Travel, Ventura County

Matilija poppies take center stage at Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

After a brief delay, the very popular Matilija poppies are in full bloom at the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks! The garden presented its annual Matilija Poppy Festival on April 29, but the flowers weren’t quite blooming yet in time for the celebration. “I think the weather has an impact, I’m sure to… Read More Matilija poppies take center stage at Conejo Valley Botanic Garden

Food, History, Travel, Ventura County

Golden Chicken Inn serves up history in Oxnard’s historic Chinese center

It’s easy to get distracted by the myriad of cantinas, shops, and markets that line the bustling downtown area of Oxnard. But, as you make your way down the ever-busy Oxnard Boulevard, slow down and take another look at the old, two-story brick building at the corner of the boulevard and West 7th Street. That… Read More Golden Chicken Inn serves up history in Oxnard’s historic Chinese center

Food, Made in the 805, Shopping, Ventura County

Made in the 805: Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections

Visitors to Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections always have the same thing to say: Every piece of chocolate not only tastes delicious, they are a work of art. That’s because chocolatiers Jennifer Smith and Sophia Smith-Grunder have set a certain standard for every single thing they make in their shop on Main Street in Ventura.… Read More Made in the 805: Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections

History, Travel, Ventura County

Classic pickups: Murphy Auto Museum showcases American trucks in new exhibit

Nothing is more quintessentially American, at least in the car world, than a pickup truck. Farmers and tradespeople were once the primary drivers of pickups, but today they are widely used as everything from rugged off-roaders to family vehicles. Pickups have quite a history, and car enthusiasts (and even those who know nothing about them),… Read More Classic pickups: Murphy Auto Museum showcases American trucks in new exhibit

History, People, Travel, Ventura County

Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai celebrates a ‘Rose’

“I owe it all to art books, chocolates, and young men,” artist Beatrice Wood would often tell visitors at her Ojai studio about the secret to her longevity. It was 20 years ago that Wood, one of Ojai’s most intriguing and beloved residents,  passed away on March 12, 1998 at the age of 105 years… Read More Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Ojai celebrates a ‘Rose’