamed ceilings, a fireplace and picture windows showcasing the mountains perfectly. Flowing into the dining room and open to the modern, remodeled kitchen with top of the line appliances and gorgeous cabinetry. Open and spacious, you and your guests will love to gather onto the large deck off the kitchen. This three bedroom, two bath home has gleaming hardwood floors throughout and brilliant light in all the rooms. There is plenty of room for your guests with the detached, guest studio. You will enjoy relaxing on the patio amongst the trees and the breathtaking views. The Santa Barbara smooth stucco finish adds to the modern elegance of the home. Bring your family and friends - there is room for everyone; including the horses! Don’s miss this stunning home.

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Explore Ojai Valley’s History, Art and Culture 130 W. Ojai Ave. 805 640-1390 OjaiValleyMuseum.org

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Winter 2026

an Ojai tradition since 1964

Ojai’s only Chic Western Ware Shop

Clothing , jewelry , home decor, gifts, boots and specializing in our custom hat bar where we have professional hot shapers to make the hat of your dreams or restore an old favor of yours Come shape, brand and design a new one or bringing an old one to be reshaped or just cleaned. Grit and Grace 1117 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA

(805)272-8159

Ventura Hay Co is your one stop shop for all and every pets needs, from hooves to paws, clothing and accessories for you!

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Ventura Hay Company 11570 N Ventura Ave. Ojai, Ca 93023 (805)640-8505

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Pets and More is a locally-owned, family-operated pet store that offers a wide range of products for pets and their owners. At Pets and More we understand that pets are an important part of your family, and we strive to provide everything you need to keep your furry friends healthy, happy, and well-cared for. From high-quality pet food and treats to toys, accessories, and grooming supplies, we have everything you need to provide your pet with the best possible care.” Pets and More 1109 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023 805-272-8584

Winter 2026

OJAI VALLEY TRAIL RIDING COMPANY Premier Horseback Riding Explore California’s Shangri-La on horseback! Escape into nature and experience a majestic tour of one of the most beautiful places on Earth, on horseback! We have trail rides suited for the beginner to the advanced rider all year round!

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Blue Highways Productions

Magazine production from start to finish. At Blue Highways Productions, we design and produce a variety of publications.

WE MAKE IT HAPPEN WITH AND FOR YOU! Depending On Your Needs, We Offer Design, Production, Editorial, Advertising Sales, Printing, Distribution, Website Design, Social Media. Contact our office at (805) 340-1057 • info@ca101guide.com 1129 Maricopa Highway #B-201 Ojai, California 93023 Publications Blue Highways Productions has produced in 2018-2026

The Ojai

TENNIS TOURNAMENT • 123 YEARS

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L AND + LEGACY A once-in-a-generation conservation opportunity is taking root in the Ojai Valley. Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) and the Trust for Public Land are working together to protect and restore the 6,500-acre Rancho Cañada Larga—linking the Ojai Valley to the coast and protecting rolling grasslands, riparian zones, oak woodlands, and vital wildlife corridors.

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PRE-KINDERGARTEN to 12TH GRADE | DAY & BOARDING TWO CAMPUSES IN OJAI | EST. 1911 OJAI VALLEY SCHOOL offers a challenging curriculum with small classes led by supportive & dedicated teachers, a diverse student body, a vibrant visual & performing arts program, competitive athletics and equestrian programs, and numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through outdoor exploration & service.

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PICK YOUR PATH Winter biking adventures in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties Story and *photos by Adam Nuñez Simi Valley photos submitted

Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are a paradise for family-friendly bike rides. There are many miles of paths along the coast, through lush city parks, and under shaded tree canopies, all with incredible views and pleasant rest stops. Ventura County alone has 84 miles of Class 1 bike paths. These are fully separated bike and pedestrian paths with minimal to zero vehicle traffic. Class 1 rides will mostly be covered here. These can be enjoyed by elite athletes all the way down to toddlers learning to ride for the very first time.

Starting from east to west, west, there are four paths that are definitely worth a two-wheeled visit: the Arroyo Simi Bike Path,, the Ventura Beach Promenade, Path Promenade, the Ojai Valley Trail, Trail, and the Cabrillo Bike Path. Path. All of these are 100 percent paved, and mostly flat. The pleasant Arroyo Simi Path (aka The Arroyo Simi Greenway) is located in Simi Valley and runs approximately 17.5 miles out and back with only about 200 feet of elevation gain. Almost the entire way, you will follow the city’s creek. Don’t be put off by the water’s man-made concrete walls. Image created by Dennis DeLano

Winter 2026

Many places are teeming with amphibian and bird life, not to mention a plethora of vegetation. There are multiple starting points, with a convenient one located right in the middle around Rancho Simi Community Park on the corner of Royal Ave. and Erringer Rd. You can start and end your ride here with views of the park, lake, and undulating walking paths. There are plenty of bench spaces and shaded areas to enjoy lunch. In fact, much of the bike path has long stretches of shade under peppercorn, oak, and willow trees. You can also start at the far west end at Arroyostow Park. There are numerous parks and dirt side trails to explore. You could make a whole day trip out of this or just spend an hour or two of leisurely riding.

Next is the Ventura

Beach Promenade, stretching nearly 9 miles round trip. The official starting point is in a neighborhood at the north end of Pierpont Blvd. in Ventura. You can also do a Google search for San Buenaventura State Beach and you’ll be guided there. Except near the turnaround point, where there are a few small hills, this trail is nearly pancake flat. It hugs the coast the entire way, which offers Coastal views the entire way on the Ventura Beach Promenade Path. some spectacular views. You’ll want to stop every few minutes just to snap a few looking at the hundreds of painted rocks lining planter boxes. photos. If starting at San Buenaventura State Beach, you’ll Painted rocks are a Ventura County tradition. There’s even a almost immediately pass right by The Jolly Oyster, a small Facebook group dedicated to tracking down their locations! family-run outdoor restaurant. Stop here on your way back for a post-ride treat. Soon after this, you will ride under the northward and you’ll pass right by the Ventura Pier. Ride cautiously through here, since this is the Ventura River Estuary where the Ventura River widens out heart of the Ventura Promenade full of pedestrians, cyclists, and empties into the ocean. You can spot many birds wading surfers, and some occasional vendors. Watch surfers catch and diving for fish. Or walk towards the ocean only a few some waves at the famous Surfer’s Point or take your time feet away to gaze at the sweeping views south toward

Continue

The Ventura Pier seen in the distance on the Ventura Beach Promenade Path.

Fun fact: The Arroyo Simi Path is part of the national Rails to Trails program, which converts old railroads into pedestrian and bike-friendly trails (the longest Rails to Trails path stretches 240 miles across almost the entire state of Missouri!). california101guide.com

One of the many rock sculptures along the Ventura Beach Promenade Path. california101guide.com

Winter 2026

Pedestrians and surfers near the Ventura Pier.

Oxnard or up to Santa Barbara. Just keep following the trail over the railroad tracks northward, then you’ll soon reach Emma Wood State Park – another great resting point, with grass, benches, and even some dirt trails to cruise your bike through. Continue on and the last mile will feel like you’re all alone in the world with nothing but your bike, the salty wind, and the picturesque ocean views to accompany you. After this, the Class 1 (fully separated bike path) ends. You can, however, continue all the way to Santa Barbara, but the path changes to a bike lane on the road, so you’ll need to be mindful of cars. If you turn around, simply follow the same route back and enjoy the views from a different angle!

Dirt side trails at Emma Wood State Park adjacent to the Ventura Beach Promenade Path.

Bike rental shop Wheel Fun Rentals just south of the Ventura Pier. The Ojai Valley Trail is well-marked and easy to follow.

The Ventura River at Foster Park midway through the Ojai Valley Trail.

the winter and spring is usually full and running briskly. You’ll arrive at Foster Park at about mile 8. Foster Park has been closed for a while; however, according to the Ventura County Government website, it will be open to pedestrians and cyclists on Jan. 3, 2026. This is an excellent turn around point. There are restrooms, benches, grassy fields, and a few places to lounge right beside the Ventura River.

Horse Sculptures at Rotary Community Park in Ojai.

Third trek is the grand Ojai Valley Trail, stretching a

The Ventura River Estuary on Ventura Beach Promenade Path.

Winter 2026

whopping 30 miles round trip if you start at the official beginning: The corner of Dubbers and Rex streets in Ventura (near the Avenue Skate Park). If you opt for a shorter version, you can drive to Foster Park about halfway between Ventura and Ojai and begin there. Almost the entire trail runs parallel to Highway 33, but most sections are far enough away that you won’t hear any noisy cars. From the corner of Dubbers and Rex streets to Foster Park, the trail is very flat. You’ll pass between steep rocky hills and ride right beside the Ventura River, which in california101guide.com

From Foster Park to Ojai is about another 9 miles.

The Ojai Valley Trail is lushly green in the winter and spring. california101guide.com

Continuing onward you’ll be rewarded with shade from towering eucalyptus trees, but you’ll also encounter more hills. They are short, but a few are a bit steep. After each incline you’ll be rewarded with clear vistas of the Ventura River and mountains above Ojai. The trail continues at a slight incline all the way to Ojai. The path will eventually cross the street to the Rotary Community Park, marked by large metal horse sculptures. From here the trail runs parallel to downtown Ojai through residential neighborhoods and into the oak tree-filled Libbey Park. Enjoy a peaceful lunch here or indulge in one of Ojai’s many restaurants. The way back is nearly all downhill. Be careful of your downhill speed and watch for pedestrians. Enjoy the canopy of trees and beautiful views all along the way. Winter 2026

around the Andreé Clark Bird Refuge. From the path, you can see the lake’s plentiful bird species and mountains in the distance.

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One of the many beautiful views along the Ojai Valley Trail.

Lastly, we come to the Cabrillo Bike Path in Santa

Barbara. Many will recognize this path since it runs right past Stearns Wharf. It’s mostly flat except for a small hill near Shoreline Park. This is a true laid-back cruiser kind of path. It runs about 9 miles round trip, stretching from Shoreline Park in the west, down past the wharf, and all the way around Andreé Clark Bird Refuge, which is directly next to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Shoreline Park offers some wonderful views of the ocean and mountains. You will cruise down this toward Stearns Wharf. You can bike on this famous 2,300-foot-long wharf and check out some of its tasty restaurants, the Sea Center Aquarium, or the picture-perfect Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room. Continuing eastward you’ll ride under swaying palm trees with the beach just a stone’s throw away. If you ride on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll pass right by the arts and crafts vendor booths. Local artists display their paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, and more. The booths are there every Sunday from 10 am to sundown, year-round. Continue riding and keep a lookout on your left — there’s a chance you’ll spot the zoo’s giraffes! The path then loops leisurely

The Andreé Clark Bird Refuge adjacent to the Cabrillo Bike Path in Santa Barbara.

The Arroyo Simi Bike Path, the Ventura Beach Promenade, the Ojai Valley Trail, and the Cabrillo Bike Path are just four of the many bike paths in the region. Dust off your bike or even rent one. There are a few rental locations to note: Wheel Fun Rentals near the Ventura Pier, (805) 765-5795; the Ventura Bike Depot Inc. on West Main Street in Ventura, (805) 652-1114; or Wheels Fun Rentals on East Mason Street in Santa Barbara, (805) 652-1114.

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Just, get out there and start making memories pedaling down these incredible trails!

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Winter 2026

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Ride onto Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara to catch the sunset.

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Seaside State of Mind - Ventura Harbor Village

Seaside

Imagine yourself in a seaside state of mind, where the warm sunshine greets you -summer is here! This vibrant seaside attraction invites you to relax and immerse yourself in California’s scenic, coastal beauty! Whether it’s with boat rentals on the harbor water or a whale watching trip taking in the panoramic views of the Channel Islands National Park stretched out before you, the salty breeze carries a hint of adventure. Arrange for dive lessons or a dive trip out of Ventura Harbor Village to discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life.

Sun-Kissed

Nestled along the waterfront, Ventura Harbor Village restaurants offer a variety of cuisines and favorite seafood dishes. While Ventura’s laid-back coastal culture is reflected in the many Village seaside boutiques, providing endless options to find the perfect memento of your seaside escape. As the day unfolds, you’ll find yourself drawn to the playful allure of the sandy beaches at Ventura Harbor, to create summertime memories that will linger.

Playground

In this seaside state of mind, sunshine, waterfront dining, coastal shopping, and play seamlessly blend.

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Margaritas, Wine and Micheladas Visit us for Happy Hour Monday through Thursday 3:00pm to 6:00pm Daily Specials!

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827 East Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060 (805) 420-9542

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Located just an hour north of Los Angeles alongside Highway

Contact our office at (805) 340-1057 • info@ca101guide.com 1129 Maricopa Highway #B-201 Ojai, California 93023

101, Camarillo embodies the perfect balance between the easy relaxation and excitement of Southern California living–without the added stress of large crowds. With year-round sunshine to light the way, there is ample opportunity to soak up all that this charming community has to oﬀer.

The Ojai TENNIS TOURNAMENT • 123 YEARS

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Everything’s coming up roses in Fillmore

Otto and Sons Nursery is the go-to spot for roses and all things garden Story and photos by Adam Nuñez

Just a few miles outside of downtown Fillmore you’ll find the largest selection of roses this side of the Rocky Mountains. This is Otto and Sons, a nursery specializing in all sorts of roses – more than 800 varieties, in fact. Two acres are open to the public for perusing, and 36 additional acres are for growing a variety of fruit trees, perennial flowers, and of course, roses. Founded in 1975 by Otto and Jeanne Klittich in Chatsworth and relocated to Fillmore 3 years later, this is a true family-run business. Scott Klittich began working here in high school, and he and his family still diligently operate the nursery.

Rows upon rows of roses for sale.

Customers peruse for their next roses.

Winter 2026

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Winter 2026

The garden’s gazebo next to a koi fish-filled lily pond.

Roses burst from every nook and cranny of the garden.

I’m continually trying to improve my own home garden, so about a year ago I was on the search for a climbing rose. After contacting a few Ventura County nurseries, I was told emphatically by those other nurseries there was no better place for roses than Otto and Sons. They have welcomed customers from all over California and even Las Vegas. There was even a buyer all the way from New York! They sell wholesale to businesses and companies, but they haven’t lost touch with individual customers either. Every employee is helpful and knowledgeable about how to plant, feed, water, and care for your roses. There is a gift shop as well selling a wide variety of tools, fertilizers, seeds, pots, cacti, fountains, trellises, and much more. There is absolutely everything you need to work on your home garden.

A family strolls through the lush rose garden.

Winter 2026

On a recent visit, Scott shared some general tips and tricks for caring for your roses in the winter. First, roses need a lot of trimming in mid-winter. Cutting them down about 50% will help ensure healthy growth come springtime. And during winter along the Central Coast, roses need very little watering. Natural rainfall is usually sufficient unless there are multiple weeks of heat and dry weather. At the beginning of spring, just make sure to prune any dead leaves, water weekly, and ensure they receive full sunlight.

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There are over 800 varieties of roses at Otto and Sons Nursery.

Since there are literally hundreds of roses to choose from, it’s difficult to highlight just a few. However, I have learned that roses come in all different sizes, shapes, and colors. One in fact, doesn’t even have petals! This is the Rosa Viridiflora, commonly known as the Green Rose. It produces green sepals which are leafy and petal-like but, although they do bloom in a similar manner, are not true petals. They are commonly used in bouquets to accentuate brighter colors. Then there are Iceberg Roses, which are oftentimes found around office buildings or schools because they’re pretty but still hardy and drought resistant. And there are the fan-favorite Boscobel Roses, which produce large fragrant pinkish-orange petals. They are perfect for a home garden or a gift. Beyond the hundreds of varieties of roses to choose from, you’ll find every type: bush roses, climbing roses, rambling roses, groundcover roses, and more. The standout feature of Otto and Sons Nursery is its immaculate garden — a truly perfect place to take a slow stroll, spot butterflies and hummingbirds, or even enjoy lunch. Who doesn’t love eating a snack surrounded by lush rose bushes? There are tables and chairs located throughout the garden space, summoning visitors to sit back and enjoy the sights and scents. There is even a play area for young children to enjoy while families lounge nearby. Adding to the picturesque setting

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The fragrance of roses emanates from every aisle of the garden.

Winter 2026

A gazebo nestled in the rose garden.

A visitor walks towards one of the rose garden’s central fountains.

are the beautiful mountains surrounding Otto and Sons. The nursery is located in the middle of what has been deemed Heritage Valley, the long, fertile valley stretching from Santa Clarita in the east all the way to Santa Paula in the west. The Klittich family has worked hard to create an environment where visitors can take their time and soak in the beauty. Many people glean ideas of what they’d like to do with their own gardens. With multiple water fountains, rose-filled trellises, streams, wind chimes, and even a produce garden, there are plenty of ideas of how to beautify your own garden. The main attractions of Otto and Sons are the huge selection of roses, other perennials, and the peaceful environment.

Visitors relax in one of the many shaded spots in the rose garden.

Winter 2026

Children’s play area under shaded oak trees.

But there also are a few organized events throughout the year. Twice a month there is Yoga in the Garden with a Fillmore yoga instructor. Once a month, a local teacher comes to do a children’s Story Time in the garden (I can’t really think of a better place in the world to read Winnie the Pooh). And every Saturday in January, there are classes on caring for roses. Make sure to check out the website to see more events and view the plant catalogue: ottoandsonsnursery.com. Otto and Sons Nursery is a mainstay family-run business of Ventura Country, servicing customers from all over California. You’ll visit to purchase exquisite roses, but you’ll stay longer to relax and stroll through the gardens. You’ll definitely want to make time to stop and smell the roses.

A mirrored ball stands proud near the center of the lush rose garden.

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A lily pad-filled pond next to the gazebo.

Winter 2026

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® January 10 -The INN Celebrates 150 Years! 1876 - 2026 January 31 – A Lunar New Year Celebration – Year of the Horse February 14 – Love Thy Neighbor March 14 – Luck at the INN (St Patrick’s Day) • Exhibits at the INN • Rotating seasonal vintage dresses AND Antique items etc. • A Wrinkle in Time – History of Washing & Ironing • Jungleland – Tame those Tigers • Hair Jewelry - The Curious Art of Hairwork • Crank up the Music - Crank up the Music – Showcasing over 30 early music machines • Working Blacksmith Shop on Saturdays (Hunt Blacksmith Shop) Open Wednesday & Saturday 1PM – 4PM $10 Adults, Seniors & Teens; $5 Children 5 to 12, Children 4 and under are Free Tours * Events * Exhibits * Weddings & Private Events * Gift Emporium

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Our mission is to preserve, maintain, and exhibit an extensive historical record of the Conejo Valley and to educate the community about its cultural heritage. The Conejo Valley Historical Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity registered with the State of California.

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Winter 2026

Round-up and get down

Stompers — a clogging and line dancing group out of Ventura — will be on hand for line-dancing lessons, as they were during the 2025 festival. According to the ROUND-UP website, the 2026 event will feature the festival’s “largest dance floor ever.”

Country music festival returns to Simi Valley April 18, 2026

By Andra Belknap

Photos courtesy of Simi Valley Kiwanis Club

The Ventucky Stompers are led by Crickett Kinser, whose mother, Carole Ester-Hager, started the group back in the 1980s. Back then, though, they were strictly cloggers. Kinser rebranded the group as the Ventucky Stompers in 2016, she shared. Sadly, Ester-Hager passed away in 2025. “Everything I do is to honor her,” Kinser said. Kinser described the Stompers’ role at the ROUND-UP as similar to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders during a big game. “You have to hear the song, and within eight counts you have to figure out what dance could fit that. And then you lead the crowd,” she explained.

Round-up and get down

family’s love of country music. The name for the event came to her unexpectedly more than a decade ago, while she was doing her makeup using a “makeup round.”

Line dancing is for all ages, Kinser said. And the Stompers strive to make dancing as accessible as possible.

“I’m like, ‘We’re going to call it Round-Up!’ I went right to my pen and wrote it all down. That’s how it started,” Van Etten recalled. “I remember exactly where I was, looking at those makeup rounds and the words on the wrapper.”

Round-up and get down Simi Valley’s 11th annual ROUND-UP Country Music Festival returns to Ventura County on Saturday, April 18. Come out for live country music, line dancing, a beer and wine garden, and bounce houses for the kids. “It’s always been one of our top five biggest events in Simi Valley,” said Anthony Angelini of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It’s kind of developed a culture around it — people arranging their weekends and getting their outfits prepared.” “Country music is a huge genre for Simi Valley,” added event organizer Kathi Van Etten.

The festival is hosted by the Simi Valley Kiwanis Club. “It’s just people volunteering their time to make their community better. We’re not religious, we’re not political. We are just good people who want to make a difference,” Van Etten explained. The ROUND-UP is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis, and proceeds help support local non-profit groups and students in need. “There’s a really great culture of volunteerism here, everybody’s in at least one service club,” Angelini added. The first ROUND-UP was held in 2013. In the years since, the event has grown. It now attracts up to 5,000 attendees every year, Van Etten said. The inspiration for the first ROUNDUP Country Music Festival, she explained, was born out of her

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So which musicians should ROUND-UP attendees plan to see in April? The search for a national act to serve as headliner is ongoing, Van Etten disclosed. “I mean, it’s all country, it’s all some classic country, some modern country. Just a mix of everything,” Van Etten added. She also shared that organizers are considering a Johnny Cash tribute for 2026. In 2023, the ROUND-UP featured Florida country music band Sawyer Brown. The 2025 festival primarily featured local acts, Van Etten said. What about the opening act for 2026? The Kiwanis Club will host a local “Battle of the County Bands” in early 2026 to find them! Although a hard date hasn’t yet been set, look for it in February at Simi Valley’s Cork & Batter Roadhouse during February. Though the lineup was still being finalized as of this magazine’s press time, one thing’s for sure: ROUND-UP attendees should definitely plan on dancing. The Ventucky

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“The wonderful part about the Stompers is that there are 30 of us, and at any given festival we will have a stomper at each side of the dance floor. So no matter what direction you turn, you have someone to follow,” Kinser explained. “And then we’ll have Stompers sprinkled in through the crowd. So their job is to be warm and inviting and be as helpful as possible.” Food and beverages (both alcoholic and not)

will also be available for purchase. Attendees who are 21 and older can choose between a beer and wine garden or the festival’s “Sassy’s Saloon,” which serves mixed drinks. A “great variety” of food options will be for sale, Van Etten said, including barbecue, baked potatoes, and kettle corn. Attendees will also have the opportunity to peruse a silent auction while enjoying a day of country music. Auction

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items will include trips, gifts, wine, and more.

it as a destination,” Angelini added.

And don’t forget — this is an event the entire family can attend. Children can take advantage of multiple bounce houses and a slide in the event’s free fun zone for kids. Kids 12 and under can attend the event free of charge, while general admission tickets are $30.

The 2026 ROUND-UP Country Music Festival will be hosted in Simi Valley’s Rancho Santa Susana Community Park (5005 E. Los Angeles Ave.). Doors will open at 11:30 am. Attendees are encouraged to bring low-back chairs and/or blankets to sit on. Outside beverages, aside from an unopened water bottle, are not allowed. Coolers and outside food are also not permitted. Free event parking will be available at the Metrolink station across from the park (5050 E. Los Angeles Ave.)

Folks interested in a heightened festival ROUND-UP experience can purchase VIP tickets for $125. The VIP package includes a catered meal and snacks throughout the day, access to a special seating area near the stage, and two drink tickets for the beer and wine garden. Kids VIP tickets (ages 12 and under) are available for $50. “It’s one of those things where everybody in town is looking forward to it all weekend, and people are now starting to see

Check out roundupsimi.com for more information — including the lineup as we get closer to the big day — as well as to purchase tickets. Said Van Etten: “It’s just a fun day.”

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