Stagecoach Inn Museum - Newbury Park

The Stagecoach Inn Museum is a replica of a Monterey style inn, the 1876 Grand Union Hotel. The complex also includes a Chumash Indian village, an early California adobe, a pioneer house and a few other buildings. There is a nice park adjoining the property along with nature trails and a stream that make this a nice place to bring the entire family.

The Inn is a State Historical Landmark (#659).  The original structure was destroyed by fire in April 1970 but has been rebuilt and relocated.  It was originally located at the corner of what is now Ventu Park Road and the 101 Freeway, where a historical marker has been placed.

The Stagecoach Inn is located at 51 South Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park.  Call 805.498.9441 or visit www.stagecoachmuseum.org for more information! The Conejo Valley Historical Society is also based out of this location.

Clean Up Comedy in Newbury Park

Clean Up Comedy is Ventura County's newest Improv group focusing on clean comedy that is both adult and family-friendly.

Clean Up Comedy is a 90-minute improv show that will leave audiences doubling over with laughter. The show is based around audience suggestions, and the actors are making up everything you see on the spot. Audience participation is key, so be prepared to make suggestions and perhaps even find yourself on stage! Come experience the show that delivers the most laughs in one night without foul language or crude jokes. The cast of Clean Up Comedy honor a higher power which sets them apart.

Tickets are now only $5 per person with our low, beat the recession pricing. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting info@cleanupcomedy.com

Clean Up Comedy performs at Newbury Park First Christian Church, 801 Knollwood Drive on the 3rd Friday of the month.

Upcoming shows as of February 2012 include Feb. 17, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15 and July 20. Shows at start at 7:30 pm.

Learn more at www.cleanupcomedy.com.

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch (formerly known as Paraiso at Dos Vientos Ranch), located at 350 Via Las Brisas, Thousand Oaks ("Dos Vientos" community of Newbury Park) is a beautiful 50,000 square foot community retail shopping center. Tenants currently include Red Coral Restaurant (Sushi), Boney Mountain Coffee, Fitness Together, The Art Box Atelier, Paraiso Cleaners, Paraiso Family Dental, ETF Portfolio Management and most recently, La Cucina di Venti.

And the center recently announced a lease with Village Trader, which will bring a 6,400 sq ft market to The Village in Spring 2012.

Visit www.paraisotowncenter.com for more information.

Conejo Recreation & Park District - Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Recreation and Park District  has served the Conejo Valley since 1963 and covers 65 square miles with a population of over 130,000 people in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and the Ventura County portion of Westlake Village. 

The Recreation Division conducts over 3,000 organized recreation and leisure programs each year.  The Parks Division maintains 28 neighborhood parks, six sports playfields, five community parks and one district-wide park as formal facilities with a variety of recreation amenities.  The Parks and Planning Division, through the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, maintains 15,000 acres of open space and a 140 mile multi-use trail system.

CRPD releases its Recreation Program Guide four times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) and has hundreds if not thousands of activities for adults, seniors, kids and teens.  Something for everyone and the price is right!

Visit the CRPD website at www.crpd.org or call 805.495.6471 for more information or to access community class schedules, park listings, facilities, sports and other information about local Conejo Valley events and activities. 

Conejo Recreation and Park District is located at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. 

Ojai Trolley Service

The City of Ojai has run the Ojai Trolley Service since 1989. It provide transportion service on a fixed route schedule throughout Ojai, Meiners Oaks and Mira Monte via about 45 stops (though typically they only stop at about a third of the stops on a given route, based on if there are people waiting at each stop). Roughly 5 mile route one way (eastbound or westbound).

It costs 50 cents to ride the trolley (as of January 2012), 25 cents for 65+ and ages 2 to 5 and is free to ADA, Medicare cardholders and kids under age 2.

The trolley runs 7 days a week,  every day of the year except Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

For more information and a detailed schedule, visit www.ojaitrolley.com. Or call 805.646.5581 x207.

Universal Citywalk

Universal Citywalk is a 23 acre entertainment and retail area adjacent to Universal Studios. It is a popular destination for entertainment, dining, shopping and getting out and about. Always lively, festive and colorful, and easy to get to, to me, Citywalk is a no-brainer destination when you have out of town guests or just want to get out and about from Ventura County.

Other than walking around and gazing at the people and interesting sites, there are plenty of things to do at Citywalk, including movie theaters, IMAX theater, a comedy club, the Gibson Amphitheatre, Jillian's (which has food, billiards and a large arcade), iFly Hollywood indoor skydiving and much more.

My kids absolutely love the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co so we usually eat there when we go. But there's a lot of other choices, like Buca di Beppo, Karl Strauss Brewery, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, Saddle Ranch Chop House among others.

We also usually stop by Sparky's for a little sugar fix after our meal. They have chocolate covered Twinkies, s'mores, Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, bacon, jalapeno, you name it. Their candied apples look mouth watering too.

I've barely scratched the surface in this post, so visit www.citywalkhollywood.com to learn more. Click here for directions.

Oh, there's another thing. As of January 2012, parking is $15. While I kind of expect that when I visit an amusement park, it is harder for me to part with that kind of cash if I'm going mainly to have a meal and walk around for an hour.  So let me impart some wisdom on you:

If you are planning on going to the movies, the box office will give you a rebate of $8 if you park before 3pm and $5 if you park after 3pm. That reduces your parking cost quite a bit.

If you are planning to stop for a few hours to have lunch/dinner and walk around (like we usually do), consider the valet parking (follow the signs. I discovered that this saves me a lot of $$! The cost is currently (again, Jan 2012), with validation from a restaurant, $2 for up to 60 minutes, another $7 for up another 30 minutes, and $3 for each 30 minutes after that. So if you plan to be there 2 hours to dine and walk around, valet parking is only $9 vs $15 for general parking.

 

Over 150 Movie Theater Screens Around Ventura County!

Here's a handy list of 18 movie theaters with over 150 screens throughout Ventura County and and adjacent areas.

Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura

Janss Marketplace 9, 255 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805.374.9656)

Mann Westlake Village 8, 180 Promenade Way, Suite R, Westlake Village  THEATER CLOSED ON 12/27/11 - NEW CINEPOLIS THEATER TO OPEN IN SPRING 2012

Muvico 14 Theaters Thousand Oaks , 166 West Hillcrest Drive. Tickets online at www.muvico.com/default.asp?t=65.  Also see this post. (805.496.5487)

Regency Agoura Hills 8, 29045 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818.707.9966)

Regency Westlake Village Twin, 4711 Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village (818.889.8061)

Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura

Century Downtown 10, 555 East Main Street, Ventura (800.326.3264)

Century Stadium 16, 2875 Elba Street, Ventura (800.326.3264)

Edwards Camarillo Palace 12 and IMAX, 680 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo (805.383.8879) (Located right between the main Camarillo Premium Outlets and The Promenade section of the outlets.

Plaza Stadium Cinemas 14, 255 West Fifth Street, Oxnard (805.487.8380)

Regency Buenaventura 6, 1440 Eastman Avenue, Ventura (805.658.6544)

Regency Paseo Camarillo Cinemas (3 theaters), 390 North Lantana Street, Camarillo (805.383.2267)

Roxy Stadium 11, 5001 Verdugo Way, Camarillo (805.388.0532)

Roxy Stadium 11 theaters on Verdugo Way in Camarillo

Simi Valley/Moorpark

Moorpark Cinema 3, 543 West Los Angeles Avenue, Moorpark (805.552.9154)

Regal Civic Center Plaza 16 & IMAX, 2751 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.526.0232)

Simi Valley 10 Cinemas, 1457 E. Los Angeles Avenue (805.526.4329) Facebook Page

Other Local Theaters

Edwards Grand Palace Stadium 6, 4767 Commons Way, Calabasas (818.223.0223)

Regency Santa Paula 7, 550 West Main Street, Santa Paula (805.933.6707)

Fillmore Town Theater, located at 338 Central Avenue, Fillmore, is a single screen movie theater originally built in 1916. After 2 fires, an earthquake and numerous owners and name changes through the decades, the theater was renovated in 1994 and now shows films Friday through Sunday. 325 seats, including 45 on the balcony. Call 805.524.3456 for the lineup.

Strathearn Historical Park and Museum in Simi Valley

Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, located at 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley (off of Tierra Rejada Road, just east of Madera), is owned and maintained by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The Park is operated jointly by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District and the Simi Valley Historical Society.

This is a large site that houses a substantial number of historical artifacts and structures from Simi Valley. The namesake of this location is Robert P. and Mary Gray Lamb Strathearn. Originally from Scotland, they purchased 15,000 acres of the old Spanish Rancho and built their Victorian-style farmhouse onto the front of the Simi Adobe. The Strathearns were cattle ranchers and raised 7 children.

There is really a LOT to see at this place. You'll be amazed. With good intentions, I visited with my young boys and since there's no playground for kids, wasn't able to see nearly as much as I'd like to. For more information, visit www.simihistory.com or call 805.526.6543. Park hours and docent led tour times vary.

The Strathearn HouseThe precursor to Simi Valley Town Center :>El Rancho Simi rocks!

Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary

Eyes in the Sky (EITS) is an education program with the Santa Barbara Audubon Society (SBAS) that brings a variety of programs to children and adults in the Santa Barbara area. EITS features wildlife messengers - birds of prey native to the area that are no longer capable of surviving in the wild. As of December 2011, EITS's rescued raptors include Max the Great Horned Owl, Ivan the Red-Tailed Hawk, Puku the Western Screech Owl, Kachina the American Kestrel and Kisa the Peregrine Falcon.

The SBAS has teamed with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara) to build the Santa Barbara Audubon Aviary, a physical structure located in the "backyard" area of the Museum. The Aviary is open every afternoon between 2 and 4PM. During this time, volunteers bring the birds out for exercise, sunshine, misting/baths and close up encounters with visitors.  We have seen these animals up close and they are quite impressive!

For more information, visit www.santabarbaraaudubon.org/EITS.html or call 805.898.0347.

Max the Owl. (I kind of liked the red eye look on him so I left it.)We met Kisa the Peregrine Falcon when her caretaker was taking her out for some fresh air. This is one stunning bird to look at. Wouldn't want to mess with her though with those claws!

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 soon (as of Jan 2012, Umami Burger). Recently Nate n Al Deli closed its doors there.

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.

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 where one can view 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 July 2011) 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 fee of $5.00 per person includes a house tour; no reservation is required. Reservations are necessary only for groups of 10 or more; please call 310-456-8432. Group tours are Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.

A Delightful Gift Shop is also on the premises. In it, you will find a veritable treasure trove of hard-to-find books, memorabilia and unique gifts. Included in the shop's wares are: colored reprints of Malibu tiles; hand-painted pastels of the Adamson House, and other "keepable" items with a Museum motif.

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

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. It opened in 1994.

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 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.

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 as of September 2011) No pets are allowed.

Upcoming Dates as of 12/5/11:

• January 29th 2012
• April 1st 2012
• June 3rd 2012
• September 23rd 2012
• December 2nd 2012

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

Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula

The Museum of Ventura County's Agriculture Museum opened in Santa Paula on Sunday, September 25, 2011. The realization of more than 40 years of effort and dedication by supporters, the Agriculture Museum is appropriately housed in the landmark 1888 restored Mill building, at 926 Railroad Avenue, beside the railroad tracks and across from the depot in Santa Paula, California's historic downtown. The Mill was built in 1888 as an agricultural warehouse, and later served as a feed and grain outlet, and an antiques mall.

The Agriculture Museum is operated as a satellite of the Museum of Ventura County, which has its main site in Downtown Ventura. Museum members will have membership privileges at both facilities.

The 12,000-square-foot building is owned by the Ventura County Transportation Commission, which invested $1.86 million in renovations to bring it up to code. The Museum of Ventura County has a 99-year lease to occupy the building at $1 a year. The museum is financially responsible for tenant improvements and all operating and maintenance costs.

The Agriculture Museum focuses exclusively on the county’s agricultural heritage, telling the story of local farming and ranching from the Mission period to the present and beyond.

The heart of the Agriculture Museum’s collection is a remarkable assemblage of vintage farm equipment and tools amassed over the years by a group of longtime county residents, led by Oxnard farmer Bob Pfeiler. The collection includes tractors, blacksmith anvils, plows, grain drills, bean threshers, orchard wind machines and hand-operated nut hullers. In addition, the museum owns an impressive collection of clothing, periodicals, photographs and other unique artifacts. Containing nearly 1,000 items, the museum’s farm collection is one of the most extensive in the state and ranks as an important national collection.

The museum will feature both permanent and changing exhibits. Permanent exhibits will focus on broad thematic areas relevant to agriculture, including history, geography, technology, water, labor, economics, and the mechanics of farming. The exhibits will describe how Ventura County’s agricultural roots have shaped the region, describe the role agriculture continues to play in the economy, landscape and culture of the county, and examine the issues and forces that will shape the industry’s future. Many of the exhibits will be interactive, and will incorporate state-of-the-art technology.

General public admission to the Agriculture Museum is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, and children under 6 free. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (effective 11/25/11).

For more information, visit the Museum of Ventura County website at www.venturamuseum.org or call 805.653.0323.

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park consists of 5 of the 8 Channel Islands off the Santa Barbara coast. Although the islands are close to the shore, their isolation has left them relatively undeveloped.

The northern Channel Islands are Anacapa (1.1 sq mi), San Miguel (14.6 sq mi), Santa Cruz (96.5 sq mi) and Santa Rosa (83 sq mi) and the southern islands are San Clemente (57 sq mi), San Nicolas (23 sq mi), Santa Barbara (1 sq mi) and Santa Catalina (75 sq mi).

The islands in Channel Islands National Park include San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa and Santa Barbara islands. Anacapa is in Ventura County while the other 4 are in Santa Barbara County. San Clemente Island, the southernmost Channel Island, is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy. Catalina Island as we know with its population of 3,700 is a popular tourist destination. San Nicolas Island in Ventura County is also controlled by the U.S. Navy.

Visitors to the islands may swim, snorkel, hike, camp, watch wildlife, sail and explore tidepools, beaches and canyons. There is no food service on the islands, so bring what you need. Take a commercial service to the islands like Island Packers, which has been servicing the islands since 1968. Landings at Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands are year-round while the more remote outer islands, Santa Barbara, Santa Rosa and San Miguel are scheduled late spring through early fall.

Visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/chis to learn more about visiting Channel Islands National Park. The park is open year-round.

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park is located in the Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive (805.658.5730) and the Outdoor Santa Barbara Visitor Center is located at the Santa Barbara Harbor at 113 Harbor Way, 4th Floor.

Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks

Borderline Bar & Grill at 99 Rolling Oaks Drive in Thousand Oaks is a local fixture that offers food, a large bar and variety of nightly entertainment. As of November 2011 their calendar shows West Coast Swing lessons and dancing on Monday nights, Tuesday Salsa nights, Wednesday College Country nights featuring 2-step dancing lessons, Country Night with lessons on Thursday and Saturday nights and other special events in Friday/Sunday nights, including live jazz/big band, country and more.

Visit www.borderlinebarandgrill.com or call 805.446.4435.

Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard

Channel Islands Harbor is located in Oxnard; take the 101 Freeway to Ventura. Exit Victoria Avenue. Turn south onto Victoria Avenue. Continue on Victoria for approximately 5 miles until you reach Channel Islands Harbor.

Channel Islands Harbor offers a variety of activities for the entire family. Throughout the year various events are held including the Celebration of the Whales, visits by Tall Ships, Concerts by the Sea, Fireworks by the Sea on July 4th, the Ventura County Boat Show, Ventura Vintage Rods Harbor Run Classic Car Show, and the annual Parade of Lights.

On a daily basis, guests may dine at Harbor restaurants such as Christopher's Latitude 34 Deli, H.C. Seafood & Co., Lobster Trap, Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, Whale's Tail and more. You may shop at clothing, gift and accessories stores or cruise the Harbor on the Channel Islands Harbor Water Taxi.

Visitors may rent boats at Hopper Boat Rentals, or Channel Islands Kayak Center, visit the Maritime Museum or just enjoy a beautiful day at one of our local beaches. Weekends offer live musical entertainment. Fresh fruits and vegetables plus arts and crafts may be found at the Harbor's Farmer's Market held at the Marine Emporium Landing from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. every Sunday, rain or shine!

For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or call 805.985.4852.

Conejo Joe and family stop by the harbor as often as possible for various events and to walk around, as well as to walk a few blocks over to the beach!  Quite a nice opportunity to beat the Conejo Valley heat...and only 15 to 20 minutes away!

Port Hueneme Historical Museum

The Port Hueneme Historical Museum is located at 220 Market Street in Port Hueneme.  Built in 1925, the Museum houses historical artifacts, photographs, and information on the history of the Hueneme area.  Architect Myron Hunt designed the building, and he was also responsible for designing the Bard Mansion, Huntington Library, and the Ambassador Hotel.

The Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday (corresponding to the office hours of the Chamber of Commerce).  Displays are maintained by the Department of Recreation and Community Services and the Historical Commission.  Tours are by appointment only.  Call (805) 488-2023 or visit www.huenemechamber.com.

Players Casino in Ventura

Players Casino is located in the Ventura Auto Mall area just off the 101, with 13 poker tables and 3 blackjack tables open 24 hours a day (closed Tuesday and Wednesday from 1am-11am only). Host to Texas Holdem and  Omaha limit and no limit games, the casino features the "most popular card game ever played," Blackjack. This is California rules blackjack at its finest with minimum $10 and maximum $600 per hand limits as well as very popular "buster bets" and player banking options!

For more information, visit www.playerscasinoventura.com and  www.playerscasinoblackjack.com or follow us on Twitter @playerscasinobj. We are located at 6580 Auto Center Drive, Ventura or call 805-643-1392.

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.