Rancho Sierra Vista / Satwiwa in Newbury Park

We are fortunate to have such great trails and views of Boney Peak from in Newbury Park. At Wendy and Potrero is the Western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains where Sycamore Canyon cuts through Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa and Point Mugu State Park.

Roughly a mile easy hike from Wendy/Potrero gets you to the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center where you can check out some native Chumash items. This is a nice little hike to take the kids on. There are restrooms and water at the center, which is open from 9 to 5 on weekends.  You can get easier access to the center by parking in the adjacent National Park Service parking lot via Lynn Road to the access road at Via Goleta in Newbury Park.

Another few miles of hiking gets you to a neat waterfall, which is fun to check out with the kids but somewhat more strenuous of a hike. Here is more information about the Boney Mountain Trail, leading up to Hidden Valley Overlook, the waterfall and Danielson Monument.

Click here for a pdf file describing these and other local trails or go to the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/samo.  Visit www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/rsvsatwiwa.htm for a map and site information on the National Park Service website.

Ventura County Fairgrounds Swap Meet and Farmers Market on Wednesdays

There is a weekly Swap Meet and Farmers Market at Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Boulevard, every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking and admission is FREE! For more information or to purchase inexpensive booth space, visit www.snaauctions.com or call 818.590.5435.

Ventura Flea Market - Ventura County Fairgrounds

The Ventura Flea Market is held near the ocean in Ventura and is a great place to shop. The event features antiques, used and new merchandise sold by over 500 vendors, more than 5,000 buyers visit the Market each time it is held.  The Ventura Flea Market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. A special Early Bird admission is available from 6am to 9am at $10.00 per person. Regular admission starts at 9 a.m. at $5.00 per person, all children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  (Prices current as of November 2013) No pets are allowed.

Upcoming Dates as of 12/1/13

• January 5, 2014
• February 23, 2014
• March 30, 2014
• May 18,2014
• June 29, 2014
• September 28, 2014
• November 23, 2014

Visit www.rgcshows.com/Ventura.aspx or call 323.560.SHOW (7469) for more information.

Conejo Creek Bike Path in Thousand Oaks

Conejo Creek Bike Path (Courtesy City of Thousand Oaks)The Conejo Creek Bike Path is a 1.2 mile path in Thousand Oaks that connects Gainsborough Road on the south to Conejo Creek Park South (the playfields), Thousand Oaks Library and Thousand Oaks Teen Center.  This path was opened to the public in Spring 2011 and provides a nice, flat alternative to city streets as it goes under the 23 Freeway.

The paved path on Paige Lane ends at Janss Road across the street from the Library but you can cross at Janss Road at the crosswalk and from there get to a wide, fairly flat horse trail that takes you up to Avenida De Los Flores. I'd love if this path was longer.

The east end of Gainsborough Road has an access point to the Conejo Creek Bike PathNice flat path adjacent to city streets and neighborhoodsThe path takes you under the 23 FreewayThe path ends at Janss Road, across from the Thousand Oaks Library Conejo Creek Park North.The City of Thousand Oaks maintains approximately 80 miles of bikeways, including about 3 miles of bike paths, roughly 54 miles of bike lanes and other 20 miles or so of bike routes. The City takes bicycling very seriously...the City Council adopted a comprehensive Bicycle Facilities Master Plan in November 2010 to help prioritize future improvement projects around town.

Visit www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/streets/bicycle/home.asp for more information about City of Thousand Oaks bike routes, lanes and paths as well as a detailed map.

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The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

The Oaks in Thousand Oaks is located between the 101 Freeway and Lynn Road at 350 West Hillcrest Avenue, running east to Wilbur Road. Originally constructed in 1978, the 1.3 million square foot shopping mall was renovated in 1993 and again in 2008. In total, there are over 170 stores and services at The Oaks.

Well known brands at The Oaks include Nordstrom, Macy’s Women’s, Macy’s Men’s & Home, JCPenney, Muvico Theaters, The Apple Store, Coach, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma and J.Crew. Restaurants include Cheesecake Factory, STACKED Food Well Built, The Lazy Dog Café, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Bogart’s at Muvico, and Blue Stove at Nordstrom.

The 2008 remodel also brought a new multi-level parking structure with over 1,300 parking spaces and  digital signs that tell you how many spaces are available.

For more information,  visit www.shoptheoaksmall.com or call 805.495.2032.

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is the largest performing arts center between Los Angeles and San Francisco at over 200,000 square feet.

The City of Thousand Oaks Cultural Affairs Department oversees theatre productions for the Civic Arts Plaza, which encompasses two theatres – the 1,800-seat Fred Kavli Theatre and the 394-seat Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre. The Plaza originally opened in 1994.

The performing arts center combines outstanding arts and entertainment with state-of-the-art technology and acoustics. Over 250,000 patrons and 50,000 children attend more than 400 performances annually. The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza is funded through a unique public/private partnership between the City of Thousand Oaks and the Alliance for the Arts.

There is something for everyone at this venue....musicals, cabaret, Broadway musicals, dance, concerts, big bands, the New West Symphony, ballet, plays, well known speakers and events for the kids.  In front of the plaza is the Mary and Richard Carpenter plaza park.

Next door to the Plaza is The Lakes of Thousand Oaks, another great place to take the kids.

Between 1926 and 1968 the Plaza location housed the 170 acre Goebel's Lion Farm (later called Jungleland), where many of the famous wild animals in Hollywood pictures lived.  There were elephants, lions, tigers, hippos, you name it.  Leo, the MGM lion, Mr. Ed the Talking Horse, and Getta, Tarzan's chimpanzee all lived there at some point.  Jungleland was a major draw in its day that played a large role in making Thousand Oaks what it is today.

The Civic Arts Plaza is located at 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard (take the 101 East, left on Rancho exit, right on T.O. Blvd, and turn right into parking structure at Dallas Drive.  Visit www.civicartsplaza.com for more information or call 805.449.2787.

It takes good luck and timing for a novice photographer like me to capture the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza while driving south on the 101 freeway.

Conejo Players Theatre - Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Players is a community based theatre arts group that has entertained local residents since 1958.  It is a volunteer based non-profit organization that hosts 6 or 7 productions each year, including several productions geared towards kids.

A season pass for all six shows is only $99.  Individual shows vary in cost from $8 to $20 with discounts for seniors and kids under 12. (Pricing current as of November 2013.)

The 126 seat Conejo Players Theatre is located at 351 South Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks, just south of the 101 near the Los Robles Greens entrance.  Phone is 805.495.3715.  www.conejoplayers.org

McCrea Ranch Visitor Center in Thousand Oaks

Opened in 2011, the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will provide a variety of interpretive, educational, and cultural programs for the community, while preserving the unique history of this property for generations to come. This is the former family home and ranch of Western film actor Joel McCrea and his wife and family.  McCrea Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will initially be through scheduled programs with the Conejo Recreation and Park District. At some point and as funds become available in the future, the Visitor Center will be open to the general public. Visit crpd.org/parkfac/conejo/mccrea_ranch_visitor_center.asp for upcoming events at McCrea Ranch or call 805.495.2163.

We've been to McCrea Ranch for some kids' programs and it is a nice little facility. Check it out!

McCrea Ranch is located at 4500 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, near the bottom of the Norwegian Grade.

Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

The Janss Marketplace at 275 North Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks (corner of Moorpark Road and Hillcrest) is an open air mall that has a large outdoor eating area, interactive water fountain, monthly Kids Fun Zone and outdoor kids play area and a large parking structure.

There is an interesting variety of businesses in this mall, including Gold's Gym, Regency Movie Theaters, Toys R Us and various restaurants.  There's also Sears, Old Navy, Marshall's, Burlington Coat Factory and Riverland Clothing.

There's also Buca di Beppo, a huge, popular Bandit's BBQ, Five Guys Burgers and Hooters adjacent to the mall, Panera Bread, Karma Indian Cuisine, King Kong Sushi, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Lucky's Dog House, Subway, Sunset Terrace Restaurant, Greco's New York Pizzeria and a Cold Stone Creamery.

There's also an interactive fountain, music and light show that operates a number of times each day (call for show times). 

Definitely check out the Special Offers section of the Janss Marketplace website for printable discount coupons at various merchants.

For more information visit www.janssmarketplace.net or call 805.495.4662.

In Summer 2009 the Janss Marketplace added a NEOS Wall, a fun interactive game right outside the Golds Gym.  This game is free. 

Adamson House Tour and Malibu Lagoon Museum

The Adamson House at 23200 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu is a National Historic Site and a registered California landmark. The house and grounds share one of the most beautiful beach locations in Southern California, with a view of the Malibu Lagoon, Malibu Beach and the Malibu Pier. In addition to its world-famous Malibu Tile, the house contains hand-carved teakwood doors, hand-painted murals, molded ceilings, hand-wrought filagree ironwork and lead- framed bottle glass windows.

The Adamson House Tour is a guided tour through the house which contains its original furnishings and is decorated with the renowned Malibu Potteries tile. Trained volunteer docents relate the history of the house, details of its architecture and furnishings, and the history of the family that lived in and created this distinctive home. Admission (as of November 2013) is $7 for ages 17 and up, $2 ages 6 to 16 and under 6 is free. Cash only.

The Malibu Lagoon Museum adjoins the Adamson House and contains a collection of artifacts, rare photographs and documents depicting the colorful history of Malibu. The museum tour takes the visitor from the early Chumash Indian era through the Spanish California culture. Here is an excellent opportunity to relive the genteel and romantic ranching days of the famed Rindge and Adamson families. Learn about dramatic episodes in Malibu's rich history: the Malibu Railroad; the 50-room Castle on the Hill; the 17-year legal battle over a Malibu highway; the Malibu movie colony; the Malibu Dam, and much, much more. Admission to the Museum is free.

The Adamson House Garden Tour is a docent-led walking tour of the landmark gardens, beautifully preserved in their 1930s appearance. It is offered every Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m. The Adamson House Tour admission fee includes a house garden tour; no reservation is required. Reservations are necessary only for groups of 10 or more at 310-456-8432. Group tours are Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

More information at www.adamsonhouse.org or call 310.456.8432.

Ojai Valley Museum

Founded in 1966, the Ojai Valley Museum at 130 West Ojai Avenue has an extensive collection of art, Native American baskets, pioneer tools and photographs of early days in Ojai.

The Ojai Valley Museum Research Library houses archives including historical journals that chronicle the events of early to contemporary Ojai Valley activities.

Admission as of November 2013 is $5 for adults, $1 for kids 6 to 18 and 5 and under free. Open Tuesday through Sunday with guided tours. FREE admission the first Friday of each month!

For more information, visit www.ojaivalleymuseum.org or call 805.640.1390.

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is a 7 1/2 acre, 50,000 square foot development next to the Civic Arts Plaza where you can relax and enjoy park-like landscaping, two lakes, fountains, waterfalls and a childrens' play area, while shopping at high-end stores and grabbing a bite. It opened in 2005.

Restaurants include Claim Jumper, P.F Changs, California Pizza Kitchen and Umami Burger.

There is a kids club that meets every Wednesday morning usually starting in the Spring through Fall. from mid-November through early January The Lakes hosts a very popular outdoor ice skating rink.  The kids always enjoy it here because there is a lot of room to run around, run across the bridge, around the lake, etc.

The Lakes is located at 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard.  Visit www.shoplakes.com or call 805.497.9861 for more information.

Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio in Calabasas

Are you looking for a creative way to spend quality time with the ones you love? Paint ceramics with your friends and family at Color Me Mine at 23641 Calabasas Road, Calabasas! Pick from hundreds of ceramic pieces for kids, the kitchen, bath, pets and more. Design and paint them any way you like. We have over 70 underglaze colors to choose from. Not an artist? Not to worry! We have talented and friendly staff to help you. We'll fire your one-of-a-kind ceramic masterpiece for you to take home and enjoy.  More information at www.calabasas.colormemine.com or call 818.222.4922.

Trout Dale in Agoura (Local Fishing Fun!)

Try your luck at local fishing at Troutdale, 2468 Troutdale Drive, Agoura, just off Kanan Road before Triunfo Canyon.  Troutdale has been around for 40 years and has 2 ponds nicely stocked with fish.

For $7 per person (as of November 2013), you get a bamboo fishing pole, corn bait and bucket.  For another $5 you can buy worm bait, which we did. My boys loved it there, though for the wrong reasons...they quickly lost interest in fishing as they were fascinated by the worms (which we subsequently brought home and now reside in our lawn).

If you catch a fish, you can't throw it back in the pond. Fish prices range from $6 for a 10 inch fish to $11 for fish 15+ inches. Cleaning available for only $1.50 per fish. $10 penalty for throwing a fish back in the pond.

For the experience of fishing right here, minutes away from home, it is worth it (not to mention the savings in gas and time compared to driving elsewhere). The staff there was very nice and well accustomed to the clueless urban non-fisherman types like me.  For a nominal fee they will gut your fish for you. This place is a gem.  Like visiting the set of The Andy Griffith Show.  For more info and pictures, visit www.allyoucanfish.com.

Chumash Indian Museum / Oakbrook Regional Park

Located in Lang Ranch, at the top of Westlake Boulevard near Avenida de los Arboles (3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks), the Chumash Interpretative Center / Chumash Indian Museum hosts a museum with various Chumash artifiacts and history, nature walks and tours of the beautiful local Oakbrook Regional Park area.  The museum is open from Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission price of $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for seniors and $3.00 for children 12 and under $10.00 for family. Museum is closed most major holidays.

Or just stroll around the 436 acre Oakbrook Regional Park that the Chumash Center is located on.  There are hiking trails galore back here.  Oakbrook is Ventura County designated historical landmark #90 (designated in 1983). 

Something really neat they often do is hold authentic "pow wows."  I used to live in the Lang Ranch area and would occasionally be mesmerized by beating drums on my local runs at sunset.  Contact the Center for more information about these and other events, field trips, etc. at www.chumashindianmuseum.com or 805.492.8076. This is a very serene, peaceful place.