If my loyal readers remember, I chose “Enchantment” to be my focus word of the year. I know it sounds kind of corny, but I want to find and create magical moments whenever and wherever possible. Considering that we have been in the middle of a pandemic and such, it has been challenging to incorporate any level of excitement or enchantment to our ordinary lives. However, I have made it my mission, and I am promising not to disappoint my readers, my family…and myself.
Lucky for me, California’s “Stay At Home” order was lifted last week. Not that I want to party in the streets without a mask and cough on strangers. No, being cautious and respectful is still important. However, my husband and I had been feeling the stressful effects of cabin fever and decided to take the lifting of the orders as a cue to lift our spirits and take a day trip to Ojai — less than an hour away.
Set in a valley surrounded by mountains and citrus groves, Ojai is from the Chumash Indian word, “Awha’y” meaning “moon.” It is a small town with an artsy, New Agey vibe known for its farmer’s market, outdoor bookstore, quaint shops, restaurants and beautiful architecture. It was used as the Shangri-La setting for the 1937 Frank Capra film Lost Horizon. My husband and I have stayed at the expansive, historic Ojai Valley Inn a couple of times and have visited the town many times just for the day. Each time we go, we discover something different — an unusual store, a quirky street, a fun restaurant. For a small town, it packs in a lot for the eye and palette.
Just driving there is relaxing and an escape for me. We take the primarily agricultural 126 road to the 150 that winds through the mountains. Along the way we pass by the majestic Thomas Aquinas College (there is the Santa Paula Canyon and Punch Bowls hiking trail there that we haven’t tried yet, but it seems very popular), orchards, vineyards and some rustic farmhouses. All in all, a picturesque drive that makes me feel as if I’m far enough away from home.
Along Highway 150… 
Today we had an agenda: first, the farmer’s market, then a visit to Rains Department Store, lunch somewhere we had never been, more shopping, and then a final stop at our favorite liquor store to purchase a bottle of wine or two.
At the Farmer’s Market there was a short line to get in and then we found some wonderful produce. Today’s selection included a big bunch of broccolini, tangerines, garlic and…a berry pie. We didn’t buy anything perishable today.
After the market we ambled to “Rains Department Store”, which started out as a small hardware store in 1874. Chain stores are prohibited in Ojai to promote small businesses. How cool is that? We always go to Rains when we are in Ojai because it has everything and more. Clothes, knick knacks, soap, pots and pans, decorations, etc. We usually buy birthday or holiday gifts for our kids there, too. Today we went a little crazy in there: a secret gift for an upcoming birthday, a doormat, specialty olive oil, a milk frother (a weird item I have wanted for awhile ever since I had frothed milk in my coffee at a dear friend’s house). As you can see, that store has an eclectic selection.
After we made it rain at Rains, we discovered a cute store called “Dharma and Dog.” Talk about an odd mix — it is part pet store part crystals. I kid you not. We met the sweetest dog named Bingo and bought more stuff and gifts.
Our new find — Dharma and Dog 
Got this for my daughter. 
Typical Ojai architecture.
By now we had built up quite an appetite. Don’t come to Ojai on a full stomach, for there are many restaurants with festive outdoor patios. The weather in Ojai is typically warmer in the summer months. Today it was a perfect 70 degrees, so it is easy to dine outdoors. We stumbled upon Agave Maria’s. It has excellent Mexican food (I ordered my usual cheese enchiladas, K had carnitas tacos). I had the best margarita of my life as well — it’s called the Pixie, after the famous Pixie tangerines that are grown in Ojai. Not too sweet or sour, with the famous Pixie flavor.
The entrance to the restaurant. 
The Pixie Margarita…highly recommend!
Lovely lights and ambiance at Agave Maria’s.
After lunch we had a few more shopping stops on our list. I love a little store called “Fig.” It is a hole in the wall with interesting objects for the garden, as well as those famous French bistro tables and chairs that I covet. These are the real deal from France, in all colors of the rainbow. I haven’t bought a set yet, but maybe in spring….
Fig.
How enchanting is this entrance?
And finally, the “Ojai Beverage Company.” They have a solid selection of local wines and some from our favorite wineries such as Opolo and Beckman. They also carry some rare bottles of bourbon. Occasionally we find a bottle that we have been searching for. There is also a restaurant patio if you want food with your booze.
This was the perfect day for us! We got out and had fresh air, fresh food, saw some new faces and spent too much money! But after months of being cooped up at home, it was food for the soul. Seeing people smiling and eating, shopping and walking warmed our hearts.
Ojai Valley in all of its glory. At sunset these hills turn pink.
The view as we leave the valley. Hello snow capped mountains!
I have barely tapped the surface of all there is to see and do in Ojai. There are romantic inns, tons of restaurants, trails to hike and art galleries to peruse. Bart’s Books is a place we have visited many times — today it was not on our agenda, but will be next time, I’m sure. It was an enchanting day for us. I hope you enjoyed this little travel diary and will plan a trip of your own in the near future. Just don’t forget to bring your mask and hand sanitizer.
Indeed they do…see picture of pie above.
Cheryl Thatt-Burbank 