Do Something! Blog

Scarlett Belle Riverboat Cruises

2013-05-16T21:18:31Z

The Scarlett Belle is a modern riverboat located in the scenic Channel Islands Harbor. The boat can accomodate from 40 to 150 passengers and is a fun, luxurious venue for weddings, parties, corporate events, anniversaries and more...casino nights, graduation parties, public holiday cruises, etc.

For more information, visit www.scarlettbelle.com or call 805.204.0977.

Located at A&M Boat Charters & Cruises at the Marine Emporium Landing at Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd., #219, Oxnard.

Exit the 101 freeway at Victoria, proceed south on Victoria, at West Channel Islands Blvd, turn right. Go to the second stop light and turn left onto Harbor/ W. Channel Islands Blvd. Go to Cabezone Circle make a left. Into the Marine Emporium. Walk to the back of the three buildings facing the street to the dock where you will see the Scarlett Belle and Sunfish. Free parking.

Triunfo Creek Park in Westlake Village

2013-05-10T21:19:25Z

Owned and maintained by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, 600-acre Triunfo Creek Park in Westlake Village/Agoura provides deep oak woodland, native grasslands and blankets of wildflowers in the springtime. The main feature of the park, the Pentachaeta Trail, is named after the Pentachaeta lyonii, a federally-listed endangered flower found in the park. The yellow, daisy-like flower is found only in Southern California, and blooms between April and June.

An informational kiosk at the trailhead interprets the Pentachaeta lyonii, as well as other unusual wildflowers found on the site such as the Chocolate Lily, and the White Globe Lily. The site also provides access to hiking trails on the Westlake Vista parcel, also owned and managed by the Conservancy.

Pentachaetta Trail to the east. Westlake Vista Trail towards the Las Virgenes Reservoir on the west.

Views from Westlake Vista Trail towards, well, but of course, Westlake VillageLas Virgenes Reservoir in close proximity to Westlake Vista Trail (but surrounded by a fence, so don't get your hopes up!)

Directions: The main trailhead with kiosk is on Triunfo Canyon Road east of the southern terminus of Lindero Canyon Road. There are some off-pavement spots there. The other end of the trail is at the west end of Triunfo Canyon Road about 1.5 miles west of Kanan Road. I've hiked this with my boys at ages 7 and 9 and they did fine. A little whiny on the return...next time I'll bring snacks.

Directions: From the 101 Freeway in Westlake Village exit Lindero Canyon Road. Take Lindero south to Triunfo Canyon Road. Turn left. The trailhead is located opposite Oak Forest Mobile Home.

Visit www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=62 for more information.

Map courtesy of Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

Social, Hobby, Cultural and Networking Clubs and Groups Around Ventura County

2013-05-08T06:29:26Z

For well over 100 groups, clubs and organizations covering a wide range of interests, throughout Ventura County, click THIS LINK.

Service Groups and Professional Organizations In and Around Ventura County

2013-05-08T06:09:10Z

Click THIS LINK for a list of service clubs (e.g. Kiwanis, Rotary, Assistance League, etc.) and professional organizations and groups throughout Ventura County.

Music, Art and Dance Clubs and Organizations Around Ventura County

2013-05-08T06:04:15Z

Click HERE for a list of links to music, art and dance clubs and groups in and around Ventura County.

Senior Adult Centers Throughout Ventura County

2013-05-08T06:01:08Z

Check THIS LIST of links to senior centers and recreation programs around Ventura County.

Ventura River Trail

2013-04-30T03:58:44Z

The Ventura River Trail is a 6.3 mile asphalt pedestrian and bike path that follows the old Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way from Main Street in Ventura to Foster Park inland towards Ojai. The path, originally opened in 1999, connects the Ojai Valley Trail to the Omer Rains Trail along the beachfront for 17 miles great bicycling. The trail is open dawn to dusk.

Much of the Ventura River Trail parallels Ojai Freeway 33 and as such is also referred to as the Ojai Valley Trail Extension. Here are the various access points from south to north:

More information at www.cityofventura.net/pw/parks.

Historic Dudley House Museum in Ventura

2013-04-29T16:19:53Z

San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc. (SBH) is a non-profit educational and charitable organizatioin founded in 1978 with a primary focus of preserving the Dudley House, an 1892 Victorian farm house, located at 197 N. Ashwood, Ventura. The Dudley House is one of 35 Ventura County properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The house is a living history museum reflecting the life of the Dudley family. The terraces and pergola for outdoor events have been installed on the north side side of the house, and the lavender garden with some 100 plants featuring over 20 varieties is on the south side of the house. The basement is used as a community room and visitor center with cooking facilities and is avaialble for small events and receptions. Larger events can be held outside on the grounds.

The Dudley House is open for tours the first Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4pm from January to November. Visit www.dudleyhouse.org or call 805.644.3286 for more information. Admission is free but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Historic Recording Series

During open houses, pre-1930 recordings transferred to CDs are played. A new recording is played each month on the Victrola console in the parlor. Here is the upcoming 2013 playing schedule (past events removed):

May 5 1pm to 4pm - Argentina in Paris. Recordings from 1926 to 1928

June 2 1pm to 4pm - Memphis Jug Band. Recordings from 1927 to 1934

July 4 1pm to 4pm - Louis Armstrong Recordings Vol. 2, Part 3 Recordings from 1925

July 7 1pm to 4pm Louis Armstrong Recordings Vol. 2, Part 3 Recordings from 1925.

August 4 1pm to 4pm - Charles Peguri. Recordings from 1907 to 1930

September 1 1pm to 4pm - Early Tzigane Records, Vol. 2, 1905 to 1922

October 6 1pm to 4pm - The Naughty 1920s, Vol 1, Recordings from the 1920s

November 3, 2013 1pm to 4pm - Emma Eames. Vol. 2, Recordings from 1906 to 1911.

No recordings in December due to Dudley House Victorian Holiday Boutique.

Old Time Radio Series

CDs of radio shows are performed in the radio console on the 2nd floor hallway. Upcoming 2013 schedule (past events removed 4/28/13):

May 5 1pm to 4pm - The Whuistler-Blue Alibi, June 14, 1950

June 2 1pm to 4pm - The Life of Riley-Basketbal Game...Bribe?, March 23, 1951

July 4 1pm to 4pm - Fibber McGee and Molly-Too Much Energy, Janaury 23, 1945

July 7 1pm to 4pm - Fibber McGee and Molly-Too Much Energy, Janaury 23, 1945

August 4 1pm to 4pm - Sherlock Holmes-The Adventure of the Sinister Crate of Cabbages, May 2, 1948

September 1 1pm to 4pm - Mystery in the Air-The Horla, February 12, 1946

October 6 1pm to 4pm - Orson Welles Mercury Theater-War of the Worlds (1hr), October 30, 1938

November 3 1pm to 4pm - The Great Gilderesleeve-The Jolly Boys Band, November 23, 1949

No shows in December due to Dudley House Victorian Holiday Boutique.

Victorian Holiday Boutique 2013

The 20th Dudley House Victorian Holiday Boutique will take place from 10am to 6pm on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting on the Friday after Thanksgiving, November 29. The dates are November 29, 30 and December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15. The House is decorated inside by dozens of crafters who will be selling their items. For information on the event call (805)-654-8381.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden - Thousand Oaks

2013-04-23T23:05:34Z

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is a 33 acre retreat of hiking trails and natural habitat adjacent to Conejo Community Park off of Lynn Road and Gainsborough.

CVBG now offers plant sales (weather permitting) every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. featuring California native and drought tolerant plants. Reasonable prices! Enter at the Kids' Adventure Garden entrance (W. Gainsborough Road at Jeaunine Dr. between Lynn and Moorpark Roads.

This is really a special place to bring the kids for low key hike. There are numerous trails and a short walk/hike to the top of the mountain rewards you with sweeping views of the entire Conejo Valley, from Westlake Village to Thousand Oaks to Newbury Park.

Here is what you'll find at the CVBG:

The Nature Trail is 3/4 of a mile long and meanders above the creek through oaks and willows. This is a moderate trail.
The Little Loop Trail leads you above the creek, through chaparral and around a meadow.
The Native Plant Section and Lower Meadow feature southern and northern California plants.
Lillian's Meadow showcases perennials, shrubs and trees that thrive with minimal water.
The Salvia Garden delights hummingbirds and butterflies.
The Butterfly Garden is a safe haven that provides nectar and food sources for butterflies and caterpillars.
The Nursery houses workspace for the plant propogation team and hosts plant sales.
The Herb Garden exhibits an extensive and unusual collection of medicinal, kitchen and aromatic herbs.
The Bird Habitat has a fresh water source and is planted with native plants that provide year-round food source for birds.
The Australian Section features collection of plants from down under.
The Desert Garden hilltop landscape features cacti, succulents and desert trees and provides a panoramic view of the Conejo Valley.
The Rare Fruit Orchard holds an extensive collection of trees.
The Tranquility Garden is planted in the Japanese style featuring California native plants.
The Oak Tree Grove has many species of North American and other oak trees.
The Trail of Trees exhibits 50 trees with a variety of genera.

If you have small kids, they will love the Kids' Adventure Garden and treehouse, but it is only open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They'll enjoy hiking through the trails and exploring the streams and bridges.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden is located at 350 West Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information visit www.conejogarden.org or call 805.494.7630.

Desert Garden at the top of the hill, featuring cacti, succulents, etc.Japanese style Tranquility Garden featuring native California plants

CLICK THIS LINK FOR MORE CVBG PHOTOS!

The Promenade at Westlake

2013-04-23T05:59:27Z

Located at the southeast corner of Westlake Boulevard and Thousand Oaks Boulevard, The Promenade at Westlake is an architecturally appealing outdoor mall that has a nice assortment of things to do, including two large fountains, several koi ponds and in summer 2012, a new high-end Cinepolis movie theater.

One of 2 fountains at The Promenade at Westlake.

Restaurants include Macaroni Grill, The Grill on the Alley, Marmalade Cafe, Farfalla Trattoria, Champagne French Bistro, Fresh Brothers, Lemonade, Loteria Grill, Paul Martin's American Grill and Pick Up Stix. There is also a Bristol Farms, Cost Plus Imports, Sports Authority and a variety of clothing and specialty stores.

Lots of outdoor seating around the fountain area outside of Barnes and Noble. There is usually live music on Friday/Saturday nights during the summer months. The fountain between Paul Martin's and Macaroni Grill is a kid favorite.

The Promenade at Westlake is the sister mall of the similarly appointed The Commons at Calabasas. It is located at 100 Promenade Way, Westlake Village (southeast corner of Westlake and Thousand Oaks Boulevards). Visit www.ShopPromenade.com or call 805.497.9861 for more information.