Paulina Montes said, “It’s the coffee shop Fillmore residents have been waiting for.”
For some people, coffee is all about the taste. For others, it’s about comfort and connection. Personally, I’ve always been a coffee lover. It’s that familiar taste that takes me back to my childhood, when I’d visit my grandmother’s house in Mexico and the smell of coffee would fill the house at breakfast time or when night fell and we’d all drink coffee while chatting and spending time together as a family.
That’s why coffee has always been my favorite drink. One of the things I enjoy most is visiting different coffee shops and trying different drinks. Nowadays, there are countless coffee shops in Ventura County that serve good coffee, but there’s one in particular with something that keeps me coming back.
Located in Fillmore, California, El Abuelo Coffee and Bakery offers freshly brewed coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, non-coffee drinks, and delicious sweet treats such as Mexican pan dulce, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and croissants. One thing that makes it authentic is its organic coffee, which is imported from Puebla, Mexico. Isn’t that awesome? I’m not going to lie—as a Mexican, that was one of the things that made me want to visit the shop.
The first thing you notice when you walk into the coffee shop is the smell of coffee. Spanish music is always playing, keeping the vibe going. The setting is absolutely beautiful, with tables and cozy seating. For those who are not just there for the coffee, they sell other products such as local honey, bags of house-roasted coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, and kid-friendly drinks. They also carry Compa Munchies products (Mexican-inspired chamoy candies and treats.)
The customer service is excellent, and the staff and baristas are friendly. Whenever I visit, it’s usually during the busiest rush hour, yet the staff always keeps the line moving. Every time I go, my order is handled correctly.
If you like sweet coffee drinks, I’d recommend the iced café de olla and the Biscoff latte. If you want something to pair with your coffee, try the conchas. Trust me- you won’t regret it.
If you’re a coffee lover like me or just want to try something new, this is the place to go. Step inside if you find yourself nearby—you might end up discovering your new favorite spot.
I usually start my day pretty early, especially when I know I have a lot to get done. One thing that helps me get into a good mindset is going to Ragamuffin before work. I like getting a drink and something small to eat and just sitting down to get some homework done before the day gets busy.
That morning, I got an iced matcha and a muffin and worked on a couple of assignments. Being in that kind of environment helps me focus way more than being at home, and I was actually able to finish two assignments before 9:30 a.m. Starting my day like that made me feel really productive and set a good tone for everything else I had going on.
Work Life
After that, I went straight to work and clocked in at 9:45. It was supposed to be a shorter shift, but it ended up being really busy, which made it feel longer than it actually was. We had multiple parties come in, including one with 31 people, so the restaurant was pretty packed.
It definitely got a little stressful at times, but I am used to that kind of environment. Working while being in school has taught me how to manage my time better and stay on top of things, even when it feels a little overwhelming.
Spending Time With Friends
When I got off around 2, I went home to pick up my dogs and then headed to Ventura Harbor to meet up with a couple of my classmates. They were there covering an event called “Short Dawgs In Da House,” which was honestly really cute.
Even though I got there toward the end, it was still fun. My dog loved it because she is really social and got to be around a bunch of other dogs. After the event, we walked around the harbor and got some ice cream since it was pretty hot out. It was a really simple moment, but after a busy day, it felt nice to just slow down and hang out.
Time To Reset
Later, I went to a yoga class at Grassroots Yoga, and it ended up being one of the best parts of my day. The class focused on breathwork and a sound bath, and it was exactly what I needed after such a busy day.
The whole atmosphere was really calming, and I felt relaxed the entire time. It was a nice break from how busy the rest of my day had been, and it helped me slow down and just be present for a bit. The staff there were also really welcoming, which made the experience even better. It is definitely a place I want to keep going back to.
Ending Of The Day
After yoga, I went to the beach for a little bit just to be by myself and relax. The sunset was really pretty, and being there helped me clear my head after such a long day.
When I got home, I made some tea and watched Law & Order: SVU, which is one of my favorite shows. It is kind of my go-to way to end the day and just fully relax.
Reflection
Saturdays are usually my busiest days because I try to fit everything in, including work, spending time with friends, and catching up on homework. It can feel like a lot when the day is packed from morning to night, but it is also the day where I feel the most productive.
Even though it gets overwhelming at times, I have learned how important it is to balance everything instead of just focusing on one thing. Being able to get my work done, still have a social life, and take time for myself all in one day makes it feel worth it. Days like this are busy, but they also remind me that I am capable of handling a lot at once.
For most college students right now, the end of the semester is right around the corner, which means we’re all cramming in the last few assignments before finals. When it comes to getting work done, a lot of us focus better with a cozy table, a warm drink nearby, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. But in my experience, and from talking to many of my peers, finding the perfect study spot can be a challenge. Every place has its pros and cons.
So where do you even start?
Today I’m sharing a top five list that I compiled from personal experience and a little bit of survey research. I talked to 20 students at Ventura College and asked them one question: What is your favorite spot to study at, and why?
For the “why,” I expanded and asked them to consider factors like price and availability, along with anything else they value in a study spot. Here’s what they said:
Kaapicat Cafe
Kaapicat Cafe 377 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 If you haven’t heard of Kaapicat yet, you just might discover your new favorite study destination. They are a family-owned café in the heart of downtown Ventura, with delicious breakfast food that mixes Indian flavors with American brunch items. Personally, I love their tea menu. Multiple students chose this place as their favorite, with the main reason being the spacious seating area, multiple outlets, and a staff that’s warm and welcoming. The café describes itself as a place for “remote workers, solitary readers, and writers” which welcomes students looking for a coffee shop to be at for hours on end.
Cajé Coffee Roasters 71 N Palm St, Ventura, CA 93001 Cajé is a newly trending spot for aesthetically pleasing food and drinks, with a beautiful atmosphere both inside and out on the huge patio. Students that suggested Cajé to me highlighted the insane amount of seating, reliable WiFi, and available outlets inside. And of course, the main reason it seems to be a crowd favorite is because it’s a very pleasing atmosphere to be in. It’s a solid pick whether you’re there for a couple hours to study or a common group study meetup spot. Some things to consider: Weekends get very busy and wait times can be longer, so weekday mornings or early afternoons are your best bet. The parking situation is also less than ideal— the back lot fills up fast and the only other free public lot is a short walk away.
Simones Coffee & Tea Two locations: 7818 Telegraph Rd & 2848 Cabrillo Dr, Ventura Simones has been a Ventura staple since 1996, and it’s been voted “Favorite Coffeehouse” in the county year after year, and for good reason. Many students chose Simones at their go to spot, mentioning that they have good WiFi, plenty of outlets, and a comfortable atmosphere that doesn’t make you feel like you need to buy something every 20 minutes. The Telegraph Road location is open seven days a week, and seemed to be the preferred location. The Cabrillo location is closed on weekends and the general consensus is that it’s more specifically for the workers at the hospital across the street (although some people reported it being pretty empty inside because of that reason). Some things to consider: There isn’t a huge amount of seating, especially when it’s busier or if you’re looking for an outlet since they are along the wall.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers 4820 Telephone Rd, Ventura, CA 93003 Stepping away from the coffee shops, Barnes & Noble is on this list for a very obvious reason: you don’t have to buy anything to sit and study. That’s a big deal when you’re already stretched thin (as most college students might be). Besides the financial factor, the students who suggested Barnes & Noble pointed out good WiFi, a noticeably quieter crowd compared to most coffee shops, and a low-pressure atmosphere. I will admit that there’s something about being surrounded by books that gives you more motivation to focus. There is an in-store Starbucks, so you can grab a drink if you want one but not making it a requirement is a huge bonus for this spot.
E.P. Foster Library 651 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001 A classic choice that is often overlooked. E.P. Foster Library is a free, public resource with free WiFi, public computers, so much seating, and absolutely no purchase required. In the same respect to Barnes & Noble, there tends to be less of a crowd than a coffee shop. Honestly the services they offer are great for students who need those resources or a space that is quiet. The main reason this choice is favorable is overall convenience. Important note: E.P. Foster is currently undergoing a renovation, so hours and access may be limited.
So, what makes the perfect study spot?
After hearing from my peers, I noticed that these factors for the ‘perfect study spot’ were at the top every time:
Good WiFi and plenty of outlets. That’s just essential.
Enough seating and less of a crowd. Somewhere to be for hours at a time.
Low cost or no purchase required— because this is for community college students.
I hope this helps you reflect on your perfect study spot, and maybe even discover new local cafes. Happy finals season everybody.
Being a community college student is about more than just attending classes. Many students are balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while also preparing for their future careers. Every day looks different for me, and sometimes unexpected plans can change routines. As a student working toward completing my social media marketing degree, I am constantly learning how to manage my time, stay motivated, and continue building my career at the same time.
This article shares a realistic look at one day in my life as a community college student who is not only completing assignments but also working, creating content, and preparing for life after graduation.
Morning Routine: Resetting After a Busy Weekend
On most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my morning starts very early, around 4:30AM, so I can get to the gym before starting the rest of my daily responsibilities. However, this particular Wednesday looked a little different because I had just returned from Coachella Weekend 1, and my body needed a bit more time to recover. So, instead of waking up before sunrise as I usually do, I started my day at around 7:00AM, which gave me a much-needed boost to fulfill the day’s requirements.
My morning routine still focused on getting organized and preparing for the day ahead. I filmed a Get Ready With Me video, which is part of the content I create daily as I continue building my presence in digital media. Creating content has become an important part of my daily routine because it allows me to practice skills related to my future career in social media marketing. In addition, it is just something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.
Even on slower mornings, I remind myself that preparation sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Late Morning: Turning Free Time into Productive Time
spend a realistic day in my life with meeee!🌞🤍 #dayinmylife#Vlog#spendthedaywithme#diml#studentlife @Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai @Nespresso @Califia Farms @Garage Clothing @abercrombie & fitch @Aritzia @Wildflower Cases
Around 9:00AM, my day officially began moving. I was already dressed and ready, so I filmed the start of my Day in My Life video by showing my outfit for the day. I made coffee at home and ate breakfast, which was leftovers from the night before (a tostada with beans, cheese, ground beef, and salsa). It was a simple meal, but it gave me the energy I needed to keep my focus.
Before heading to study, I made a quick stop at Costco to get gas and a car wash. Small errands like these are part of everyday life, but they still require planning and time management. After finishing my errands, I drove to Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai to study before class. This is one of my favorite cafés (Fun Fact: I used to work here back in 2019!)
I arrived at the café around 10:00AM, ordered an iced dirty chai with almond milk, and settled in to get some work done. This was important because it allowed me to prepare for class while also working on creative projects.
While studying, I filmed and created a short video for TikTok featuring a lip combo using my new Rhode products. Creating content while studying might seem unusual and/or odd, but for me, it is part of building my career. It allows me to practice marketing, filming, editing, and branding skills in real time!
Attending Class: Investing in My Future
After studying at the Palm & Boy, I left to attend my 11:30AM Digital Content Marketing class. Attending class is one of the most important parts of my day because it provides the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my field. I am enjoying this class because it allows me to connect, in person, to peers with similar interests as me! As a community college student, I have learned that my education is an investment in my future.
Balancing school responsibilities requires a ton discipline and focus. Even on days when I feel tired or busy, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place and what goal I am working towards.
Afternoon: Working and gaining Real-World Experience
After class, I drove to Thousand Oaks, where I work. Before clocking in for my shift, I picked up lunch from Jersey Mike’s and prepared for the rest of the afternoon. I worked from 1:30PM to 6:00PM, helping customers and managing various other responsibilities at my job.
Working while attending school has taught me valuable skills such as time management, communication, and responsibility. These skills are just as important as the lessons I am learning in the classroom. Having a job also helps me gain real-world experience that will, hopefully, be useful in my future career.
My workday marked the end of my Day In My Life Vlog, but my responsibilities did not stop there.
Evening Reset: Finishing Responsibilities and Preparing for Tomorrow
After finishing work at 6PM, I drove home and continued organizing my space. I had just returned from a busy weekend at Coachella, so cleaning and resetting my environment was necessary to feel prepared for the upcoming week. Resetting the space is always helpful in creating a more productive environment.
Even after a long day of school and work, my responsibilities were nowhere near completed. I am currently taking Excel and we usually have a variety of assignments due on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since this was a Wednesday, I still had a full list of assignments to complete. This part of the day requires extreme discipline, especially when I feel tired.
Later in the evening, I went to grab dinner at In-N-Out. Taking time to eat and relax is important because it allows me to recharge after a full day of responsibilities.
By the time I finished dinner, it was around 10:00PM, I took a shower, prepared for bed and got ready for my nightly “scroll-time”. Nights are a time for reflection and recovery. Even though the day was super busy, I was proud of everything I accomplished with my time management and organization. Now I am one day closer to building my dream career.
Reflecting: Becoming a Girl Boss One Day at a Time
This day in my life shows that being a community college student involves so much more than just going to class. It requires dedication, organization, and motivation. Everything I do, whether I am studying at the café, working a shift at my 9-5, creating content, or studying and doing homework, plays a role in building my future.
As the end of the semester approaches, I continue to focus on developing my skills, gaining experience, and preparing myself for my career in digital marketing. And while everyday looks different, one thing remains the same: all of the effort I put into each day helps me shape my opportunities for the next day to come.
If you’ve ever walked into a workout class and instantly felt out of place, you know how intimidating fitness spaces can be. That’s exactly what Karen, a Ventura College alumna and owner of The Routine in Ventura, wanted to change.
Karen didn’t always plan on opening a Pilates studio. She actually owned a beauty business in downtown Ventura for about 10 years, spending long days doing lash extensions. Over time, the work became physically demanding and pushed her to look for new ways to move and feel better.
So she started trying different ways to move her body going to the gym, taking group classes, doing yoga. But nothing really stuck until she found Pilates. She said she immediately loved it. It didn’t just feel like a workout. It made her feel good, energized, and actually excited to move. The only problem? The closest studios were far away.
So instead of settling for that, she decided to bring Pilates to Ventura herself.
When she first opened The Routine, it wasn’t perfect and she knew it wouldn’t be. Teaching was new, and things didn’t go exactly how she expected. But she leaned on her community, built a team, and now about nine instructors are still with her today. She strongly emphasized how important her team is to her, and how much they’ve helped shape The Routine into what it is today.
What really makes The Routine stand out isn’t just the workouts, it’s the environment. It’s supportive, safe, and welcoming. People start recognizing each other, building real connections, and it begins to feel like a second home.
Now The Routine is expanding to Santa Barbara, something her clients actually pushed for. For Karen, it’s about stepping out of her comfort zone and bringing something new to a different community. She said what excites her most is connecting with new people and making their day better.
At the end of the day, her story is simple: don’t wait for perfect. Believe in your idea, take the risk, and don’t be afraid to fail. Because sometimes the best things start with just trying something new.
If you’ve lived in Ventura for any amount of time, you’ve probably been to Tony’s Pizzaria or at least heard of it. Located on Thompson Blvd just down the street from the beach, Tony’s is more than just a pizza place it’s a part of Ventura’s history and has been serving the community for over 60 years.
Tony’s first opened in 1959 and was founded by Johnny ‘Tony’ Barrios. What started as a small family business quickly became a local favorite, and what makes it even more special is that it’s still in the same location today. In a world where restaurants come and go, that says a lot about how strong this business really is.
One of the reasons Tony’s has lasted so long is because it has stayed family-owned. The recipes, traditions, and values have been passed down through generations, keeping everything authentic. The current owner, Bruce Barrios, is actually my spouse’s old friend. They knew each other from back in the day when they both used to DJ at Skating Plus, which makes this place feel even more personal to us.
We actually went there a couple weeks ago to celebrate a birthday, and we even got to visit with Tony himself. That experience really shows how connected this business still is to its roots and the community.
The food is another big reason people keep coming back. Tony’s is known for its New York-style, hand-tossed pizza with fresh dough made daily. The menu also includes wings, salads, and other simple favorites. It’s not trying to be fancy it just focuses on good, consistent food. The bonus part is, Tony’s serves their pizza in paper bags to keep it warm while letting steam escape, which helps prevent the crust from getting soggy and keeps it crispy. Yum, my type of pizza!
The atmosphere is what really makes it stand out. Being so close to the beach gives it that relaxed Ventura vibe. There are palm trees, outdoor seating, fun decorations, and even games you can play. They also have live music sometimes, which makes it feel more like a place to hang out than just eat.
You’ll see locals, families, students, and tourists all in one place. It really brings people together.
Tony’s has also helped the community in a lot of ways over the years. It’s provided jobs, supported local events, and stayed a reliable place people can count on. In a time where big chain restaurants are everywhere, Tony’s shows how important small, family owned businesses are to a city.
At the end of the day, Tony’s Pizzaria isn’t just about pizza, it’s about family, history, and community. The fact that it’s been around for over 60 years shows how much people love and support it, and why it continues to be such an important part of Ventura.
“If you’re ever in Ventura, it’s definitely a spot worth checking out.”
My friend’s at home coffee business, Cafe Solace, is honestly one of the best hidden gems around. Every drink is made with so much care and attention to detail, and you can really taste the difference compared to big coffee shops. From the quality of the ingredients to the way each cup looks aesthetic and Instagram worthy, Cafe Solace delivers both flavor and good customer service. It’s the kind of coffee that makes you want to keep coming back, and once you try it, you’ll see why it stands out as one of the best small coffee spots.
Top #1 Seller Cookie Butter Latte!
One of the best things about Cafe Solace is how many drinks and add ons she offers. There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into coffee, chai, matcha, or something refreshing, the menu has so many creative options and you can customize your drink however you like. My personal favorites are the Cookie Butter Chai Latte, Dulce de Leche Latte , and the Strawberry Coconut Lemonade! They’re all super flavorful and unique. She also has matcha, which is actually her top seller, and it’s so smooth and well made. And if you’re not in the mood for coffee, the strawberry coconut lemonade is a must it’s honestly my favorite lemonade ever. Cafe Solace isn’t just a coffee spot, it’s a whole experience with fun, different drinks you won’t find anywhere else. The coffees are affordable and they range from $6-$8.
Matcha w/ Banana Pudding
The drink itself has an earthy taste with a very sweet creamy Banana taste to it. It’s not overly sweet, perfect balance with the matcha included.
Iced Vanilla Latte w/ Banana Pudding
Rich creamy Vanilla Latte is so delicious! Especially with the pudding it adds a creamy smooth texture to the drink!
Café Solace, you can tell everything is made with love. From the fresh strawberry purée made from scratch to all her homemade syrups, nothing feels basic or rushed. Even the pudding is made by her, which just makes the drinks taste even better and more special. You can really tell she puts time and care into everything, and it makes every drink feel more personal and worth it. My top 3 drinks would probably have to be, the Strawberry Coconut Lemonade its literally amazing I can’t even explain it, it’s sweet but still refreshing, and the shredded coconut makes it even better. It also has this slightly thicker texture that just makes it feel extra good. The Cookie Butter Chai Latte reminds me of gingerbread, super cozy and creamy with a really nice coffee flavor. And the Dulce De Leche is so yummy too, it has that smooth, milky sweetness that just hits every time.
Strawberry Coconut Lemonade
Cookie Butter Chai Latte
Dulce De Leche
Joselyn the owner of Cafe Solace says “I’m so excited to start this coffee business, not just for quick money like a lot of people, but because I genuinely love creating drinks and seeing people enjoy them. For me it’s about the experience, the creativity, and building something that feels personal and real. I want every cup to feel like it was made with care”
The best drinks you won’t regret getting! So many drinks and flavors to choose from!
Ever looking for a nice breakfast spot to eat at? Check out my favorite 3 spots to go have a nice brunch out here locally in Ventura County!
Breakfast Burrito w/ Country Potato’s
3. Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut (Oxnard, CA)
One of my top 3 breakfast spots to go to is Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. Located at 2800 A Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA, this breakfast restaurant is lovely for its outside patio because of its scenic view of being by the harbor where people dock their boats, being close to the water, and for the patio being all sand to make it feel like you are having breakfast on the beach. Mrs. Olson’s has been around for 50 years! “What started as a small coffee shop only holding 45 people, it has grown into a neighborhood favorite breakfast restaurant being able to hold 350 people” says new owner of Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut. “Based off our sales, The Big Basic (2 eggs, potatoes or hash browns, choice bacon sausage or turkey sausage. beef patty or ham steak with additional charge) has to be our customers favorite dish along with The Breakfast Burrito and the Chilaquiles.”
My favorite dishes at Mrs. Olson’s are: 1.Country Fried Steak and Eggs ($18) 2.Classic Eggs Benedict ($15). 3.Chilaquiles ($16)
Everything on the menu is super delicious. Great food and great customer service, hands down a beautiful environment to be eating breakfast by the beach.
2. BG’s Cafe (Oxnard,CA)
BG’s Cafe is what you really call a “Hole-In-The-Wall” breakfast joint where it is really easy to miss on the front street, but the trick is to enter through the back of the restaurant where there is more parking . Located on 428 S A St, Oxnard, CA BG’s Cafe has been serving delicious food since 1971 in downtown Oxnard. This family-owned restaurant has the tastiest coffee I’ve ever tried , and I don’t usually have the care for drinking coffee.
My Go-To meals at BG’s Cafe are: 1. Homemade Chilaquiles with Country Potato’s and Eggs -$18 (seen in photo). This is an everyday favorite Mexican breakfast and also a customer favorite item. 2. The Ham Steak and Eggs -$20. This dish comes out with a huge slab of cooked ham and comes with a side of eggs, golden hash browns and some fruit.
BG’s Cafe is truly a hidden gem, I’ve been going here ever since I was a little kid and the food has only gotten more delicious. I highly recommend visiting this great establishment.
Chilaquiles w/ Eggs and Potato’s
New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Potato’s
1. Arts Corner Cafe (Ventura,CA)
My personal favorite breakfast spot to go to is Arts Corner Cafe. Arts Corner Cafe is a top tier breakfast spot in Ventura. This family-owned restaurant is located on the corner at 1907 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA. Arts is a lovely breakfast restaurant to go to on a date, eat with family, or just to simply get good food. They have a nice outdoor area to eat your food along with indoor seating as well, but I prefer to eat outside. They also have amazing cocktails for the 21+ crowd that comes on by. My go to drink is their Paloma $12. A customer favorite is their Mimosas that come in this big goblet for $12-$15.
The main 2 items I order are: 1. The Cinnamon Roll – $11 This big cinnamon roll is great for an appetizer or dessert so make sure to not be eating alone. Comes with this rich glazed cream and some syrup on the side. This item is a for sure another customer favorite! 2. New York Steak and Eggs w/ Country Style potato’s – $30 (seen in the photo). The juicy steak is covered with a chimichurri sauce over it and blends really well in flavor with the eggs and potato’s.
The whole menu has really great quality food and drinks. It can be expensive but that’s why you get the amazing love and quality type of food they prepare. The customer service is also welcoming to all! I suggest getting there early in the morning because they are usually packed as the day goes by.
Leslee Ramirez said, “Whenever I want to shop for trendy, high-quality items, I visit B Max Clothing.”
Have you ever found yourself spending an entire day visiting countless clothing stores in search of a pair of shoes for that dress? Or a skirt for that birthday party you were invited to next weekend? You’re probably a shopping lover (like me), but these kinds of situations can definitely be frustrating when it seems like we’ve searched the entire city and there’s not a single place that has anything worthy of our attention.
With rising prices and constantly changing fashion trends, it’s become increasingly difficult to find a place that offers clothing, accessories, and shoes worth buying at affordable prices. People today only shop online to save time, but I think it’s important to support local businesses. Besides, when it comes to buying clothes or shoes, there’s nothing better than trying them on and checking the quality in-person before you make a purchase.
I have visited numerous clothing stores throughout my life, and I can say that I always go back to those that caught my attention the first time I saw their window displays. But there is one in particular that I cannot resist visiting.
B Max Clothing is a boutique located in Fillmore, California. They have a wide range of items, including shoes, accessories, and clothing. The business targets women—from teenagers to adults—and all these beautiful ladies will undoubtedly find themselves walking out of this store with a new purchase.
A fantastic store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends. However, you may find different items or clothing colors depending on the season. For example, in fall, you might find high boots or a brown sweater, and in spring-summer, you might find a wide variety of open-toe shoes or sleeveless tops.
The in-store atmosphere has a California vibe. When you walk into the store, there is good music playing, from English pop to Spanish ballads. They also have a weekly arrivals section and a plus-sizes section. One of my favorite sections is the accessories section. Seriously, I could spend hours looking at the necklaces and earrings.
Accessories section
The customer service is excellent, whether you interact with a staff member or the store owner. I mention this because I have experienced it firsthand. Let me tell you about a time when I was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a dress I had previously purchased. At the time, I wasn’t sure what color or style I was looking for, so I picked up the first pair that caught my eye. The owner was there, and I remember our interaction very well. She gave me her opinion on the right size for me and which ones would go best with my dress. To be honest, I think there’s nothing like feeling welcomed when you arrive at a shop; it definitely makes you want to come back.
You can find the store as @bmaxclothing on Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and TikTok. I recommend checking out their Instagram (their most active social media platform) and watching the content they have posted. You can also visit their website B Max Clothing. Do not hesitate to stop by B Max Clothing the next time you want to go shopping.
We all enjoy spending time with our friends and family but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to do and where to go. Sure, going out for coffee or lunch is always nice but sometimes you don’t always want to spend tons of money just to hang out. That’s where the idea of a third space comes in — the place you go that’s not home or work. Third spaces help build community, allow for quality time to be spent with your people or yourself, and can even help you meet new people that have similar interests. Discovering a niche spot to spend time in that costs little to no money can seem pretty difficult sometimes. That’s why I’d like to highlight some pretty cool local spots that you may not even know about.
For all the music lovers out there I’d like to introduce The Grape. The Grape is a jazz club/bar in Ventura that has a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy live music, bring in outside food, grab a drink, and dance with little to no entrance fee.
My dad frequently goes to The Grape and I love joining him whenever I get the chance. I decided to interview him about his experiences here and what keeps him coming. He talked a lot about the cool atmosphere and vibe that The Grape offers but also states, “what really keeps me coming here is all the local bands and artists that they frequently host.” Following that thought saying. “I love how they’re conveniently right down the street.” So the next time you’re bored and not sure what to do maybe listening to some live music at The Grape is a good option for you.
Another place I wanted to put some spotlight on is Night Owl Ciderworks in downtown Ventura. This is a really cool family owned cider tasting room. They often host various pop up events, like local artists, karaoke, drag bingo, etc. However even if there isn’t an event going on this is still a super cool place to spend some time. They invite you to come hang out, bring outside food, play games, and if you’re really feeling it crack open your laptop and get some work done. So if you’re looking for an inexpensive change in scenery to hang out perhaps check out Night Owl.
Or perhaps your niche is board games. If this is the case then maybe Punchboard Cathedral game room is for you. This is a new spot that just opened up in downtown Ventura that offers a wide variety of board games to play, anything from simple games to highly strategic games. You can come in with friends or by yourself and meet new people. With an inviting, comfortable atmosphere this could just be your new third space.
My main objective with this article was to highlight some local niche third space options that might be new to some people. Third spaces are all around us whether this be your local park, local hiking trails, the beach, local libraries, the list goes on. But if you’re feeling like you might want to expand your options and find something more specific to your personal niches then maybe one of the options I’ve listed above might be a good fun option for you to check out!
VC Social 