Ojai -Weekend Getaway

Walking into the picturesque lobby of the Ojai Valley Inn, our girls noticed a glass container filled with nostalgic candies. Mary Jane's filled with peanut butter and colorful Necco wafers. Our youngest took the last Mary Jane and enjoyed every bite. A staff member presented our daughter with a penny to make a wish and throw into the lobby fountain. She wished for more sweet treats while at the resort. Her wish came true! Our weekend was filled with sweet memories.

Ojai Valley Inn is a family and pet friendly resort that caters to everyone. Since our room wasn’t ready, we lunched at the Oak Grill patio overlooking 200 year-old Oak trees and a championship golf course. The food was superb.

Afterward, our girls swam in the main pool. Colorful flotation rafts and tubes kept smiles on little ones faces. My husband and I took turns visiting the Spa to gently dissolve our knots and tight muscles with a deep tissue massage. For adults and children over 16, the pools next to the spa are quieter than the main pool and a great area for laps.

We all reunited and walked into town along the wide and smooth walking/bike path. Bike rentals are available at the resort. A trolley stop, across from the lobby, transports families into the center of town. Along the walk we checked out the tennis courts. Nearby is Camp Ojai for youngster’s ages 5 to 12. They offer a morning session, half-day and full day programs.

Walking further on the path we stopped at Libbey Park to climb on the play structures and admire an art show and music festival. Afterwards, we walked to the Ojai Historical Museum to enjoy at art, artifacts, and photos of early Ojai and Chumash Indians.

Our room was ready when we returned to the Inn, so we jumped into a golf cart and arrived at Casa Loma 367. The spacious room overlooked the golf course and had a large-tiled patio, ideal for breakfast in the morning.

For dinner, we decided to go into town and try a French/Italian restaurant, Suzanne's Cuisine. Inside this remodeled home it’s filled with amazing flower arrangements and an innovative menu. The food is fresh and comforting.

Upon returning to our room, we walked out onto our patio and looked up at the stars. They were spectacular. We pointed out both dippers and Orion’s belt easily.

Sunday morning we checked out of the Inn and had brunch at Boccali’s for salads, pasta and pizza. While looking at the magnificent mountains, we all agreed that Ojai was worth another family weekend getaway to unwind and enjoy each other.

For reservations and Information on the Ojai Valley Inn call, 888-697-8780, or go to: http://www.ojairesort.com/
Ojai Historical Museum 130 W. Ojai Ave. Open until 4 pm from Thurs thru Sunday.
Suzanne’s Cuisine – 502 W. Ojai Ave., (805) 640-1961
Boccali’s – 3277 E. Ojai Ave. (805) 646-6116