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Ventura Reborn (excerpts)
By Diane Krupnak Turner

Art, Activities & Shopping
Ventura features an emerging cultural district for artists and performers of all types and it is gaining momentum and support.  Since 1998, five new art galleries have opened.  And a stage venue, known as the Laurel Theatre, is attracting big name talent to its intimate setting in an old church.  The Rubicon Theatre Company is the catalyst for the stage productions and shares the space with eight other organizations including Opera Unplugged and the San Buenaventura.

Foundation for the Arts.
Three times a year during the spring, summer and fall, the city celebrates the work of its local artisans with the Ventura Art Walk event.  Art is displayed in more than 25 restaurants, art galleries and shops.  Visitors are also treated to live music, performance art, children's activities and outdoor dining.

One can meet artisans specializing in stone--opaque alabasters and a kaleidoscope of quarried desert finds-- by venturing through a kitsch neighborhood near Park Row and Wall Street that is rapidly rising in prominence.  Be sure not to miss Michele Chapin's Soneworks Studio or that of her mentor Paul Lindhart.  His Art City studio contains the biggest stoneyard on the West Coast.  Both are available by appointment only.

Throughout the year, Ventura boasts a myriad of special events from its Monarch Butterfly Walking Tour and dog shows in January; the Point Magu Air Show in April; Chamber Music Festival in May, including Naked Opera (keep your clothes on, it's opera performed on a bare stage); to wine tastings in July and a Victorian Holiday Boutique in December.  There are more than a dozen events any given month in the city and its environs.

A trip wouldn't be complete without bringing home a few tokens.  For that adventurer in your life, who just might be you, a must-stop is Patagonia.  It's owner Yvon Chouinard was a surfer and climber who started a blacksmith shop in a tin shed behind a slaughterhouse in Ventura to pound out his own climbing equipment.  He later bought the slaughterhouse, as well, to house the evolution of sports products and garments that hallmark Patagonia.

Ventura is a window-shopper's delight with street after street of clothing boutiques and jewelry shops.  But it can't be denied that it is a Mecca for antique and collectibles buffs.  Books, furniture, trinkets--it's all here, nearly 50 shops to choose from.

Dining
Once finished with a feast for the eyes, ears and pocketbook, it's time to satisfy oneself with a feast for the palate.  Think Los Angeles or Newport have anything over Ventura?  Think again.  Of the many restaurants and bistros found in Ventura there are those special ones to be remembered.  Reminiscent of tucked away coffee houses of the 70s--where everyone went in their favorite faded blue jeans, where there was just the right lighting, atmosphere and live entertainment that comforted and eased one's mind between bouts of philosophical debates between friends--is Zoey's. 

Tucked away in the El Jardin Courtyard up a flight of stairs, breakfast and lunch cry out to the Vegetarian and granola-starved flower child, though there are a few entrees of salads and sandwiches that do include meat.  But getting back to memories, it's the espresso, tea and wine list coupled with live entertainment that keep Zoey's on one's mind.

With enough peaceful easy feeling under one's belt, one might step it up a few notches and prefer the Anacapa Brewing Company.  Open for lunch and dinner and located on Main Street, specialties include gourmet pizza, an assortment of burgers and pastas plus steak, fish and ribs, and of course a full menu of beer made on the premises.

Let's go upscale to Jonathan's for lunch and dinner.  Located in Ventura's oldest commercial brick building and once an Italian grocery store for 109 years, Jonathan's features award-winning Mediterranean Cuisine, an assortment of fine art work which changes monthly,  and cool jazz on weekends.  In addition, Jonathan's has opened a tapas bar featuring an amazing array of martinis and hot and cold appetizers. Vegetarians are very welcome as the restaurant will prepare its two paellas and selected other dishes meat-free.  Reservations are required for this popular spot.

For a sophisticated restaurant featuring all types of French cuisine from traditional Gastronomique and Country to Nouvelle and Californian, one must dine at 71 Palm Restaurant.  The menu items are served within the comforts of an historic landmark craftsman cottage, which is reputed to be haunted.  But there is nothing frightening about the luscious fare which has garnered the restaurant a spot in the world-renowned Zagat Guide. 

The Greek at the Harbor is a delight to all senses as this multiple winner of Best Greek and Overall County Restaurant awards features tantalizing and authentic Greek food, exotic Belly Dancing and cute dancing waiters.  From hot and cold mezedakias (appetizers) to salads, soups, pitas, pastas, traditional Greek dinners, seafood delights and several Vegetarian selections, The Greek is fun, fun, fun!

Make it a point to visit Deco, a fairly new bistro opened by Norbert Furnee, a longtime Santa Barbara restaurateur.  Exquisite is the only word to describe the cuisine, which features organic produce and meats--only one of three restaurants in a tri-county area to do so.  Chef William Traynor offers a seasonal menu of crop-rotated vegetables to ensure freshness with no fertilizers, chemicals or other pollutants.  And the beef selected, though warned that it might at first seem gamier than poked and probed and steroid- and antibiotic-shot beef, was buttery soft and flavorful.

Adventure
From an adventure in dining to a real adventure of hiking and camping in rustic terrain, snorkeling and diving in crystal waters and kayaking through sea caves is the nearby Channel Islands National Park.  Island Packers is the official concessionaire transporting mainlanders to the park, which includes Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and Santa Barbara islands, in less than an hour by twin hull 149-passenger catamaran from Ventura Harbor.  This nature preserve is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals and is surrounded by dolphins, seals and thousands of sea birds.  If you are as lucky as we were, your crossing might be escorted by playful dolphins or majestic orca whales.  Awe-inspiring is the only way to describe this adventure playground and Island Packers has guides and tours to enhance your experience.

Back on terra firma in good old Ventura, biking enthusiasts can venture down the Ventura River Trail to the Ojai Bike Trail on 12 miles (round trip) of new asphalt.  The trail also links to other routes that lead to the coastline, downtown and scenic mountain recreation areas.  Several bicycle rental services are available if you choose not to bring your own.

Seastone Adventures is Ventura's very newest outdoor attraction.  This rock climbing and surfing school offers classes, camps and adventure safaris for all ages and skill levels.

Ventura, the southernmost city along California's Central Coast and "city of good fortune" can be your good fortune as you discover its hidden treasures.

Suggested weekend itinerary:
Friday:
Check in at FourPoints Sheraton Hotel where most rooms have a beautiful view of the Harbor.
Browse the many boutiques and antique shops before dining at Jonathan's.
Have a night cap at Zoey's.
Saturday.
Spend the entire day on Santa Cruz Island kayaking, snorkeling and/or hiking.  Be sure to make arrangements with Pelican Bay Café in Ventura Harbor Village to pack you a picnic lunch.
A more leisurely day-long self-paced art walk and lunch at Zoey's might be your cup of tea if you are less adventuresome.
You're tired and don't want to go far from the hotel for dinner.  Walk a short distance to the other end of the Harbor to The Greek, which will satisfy and enliven your spirits.
Sunday.
Brunch at 71 Palm Restaurant. 
Take an historic or ghost tour with official guide, Richard Senate. 
An early dinner at Deco that will top off your visit.