Newbury Park, California, has come a long way in 7,000 years; that’s when the Chumash Indians first settled in the area. Many ancient burial sites are located here, and priceless Native American artifacts have been found. Native American Indian Culture Center and Nature Center is part of the National Park Service. Located in Sycamore Canyon, the area was part of the Chumash Trade route. Satwiwa’s English meaning is “the bluffs” and was the name of the local Chumash Village. You can visit a re-creation of one of the ancient houses and spend the day learning about the native culture.
Today, Newbury Park sits almost entirely in the city limits of Thousand Oaks and is part of the #8 most affluent metropolitan areas in the country. As such, they are one of only eight areas where most households make over 80k annually. Homes here have an average value over double the average value across the US. Much of the success is due to technology companies like Amgen and Baxter being located here.
Living in the Conejo Valley brings a laidback lifestyle and getting back to nature is easy here. Point Mugu State Park is in the Santa Monica Mountains and has five miles of shoreline to take in. There are two river canyons, sand dunes, and 70 miles of hiking trails. Part of the park includes the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. The Big Sycamore Canyon Trail ends at the park as well. Newbury Gateway Park is seven acres and has a playground and picnic area, running and hiking trails and a dog park. Be careful here at night because a bear was spotted there on July 9th, 2021.
One of the oldest and most storied buildings here is the Stagecoach Inn. Originally the Grand Union Hotel, the luxurious structure cost $7,200 to build in 1876. It was a church, military school, post office, and tearoom at one time or another. After being declared a National Historic Landmark, it mysteriously burned down in 1970 and reopened for the country’s bicentennial, July 4th, 1976. The Inn today is a museum, but many say it is the most haunted place in California, with as many as three different spirits.
A great spot to eat is The Alamo Mexican Grill and Cantina, serving fresh Mexican entrees since 1976. At the daily happy hour, you try the Conejo Valley Margarita, which has won awards seven times. You can’t go wrong with the signature 24oz bone-in ribeye at Holdren’s Steaks and Seafood, either.
After dinner, there is no finer spot to end the night than at Carrara’s. Chef Massimiliano Carrara of Tuscany, Italy, oversees the homemade pastries and gelato. They must be doing something right as they were named the 2019 Small Business Of The Year.
One small business you can always count on in Newbury Park is 101 Gopher & Pest Control. We have been taking care of our neighbor’s nuisance pests for over 20 years.
Contact us today for a free estimate.
