Magic in Moorpark

Story by Nicole Leonetti

Moorpark is a delightful city in Ventura County whose name is said to come from the Moorpark apricot which used to grow in the area. Surrounded by farmland and open space, the town is rich in agriculture. It also happens to have fantastic restaurants, shops, beverage options, friendly people, and a wide assortment of things to do. Join me to explore this idyllic town in California.

Eat:

As a food enthusiast, I make the restaurant scene my priority in exploring any new town. High Street, the heart of the Moorpark culinary scene, serves up many delicious options. This charming historic district is the vibrant hub of the city and has walkable streets lined with restaurants, shops, and more.

I typically kick things off with breakfast because, in my husband’s world, no day can start without it. Cactus Patch Restaurant, my go-to spot for a cozy, old-school diner experience, offers throwback cowboy vibes and dog-friendly patio. Lasso their Famous Country Breakfast, which includes two eggs, choice of meat, hash browns or home fries, and, of course, their beloved biscuits and gravy. I’ve heard great things about the Country Fried Steak, but I’m all about their sausage patties. So juicy and flavorful!

Lunchtime calls for Freda’s Fine Food & Drink, a local favorite right on High Street. Known for their handcrafted pizza dough made fresh daily, Freda’s has a diverse menu worth exploring. Their eclectic sandwich selection includes everything from a French Dip to a zesty Cubano. For great salad options, their BBQ Chicken Salad and Burrata Salad, with heirloom tomatoes and balsamic glaze, are divine. And remember that lunch can include dessert! Freda’s mouth-watering warm Bread Pudding or Banana Cream Pie fit the bill. With a lovely front patio and some of the friendliest service around, Freda’s delights both locals and newcomers alike.

For a unique mix of fine dining and laid-back vibes, M on High serves contemporary American cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating, including a spacious back patio. I could not get enough of their Chicken Pot Pie — the ultimate comfort food — or their standout Burgundy Braised Short Rib. Brunch at M on High is just as incredible and boasts options like Avocado Toast with watermelon radish and pickled onion, and Blue Corn Chilaquiles. M on High also has a full bar, so you can sip on a Mimosa or Bloody Mary while you eat.

If you love a good pub like I do, check out Lucky Fools Pub. Located on High Street, this family-friendly Irish pub has everything needed for a fun evening — live music, an extensive beer selection, and delicious comfort food. You can’t go wrong with the Patty Melt, but try the Irish Cubano with corned beef, slow-braised pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a pressed roll. Pair with their Giant Pretzel and Beer Cheese Dip for a perfect combo. If you’re in the mood for a little entertainment, Lucky Fools hosts excellent karaoke nights. Whether for brunch or late-night fun, locals love this pub for good reason.

Just when you think High Street can’t get any sweeter, High Sweet Creamery opens soon and will be dishing out ice cream, candy, pastries, and coffee — the perfect stop to satisfy your sweet tooth as you explore all that Moorpark has to offer!

As much as I didn’t want to leave High Street, I found a plethora of delicious dining options around town, including Magma Pizzeria, owned by Davide Moschella and Valerio Finocchiaro. The pair grew up together in Catania, Sicily, and the name pays homage to Mt. Etna, the active volcano near their hometown. Magma, which opened in 2023, serves authentic pizza with a sensational crust. The Lucifer, topped with spicy salami and chili flakes, gave exactly the kick of heat I desired. Grab a cocktail to pair with your meal (I tried an Aperol Spritz!) and a classic cannoli for dessert. Magma delivers a pizza lover’s dream.

Tucked away in a modest shopping center, the family-owned Luv ‘n Eat Thai serves up authentic, flavorful Thai dishes. You can choose the heat levels of your order, and while I am a huge fan of spicy, this meal humbled me! Their Crying Tiger — grilled steak served with sticky rice — delights patrons, and the Pad Kee Mao, or “drunken noodles,” brings the heat and flavor with chili, garlic, bell peppers, and basil. With a large selection of sake and beverages, Luv ‘n Eat works for an affordable lunch or for a romantic Thai food date night.

Last but certainly not least, Calioh Coffee curbs your caffeine craving. This specialty coffee shop roasts its own beans, ensuring a rich and flavorful cup every time. While they serve all the 





classic coffee drinks, their signature Lavender Latte and Mexican Mocha are the real showstoppers. For an extra treat, try one of their freshly baked pastries. I was personally drawn to the savory and spicy Jalapeño Poblano Cheddar Cheese Scone. You’ll also find breakfast sandwiches and a variety of empanadas to fuel your day.

Drink:

Beer lovers must stop by Enegren Brewing Company to try their German-style lagers and ales. Founded in 2010 by Chris Enegren, the brewery’s roots trace back to Chris’s college days at Loyola Marymount University, when he started home-brewing with his brother and a friend. The German recipes took time to perfect, but they are “our favorite style of beer,” says Chris. Chris is not only a business owner in town; he has been the mayor of Moorpark since 2022. As mayor, he has focused on nurturing small-town businesses and building a thriving community. Chris described Moorpark as “a tight community and a really family-friendly town,” and Enegren Brewing embodies that spirit.

At Enegren, tour the brewery to see the brewing process firsthand or just sit back and enjoy a beer flight. Valkyrie, one of their most popular brews, has been a staple since they opened. If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, try my favorite – The Lightest One, a Munich-style Helles Lager with a delicate body and a subtle hop flavor that’s perfect for any beer fan.

Enegren Brewing also hosts fun activities such as their Lager Joggers Run Club that meets every Saturday for a 2.5-mile run with a well-deserved beer at the brewery to follow. Their Stein Club features special pricing and exclusive club events such as field trips and access to early beer releases.

The brewery lies in The Alley, a delightful haven in the middle of an industrial area of Moorpark. Enegren Brewing shares The Alley with other fantastic local businesses like The Craft House and the brand-new Hearth Restaurant and Coffee Shop. A family-friendly and (importantly) dog-friendly space, The Alley has become a popular gathering spot since its opening in 2019, offering live music, tasty beverages, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Directly across from the brewery sits Lucas Sellers Wine, a boutique winery owned by Kimberly and Luigi Lucas. Their cozy tasting room offers space to unwind with a glass of wine and enjoy events like charcuterie board classes and paint-and-sip nights. Founded in 2019, Lucas Sellers quickly made a name for itself crushing grapes sourced from Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and Paso Robles. The couple named their flagship wine the Chloe Cabernet Sauvignon, after Kimberly’s grandmother. They have used the names of many family members and friends for their different varietals. A warm, familial vibe permeates Lucas Sellers, with Kimberly and Luigi often found in the tasting room. “This isn’t just a job,” Kimberly shared.

Take your wine outside to enjoy in the shared beer and wine garden at The Alley. Lucas Sellers blends perfectly with the brewery, allowing friends to gather without having to choose only beer or wine — everyone can enjoy their preferred drink while relaxing together in the shared space. I recommend their Côte Rôtie, a Syrah-Viognier blend.

Just a few minutes from The Alley, try Cavaletti Vineyard winery and tasting room. Owner and winemaker Patrick Kelley began by making wine at home, and in 2016, turned his hobby into the real thing with Cavaletti Vineyards. Fun fact: the name Cavaletti comes from a reference to a horse jump, a nod to Patrick’s wife’s love for horses. Patrick sources grapes from vineyards within 100 miles of the winery in Moorpark — as far south as Rancho Cucamonga and as far north as Los Alamos. Patrick shared, “Here, we are the only winery 100% dedicated to crafting world-class wines from local vineyards. Other wineries may work with local fruit from time to time, but that is exclusively what we do.”

They source their Alicante Bouschet from the Swayze Vineyard, located in the high desert area of Los Angeles County. I also adore their Arianna Syrah, a perfect expression of a cool-climate Syrah, coming from a hillside vineyard in coastal Ventura County.

When asked what he loves about Moorpark, Patrick said, “Moorpark is a town that is quietly experiencing a rebirth into a food and beverage destination. It has a small-town charm that revolves around families and friends, but it has been attracting producers of all kinds over the last few years from breweries, cideries, wineries, and craft spirits to coffee and food.”

Play:

Full transparency: I had not spent much time in Moorpark previously, so I was absolutely floored by the number of interesting activities here! From farms to beautiful parks, and a lovely zoo, Moorpark delivered the fun.

Underwood Family Farms, founded in 1980 by Craig Underwood, began on a mere five acres in Moorpark and has grown significantly over the decades. Today this Moorpark institution spans more than 200 acres, with 50 acres available to the public.

The Underwood family has been farming in Ventura County for five generations. Visitors should plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the farm, especially during special events throughout the year. These include their Springtime Festival, the Pick Your Own Roma Tomato Festival in August, their Fall Harvest Festival, and Christmas on the Farm. Admission to Underwood Family Farms includes access to the animal center, the animal show, wagon rides, and best of all, the ability to pick your own produce from the farm (additional rates apply for produce). Upon arrival, they post what’s in season for picking such as their delicious strawberries, which will hopefully be available through early July. Get a chance to pick a huge variety of produce, including avocados, celery, and arugula, as well as citrus.

If you get hungry for more than just the produce you’re picking, Underwood 
has food trucks and beverages available on most weekends. They also have
 their farmstand, if you’d rather not pick your own.

Underwood Family Farms also offers farm tours. Choose from either a strawberry or a vegetable picking tour where everyone will pick either a 1 lb. basket of strawberries or a bag of assorted veggies to take home. Both tours feature a vintage tractor-drawn wagon ride around the farm, a shaded picnic area to enjoy your snacks or sack lunch, and a visit to the Farm Animal Center.

Another iconic Moorpark farm, Apricot Lane Farms received notoriety from the success of the documentary The Biggest Little Farm. Founded in 2011 by John and Molly Chester, Apricot Lane Farms spans 234 acres of countryside in Moorpark. They regeneratively grow more than 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables and raise cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, and ducks. Working in harmony within the dynamic ecosystem of the farm allows them to be certified organic and biodynamic.

Open to visitors on Saturdays, you can stop by the farmstand and certified wildlife habitat garden or join one of their 2-hour group tours. The tours give you a deep-dive into everything the farm has done and also provide a good workout while you explore different parts of the property (accessible accommodations are also available). Their tours provide an in-depth look into their composting efforts, in addition to welcoming visitors to see their heritage pig, Itty Bitty. My favorite part of the tour was meeting the ducks; they put on quite a show at feeding time. Views of Apricot Lane’s “fruit basket” look down on their experimental orchard, which has apples, citrus, stone fruit, and more. You also have a chance to visit their chicken coop under the watch of guard dog Rosie, who you may remember from the documentary.

At their farmstand, find everything from eggs, herbs, and produce, to branded Apricot Lane Farms merch and cookbooks. Be sure to grab a few bottles of their Honey Lemonade! On Saturdays, in addition to their tours, they offer a range of activities such as complimentary energy healings and sound baths. Apricot Lane Farms is really a wondrous place. After spending one afternoon there I am ready to move in!

If you want to get even more of an animal fix, head over to The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. Part of the college’s Animal Care & Training Program, The Teaching Zoo hosts a 
year-round program to provide students with live animals for their classes. Students learn animal care and zookeeping skills by running the zoo. Alumni go on to work at zoos and aquariums throughout the country.

The Teaching Zoo has 125 animals, including two tigers, a lion, and my personal favorite: a 101-year-old Galapagos turtle named Clarence. The animals you meet here have been rescued from unfortunate situations or donated from private owners who can no longer care for them. All the people, from the ticket taker to the people feeding the animals, are students in the Animal Care & Training Program. Zoo tickets include animal meet-and-greets, and animal training demos.

I chatted with Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator, who originally started as a student and has now been with the zoo for 34 years. The Teaching Zoo, she said, is a community resource and hosts summer camps, school field trips, birthday parties, and other fun events like “Boo at the Zoo” in the fall and “Wild Lights” during the holiday season. “We have become a classroom for the community,” Mara said. Open on Saturdays and Sundays year-round, they serve tens of thousands of children through school trips.

Pack a picnic lunch and spend a lovely afternoon at The Teaching Zoo. They keep the admission cost low to make the experience accessible to the community and visitors. Mara told me, “This is a magical place — it creates an environment where guests are constantly learning.”

Moorpark frequently enjoys perfect weather, so you can spend plenty of time in the beautiful parks of the area. One such park, Mammoth Highlands Park, boasts expansive green spaces that invite visitors to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty. The park’s layout features well-maintained playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and ample seating areas. The picturesque views of the surrounding hills and mountains enhance the park’s appeal and create a tranquil environment that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Another favorite, Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park, was once home to Moorpark’s first inhabitants, the Chumash people. The park offers visitors 12.5 miles of trails in a 3,000-acre wilderness area frequented by hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. The open grasslands and deep forests teem with wildflowers and wildlife including rabbits, bobcats, and even golden eagles.

For amazing entertainment, try High Street Arts Center, which offers a line-up of great family shows like “Seussical” and “Spamalot.” Built in 1927 as the first “talking theater” in the area, it closed as a movie house in the 1950s and then started hosting school and community productions. In 1983, it re-opened as a live event theater called the Magnificent Moorpark Melodrama & Vaudeville Co. Now the Arts Center offers an array of shows, concerts, and a summer youth camp for future thespians.

Head to the Golf Development Complex, a premier learning, training, and practicing center, to practice your game and learn from PGA and LPGA instructors. They have a 5,000 square-foot putting green and a short game area with greenside and fairway bunkers for chipping and pitching. Be sure to check out their pro shop, which has a variety of products aimed at improving your scores.

After all that practice, you will be ready for the Tierra Rejada Golf Club, a par-72 public course surrounded by beautiful vistas of Moorpark. Visit The Ranch Restaurant & Bar, a cozy, inviting spot serving craft cocktails and specialties such as the Cali Chopped Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich.

If you’d rather ride a horse than drive a golf cart, you’ll find good company in Moorpark. It is home to several equestrian centers, stables, and ranches. If you want to get in on the action, I suggest the Fieldstone Riding Club. They offer training programs and have beginner classes in both group and private settings along with weeklong summer camps for kids. Whether you ride once a week for pleasure or are a serious competitor with a horse of your own, they teach you the skills necessary to succeed.

Shop:

Moorpark offers shoppers a mix of shopping options, from crafting adventures to fun thrift shops to Mexican-style meats. Prepare yourself for a shopping spree with a twist.

Being inexperienced but intrigued with horseback riding, I began my shopping tour at Dover Saddlery. They have everything an equestrian needs — riding boots, chaps, horse blankets, and essentials for horse care like brushes and shampoo. They also sell items for dog moms like me.

Head back over to The Alley to check out The Craft House, a creative space that opened in 2019. Their vast collection of handmade goods and craft supplies appeals to seasoned crafters and newbies alike. But don’t stop there – sign up for a craft bar appointment (ages 21 and older), where you’ll have a chance to create wood-based projects with friends while sipping on cocktails. They offer instructor-led workshops, ranging from making chunky blankets to perfecting the art of baking sourdough bread. You don’t need prior crafting experience; just bring your creativity and your favorite people. You will leave with a new skill and a new project to show off.

Over on High Street, check out Luther’s Attic Thrift Store, a gem for vintage lovers. This nonprofit, all-volunteer shop supports local schools and stocks many treasures. From clothing and sports equipment to dishware, linens, and wedding dresses, you will find something new with each visit. With their 99-cent rack and daily specials, you never know what cool item you’ll stumble upon next. It’s thrifting at its best — bargains, nostalgia, and good deeds all in one.

Every great shopping trip should include food. Luckily, Moorpark Produce sits just off of High Street. This family-owned market offers Mexican-style meat cuts and fresh produce. You will find everything from juicy carne asada cuts to longaniza picante and milanesa de res. Don’t miss the ceviche offerings, perfect for any foodie looking to add some zing to their meals. Walk out with all the ingredients needed for a flavorful feast at home.

Further down High Steet, stop by Ambiance Home Furnishings & Décor for some inspiration. Brimming with décor options, this adorable shop carries everything from vintage finds to modern styles. Whether hunting for housewarming gifts, custom gift baskets, seasonal décor, or just a treat for yourself, you will find something you love here. It’s the perfect place to bring a touch of style to your home or grab that one unique gift. They have everything you can imagine, and even some things you may not expect!

This will get you off to a good start for your Moorpark experience. I’m excited to see what’s on the horizon for this vibrant community as Moorpark grows into a go-to destination for those who appreciate good food and drink, friendly people, and outdoor adventures.