Background Story
Before real estate, I had a career in television and journalism, working at MTV during the 90s. For me, my career with MTV was a hybrid of the traditional college experience and getting paid to do what you love. It rarely felt like a job. It was like I had won the lottery: I got to hang out with like-minded, music-obsessed young people, and I met and interviewed some of my favorite music and film idols. And the best part was that the people I worked with became more than friends, we are an MTV family.
About Skye Hoppus
One of my MTV sisters is Skye Hoppus (nee Everly), who worked in the talent department and left when she got married to her wonderful rockstar boyfriend. Skye continued to have an impressive career beyond MTV; she created Childish Clothing, a line of maternity and children’s clothes, and wrote a book called Rock Star Momma on maternity fashion.
Skye is known among all her friends to have the best taste in, well, everything. She’s become quite the expert on Ojai (for those not familiar, Ojai is a picturesque small city about an hour north of Los Angeles). She knows all the best places to eat and shop, and what activities to do there, so who better to ask for an insider’s guide to Ojai!
Q&A
A: Sitting on our patio enjoying the open space, mountain views with family and friends. Ojai is the perfect gathering spot to unwind in the serenity of the orange groves and serene valley views. Start the day with a coffee from Ojai Roasters, followed by a hike in the East End with friends, lunch at the Nest, shopping and walking in town..see below for my faves, early drinks on the patio, delicious dinner at one of the spots below then post-dinner watching the pink moment.
Q: Best time to visit Ojai and why?
A: Spring and fall are glorious here but, to be honest, anytime is really perfect and the convenience of being SO close to LA makes it the perfect city escape!
Q: Favorite stores?
A: Blue Ojai – My favorite shop in town full of cool home decor, books, art, clothing, gifts…really anything! Incredibly curated and the nicest people run it! Bungalow – I love their two shops off Montgomery stocked full of gifts, home decor, and clothes upstairs. deKor – Awesome home store with furniture, clothing, jewelry and more. Treasures of Ojai – I have found the best vintage treats here from jewelry to ceramics, clothes and kitchen goods! Fig – Great for pots for gardening as well as cool hostess gifts and house goodies.
Q: Favorite restaurants? Breakfast, lunch and dinner?
A: For Breakfast: The Dutchess…coffees are delightful, freshly baked sweets and the most savory mains! Our favs are the egg sando and Croque Madame!
For Lunch: Tortilla House – This is a cash only, hole-in-the-wall DELICIOUS Mexican spot. Grab and go burritos made with fresh tortillas! Bean and Cheese or Chicken burritos are SO good! We also love The Nest – favs are the Poke Bowl, Brisket Tacos and Kale Caesar. The Nest has the coolest shop attached that is a must-visit.
For Dinner: Rory’s Place – Our favs are caviar and chips, daily crudo (last night we had the hamachi with kumquat on shiso leaf – so good!), and the hanger steak is perfection. The Dutchess is our other go-to with a cool and cozy vibe in town. Must try their crispy rice salad, tea leaf salad and duck liver mousse.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in Ojai?
A: Hiking, Shopping, Gardening, Pink Moment, e-biking, evening walks + drinks
Q: Best home decor store?
A: Hands down…Blue Ojai
Q: What to wear in Ojai?
A: Casual + comfy..bring a brimmed hat! Blue Ojai sells the cutest ones!
Q: Ojai has one of the best farmer’s markets in the world. What’s your favorite thing to pick up? Favorite Stall?
A: The Ojai Farmers Market really is one of the best! Wildflowers are always my favorite purchase at the farmers market. I also pick up fresh eggs and local avocados. Fresh seasonal fruits are always a great find too!
For more Ojai recommendations, feel free to give me a call or send me an email at juliette(dotted)hohnen(at)elliman(dotted)com.