With summer quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to begin prioritizing health, fitness, and most importantly… YOU. With this in mind, I took my first-ever Pilates class at the Pilates Lab in Ventura.
The studio, located at 2415 E Main St in Ventura, is nestled above an OBGYN office. Pilates Lab is a woman-owned business that opened its doors in February of 2024 by owner Shannon Barbaro.
Let’s be honest, the hashtag # PilatesPrincess circulating on my Instagram feed inspired me to take a Pilates class. After careful research on the Pilates studios Ventura has to offer, I finalized my decision on Pilates Lab.
With this in mind, I reached out to my cousin Cheri Hays, who is an instructor at the studio. This studio has all glowing 5-star reviews from customers who rave about the offered classes, amenities, and instructors.
My cousin Cheri and I took Jaime’s 8:30am class on Saturday, and let me tell you, the reviews were right! After my 50-minute class, thanks to the controlled movements and deep body alignment my body felt powerful. Mentally, I felt a sense of calmness and mindfulness.
Pictured on the left is Jaime Clark, in the middle is Cheri Hays, and on the right is owner, Shannon Barbaro.
I’d like to point out that I am not the kind of girl who is ready to slay the day at 8:30am. However, afterwards I felt uplifted inside and out, feeling good about myself. You know what they say, look good, feel good.
How my 8:30AM class looked
The studio is beautifully decorated with greenery and fosters a relaxing environment as soon as you step through the doors. In the picture above is an iconic piece of Pilates equipment known as the Reformer. During our class, we used the reformers to engage our quads, core, and arms. It was unlike any workout I have experienced before.
What sets Pilates Lab apart from other studios in Ventura? Shannon Barbaro focuses on biohacking, which she describes as the “full body, anything done to improve the qualities and capabilities of a living organism” (Barbaro). The studio uses “Theralight 360 whole-body light therapy, NuCalm sound healing, and Power Plate to help you achieve your best possible results” (Barbaro). Follow this link to their website to learn more about their class offerings and how these therapeutic machines transform your body.
For anyone like me, who was curious to learn more about Pilates or even take their first class, I recommend trying Pilates Lab in Ventura! Click here to find Pilates Lab via Instagram, or click this to visit instructor Cheri’s Instagram page. Now, stop pilating around and book a class!
There’s something incredibly magical about being in a room with people who love the same things you do. That’s exactly how it felt walking into Smitten Bookstore for the release party of Emily Henry’s new novel, Great Big Beautiful Life.
I went with three of my friends and honestly, just being surrounded by a bunch of other Em Hen fans felt like its own kind of celebration. It wasn’t just about the book (even though obviously, we were all really hyped for it). It was about being around people who know the feeling of falling headfirst into a story you love.
Smitten is not just your ordinary, run-of-the-mill bookstore. It’s a romance and women’s literature store, and let me tell you, the vibe is unmatched. The owner, May, has curated every book on the shelf with so much care, and it shows; you can see it reflected in everything that is offered at Smitten. The store isn’t just a place to buy books; whether it’s your first time there or you’re one of The Regulars, it feels like home — warm, inviting, and familiar. You can feel how much love and passion May has poured into this store.
Not only do you get to connect with other Emily Henry fans (or just romance fans in general), but Smitten runs a seriously great trivia night. Like, stump-even-the-biggest-Em-Hen-fans kind of great. Some of the questions had us second-guessing everything we thought we knew! A huge bonus: yours truly won a signed copy of the book for scoring 16/30 😎
One of my favorite parts of the night was just hanging out with my friends and chatting with other book lovers (iykyk!) There’s something so easy and fun about meeting people who instantly get why you’re so excited.
I left Smitten that night with my brand new book, and that giddy, can’t-wait-to-read feeling.
Events like this remind me why local bookstores matter so much. They’re not just places to buy books; they’re places to celebrate them — and to find the kind of connection that reminds you life is, indeed, a great big beautiful thing.
This beloved family-owned taco shack has been delighting the community of Ventura County with its mouthwatering food since the year 2000! Snapper Jack’s is joyfully celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They proudly offer a delightful blend of Mexican and seafood dishes at their three fantastic locations in Ventura, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. With an exciting array of items on their menu, plus special offerings from time to time, and nine different savory salsas to elevate any dish, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Among the nine salsas, their Secret Shack Sauce and Yolandas stand out as the fan favorites!
Legendary Salsa Bar
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Cinthya, the incredible store manager at the Ventura location. She embarked on her journey with Snapper Jacks at just 19 years old back in 2016, starting at their original location in Ventura. Later that same year, she transitioned to the dearly missed Downtown Ventura location to lend a hand, showcasing her dedication. Cinthya truly enjoys the vibrant environment, appreciating how Snapper Jacks genuinely cares for and values its employees. The company offers great growth opportunities, promoting employees from assistant manager to a possible store manager. Snapper Jacks has flourished within the community by hosting fundraisers and providing support and donations in various ways. Even during COVID, they continued to serve the community through DoorDash and online orders. Cinthya describes the atmosphere as beachy, infused with 60’s and 70’s surfing and skating vibes. She values bravery, outgoing personalities, charisma, and teamwork in potential new employees, taking her time to get to know them and ensuring they prioritize customer service. From her perspective, the best-selling item is the Jacks Combo, featuring a choice of any two tacos (grilled or battered fish, chicken, steak, or potato) accompanied by rice and beans. For newcomers, Cinthya is the go-to person for recommendations, providing informative answers to any questions. Her favorite menu item is the Cancun burrito, which she describes as “like fireworks in your mouth, bursting with flavors and a perfect mix of seafood and Mexican food.” The Cancun burrito includes sautéed shrimp, real crab, rice, jack cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. When I asked her to encapsulate Snapper Jacks in a single sentence, she joyfully replied, “Overall welcoming, warm, and eye-catching.”
Snapper Jacks is brimming with hardworking staff who bring positivity and dedication to their roles. The kitchen team arrives bright and early each morning to craft everything fresh from scratch, ensuring quality and flavor. Complementing them is a wonderful group of devoted cashiers and managers, all eager to serve the community. Their warm, caring, and attentive nature creates a friendly atmosphere, always greeting customers with a bright smile. Snapper Jacks has recently introduced delicious Chile Relleno items, and I highly recommend heading over to give these delightful dishes a try!
Nestor is a senior manager thriving at all three locations of Snapper Jacks, a company he absolutely loves being part of, thanks to their fantastic flexibility with his schedule. He proudly joined the team through his father, who was a chef for Snapper Jacks, and since 2011, he has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. The working environment radiates warmth and camaraderie, with everyone collaborating joyfully. Nestor has seen Snapper Jacks blossom within the community, understanding that this vibrant spirit is the heart and soul of the business. It’s uplifting to watch people come and go, sharing their delightful stories of frequent visits over generations and recounting how Snapper Jacks has been their treasured first stop in town. New customers often walk in, excited for their first adventure and eagerly seeking recommendations. Nestor happily suggests the nachos with chicken and also recommends the Mahi tacos, filled with cabbage, cheese, and Shack sauce, while they’re still available. His personal favorite is the scrumptious Chicken Caesar burrito, packed with chicken, caesar, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and tortilla strips. When asked to describe Snapper Jacks in one sentence, he beamed, “Very welcoming, a great place for some delicious food!”
I had the fantastic opportunity of speaking with Jarrid, the general manager of Snapper Jacks, who has been a beloved part of the Snapper Jacks family since 2000, just three months after the opening. He truly enjoys working for Jack and Laura, as they are incredibly gracious and appreciative of their entire team. Across all their locations, there’s a joyful commitment to maintaining the original vibe and environment. With the lively 60’s music, charming decor, vintage Schwinn bicycles, classic longboards, and nostalgic surf movies from the 50’s and 60’s, guests can feel that they’re stepping into a space where the timeless surfer spirit thrives. Snapper Jacks has joyfully expanded through Ventura County, opening a location in Camarillo in 2006, followed by another vibrant spot in Thousand Oaks in 2011. Laura’s philosophy centers on the power of word-of-mouth, allowing Snapper Jacks to flourish through the loyalty of delighted customers. If a visitor truly enjoys their experience, they’re eager to share it with others. Described as a “great family atmosphere with excellent service and delicious food at a reasonable price,” Snapper Jacks offers a delightful fusion of Mexican American flavors, famous for its amazing fish tacos.
Sara, Samantha, Brooke, Ella, and Jaime visit Ex Voto Chocolate Shop to talk with owner Jennifer about all things chocolate. Trying different treats, like chocolates and gelato. Click the video below to see our reactions and the chocolate-making process.
Special thanks to Jennifer and the Ex Voto staff for all your help and delicious chocolate.
Contributors: Ex Voto Owner: Jennifer Smith Ex Voto Employees Featured: Sophia Soule & Kate Main Cinematographer: Sara Bowman Students Featured: Brooke Wiley, Ella Morgan, Jaime Adame, Samantha Sarti, & Sara Bowman. Editor: Brooke Wiley
In the age of digital streaming, independent record stores are an important facet in keeping physical music, local scenes, and community alive. Record stores offer music fans a place to browse music of all genres, new, used, and perhaps discover something great they’ve never heard. Ventura County has a vibrant array of independent shops, each with their own purpose and variety of music.
Salzer’s Records is the music and physical media powerhouse of the county. The Ventura location, started by Jim Salzer, has been in business since 1972 after a slow start in South Oxnard in the mid-60s. After his passing in recent years, the company is still owned and operated by his son, James, to this day. Salzer’s has become an icon of the county as its two-story location stands overlooking the 101 freeway. Many people who have lived in the county know of Salzer’s. Whether they’ve heard the name or have passed by the building on their commute, it’s always the first look inside that people really realize what a special place it is.
Institution is the word I would use to describe Salzer’s. An institution through and through is a place that has stood in its community for decades, offers a sense of community, and truly makes the place it’s located that much more special. Taking a walk inside is like stepping into a time capsule. You find the style and architecture of the place to bring back memories of something you may have once known. T-shirts, stickers, books, memorabilia all line the walls and the paths are paved with bins upon bins of any music you could imagine. CDs and vinyl are both mainstays of Salzer’s with people from all over coming to sell or trade their own collectibles here. The second level is almost like a completely different store. All sorts of holistic accouterments, socks with your favorite cartoon character or a witty joke perhaps, incense, candles, any sort of smoking device that may suit your needs, and a room near the back that definitely draws eyes. Perhaps the biggest draw of Salzer’s comes from the (bi)annual event called Record Store Day. RSD as its frequently called is an event in which independent record stores receive special releases, reissues, represses and specific vinyl only available on these days. Smaller record stores may only get a few of these very special releases so trying to seek out something you’re looking for can be difficult. But Salzer’s is known for getting many of them each year, garnering lines out the door and around the building of people trying to get their hands on something rare. It becomes a destination for many each year for this reason and It’s beyond just being for music lovers to congregate but truly a stand out part of the community as a longstanding business that really has something for everyone.
Grady’s Record Refuge, located in midtown Ventura, opened its doors in 2003. Grady Runyan is a music enthusiast who sought to bring collectible vinyl, fair prices and a wide array of genres, media and equipment. Some record store visits can feel like you’re searching for a diamond in the rough. Flipping endlessly through bins of artists trying to find something eye-catching or maybe something you’ve been searching for; Grady’s is anything but. Coming here is like walking into a goldmine. The store has an incredibly diverse catalog of genres and artists from anything like 60’s hard-bop jazz, traditional English folk, psychedelic rock, no-wave, obscure punk compilations, garage, hip-hop, you name it.
Flipping through the various bins can be almost too rewarding and if you’re trying to not break the bank, you’ll have to force yourself to just stop looking, otherwise you’ll end up spending all your time and cash in your wallet rounding off your collection. It’s a place where you walk in and feel like you’re transported back in time to when you didn’t have all the music at your fingertips and finding something new was just a matter of looking hard enough. Grady’s is the record store for true collectors and music fans alike.
American Pie Records is the newest edition to the county’s music paradises. Located in old town Camarillo, the business opened back in 2022. Although it’s still new to the area, it filled a gap in what was missing from this part of town. Specializing is rare and used LPs, American Pie is another store that makes you feel connected to. The music playing through the speakers might be an ultra rare Rolling Stones record where you can hear all the pops and static in the wax. The bins are lined with jazz galore and psychedelic deeps-cuts from the 60’s onwards.
American Pie Records proves that a new record store can make waves in the community and really become a place for people to sit around, talk about, listen to, buy, and sell music. In the past year the store added a second location, just 2 doors down from the original.
This not only expanded the music inventory but doubles as a coffee house in the afternoons and a jazz club on the weekends. Styled and decorated as the sort of coffeehouse feel of the 50’s the drink menu still connects the store to its music roots with drink names referencing iconic records or artists, such as a milkshake called “The birth of the cool”. The new location offers customers “the 45 lounge”, a separate lounge room in the back of the store that lets people relax, play records, and hangout with any drinks or desserts ordered at the store. It’s a fantastic inclusion to an already very unique store. Having a “hangout” area is something that is absolutely needed in a community space such as his. It drives people to talk to others about common interests which is something that is so needed in today’s world.
Each of these stores holds their own purpose in the community. Whether it be a one stop shop for all your music memorabilia, t-shirts, albums, patches etc. Or a spot to go sip coffee, flip through record bins and hear live music. Or even dig for some real gems you can’t seem to find anywhere else, all record stores are important for keeping people’s love of music alive.
In recent years, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular. Whether it’s thrift, consignment or vintage stores, there are multiple options for anyone trying explore second hand style or cut back on their carbon footprint. Many people use the term “thrifting” interchangeably, however there are some key differences. One of these differences is whether or not they donate. Here are some of my favorite local thrift stores and what cause they choose to donate to.
This thrift store is Located on 815 N Oxnard Blvd and is a Christian non-profit organization. It is a part of a larger group of thrift stores that make up the Rescue Mission Alliance family. Super Thrift focuses on donating to the Lighthouse for Women and Children. The Lighthouse has a capacity of 112 beds. Besides providing shelter, the Lighthouse also offers services such as life skills education, substance abuse counseling, Christian discipleship, and even transitional housing.
At Super Thrift, you can expect to have a wide variety of clothing options whether you’re shopping in the men’s, women’s, or even the children’s section. You can also find yourself browsing the electronics and home goods sections for a great find. You can even find your new favorite accessory or buy a bike to carry you home.
Avenue Thrift is located on 22 N Ventura Avenue in Ventura, California. This thrift store has been staple in the secondhand community for 15 years. It was started by JD and Amber Drury, who felt passionate about helping children in their community. Due to this passion, the two decided to donate to the Boys and Girls Club of Ventura.
Avenue Thrift has a multitude of departments to shop in. From clothing for everyone, home decor, or even furniture, just about anyone can find something they like. They have deals almost every day of the week! Check out their location and website for more information! Avenue Thrift accepts drop off donations and will pick up donations for free!
The CAAN, which stands for The Child Abuse and Neglect thrift store is located on 340 E Main Street. The CAAN is a family owned business that has been serving the city of Ventura since 1985. The business donates its proceeds to the C.A.A.N division of Interface Children and Family Services. This particular organization aims to protect those who are vulnerable to domestic violence and seeks to end this cycle. As a part of their efforts, Interface Children and Family Services offers 24/7 advocacy and response, as well as an emergency shelter and a transitional shelter.
CAAN accepts and sales the usual thrift. departments such as men, women, and children’s clothes. They also accept records, books, accessories, and more! While they do not do pick ups at this moment, you can drop off donations at the allotted times.
Consignment and Vintage Stores
It is not uncommon for people to call a consignment store, or even a vintage one, a thrift store. These stores may share similarities, but there is a key difference. Consignment and Vintage stores are for profit, unlike thrift stores, which are non-profit. The formers get their inventory from sellers, unlike thrift stores who rely on donations. These stores allow the sellers to gain a profit from their items. Also, the cheap prices that are expected to be found at thrift stores, may not be present at a consignment or vintage shop. Even though these stores may not a non-profit, they are still second hand stores and are worth checking out.
With a new Starbucks location popping up on every corner, it can be easy to miss out on what local coffee shop gems Ventura County has to offer. Though I often spent money at chain coffee places while in high school, I noticed a shift once I got my first drink-making job, and I’ve only had barista jobs ever since. Through learning the craft behind making a drink, I learned to appreciate sitting down and truly savoring it. When I started frequenting local coffee shops, I simply never looked back because of the difference in quality, price, and even the overall experience. Although it may be convenient for many people to succumb to large chain coffee places, I would urge them to give some of these places a try, because they just might surprise you!
Tatiana’s Coffee and Tea
Tatiana’s is located at 2470 E Main Street and serves a variety of drinks and food with an Argentinian twist. They offer teas, coffee, smoothies, bagels, pastries, and, notably, empanadas! Upon entering, there is an immediate homey, cozy, “mom and pop” feel. There is endless art and photography displayed throughout the shop. Some of these pieces are local and available for sale, along with a selection of used books and jewelry. The eclectic decorations were beautiful and helps to differentiate them from other coffee shops, making the experience unique and memorable.
I ordered a dirty chai with soy milk, a spinach and feta empanada, and a guava pastelito. The chai was comforting and tasted complexly spicy. It was not too sweet and the spices lingered as I sipped it. Though the soy milk did not foam as well, that is to be expected, and tasted amazing nonetheless. The empanada was generously filled to the brim with feta and spinach, flaky, and paired delightfully with their spicy chimichurri sauce. I could not help but try their guava pastelito and it did not disappoint. The ratio of cream cheese and guava was perfect and was not too sweet, as the buttery puff pastry base and tangy cream cheese counteracted the sweetness of the jam.
I believe Tatiana’s offers a distinctive experience due to the Argentinian food offered as well as the staff. Though it was my first time there, they treat you like regulars by cracking jokes and making you feel welcome. They also offer punch cards which allows you to get up to $3.50 off your 11th order. Though it was moderately noisy in there, being next to a road, I could definitely see myself studying there when it is not busy or grabbing a quick bite in the morning with friends.
2. BeaconCoffee
Beacon is located at 5777 Olivas Park Dr with a smaller menu and a few rotating pastries available. It is minimalistic and calming in there, with instrumental music playing. They sell lots of coffee-related gear such as a Chemex, their own coffee beans, and even offer barista training or latte art classes to take. Furthermore, Beacon effectively bridges the gap between the grower and the consumer. There are photos of people they work with on the walls, which adds credibility to their craft because they emphasize working closely with their growers to ensure the best quality and taste possible. There is even a roaster in the back that is visible to customers through a large window! The atmosphere there was so relaxing, making it the perfect place to study, work, or read for fun.
I ordered a dirty matcha with oat milk as well as a blueberry muffin, and I was truly blown away. The oat milk was frothed to perfection and tasted just as light, airy, and creamy as whole milk would have. I did not get my drink sweetened but it was not bitter at all. Their matcha and espresso was a stunning combination that not every place can do correctly. Most of the time, I am met with a green-ish, brown drink where the flavors fight against each other. At Beacon, however, the flavors were holding hands in harmony. The dirty matcha almost tasted savory in the best way possible due to the vegetal, grassy flavor of the matcha paired with the nutty, smooth espresso. As for the blueberry muffin, it tasted homemade and was filled with so many blueberries inside. It was fluffy, moist, and not too sweet which made for a lovely snack that did not sit heavy afterward.
In my opinion, Beacon is the place to be for anyone who is a bit of a coffee connoisseur looking to level up their coffee game at home or looking for quality espresso-based drinks that do not require heaps of sugar to make them taste good. Personally, this is a place I would rather go to alone than with friends because it is small and quiet in there which makes it a perfect place to focus or get some alone time.
3. Daylight and MoonCafe
Daylight and Moon Cafe is located at 2991 Loma Vista Rd C and offers coffee, tea, toast, pastries, and empanadas. A selection of their pastries are gluten-free and vegan. The interior is bright, clean, and modern with a few colorful accents on the wall; a nod to their orange logo. There is a plethora of indoor and outdoor seating available with lots of charging outlets. Apart from the usual, they have a few games available such as Uno, Connect 4, and Scrabble to play. Though their menu is small, they offer many syrups or flavor combinations to go off of and even use local honey in their drinks.
I ordered a seasonal cherry latte with oat milk as well as a smoked salmon toast. The smooth espresso was made perfectly sweet with the cherry. I’ve never had a cherry latte before, but it was genuinely such a delicious and unique combination not available everywhere else. The oat milk itself was so foamy and clung to the side of the cup even when I finished the drink. As for the toast, it was refreshing and filling, though I could have used more smoked salmon given the price point. However, I loved the capers and balsamic glaze which took it up a notch for me! I had to wait over 30 minutes for these two items while it was slightly busy, so beware if you are tight on time like I was or opt to go during the week instead of a Sunday.
Overall, Daylight and Moon Cafe is a great place to grab breakfast or a light lunch with some coffee. It could interchangeably be used as a place to study or play some games with friends depending on the circumstances. Though the location is a bit random with not much to do nearby, it is close to Ventura College, which could make it a fun place to go after class for a caffeine pick-me-up or, perhaps, a competitive game of Uno.
4. Palermo
Palermo is located at 321 E Main St with a huge selection of drinks such as locally roasted coffee, teas, specialty lattes and mochas, smoothies, variations of chai, etc. Apart from their many drinks, they also offer 18 flavors of gelato, locally baked pastries and desserts (gluten-free options available), gourmet truffles and chocolates. Near the back, there is a fairly big gift shop/retail section with a diverse array of items such as candles, greeting cards, kitchenware, journals, and Jellycats!
I’ve been to Palermo many times and my go-to order is a lavender mocha with soy milk. I will be honest and say this place can get extremely busy, so at times, the drinks can be a miss if you go at the wrong time. Most of the time, however, my drink is not too sweet and delectably floral with a rich chocolatey backbone that pairs well with the espresso used. I also had a lemon poppyseed scone that was quite dense, but then again, I may not just be used to eating gluten-free pastries. It was okay, but I would much rather opt for their gelato. I love the honey lavender one they offer!
I believe that Palermo’s location and vast menu helps to set them apart from the other coffee shops I listed because there is so much to do in downtown Ventura. I love stopping by here while thrifting or before grabbing dinner with friends. Even when it is busy, there is so much retail to shop through in the meantime which keeps me entertained and content while waiting. Though they do offer wi-fi, Palermo is a place that I enjoy going to when I am out and about with people as opposed to studying or working; it can get quite noisy when it is busy!
I had such a great time visiting these places and hope it inspired you to check out some local coffee shops whether you want to get some work done, enjoy quality time with friends, or spend some time alone, enjoying every sip and bite each shop has to offer!
As we begin slipping into spring, and later summer, sooner than later that first real heatwave will hit and the only thing to counter the muggy swelter will be something cold, lubricating, and easily accessible. Thankfully, Ventura County has seen an explosion in local bars and restaurants that have stepped up their mixology game and are slinging some serious cocktails that are sure to beat that mid-afternoon heat.
These places are pushing the envelope of mixed drinks and going further than a standard Old Fashioned or Cosmo by including locally sourced produce and spirits, to not just make a delicious drink, but one that shows what our beautiful county has to offer. I’ve taken the liberty to sacrifice some liver functionality in the search for the best places to visit on a weekend afternoon (or weekday, I won’t judge) that you can add to your Ventura vacation itinerary.
Bank of Italy – Cocktail Trust
Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust has been a Main Street institution for quality craft cocktails ever since it opened. Situated inside the historic 1920’s Beaux-arts style building on the corner of Main and Oak, the warm, hip atmosphere and intimate seating juxtaposes the stern Art Deco-esque facade, and the attentive bartenders are happy to whip up any of their extensive offerings. With many of the drinks taking inspiration from Italian classics, the BOI puts a modern twist on their drinks with unique ingredients and some local liquors. The drinks we settled on were the Gin Fix and Montenegro Daiquiri, both featuring Ventura Spirits liquors. The Gin Fix balanced VS’s Wilder Gin’s herbaceous vigor with pineapple and vanilla and gave off matured Piña Colada vibes. The Montenegro Daiquiri’s pairing of rum, pineapple, citrus and Ventura Spirit’s Angeleno Amaro’s orangey spice made for a very simple yet complex take on the 19th-century Cuban classic.
The Dutchess
The Dutchess has quickly become on of the flagship restaurants and bars in the Ojai valley, and has been popular with locals and tourists alike since its opening. With an inspired, modern take on drinks and Burmese cuisine, The Dutchess is a vibrant and cozy establishment that takes pride in working with local farms, breweries, and distilleries. Their cocktail menu rotates with the season, so other than a few staples don’t expect to order the same thing twice. After conversing with one of their bartenders and friend of mine, Eric, we volunteered as guinea pigs to try some drinks he had been working on. The first, a take on an Amaretto Sour sans egg white, used their house-made Amaretto with local botanicals and a persimmon simple syrup to balance the bite of the bourbon. The second drink, his spin on a Paper Plane, subbed the standard lemon juice for Pixie tangerine juice to give the modern classic its own Ojai twist. Both drinks were fresh, vibrant and packed a serious bourbon punch, qualities shared with all The Dutchess has to offer, cementing it as my #1 recommendation for a cozy drink in Ojai.
Jaguar Moon
One of the newest additions to Ventura’s collection of cocktail lounges, Jaguar Moon opened November of 2024 and brought a slew of Yucatánian flavors to the county. The bright, open space with vibrant colors and welcoming staff boasts a large collection of innovative drinks highlighting the many flavors and ingredients of the Yucatán, and their kitchen, Cocina Jaguar, offers Mexican dishes you can’t find anywhere else in Ventura.
For our visit, we started off with their smoky mezcal margarita and the tropical Oaxacan Cobbler, the latter truly being an adult fruit smoothie with a punch. To maintain sobriety we opted for some small plates, and decided on the Peruvian scallop crudo, their traditional guacamole with chicharrónes and salsa macha, and one of their cochinita pibil tacos. The food was incredible, with bold flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you plan on a visit, I highly recommend the guacamole to share, and the cochinita tacos for yourself.
Bonus – Ventura Spirits Pixie Collins
Although not a cocktail bar, Ventura Spirits is our local distillery whose liquors and canned options are perfect for your home bar or fridge. And nothing screams local more than their take on classic Tom Collins. Using their Wilder Gin (that is made with local botanicals including purple sage, sagebrush and pixie peels) and Ojai Pixie-cello, the Pixie Collins is perfect for a weekday afternoon when there’s not enough time for a bar, but enough daylight to sit outside and wind down.
When it comes to shopping in Downtown Ventura, many people stop by the thrift stores on Main Street. There are an assortment of different types of thrift stores a person can find when they visit Main Street. There are thrift stores that support different organizations or charities, resell thrift or “vintage” store, and up-cycle second hand clothes. Each of these thrift stores offer something to different people depending on what they are looking for. I took a couple of people with me, Devonte Stepter and Ahmad Albanez, to go thrifting in order to find out what thrift store is the best overall.
The first thrift store we went to was one that everybody has gone to at least once in their life, Goodwill.
When we walked in they had recently changed the layout of the store. Ahmad looked at the clothes first while Devonte browsed the T- shirts. Nothing was found in the clothes. While looking at what other items Goodwill had out on the floor Ahmad found a purple ceramic bowl he decided he wanted to purchase. After leaving with just a ceramic bowl Ahmad and Devonte were asked their opinion on what they thought about their visit to Goodwill. Devonte said, “The organization of the store was up kept but they did not have much to offer. This store is a good one for buying knick knacks.” Unfortunately nowadays goodwill picks through their inventory and pulls their higher end items and the more sought out pieces. They do this in order to send it out to their e-commerce website which is like an Ebay for Goodwill items. Ahmad also had some input saying, “I found a cool purple ceramic bowl that I can place my chopsticks in. Other than finding the bowl the store seemed grey and cold, there wasn’t any clothes that stuck out to me and that is a good majority of the stores space. I don’t think I would not revisit the store unless someone I was with wanted to explore it then I wouldn’t be opposed to it.” After talking about what they thought of the store both Devonte and Ahmad agreed Goodwill would be a 4/10 rating on their scale.
The next thrift store we stopped at was called the C.A.A.N Thrift Store. The name C.A.A.N stands for Child Abuse And Neglect. This thrift store proceeds go to helping support children who are victims to abuse, the Safe Haven Emergency Shelter, and the Safe Journey Transitional Shelter.
As we walked in we were greeted with the sound of the radio playing throughout the store on the store speakers. As Ahmad and Devonte browsed the different sections of the store they did not seem too thrilled when looking around the store. By the end of the visit to this thrift store neither one of them found a single item they were interested in buying. When asked what they thought of the store Ahmad commented, “The atmosphere in the store is cold and grey. There is nothing that is catching my eye but the cassette collection is enjoyable. I like seeing the old cover art for albums and the recordings of old comedy shows was interesting.” Afterward, Devonte said, “I’m not a big fan of this thrift store due to how unorganized it is. it makes it harder to locate anything I had on my mind.” At the end of the visit they decided that this thrift store would be given a 3/10 rating.
The third thrift store we went to was The Coalition thrift store. This thrift store used to be more of a thrift store before than it is now. Nowadays if you go to The Coalition do not expect to be paying thrift store prices because this “thrift store” specializes in selling vintage clothes at resell prices.
As we walked in we noticed that this store was way more busy than the other ones that we had been to that afternoon. There were people in every aisle searching through the racks trying to find the next vintage piece to add to their collection. There was clothes, media, furniture, hats, accessories, and old quilts. We all spent a good amount of time looking through everything because there was so much that would catch our eyes. When asked about what they thought of the store, Devonte said, “I instantly fell in love, the store is so well kept which seems to be important to them as well as how they keep it all so organized. it was very easy to find my size in shirts and pants which also made my shopping experience more enjoyable.” Ahmad also seemed excited to share his thoughts and said, “The Coalition is probably my favorite store that we’ve gone to so far. They offer a wide selection of clothes to household goods. Their media section is a good spot where I spent my time looking at their DVD’s. I bought “The Devil Wears Prada” and I’m so excited to watch it. I really enjoy physical media such as DVD’s. The employees are very friendly and helpful. The only downside is that due to the store selling a wide selection of goods it can be hard getting through the aisles when there’s a large amount of people shopping.” Unfortunately after this thrift store visit Devonte had to leave early but before he left he and Ahmad gave the Coalition a 7/10 rating.
The final thrift store that was on the list was Buffalo Exchange. Buffalo Exchange is more of a second hand/up cycle store. Customers can come in to buy or sell items that they have. The way it works is if you sell your old items to Buffalo Exchange you can get 50% of the total sold in store credit or 30% cash.
When coming into Buffalo Exchange it was a different vibe than the other thrift stores. The workers greeted Ahmad and I, they had a store playlist that played up to date music, and the demographic was people between their early 20’s to mid 30’s. As we looked around nothing seemed to catch Ahmad’s eyes too much to want to purchase. There were a few things he hatred on but decided not to purchase. When asked about Buffalo Exchange Ahmad responded, “The atmosphere felt welcoming and warm compared to the other shops. The only thing that I could see being an issue is maneuvering around the store can feel a bit like I’m a running back trying to find a gap in the O line. It doesn’t bother me though.” Ahmad also shared one of his favorite finds from Buffalo Exchange, “One time I found a dope Minnesota Viking’s Starter Jacket here and now it’s probably my most reliable thrift store that’s local. I love that jacket!” After our trip Ahmad decided the rating on this saying he would give Buffalo Exchange a 7/10.
Below are Ahmad’s and Devonte’s finds:
Ahmad found the ceramic bowl at Goodwill and “The Devil Wears Prada” Blu-ray DVD at The Coalition.
Devonte found both pants and the Don Jon Bluray DVD all at The Coalition.
Hello college students, here are the places to go to have fun, get together and have a great time.
The Varsity Club
Varsity Club is a new place for adults to go play and have fun. It is a good place to hangout at night with your friends or family. The Varsity Club is in Ventura.
There are indoor golf simuators and baseball that you can play and enjoy.
On Thursday night there is a DJ, there is an area where you can dance. Also, a band comes to play and you can enjoy the music.
Playing golf
The Loose Cannon
The Loose Cannon is a restaurant, bar and arcade at the Ventura Harbor. There are 20 games and food and drinks to enjoy. Loose Cannon has pizza, pretzels and hamburgers. They have bowling lanes and basketball that you can play. It’s a place to have fun and have a good time.
They have VIP to sign up for to recive discounts and loyalty rewards and more.
playing bowling
Bowlero
Bowlero is so big they have 28 bowling lanes and a lot of arcade games. It’s a place to have lots of fun and have a great time. They have a bar and food to eat to enjoy while you are playing. Bowlero is at The Collection in Oxnard.
On Wednesdays, they have discount day on the games.
The Mighty Axe
The Mighty Axe is in Oxnard at The Collection, across from Bowlero. There is an outside area where you can sit and relax by the bar. Inside there are areas where you can play with the axes. There are snacks that you can buy.
There are happy hours Monday-Friday 4:00pm-6:00pm for craft beer.
VC Social 