Ventura - Premier Visitors Guide 2007-2008 - (Page 31) Brain Food Stimulate your brain cells at Ventura’s educational hub centered in the East End. Established in 1925, Ventura College (4667 Telegraph Rd., 654-6400, www.venturacollege.edu) is one of the oldest community colleges in the state. Originally landscaped as an arboretum, the 112-acre campus retains a focus on environmental preservation as well as culture and sports. The college’s Gallery 2 and New Media Gallery exhibit the artwork of Ventura College faculty and students and prestigious artists from all over the U.S. Admission is free. Parking permits are available at the parking booth off Telegraph Road. Hours change weekly; call the gallery office (648-8974) the day you plan to visit. Ventura College Theater (6546462) provides a showcase for local thespians who perform everything from one-act plays to rich contemporary dramas and opera (www.operaworkshop.info). GO L F Sunshine, fresh sea air, and an array of fantastic courses for all levels of players combine to make Ventura a golfer’s paradise. Schedule your tee time and prepare for a round to remember. Buenaventura Golf Course (5882 Olivas Park Dr., 6422231). A recent $6.5 million renovation transformed this woodsy municipal course into one of the finest in the southland. William Bell designed the 18-hole, par-70 course. Olivas Links (3750 Olivas Park Dr., 642-4303). The newest golf course in Southern California, Olivas Links boasts views of the surrounding hillsides, Ventura Harbor and the Channel Islands. Four distinct sets of tees provide challenges for players of all abilities. Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Golf Course (Country Club Road, Ojai, 646-5511). The legendary, par 70 championship course has hosted 7 Senior PGA Tour events, and the sprawling property is rated one of the top 100 golf resorts in the world. Soule Park Golf Course (1033 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, 646-5633). A stream runs throughout the peaceful 18-hole, par 72 public course with gorgeous views of the Topa Topa Mountains. Elkins Ranch (1386 Chambersburg Rd., Fillmore, 524-1440). A quiet, peaceful atmosphere pervades this 18-hole, par 70 semi-private course with five lakes on hilly terrain. Great for family outings. Mountain View Golf Course of Santa Paula (16799 S. Mountain Rd., Santa Paula, 525-1571). Tree-lined fairways and pastoral country views enhance this 18-hole, par 79 semi-private course. Saticoy Regional Golf Course (1025 S. Wells Rd., Saticoy, 647-6678). Saticoy's flat, 9-hole, par 35 course with small greens and no water hazards is ideal for all levels of players. Sterling Hills Golf Course (901 Sterling Hills Dr., Camarillo, 987-3446). The scenic, tree-studded course amid rolling hills includes lakes, streams, and scenic views. 18 holes, par 71. Camarillo Springs Golf Course (747 Camarillo Springs Rd., 484-1074). Ponds on 11 of the 18 holes enhance the lush landscaping on a challenging, par 72 course. Family Fun Family fun is what the East End is all about! Golf ‘N Stuff (5555 Walker St., 644-7131, www.golfnstuff.com) thrills youngsters with two miniature golf courses, bumper cars and boats, go-karts, laser tag, a snack bar and an arcade. Speed around the rink on quad skates or rollerblades at Skating Plus (1720 Mesa Verde Ave., 656-2120), a well supervised skating facility offering lessons, group rates, a snack bar and arcade. Just next door, the family can bowl in style at Buena Lanes (1788 Mesa Verde Ave., 656-0666, www.buenalanesbowling.com). Alpine (1954 Goodyear Ave., 650-1213, www.alpineventura.com) is a cutting-edge indoor skatepark, that combines gaming, fashion, classes, music, BMX and more in a spacious complex. East End Shopping, Dining, Services Large retail complexes line the main East End streets. In Montalvo Square, a new shopping center on South Victoria Ave. near Hwy. 101, you’ll find gourmet groceries, fine apparel, gifts and restaurants. Within the complex, internationally renowned spa artists at the Yamaguchi Salon and Coastal Day Spa (1794 S. Victoria Ave., 658-7909, www.yamaguchibeauty.com) integrate Feng Shui into a holistic approach to beauty. Hearty German specialties are served at Old Vienna Restaurant (3845 Telegraph Rd., 654-1214), and the Royal Bakery (4726 Telephone Rd., 658-6030) tempts the palate with an array of delectable cakes, cookies and other baked goods and pastries. But the popular eatery with a sunny patio MARK DOLYAK is equally famous for its excellent lunchtime fare: soups, salads, quiches and sandwiches. W W W. V E N T U R A - U S A . C O M 31 http://www.venturacollege.edu http://www.operaworkshop.info http://www.golfnstuff.com http://www.buenalanesbowling.com http://www.alpineventura.com http://www.yamaguchibeauty.com http://WWW.VENTURA-USA.COM
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