HERITAGE VALLEY
Often called the “Citrus Capital of the World,” picturesque Heritage Valley is filled with vast citrus groves and avocado orchards, and includes such charming historic towns as Fillmore, Santa Paula, and Piru. To reach Heritage Valley from downtown Ventura, take U.S.Highway 101 south a few miles, then head east on Highway 126 along the Santa Clara River.

One of the best ways to enjoy the Heritage Valley is to hop aboard the delightful Fillmore & Western Railway, an antique train offering scenic rides between Fillmore and Santa Paula. Special events are scheduled throughout the year, including holiday adventures (such as Fourth of July), and “A Day Out With Thomas,” a Thomas the Tank Engine adventure certain to delight families. For tickets, special events, and excursion times, call 805-524-2546 or 800-773-TRAIN.

Historic Fillmore describes itself as “the last best small town in Southern California.” Today, it offers a quaint, turn-of-the-century ambiance, unique shops, museums, and a wine-tasting room.

The historic streets of Santa Paula are lined with Queen Anne and Victorian-style homes, antique shops and galleries. The popular California Oil Museum (1001 E. Main Street, 805-933-0076) preserves the Union Oil building constructed in 1890 and chronicles the history of oil in the region, including industry artifacts and rotating exhibits of art, history, and science. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am–4pm; admission is free.

Peaceful Piru was founded in 1887 by idealist David C. Cook, who planned to establish here a “second Garden of Eden.”He planted his acres of rich land in fruit trees mentioned in the Bible—such as dates, grapes, pomegranates, and figs. Today, Cook’s elaborate Queen Anne home (829 N. Park Street), which was built around 1890 and is now called the Piru Mansion, is open to the public by appointment. Six miles north of town, Lake Piru is a popular spot for fishing, camping, boating, water-skiing, swimming, hiking, and sailing. Call 805- 521-1500 for recreation area information or the Lake Piru marina and boat rental facility at 805-521-1231.