Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/679293
DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2016 18 WHAT'S COOKING DOWNTOWN Early California history has a special place in Ventura's historic downtown cultural district, which began as Father Junipero Serra's final mission settlement. Meander through downtown to see Mission San Buenaventura and the historic homes, museums, boutiques, antique shops and restaurants that dot the palm-tree-lined streets. With a wealth of family-owned stores, cultural arts and a thriving music and foodie scene, the downtown area is an ideal base for visitors. Tour along, using the free trolley that runs between downtown and Ventura Harbor Village, stopping at major attractions and most major hotels. Wine lovers can easily duck into a down- town wine bar to taste the best of California's Central Coast, which is recognized as one of the world's leading wine-growing regions. If you want to experience the wine- making process, stop by the Ventura Visitors Center to learn about the wineries you can visit on your own or on an organ- ized tour, like the Sip & Savor Wine Tour, which features some of Ventura's wine- tasting rooms. Ventura's thriving music scene show- cases more than 35 venues offering live music, along with dozens of special events and festivals annually. On nearly any day of the year, you can check out local bands, solo artists and musicians who play just about every genre of music—and you never know who will be sitting in with the band. T R A V E L P L A N N E R Explore all Ventura has to offer at visitventuraca.com. DS TOP: The popular Ventura Harbor Village features boutiques and restaurants as well as an arcade, a carousel and an ice cream shop. Kamilo Bustamante/Brooks Institute ABOVE: Grab a board and enjoy the surf. Johnny Syres