What a great opening reel. Easing onto Route 150, we drove right through downtown Ojai, which is really, really small, and really very charming. We checked in at the hotel, jumped back in the car, and were back to downtown in literally 3 minutes.

This main section of Ojai was built in 1917. [below] Using the Mission Revival style, designed to resemble the old California missions, the roughly one block downtown section features an arcade of shops, a lookout tower, and a pergola - which is another name for the plant-covered trellis serving as the entrance to Libbey Park.

The shops are unique and great for browsing, the eateries are all one-of-a-kind, and the galleries are friendly and welcoming with great local artists.

In fact, we didn't know it, but we had arrived in town for something called '2nd Saturday.' This day, and then again on April 10, [the 2nd Saturday of the month] arcade merchants will be staying open late [9:00PM is late for Ojai], and providing live music, munchies and beverages.

But first, dinner at Ojai Pizza, advertised as 'the only good pizza.'

Our pepperoni, black olive and mushroom pie come out a slightly cold the first time, but after reheating was very fresh and tasty. Megan opted for some cheese bread - which looked and tasted like a cheese pizza with no sauce. Beer and wine is available.

Afterward, we took part in 2nd Saturday. We found the shops to be quite unique. Humanarts Home features hand crafted, hand-painted furniture, and an assortment of gifts and fun things, including some cool cat pillows - which we picked up. [right]

There was a shop with soaps, candles, votives and incense. Another shop had imported items from Africa. Very diverse and interesting stuff.

Rains of Ojai is a large resort-like department store. With men and women's clothing, home & garden, and other specialty items, it is a good sized space, but still cozy.

Overall, the shopkeepers seemed to be genuinely warm and friendly people. And while this 'vibe' comes across in varying degrees in places like Venice Beach or Palm Springs, the people of Ojai seem to have really embraced it.

Behind the main stores on the arcade, we stumbled upon an event offering champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, cheese and crackers and a live band. [below] And all free. The whole goings-on were very neighborly, friendly and laid back.