Ojai Offers ‘Unchained’ Holiday Season Experience
In Ojai, Holiday Shopping Turns Into a Get-A-Way
Free of chain stores, and brimming with small town charm and hospitality, Ojai offers an “unchained” holiday shopping experience that turns “getting through it” to “getting away.” During the hectic holiday season, Ojai offers a place to unplug, relax, and connect with real life. It’s where one-of-a-kind takes on new meaning, and friendly shopkeepers are on hand to assist with finding that perfect something on your gift list.
It’s also a city renowned for its cozy B & B’s and pampering spas, so a shopping excursion in Ojai can be much more than a day at the mall or local outlet center. It can be an escape, and a new way to celebrate the season, especially with special hotel packages and rates offered by Ojai inns and hotels.
Visitors will find everything BUT the same old, same old gifts in Ojai, and nowhere is this more evident than in the collection of boutiques and specialty shops in and around the village center. Upscale apparel, fine art, antiques, metaphysical supplies, hand-crafted jewelry, home furnishings, first-edition books, and made-in-Ojai gourmet products are just a few of the many items available.
Rains Department Store, an Ojai fixture for more than 100 years, offers upscale clothing and accessories for men and women as well kitchen gadgets, spices and sauces for the gourmet. Just steps outside its doors in the Ojai Arcade, the Primavera Gallery houses a collection of colorful art glass, beautiful chandeliers, and fabulous paintings in a gorgeous gallery setting. Human Arts Gallery showcases an eclectic collection of hand-crafted furniture, ceramics, artisan apparel, folk art and jewelry while across the way, Nomad specializes in African paintings, masks and textiles. Around the corner on Montgomery Street, next to the new Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room, Massarella’s Firehouse Pottery features finely crafted ceramics and functional art.
For something uniquely Ojai, a stop at Made In Ojai is a must. This combo artist collective and gift shop features locally made olive oils, teas, lavender lotions, honey and soaps, as well as books and music by local talent, fine art prints, pottery and gemstone jewelry. An array of antiques and collectibles can be discovered at the recently expanded Treasures of Ojai. Unique and stylish western wear can be found at Cowgirls Closet.
For gifts with deeper meaning, browse Soul Centered, which contains a large selection of angel products, incense, jewelry, statues, candles and other inspirational finds. To satisfy ones sweet tooth and find fun stocking stuffers, stop by Kingston’s Candy Company where the aisles are brimming with old-fashioned style candies, salt water taffy, bottles of soda pops, retro lunch boxes, and other fun gift items.
For those planning to stay a night or two, or perhaps even longer, the best hotel packages and discounts during December 2010 can be found at the following places:
Casa Ojai Inn – 25% Hotel Discount plus a Free Holiday Lunch
Who says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? At Casa Ojai, not only do you receive 25% off your room rate, but also one free lunch at Azu’s Mediterranean Restaurant, one of the best in town.
– Emerald Iguana Inn – Two Night Holiday Massage Package
Book two nights at the enchanting Emerald Iguana Inn, then add a bottle of Ojai wine, a box of gourmet chocolates, two etched “iguana” wine glasses, plus two, one-hour massages, all for $199 more.
– Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – Holiday Season Special
Book one room at the regular rate and receive the second room at half price OR book one room at our regular rate and receive a $100 resort credit per night.
– Su Nido Inn – 25% Hotel Discount plus a Free Holiday Lunch
Receive 25% off your suite at Su Nido Inn plus one free lunch at Azu’s Mediterranean Restaurant, just one block away.
– The Lavender Inn – 10% Off Holiday Special
A warm cozy fireplace and old-fashioned Christmas decor awaits your arrival at this cozy B & B. Holiday Package includes a 10% discount on your choice of rooms, afternoon wine and cheese reception featuring Tuaca Hot Apple Pie Toddy and Hot Mexican Spice Chocolate, and a full gourmet breakfast featuring a selection of ham, gruyere, and asparagus strata, or caramelized apple French toast, and cranberry walnut pastry.
– The Oaks at Ojai – Holiday Half-Off Special
Stay two nights and the third night is HALF OFF, and book one massage or facial and get a 2nd one, HALF OFF! Some restrictions apply.
For more information on these hotel discounts and special rates and more Ojai shops and galleries, contact the Ojai Visitors Bureau at www.ojaivisitors.com or 1-888-OJAI NOW.
