Ventura - Premier Visitors Guide 2007-2008 - (Page 41) The Heritage Valley exploring the county T Saticoy, Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru he Heritage Valley (www.heritagevalley.net), often called the “Citrus Capital of the World,” is filled with vast citrus groves, strawberry fields and avocado orchards and includes the charming historic towns of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru. Scenic Highway 126 takes you from the city of Ventura to the rural Heritage Valley, a region with a fascinating agricultural and cultural history, plus dozens of great Mexican restaurants and produce stands. It’s well worth exploring if time allows. To reach Heritage Valley from Ventura, take U.S. Highway 101 south, then east on Highway 126 along the Santa Clara River. Saticoy is a peaceful town nine miles east of Ventura that was once part of the vast Rancho y Santa Paula land grant. The last military action of California’s Mexican American War was fought at Saticoy on January 6, 1847. The small bloodless skirmish took place near the site where a Japanese balloon bomb fell in January 1945. Golfers should head to the 9-hole, par 35 Saticoy Regional Golf Course (1025 S. Wells Rd., 647-6678). Take the 10th street off ramp to experience Santa Paula’s historic downtown. You’ll be charmed by the “Home Town USA” feel with small shops, boutiques, galleries and delicious restaurants. The California Oil Museum (1001 E. Main Street, www.oilmuseum.net) is in the original Union Oil building, a California State Landmark constructed in 1890. Exhibits chronicle the history of oil in the region along with rotating exhibits on art, history and science. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4p.m. While at the museum, pick up brochures and maps about The Murals of Santa Paula (www.santapaulamurals.org), a series of nine brilliant murals produced by some of the nation’s most accomplished muralists celebrating Santa Paula’s singular place in California history. One block north of the Oil Museum is the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, built in 1887 to 1911 to accommodate businessmen and tourists arriving at the depot, and is noted for its Tudor Craftsman architecture and listed on the National Register. Back on Highway 126 and traveling east, you’ll pass The Santa Clara Little Red School House, the oldest continuously operating school since 1896. A few miles further and you will enter Fillmore, known as “the last best small town in Southern California.” Fillmore offers a quaint, turn-of-the-century ambiance, unique shops, museums and a wine tasting room. One of the best ways to enjoy the Heritage Valley is to hop aboard the delightful Fillmore & Western Railway, an Scenic Highway 126 takes you from the City of Ventura to the rural Heritage Valley, a region with a fascinating agricultural and cultural history. antique train offering scenic rides between Fillmore and Santa Paula. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. For tickets, special events and excursion times call 524-2546 or (800) 773-8724, or visit www.fwry.com. Peaceful Piru was founded in 1887 by agriculturist David C. Cook who built his elaborate Victorian mansion and the nearby Methodist Church, both Ventura County Landmarks located on Park Street. The nearby Heritage Valley Inn, built in the 1890s and listed as a Ventura County Landmark, is the centerpiece of Piru’s town center. Six miles north of town, Lake Piru is stocked annually with rainbow trout and is a popular spot for fishing, camping, boating, water-skiing, swimming, hiking and sailing. Call 521-1500 for recreation area information or the Lake Piru marina and boat rentals at 521-1231 or visit www.lake-piru.org. Just east of Piru is Rancho Camulos, Ventura County’s only National Historic Landmark, located on 1800 acres of agricultural lands established by Ygnacio del Valle in 1853. The museum grounds feature a large adobe, chapel, schoolhouse and winery surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. The Rancho Camulos Museum is open for tours on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. For further information visit www.ranchocamulos.org or call 521-1501. W W W. V E N T U R A - U S A . C O M MARK DOLYAK 41 http://www.heritagevalley.net http://www.oilmuseum.net http://www.fwry.com http://www.santapaulamurals.org http://www.lake-piru.org http://www.ranchocamulos.org http://WWW.VENTURA-USA.COM
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