Shangri-La in Ojai: Part 2

Day two of our getaway found us venturing off a grand 6 miles away, to the Casitas Water Adventure Park.  It was a fantastic activity for us to do as a family, with something for all of us to enjoy.  The water park is actually located on the premises of a campground, which is located on Lake Casita.  The water park mainly consists of a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep.  The slides were only allowed for children, to give perspective: this was not an enormous, typical "water park," which is what made it even better for our young family.  Additionally, they have a Lazy River, which all 4 of us were able to enjoy floating on together. It was a wonderful day, spent out in the warm sunshine, splashing and playing together.

The main water play area.

I look goofy, but Geoffrey was enjoying the water on his little toes, which makes it a cute picture.

We put life jackets on the kids, to see if they might enjoy the floating sensation a bit more...

...it didn't take much convincing that they were not enjoying themselves.

It took a lot longer than we would have expected for Maddie to venture into the play area, but once Geoffrey joined her with Daddy, she was much more courageous!

Geoffrey did not hesitate to take on the water sprayers.

In fact, he loved them!

All that water play will make a girl tired.  (And, no, we did not ask her to pose.)

Daddy and Geoffrey going around on the Lazy River once again.  It was a lot of fun!

Geoffrey has no clue what is even happening. :)

Taking a little respite from the sun and the hot helmet, makes for one very happy Geoffrey!

That evening, after we had returned from the water park and cleaned up a bit, we ventured out in search of dinner in Ojai.  We came upon a wonderful little Italian restaurant, called Il Giardino.  We even scored a table out on the patio, where a live jazz quartet performed throughout our entire meal.  The company, mixed with the delicious food, spectacular mountain views and tasteful music, made for an enjoyable dining experience.

That is a relaxed and happy man.

Can't see the mountains, but they are up behind the jazz quartet. 

More Eskimo dinner kisses!

This is the beginning of the main strip of downtown Ojai, as seen from the direction of our hotel.  Perfect walking distance!

"Pink hue" on the Topa Topa Mountains.

One more shot of our private patio, with the beautiful mountain range peeking out in the distance.

Our hotel, and lush vegetation. Makes you want to book a visit here, doesn't it?

Ta-da!  Our hotel!  This was the morning we left Ojai.  We browsed some of the shops and took in the Farmer's Market that takes place every weekend.  It was hovering in the low 90s by mid-morning, making for a bit of a quick walk, as it was just too hot to be outside for too long.

My love and me, as we left Shangri-La.

Beautiful Ojai!  We can't wait to come and escape here again!

Until next time...

Shangri-La in Ojai: Part 1

About a month ago, we took a trip to the Ojai Valley for a weekend family getaway.  Ojai is a town located about 35 miles southeast of Santa Barbara, and was used as the setting for "Shangri-La" in the movie, Lost Horizons.  It was definitely a hidden gem and we were so excited to have had the opportunity to explore it together.  I would say that you could certainly visit Ojai with a family, as long as you have activities planned ahead of time, as we did (and you will see in my next post).  However, it would be a fantastic romantic getaway, with plenty of cute boutique shops to browse, wine tastings, hikes and spectacular views.

 We had decided it was high time our family had a vacation of our own.  So often, we take vacation time for when family comes down to visit, but never for ourselves.  It was long past due, and eagerly welcomed by all of us!  Brant found a great place to stay called the Chantico Inn and Suites.  We arrived on a Friday afternoon to discover a room that had all of us excited, particularly these two little munchkins!

They were pretty excited about Mommy and Daddy's super big bed!

Taking it all in.  The alcove in the back of the picture was where Maddie's hideaway "special bed" was. :)

She was really, really excited about this bed (only a 3 year old could be this happy about a hideaway bed)!

Jacuzzi tub, which was another hit in Maddie's book!

It didn't take us too long to get on our swimsuits and jump into the pool.  It was empty and located directly beneath our room. 

:) No words. :)

I'm not sure who had more fun playing...

View of our hotel from the pool.

My favorite thing about this picture are his little feet poking out of the water. So cute!

We enjoyed exploring the town of Ojai, and all its "spanish" influence in the decor and architecture very much.  Such a beautiful place!  

 Everything we explored in the town was in walking distance from our hotel, which was perfect.  We did not have to get the kids in and out of the car constantly, but enjoyed strolling around the cute shops, restaurants, the park, and the ice cream shop! :)

Chantico Inn & Suites

Eskimo kisses over dinner. :)  I'll take 'em!

And ice cream from the homemade ice cream shop?  Yes, please!

Another ice cream lover?  I think so!  Atta boy!

After ice cream, a ride on the swings was in order!

Our little beauty, smelling a flower she found on our walk. Our room patio is the last room/space you see in the back of the picture.  It was great!

The bell tower of our hotel.  Maddie was fascinated by it every time we walked by it (no, it did not work).

The ending to a fantastic start of our weekend getaway...a yummy platter of cheeses, bread, apples, fig sauce and grapes, paired with wine from a  local delicatessen we passed on our walk home.  We put the kids to bed and stepped out on our private patio, and relaxed.

Love.