Ventura is a 1 hour drive from Los Angeles and just 20 minutes from Santa Barbara. Your first impression may be that of a sleepy 1960s beach town but if you take the time to explore you will be delighted. It is the perfect place for a day or weekend getaway.
One of the best things about Ventura is the weather. 30 to 40 degrees cooler in the summer than the valley, it seems like our weather never ventures far from 67! The other great thing is location - our shop in historic Downtown Ventura is within short walking distance to the beaches and pier.
If you are thinking of visiting us, spend a minimum of a day. Downtown Ventura has a vast selection of businesses catering to every person. Besides theatre, historic adobes, museums, live music, etc. here are a few we like:
The Shopper. If you are looking for a unique experience, Main Street is the place. Most of the retail establishments are privately owned boutiques. We have an eclectic collection of well merchandised gift shops, jewelers and home furnishings boutiques selling and displaying items not found everywhere.
Favorites (besides Fusion Home, of course!)
Ormachea Jewelers handcrafted original jewelry www.ormacheajewelry.com
Garden Memories garden and cottage gifts and home accents
Ladybug & Caterpillar adorable clothes for babies and toddlers
Cara Mia jewelry, makeup, etc. www.caramiamakeup.com
Tiki Lounge fashion forward but beachy clothes and accessories
Korazon organic modern clothes www.mykorazon.com
Well Polished great selection of shoes
The Gourmet. A big selection of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and outdoor cafes, not to mention several cozy wine tasting rooms and a fabulous chocolatier.
Favorites
Westside Cellar cozy. excellent wine selection and food www.westsidecellar.com
Tutti's delicious California cuisine served in a great outdoor location
Zoey's Cafe great courtyard setting, live music www.zoeyscafe.com
Cafe Bariloche South American Cuisine www.cafebariloche.com
Cholada Thai thai beach cuisine
Trufflehounds divine chocolate www.trufflehoundsfinechocolates.com
Savory Cafe baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch
Jonathan's great Martinis www.jonathansatpeiranos.com
Cafe Fiore tuscan food. Good place for a glass of wine. www.fiorerestaurant.net
Paradise Wines wine tasting fun www.paradisewines.net
Dargans good Irish pub www.dargans.com/ventura/index.php
The Bargain Hunter. We have a great selection of large thrift stores that draw thousands of people through their doors. Take time to sift through the racks and score.
The Collector. A handful of antique stores await offering everything from Victorian to Hawaiiana, Cottage to Danish Modern. Then you have wonderful art galleries in really interesting spaces selling local artists.
Nicholby's a large antique mall with a good selection of modern vintage pieces
Accolades Art www.accolades-gallery.com
The Intellectual. Take some time to browse through the used bookshops selling gently used and out of print titles. Ask if you don't see - chances are, a title can be sourced for you.
Bank of Books www.abankofbooks.com
Calico Cat www.calicocatbooks.com
The Outdoors-person. There are great ocean view hills for hikes, bike trails and the best kept non secret: SURF!
In Motion pilates and work out wear
Patagonia www.patagonia.com
Walden Surfboards www.waldensurfboards.com
The Movie Buff. Need we say more? Century 10 Downtown
