Ojai California Tennis, A 120 Year Tournament Legacy
Ojai California Tennis, a 120 Year Tournament Legacy. Perhaps best known for “The Ojai” tournament, this amazing town has provided tennis fans with the very best in amateur tennis for over 120 years. The Town of Ojai, which is approximately 80 miles North of Los Angeles, California. It is most certainly a tennis town, but that is not the only reason to visit. A myriad of options lie before you here, from wine country, a National Forest to fine dining. and relaxation. The quaint town of approximately 8000 will steal your heart.
Things to Do In and Around Ojai
The Ojai Tournament
The Ojai tournament is a celebration of the sport and is held each year in April dating back to 1893. The first tournament was held at this time, but the dream of Sherman Day Thacher began nearly 10 years earlier when he began tutoring students on his farm. From there, he went on to help found the Ojai Athletic Club and his brother founded the Ojai Valley Tennis Club. The rest is, as they say, history. And what a history!! The tournament itself is held in downtown Ojai at Libbey Park. With 30 different divisions, you can imagine that many courts are required. The matches are spread out over many private courts as well as in surrounding communities. Tickets for the event can be purchased on site or online through the Ojai website. A five day, weekend or daily pass can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Daily at Libbey Park, spectators are treated to complimentary fresh orange juice each morning as well as cookie and tea the afternoons.
Wine Tasting
If you choose the right time of year to visit, there are many options in this small community to explore and savour the wines of the region. You can choose to appreciate fine art while you taste fine wine, or pack a picnic and take your wine tasting outdoors. Ask the concierge at your hotel for their recommendations.
Fine Dining
Where to Buy Tennis Equipment in Ojai – The Tennis Shop of Montecito
While in Ojai, there are many other communities nearby to explore. Take a beautiful, half hour (mostly) coastal drive from Ojai, to the community of Montecito. The Tennis Shop has been in operation for 40 years and even offers a children’s section. 1187 Coast Village Road #4 Montecito, CA (805) 969-1551 www.thetennisshopofmontecito.com
Where to Stay in Ojai – Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Voted as one of the Top 50 Tennis Resorts for 2008 by Tennis Magazine, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is an ideal Southern California tennis resort for anyone who wants to improve their game or just have fun! A very welcoming tennis retreat. The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa a Tennis Pro Shop onsite and online that offers apparel, equipment and tennis accessories. Tom Rohrbacher, Director of Tennis Tom Rohrbacher has served the tennis industry and for more than 30 years. His affiliations over the years have ranged from the Tennis Club Managers Association to Special Olympics. Tom is a Professional 1 member of USPTA and past president of the California Division. He has been Director of Tennis at the 5 Diamond Ojai Valley Inn & Spa in Ojai, CA since September of 2000. In addition, Tom operates International Tennis and Recreation, a tennis-consulting business. Tom is a member of the United States Tennis Association; a USTA schools program clinician; a United States Racquet Stringers Association Master Racquet Technician and Tester; a National Tennis Rating Program head verifier in Ventura County; a Babolat Advisory Staff member; and a Special Olympics certified coach. He also has been a tennis columnist for the Ventura County Star newspaper. The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa offers a variety of different types of accommodations from guest suites to luxury penthouses.
