The Latest News from
Oxnard, California
Beyond Strawberries & Lemons . . . Oxnard’s Herzog Wine Cellars Joins Forces to Create New Wine Trail Map — With a unified goal of getting Ventura County “on the map,” so to speak, several local wineries have joined forces to produce the first-ever Ventura County Wine Trail Map, spearheaded by
Oxnard’s own Herzog Wine Cellars. The map features seven local wineries clustered around a pictorial map of the area, as well as restaurants, hotels, shuttle companies and even wine-centric events. Participating wineries include: Rancho Ventavo Cellars (Moorpark); Bella Victorian Vineyard & Winery (Camarillo); Cantara Cellars (Camarillo); Stafford Premium Wines & Camarillo Custom Crush (Camarillo); Herzog Wine Cellars (Oxnard); Old Creek Ranch Winery (Ojai Valley); and Casa Barranca Winery, also located in Ojai. The map was designed as a full-service tool for tourists, highlighting some of the best the county has to offer. Travelers can plan an entire trip in the area, complete with a shuttle-led wine tasting trip, hotel stay, and dining suggestions. For more information, visit the website at www.venturacountywinetrail.com.
Experience Diving Without Getting Wet — Visitors can experience a rare glimpse into a seldom-seen marine ecosystem without even getting wet with the Channel Islands Live Dive Interactive Program offered now through Labor Day. The program is broadcast live on Anacapa Island every Tuesday through Thursday at 2 p.m. With the help of SCUBA-trained park rangers and advanced underwater technology, visitors join the program via dockside television monitors as the dive team descends into the forest, camera in hand. As the camera is turned on, the kelp forest comes to life. On the surface and below the water, park naturalists explain what the TV monitors reveal. Divers hike among spiky, spiny sea urchins, school of iridescent fish, and soft, slow-moving sea cucumbers. Brightly colored fish move through the forest and are captured through the camera’s eye. Island Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, escorts visitors to Anacapa Island. Reservations can be booked by calling Island Packers at 805-642-1393.
Sail by Sunset — Cruising on the water is fun and when its mixed with special events and
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Oxnard's Southern Belle |
sunset filled skies, it becomes an experience. The Scarlett Belle paddle wheeler located in picturesque Channel Islands Harbor will offer two open public cruises this fall. Charters are scheduled for Sunday, September 14 and a Halloween cruise on Friday, October 31. Visitors can dress up in their favorite costume for a fun Halloween bash. The cruises are $75 per person, which includes hors’ d’oeuvres music, dancing and entertainment. For more information, call A & M Charters at 805-290-5371.
Charming, Historic Homes on View during Autumn Home Tours — Visitors can get a glimpse of the past and view six architecturally significant homes up close and personal during the 12th Annual Oxnard Autumn Home Tour. This year, the event includes a tour of historic cemeteries held in conjunction with the home tour. The homes are located within the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District located on “G” and “F” Streets and date as far back as 1903. The cost for the home tour is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The cemetery tour is an additional fee of $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The start of the tour is at the Carnegie Art Museum, 424 South “C” Street. The Oxnard Historic District encompasses 144 homes on F and G Streets. For more information, call 805-483-7960 or visit, www.oxnardhistoricdistrict.com.
Marine Emporium Landing to Serve as a Center for Waterfront Fun, Channel Islands Hopping & Entertainment — With a replica of the infamous Arch Rock on Anacapa Island
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Marine Emporium Landing building |
displayed at the entrance, Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor is quickly developing into the water center of activity and entertainment in Oxnard. With two new buildings under construction and a third on the way, Marine Emporium Landing now offers all types of watersports and activities for visitors including segway scooters, electric boats, jet ski’s, plus kayak, scuba and snorkeling rentals. A new boat ramp displays a sign overhead, “Gateway to the Channel Islands” where visitors can depart for the Channel Islands National Park with Island Packers Boat Company. In addition to watersports, Marine Emporium Landing will soon boast new restaurants and fun eateries. Coming this fall are waterside dining, Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, offering authentic Brazilian fare and the return of Sea Fresh, which will offer a fresh fish market, sushi bar and restaurant. Other eateries planned are a coffee shop, ice cream store and possibly a candy shop. Retail shops in addition to a day spa and
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Arch Rock on Anacapa Island |
salon are also in the works. Exterior enhancements include a new promenade along the waterfront, decorative lighting and a dockside grassy knoll providing the perfect spot for picnics and people watching. For those seeking the freshest ‘catch of the day,’ Captain Hook’s Sportfishing is expanding its operation and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA), will also move into a larger space, continuing to provide a wealth of information on the Channel Islands. Marine Emporium Landing also houses the Scarlett Belle paddle wheeler, providing themed dinner cruises and Sunfish Diving for scuba diving excursions along the coastal waters of Oxnard. For more information, call 805-985-5828 or visit www.marineemporiumlanding.com.
The First Annual Latino Heritage Month Takes Place in Oxnard — An exciting month-long celebration showcasing the strong cultural and historical roots of the Latino heritage will take place throughout Oxnard during the First Annual Latino Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. The city-wide event is a culmination of musical performances, art exhibits, cinema, food & wine tastings, dance, educational lectures and much more. Highlights include a film tribute to master cinematographer from the golden age of Mexican Cinema, Gabriel Figueroa and the creations of John Valadez, a realist painter & muralist whose work is permanently displayed in such prominent institutions as the National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian and more. Fresh, seasonal produce, baked goods and children’s art area will take place at Heritage Square Marketplace. The wines of Mexico will also be featured at Heritage Square and a wine seminar, presented by Steven Dryden, Travel Writer for the Baja Times will be offered. Presenter, bilingual educator & author, Amada Irma Perez will share her passion for children’s literacy. For more information, contact organizers, NGI Strategic Marketing at 805-486-1349.
For more information about Oxnard
Phone: 1-800-269-6273
Visit website: www.visitoxnard.com
Request the 2008 Oxnard Visitors Guide and Special Events Guide