The Alchemy of Ojai Botanika

Eco-friendly soaps and candles find a following in Central Coast shops — and on the web

Story by  Misty Hall Photos by Malina Majikina

In a lot of ways, Ojai Botanika bridges the gap between old-school and new. Founder Malina Majikina started her soap and candle company the way craftspeople have done since, well, forever: through word of mouth. But her business really took off when she began connecting with customers through social media platforms, which allowed her to vastly expand her reach. Today, Ojai Botanika ships its all-natural soaps, candles, and curios around the world.Read More

Pick and Play at Underwood Family Farms

Story & photos by Adam Nunez

Nestled between the rolling hills of Moorpark, about 10 minutes north of Thousand Oaks, is an ideal summer family getaway. Underwood Family Farms is a sprawling 200 acres of farmland and a myriad of fun activities for the kids. There are animal petting and feeding stations, live animal shows, climbable haystacks, tricycles, tunnels, slides, tractor rides, and even a cow-shaped bouncy house.Read More

Cruise the Cannabis Coast

By Barbara Verde

“I can’t smell any cannabis, can you?” whispered one silver-haired woman to another as we waited outside Coastal Blooms farm in Carpinteria, on a particularly blustery Monday. I discreetly lifted my nose up and sniffed the air, bloodhound-style. Even though I was standing in the parking lot right outside of a 12-acre cannabis farm, I couldn’t smell a thing. I was a little perplexed, considering I can’t even hide the smell of the CBD oil I stash in my kitchen cupboard (anyone hungry for some Cheech and Chong Cheerios?)Read More

Quick Stops and Curiosities: Pismo Beach & San Luis Obispo

By Bill Warner

Monarch Butterfly Grove Pismo Beach Located in Pismo State Beach about a half mile off the 101 on State Route 1, this patch of vegetation loads up with migrating monarch butterflies during the winter months. The numbers fluctuate throughout the season and from year to year, but folks generally rate strolls through the grove in the highly impressive range of stuff to be seen. More up-to-date info can be found at monarchbutterfly.org, or by calling (805) 773-7170.Read More

Quick Stops and Curiosities: Carpinteria

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve

By Bill Warner

5905 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria A scenic, 52-acre open space atop sea cliffs overlooking the Pacific, this stop is right off the 101. Whether northbound or southbound, just take the exit for Bailard Avenue and turn south. The parking lot is right where Bailard t-bones with Carpinteria Avenue. Easy trails will take you along the bluffs, with views of a seal sanctuary and a group of tar pits. For more info, visit carpinteriabluffs.org, or call (805) 684-5405.Read More