Ventura - Premier Visitors Guide 2007-2008 - (Page 17) around town (continued from page 15) California’s 21 missions. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Donation is $2. Be sure to peek at the China Alley Mural, across from the mission. Created by Qi Pang Guo and Song Yun, the mural commemorates the Chinese Fire Brigade, which protected not only Chinese settlers’ wooden shacks, but also other Ventura structures in the late 1800s. Down the block, pop into Ortega Adobe (215 W. Main St.), built in 1857. This was the birthplace of the famous Ortega Green Chilies and the last remaining original adobe of many that once lined Main St. in the 1800s. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. History and visual arts combine at the Museum of Ventura County (100 E. Main St., 653-0323, www.venturamuseum.org). The city’s most prominent center for the visual arts designs perma- nent and rotating exhibits of nationally known artists in three galleries. Fascinating programs and special events make the museum a fun destination for children and adults alike. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults; $3 for seniors 62 and older; $2 for children 6-17 and students with ID; children under 6 are admitted free. One of the oldest and largest Moreton Bay fig trees in California (planted in 1874) can be seen at the four-acre Plaza Park (Santa Clara and Chestnut streets), which also includes a children’s FA RME RS MA RKE T A L L IN THE FAMILY The Ventura farmer’s market feels very much like a family affair. Out front one morning is a band of teenage musicians playing Celtic tunes, including a dancer cutting a fine jig. This is the original farmers market in Ventura County, and it is still going strong after more than 20 years (and it's still organized as a cooperative run by the growers). Part of what creates the family atmosphere is that many of the farmers work within 25 miles of the market. If not blood relatives, they are certainly neighbors. The roughly 45 farmers include such established regulars on the market circuit as Oxnard's Harry's Berries and Camarillo's DiTomaso Farms, which has tangelos, Fuerte and Hass avocados, as well as newcomers such as Dave Pommer from Santa Paula, whose stand features a gorgeous arrangement of artichokes, chards, fava beans, carrots and lettuces, and even backyard growers such as Fillmore's Jerry Joske, who brings Bacon avocados, bay leaves, chards and mint, and Lucy Vanoni and her grandsons, descendants of an important local farming family, who bring loquats, Dancy tangerines and other citrus. Hungry? Try the many samples, buy a muffin and a cup of coffee or lunch on homemade tamale. Ventura, Saturday, City Parking Lot, Santa Clara and Palm streets, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 529-6266. Wed. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Pacific View Mall, behind Sears. www.vccfarmersmarkets.com Downtown Ventura is bustling with charming shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. 17 W W W. V E N T U R A - U S A . C O M MARK DOLYAK http://www.venturamuseum.org http://www.venturamuseum.org http://www.vccfarmersmarkets.com http://WWW.VENTURA-USA.COM
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