Flying With Faber: December 2014
Ventura County–Small Town Feeling–Huge Attractions
By Stuart J. Faber
Across the United States, there are so many destinations competing for the tourist buck, it’s often difficult for the traveler to make a decision–especially when your family or group has a variety of interests. One kid loves the water, another hates it, dad wants to explore the wine country, mom loves museums. Perhaps one family member wants to play golf or go fishing. Another wants to pick strawberries.Some destinations have one or two of these features. Ventura County is one place where you can have them all. And that’s not limited to the human members of the group. My gentle pit bull, Clara Belle, breaks out in a victory dance at the mere mention of an excursion to dog-friendly Ventura County. Plus, it’s a pilot’s paradise. Two fabulous airports with superb facilities are within miles of each other, not to mention Santa Paula Airport with its legendary assemblage of antique, hi-performance and homemade airplanes. Ventura County, with its three major cities, Ventura, Camarillo and Oxnard, has something for everyone. Pick strawberries under the warm sun in the morning and cool off at a quiet beach in the afternoon. Cycling, hiking, diving, golf, theater, top-notch cuisine–the list of exciting activities is endless. If these do not fill your plate, you can take a painting class or attend a local beer festival.
You may not know it, but much of the food on America’s table hails from Ventura. The waters produce large catches of squid, shellfish and finny fish. It is hard to believe, but Alaskan fishing boats travel to Ventura during the squid season.You can explore this fecund agricultural country and visit farms that produce items from cabbage to fine wine grapes. This region is a major producer of strawberries, avocados, lemons, raspberries, celery and cilantro. Talk about farm to table. You can stop by a roadside stand and sink your teeth into a strawberry that was harvested just hours before. Or, you can embark on an organized or individual wine tour and sip tastings at the local vintners such as Magnavino, Strey Cellars or Rancho Ventavo Wine Cellers. You can even visit Herzog Wine Cellars, a winery and restaurant that specializes exclusively in kosher wine and cuisine.Cuisine from the SeaSince Ventura County is on the waterfront, it’s no surprise that the shores are lined with a robust collection of seafood restaurants. I love fish and chips. Serving the best in the region is Andrias Seafood Restaurant & Market, 1449 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, 805/654-0596, www.andriasseafood.com. I brought Clara Belle along, hitched her up at a table on the shady patio and moseyed up to the order counter for my choice of deep fried or grilled Alaskan cod, halibut, scallops, shrimp, calamari and much more–plus water and treats for the pooch. The fries, slaw and onion rings are spectacular. The seafood is delicate, flavorful and not greasy. Save room for a decadent slice of chocolate cake.Waterside Restaurant and Bar, 3500 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard,805/985-4677, www.thewatersiderestaurantandwinebar.comThe Waterside Restaurant and Bar is quite pet friendly. As a matter of fact, perched on a huge pillow at the front door was the owner’s gigantic yet affable dog, which appeared to be a blend of white Lab and grizzly bear. This waterfront restaurant serves outstanding steaks, fresh seafood and pasta selections. I recommend the shrimp scampi or the rib eye steak. Visit info@thewatersideresturantandwine.com.Brophy Brothers, on the edge of Ventura Harbor, is another seafood restaurant. On the second floor, guests dine with views of one of the most stunning waterfront sunsets on the Pacific coastline. On our way to see a play at the nearby Comedy Club, we stopped in for a hasty sampling of appetizers (crab cakes, oysters, etc.). We did not have an opportunity to sample the entrees. Hopefully, we can conduct an in-depth evaluation on our next trip. For more information, visit www.brophybros.com or stop in at 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, 805/639-0865. For more on the Ventura Comedy Club, visit www.venturaharborcomedyclub.com.Let’s Go InlandHeritage Square in Oxnard is what many small American towns used to have–or wished that they still had. Many city officials, who lacked the vision to maintain the American treasures in their cities, now regret their decisions. Oxnard, however, has preserved a lofty setting of parks, vintage houses, gardens, trees, shops and restaurants. Heritage Square today is a gathering place for weddings, city events, live theater, old fashion band concerts and just hanging out.One of my favorite discoveries near the Square was the Kitchen Restaurant, 509 S. A St., Oxnard 805/385-8980. We launched with a huge bowl of mussels steamed in dark beer, a rich and creamy mac and cheese, southern fried wings and one of the best onion soups I’ve ever encountered. The Kitchen was phase one of our progressive dinner, so after the appetizers, in spite of my clinging to a pole and Clara Belle protesting with an exhibition of her scary looking teeth, we were ushered off to our next stop. Seriously, don’t miss this warm, cozy place. Owner-chef Cathie Moreno is an extraordinary talent who also produces stage shows, concerts and other entertaining events.Our next progression, La Dolce Vita, 740 South B Street, Oxnard, 805/486-6678. www.theldv.com is a charming Italian restaurant housed in a two-story Victorian house on Historic Heritage Square. Seafood, served in a bed of linguini or risotto, is excellent. A roasted chicken cacciatore is also outstanding.We concluded with dessert at the sprawling Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort for an array of delectable sweets. We were pampered with warm brownies served with ice cream and caramel sauce and crème brulee topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream paired with a Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon and a Michael David Petite Sirah. What a way to end a perfect evening.I generally avoid hyperbole, but I must mention my discovery of the best pancakes I’ve ever had in California. Be sure to stop at Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut, 117 Los Altos, Oxnard, 805/985-9151. You’ll wait in line, but it’s worth it.Take an Island Tour
Island Packers, www.islandpackers.com, 805/642-1393, a highly skilled adventure tourism operation, offers three-hour boat tours, which include a narrated cruise which skirts along the rugged shores of Anacapa or Santa Cruz Island. Highlights include sightings of sea lions, whales, seals, and island birds.Channel Islands National Park encompasses five, virtually untouched islands. Just 11 miles offshore, the feeling is like that of a remote, uncharted island. This archipelago is an all-natural playground for hiking, camping, snorkeling, kayaking or nature walks. Depending on the season, along the way, you might see gray whales in the winter and blue whales and humpbacks in the summer. Along with their ocean environment, the park preserves a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
Excursions are available to the islands year around. You can take trips to one or more of the islands and spend the day–or perhaps camp overnight. Anacapa Island has panoramic views, picnic areas and miles of nature trails. Santa Cruz Island has secluded coves and beaches. On Santa Rosa Island, you can enjoy white sand beaches, rolling grasslands, oak and pine forests–plus you might catch a glimpse of an island fox. Santa Barbara, 46 miles off the coast, is a remote haven for birds and marine wildlife. A variety of marine animals and birds might also be spotted during many of these channel crossings.The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was created as a 1,128 square nautical mile area and is currently ranked as one of the world’s top ten diving destinations. Divers can anticipate sightings of 30 species of whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and sea lions.Back on the mainland, Channel Islands Harbor is the center for boating, sport fishing, kayaking and whale-watching excursions. It’s also home to the Maritime Museum, the Elite Theatre Company, Sunday Farmer’s Market and the stately Bill of Rights tall ship. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, channelislandsmaritimemuseum.org, has an impressive display of paintings, boat and ship models, plus classes, lectures and field trips.Other Outdoor Activities
Birdwatchers will love the Ormand Beach Wetlands area. Sea and shorebirds ranging from bitterns, brown pelicans and terns to crows, finches, hummingbirds, raptors and swallows are but a few of the species that one might observe.You have your choice of five beaches. Hollywood Beach, adjacent to Chanel Islands Harbor, is great for swimming. McGrath State Beach has a campground and lush riverbanks. Oxnard Beach Park at Mandalay Beach is a beautiful oceanfront park and beach with picnicking and kite flying. Silver Strand Beach is for serious surfers and body boarders.Golfers can visit Camarillo Springs Golf Course, Buenaventura Golf Course or the River Ridge Golf Club near the Marriott.Rent a kayak or other vessel at Channel Islands Kayak Center or Ventura Harbor Boat Rentals. Bikes, surreys and tandem rides can be taken along the waterfront. Contact Wheel of Fun Bike Rentals, 805/382-6233.Sport fishing is available on private boat charters or from the piers. White sea bass, halibut, yellowtail, calico, rock cod and other Pacific fish can be found in abundant numbers. Contact Channel Islands Sportfishing Center, 805/382-1612.Ventura County has become a world-class winery destination. There are nearly 20 wineries, which visitors can explore on their own or with a tour guide. You can pick up a wine trail map at the California Welcome Center in Oxnard. For information on all of the wineries in Ventura County, visit www.venturacountywinetrail.com.If you have time to shop, visit Camarillo Premium Outlets, one of the largest spreads of outlet stores on the west coast. Located right off the U.S. 101 Freeway, the outlets have more than 160 stores ranging from Barney’s of New York, Calvin Klein to Banana Republic. There are also some charming, family-owned shops in downtown Ventura.Hotels
We were billeted at the Marriott Residence Inn River Ridge, 2101 Vineyard, Oxnard, Calif., 805/278-2200. What I loved about this property was that it was spread over many acres with a series of separate, attractive buildings where you can pull up to the door of your suite and feel as if you are in a private villa. Clara Belle was greeted with a pillow, bowl and an array of treats. Vast walking areas were at her disposal. The Inn has a business center, meeting space, free parking, free Wi-Fi, tennis and an adjacent golf course. A complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. Special goodies are offered at cocktail hour. Should you want to rustle up a meal, each suite has a complete, well-equipped kitchen.
Other hotels I recommend are the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, www.cpventura.com, and the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort, www.mandalaybeach.embassysuites.com.AirportsI am very familiar with the two major Ventura County airports. Oxnard Airport (KOXR) is popular for practicing instrument approaches. Just about any pilot who trained in the Los Angeles-Ventura County area knows by heart the approaches to Oxnard and the holding patterns at Squid Intersection. The airport, at an elevation of 45 feet, has a solitary runway, R7-15. The strip is 5,953 feet long and has ILS, LOC, VOR and RNAV approaches. My recommended FBO is Oxnard Jet Center, 805/985-2490. They have the best gas prices and several car rental agencies.About six miles to the east is Camarillo Airport (KCMA), also a renowned instrument practice facility. The field has a popular restaurant–The Waypoint Cafe serves one of the best breakfasts in the area–plus delicious sandwiches for lunch. While visiting, be sure to stop in for a look at the Commemorative Air Force Museum. They have an extensive selection of vintage aircraft and WWII memorabilia. Cardinal Air Center, 805/482-2586, has the best gas prices and several car rental desks. Runway 8-26 has RNAV, GPS and VOR approaches. The strip is 76 feet above sea level and is 6,000 feet long. A Special Place for Clara Belle
On those rare occasions when I travel to Ventura County by car, I hop off the U.S. 101 Freeway at Exit 50, Camarillo Springs Road, and head toward one of the best-kept secrets shared by California dogs––the Camarillo Grove Park Dog Park. A shady, fenced area is generally sparsely populated. The balance of the grassy park is off-leash most of the week. The park has hiking trails, fire pits, picnic tables and a playground for kids. It’s Clara Belle’s favorite park.For more information on additional hotels, restaurants and attractions, visit www.venturacountywest.com, or call 800/648-2124 or visitoxnard.com, or call 800/988-0717.
