Kicking It "Old School" In Ojai--Literally!

It's not too late for a summertime getaway...

While some folks will like the crowds and glamour of fashionable coastal cities like Santa Barbara, Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, Ojai is a viable “staycation” alternative for those in our area who want a slower pace and a quieter vibe. The hiking is also excellent, with relatively easy but sweat-inducing hikes along Shelf Road and the Pratt Trail that reveal spectacular views of the Ojai Valley.

And speaking of that Valley, luxe spas (i.e. The Ojai Valley Inn) and cute, artsy B & B’s (The Emerald Inn and Blue Iguana Inn) are understandably popular draws. You will also find a handful of cute art galleries, clothing shops, jewelry boutiques and a nice Sunday farmer’s market.  And then there’s The Oaks at Ojai, regarded as a historic landmark thanks to its charismatic and feisty founder Sheila Cluff. The 77 years-young Cluff, credited for establishing the foundations for what became “aerobics” in the 1980s, is living proof that healthy eating and exercise pay off in spades for those willing to make the commitment. 

"My aim continues to be providing guests with a casual, welcoming environment that mirrors the Ojai lifestyle, which is decidedly franchise free and foot friendly," explains Cluff. "I am committed to helping guests attain individual power through healthful living during their retreat. My ongoing commitment to The Oaks' ongoing success is also reflected in my teaching at least five classes per week at The Oaks at Ojai and making sure I address every guest by name."

That said, the Oaks at Ojai experience is best suited for guests looking to get back into a fitness routine after some years away from the health club or gym (most classes seem to be beginner to intermediate, though this is apparently changing according to some instructors).  According to executive chef Christine Denney (whose own vocation was shaped by her transformation from a pastry chef to a spa chef, and her personal weight loss), the food plan is deigned to help guests “reset” and “reboot” their eating habits.

Though the location is great (right on the main drag) and its grounds and public areas are charming, every aspect of the “Oaks,” including renovated areas, is very no-frills (especially in comparison to fancier, amenity-laden spas). In ways intentional and unintentional, it does force the guest to focus on weight loss and fitness goals.  It is not for everybody, but its long-time devotees seem to appreciate the likable Cluff’s vision.

All told, there are options for weekend visitors wanting to indulge a bit, from a good ice cream shop (Ojai Ice Cream) to higher end eateries to casual spots that come to life in their small-town way that recalls an easier time. Ojai Pizza has a very personable staff, as well as a menu of very creative pies and calzones, gluten free crust with a rice base and good local wine and craft beer.

Family-owned Los Caporales (which combines a family restaurant and an appealing tequila bar a few doors down) is worth a visit for live music on weekends, margaritas and chats with the family. Patriarch Ruben explains the food’s authenticity comes from his Zacatecas background and wife Leticia’s Guadalajara, Jalisco origins (which may explain why the tequila section is as good as some L.A. spots, and the margaritas are delicious!).  Their children have also done their part to keep the 16 year-old restaurant humming.  Laura (also our waitress) took a genuine interest in our unique gastronomic circumstances (one of us being vegan and gluten intolerant; the other simply craving food with some flavor). Their homemade salsas and chips was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Although it may seem like Oaks at Ojai, Ojai Pizza, Los Caporales and the other venues could not be more different, each of them represent some form of the entrepreneurial American Dream—what could be more traditional than that?
 

The Oaks at Ojai
22 E Ojai Avenue, Ojai Ca 95023
(800) 753 6257
805/646-5573

The Blue Iguana Inn

11794 N Ventura Ave  

Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-5277

Ojai Pizza

331 E. Ojai Ave  

Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 646-7878

Los Caporales