Inspired in Ojai, California, Ojai, California

Finding Your Creative Side in Ojai. There’s a saying in the little bucolic village of Ojai – “The town with nothing to do and not enough time to do it.” I found this saying on postcards in art galleries and bookstores.

Situated on an East and West direction of a Valley, locals tell you the area two hours from Los Angeles, offers a magical vortex that provides positive energy. Some claim it is similar to Sedona, AZ or Joshua Tree, CA. I discovered that Ojai attracts artists, musicians and spiritual people.

Many of the residents are transplants. They are fed up with big city life, and discover Ojai is a calmer change of scenery, with a more open natural environment that helps people feel grounded again.

Staying two nights at the charming boutique hotel The Emerald Iguana Inn, I was determined to explore the town with nothing to do and find a few worthwhile adventures in just enough time, before I had to drive back to Los Angeles.

The Emerald Iguana Inn is a creative place designed by the owners and architect Marc and Julia Whitman. Located at the end of a residential street, outside the reception office is a ten-food long mosaic emerald colored iguana made of tile. The sculpture sits in a fountain to greet guests upon their arrival. Whitman made this piece from tile from RTK studios just one block over from the property. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).