Rustic Ojai transports the eyes and the taste buds to a spiritual plane

I was pursuing one of my favorite weekend pastimes, window shopping, when I spotted the perfect T-shirt. “Oh, hi” read the lettering on the front. It offered a nice welcome to this Ventura County city, which portrayed Shangri-La in the 1937 Frank Capra film “Lost Horizon.” Surrounded by hills and mountains, the Ojai Valley now attracts weekenders who browse through its shops and meet its artists and organic farmers, spend time lolling in its spas and seek spiritual guidance at its meditation centers. XXXXXX prices TK xxxxxxxxx

The bed

Whenever I visit the area, I pop by Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (905 Country Club Road; [855] 697-8780, www.ojairesort.com) to stroll through the grounds, which harbors magnificent 200-year-old oaks and, if the timing is right, visit one of the inn’s four restaurants. But this time, I scored an Internet deal and spent the night. The upscale, Spanish hacienda-style inn and spa dates to 1934. It’s pet- friendly, has great restaurants and many rooms have balconies, fireplaces and beautiful views.

The meal

I felt as if I was at a garden party when I drove into the parking lot at Suzanne’s Cuisine, 502 W. Ojai Ave.; (805) 640-1961, www.suzannescuisine.com. The building is surrounded by trees and flowers and guests dine on a lovely patio. Chef Suzanne Roll and daughter Sandra Moore combine their talents to serve contemporary European cuisine. A little more here please

The find

Olive oil tasting is a top attraction in Ojai. Among the shops I visited was the Ojai Tasting Room, 326 E. Ojai Ave., NO PHONE OR WEBSITE where guests can choose from 31 flavors in the balsamic tasting bar. Or visit Ojai Olive Oil, where you can see olive trees and visit a tasting room, 1811 Ladera Ridge Rd, Ojai, (805) 646-5964, www.ojaiolive.com

Lesson learned

Ojai is home to many festivals and events during the year, including an upcoming lavender festival, June 25, and a major contemporary classical music festival, June 9-12. The event includes symposiums and educational programs, (805) 646-2094), www.ojaifestival.org.