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Oxnard is home to some of the most fun, memorable, diverse and exciting festivals in California!  Festival season begins with the whale watching season in December/ January, and the Festival of Whales in March.  May reminds us that spring is in the air, and flowers are in bloom when you start to smell the sweet smell of strawberries growing on the plains.  The California Strawberry Festival in May offers everything strawberry and is a festival that you won't want to miss.  Following right behind are the Friday night Summer Concerts at Heritage Square in June, 4th of July fireworks, and the famous Oxnard Salsa Festival in July.  Salsa flows in the form of food, music and dance that weekend in Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard.  As summer winds down, but the weather is still warm, the Oxnard Autumn Historic Home Tours and Multicultural Festival fill September and October.  You can't forget to experience the holiday festivities during the month of December!  There is a tree lighting, boat Parade of Lights, decorated historical homes on Christmas Tree Lane, and Tamale Festival ongoing during the down-home holiday parade. 

For a full list of events, please visit our Calendar of Events page!  To share your fun and excitement about Oxnard's Festivals, comment below.

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Sometimes it's the little places that score big!

Esquire Magazine recently named Mrs. Olson's Coffee Hut in Oxnard as one of the best breakfast places in the United States. That's quite an honor for this small local establishment, but no surprise to those of us who've been there. Locals love it.  It's packed every weekend, with a line out the door. But with the beach at the end of the block, people don't seem to mind the wait.  

What's your favorite dish at Mrs. Olson's?  Do you have another favorite breakfast place in Oxnard? Share what tickles your taste buds with other readers by submitting a comment below.

Read the full article in the Ventura County Star online.

One of the best places in the region to see dazzling architecture is in downtown Oxnard. At Heritage Square, you'll see a collection of Victorian-style houses that were moved here from other parts of Oxnard about 20 years ago, and restored by the city and private owners. The setting is spectacular - gardens, fountains and brick walkways. You can stroll around at your leisure, or take a guided docent tour on Saturdays and Sundays.

Just a few blocks away, the Henry T. Oxnard National Register Historic District is a must-see collection of early 20^th century bungalows. You can drive down the wide, tree-lined streets, or park and walk. The District begins at the corner of Fifth and "F" Streets - and it features more than 100 houses to see!

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I never had Brazilian food before, but I'd been reading a lot of great reviews about the new restaurant at Channel Islands Harbor, Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine. So when a business associate invited me for lunch (her treat!), I jumped at the chance. We shared the Moqueca de Camarao (jumbo shrimp moqueca).  The dish came sizzling in a "moqueca" (clay pot) with rice on the side. The flavor of the sauce was unlike anything I'd never taste before, and the shrimps were cooked to perfection.  It was absolutely delicious, and I would definitely recommend it.

Do you have a favorite Oxnard restaurant you would recommend?

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Whale watching season is here! Off the coast of Oxnard, you can see magnificent gray and humpback whales migrating.  Learn more about the animals that inhabit the channel off the coast of Oxnard through the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 

Have you been whale watching lately? What did you see?

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I recently took a cooking class at La Dolce Vita in downtown Oxnard.  I enjoyed the outdoor setting -- the class took place on the porch of the restaurant  -- and thought the price was very reasonable (it included wine and the meal we prepared). Classes are offered monthy. 

The hands-on, casual approach of owner /chef Michelle Kinney made for a fun and relaxing afternoon. Themed for the upcoming holiday season, the menu featured roasted chicken with gravy; fig and prosciutto stuffing; caramelized onions with thyme & sage; butternut squash bread pudding; and for dessert - a "to die for" apple cake with toffee crust.  Most enjoyable was the camaraderie of the group as we worked together to prepare the meal --sipping wine, sharing cooking tips, and discussing favorite kitchen gadgets. 

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