Montecito & Ojai Valley
Montecito and nearby Ojai are awash in adjacencies of color: tangerine, lemon, flushed coral, deep viridian.
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains, the Spanish Revival architecture is striking and transportive. During fruit bearing season, pixie oranges burden slender branches with their weight. Orange blossom scents the air, heat amplifying its cloaking effect. The region’s signatures are on full display as late spring yields to early summer.
Here, a through-pulse of ease and polish exist in equal measure. Restrained maximalism. Few places leave me as inspired.
PERSONAL SANTA BARBARA FAVORITES
Lotusland— on Cold Spring Road — The most exceptional display of lush plantings, spanning thirty-six acres. The olive allée and shade palm garden are unmissable.
Montecito Country Mart — on Coast Village Road — A collection of design-forward essentials: Clic, USPS Trading Post, Bettina, Mate Gallery are best.
Honor Market— on Coast Village Road — A curation of functional products for the home, including imported silver barware that’s as beautiful on display as it is in use.
The Nest — on Ojai Avenue — For Ojai’s freshest baja fish tacos. Pair with a pulpy, tart hibiscus mezcalita sweetened with a short stream of agave nectar.
Caldwell Snyder Gallery — on Coast Village Road — Exhibiting diverse genres of contemporary fine art, representation includes Arty Grimm, Willi Siber, and Francois du Plessis.
Carly Home— on Ojai Avenue — For hand-painted designs rich in color, brought to life through textiles for the home.
Butterfly Beach — on Channel Drive — The best beach of East-West orientation, for dramatic light at both sunrise and sunset. Dolphins dive in the near distance.
Summer Camp— on Ojai Avenue — A sunny, vibrant selection of vintage collectibles and locally made artwork.
D/K Living— on Montgomery Street — My favorite showroom featuring an assortment of antique furnishings for the garden, including heavyweight clay and stone vessels.
Horn Canyon — on Thacher Road — For scenic, rambling views of the valley. On the roadside, just-picked avocado and orange are for sale.
San Ysidro Ranch— on San Ysidro Lane — The most exquisite hideaway of cottages ensconced in lush, hillside garden.
Cercana— on Ojai Avenue — A tight curation of globally-made, sustainable goods for home and garden. Local makers also feature.
Ojai Valley Inn— on Country Club Road — The best vantage for enjoying the golden light that bathes the Topa Topa Mountains routinely during sunset. Cold-pressed, raw honey from the inn’s private apiary is a favorite souvenir.
