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Things to Do in West Hills
Recreation abounds in West Hills. Many sports playing fields and parks dot the community. Just of few of the parks: Castle Peak Park, Lazy J Park, Orcutt Ranch, Shadow Ranch Recreation Center, Taxco Trails Park, and the West Hills Sports Center/Adam Bischoff Soccer Fields.
Pick Oranges at Orcutt Ranch
One weekend a year, the public is invited to pick Valencia oranges and white grapefruit from the trees at Orcutt Ranch Horticulture Center at the bargain rate of $2.00 a filled grocery bag. Bring your own bags, boxes and A-frame ladders. Call for date and time.
This Los Angeles historic and cultural monument is well worth a visit at other times as well. The oak trees, the adobe and rose gardens make for a pleasant stroll. You can even hold your wedding here in the beautiful gardens. Vegetable gardeners can rent a 10x20 foot plot in a community garden. 23600 Roscoe Boulevard, Canoga Park, CA 91304. (818) 883-6641.
Take a hike in the former Ahmanson Ranch
This pristine swath of 2,983 acres of rolling hills and oak woodlands was fought over for years as developers sought to build 3000 homes, a hotel, golf course and more. In 2003, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy bought it. It is now named the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve and it is ours to hiking, to ride moutain bikes and horses on. Drive west on Victory Blvd until you reach the end. Parking at the trailhead. More information is available at lamountains.com.
Take a Sunday Drive and Walk where Planet of the Apes was filmed
Las Virgenes Road/Malibu Canyon Road runs from Calabasas to Malibu. Portions of it are designated as a scenic highway, which is an understatment. You'll drive a twisting two-lane highway past oak woodlands and towering sycamores. Look close and you may glimpse an ornate Hindu temple. Watch for soaring hawks. Stop in at Malibu Creek State Park where portions of Planet of the Apes was filmed. The park also figured prominently in the television show M*A*S*H. But way before that, it was home to the Chumash Indians. Malibu Creek meanders through the park. Trees along the creek provide shade on hot summer days. MCSP is located four miles south of Highway 101 on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road. Keep driving toward the ocean, through the tunnel, and suddenly you'll feel like you're in the mountains of Peru. The narrow road clings to the mountain and far below, a creek meanders. Be careful driving! Just a little farther on and you'll be in the posh environs of Malibu.
Dine al fresco and listen to music on a warm evening
It's a West Hills warm-season tradition to sit on the patio and sip cool wine and eat Italian food at Alessio, listening to the crooning of the Danny Aiello look-alike. Maybe you'll see a celebrity--we've spotted John McVie of Fleetwood Mac dining there. 6428 Platt Ave. (818) 710-0270.
Have a 'farm fresh' picnic
West Hills's farmers market makes every Saturday morning an event. Families sample organic strawberries that were growing in the field yesterday. Growers tempt passersby with tastes and tales of unusual fruits and vegetables that you won't find in the grocery store. And unlike the grocery store, the selection marches to a seasonal rhythm. The thin asparagus stalks that are the harbingers of spring. The white peaches and the Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes of summer, the black walnuts of fall and winter's navel oranges. When you're done with your shopping, adjourn across the street to the rose garden to enjoy your bounty. West Hills Farmers Market, Saturdays, corner of West Hills Road and El Canon Avenue. Year round, 8am-1pm.Go swimming
at the Calabasas Swim and Tennis Center. Located on the shores of the lake, the Center was formerly a country club. The Olympic-sized pool is sectioned off for lane swimmers. Novices can sign up for all levels of lessons and those looking for a structured workout can take advantage of the Masters swim program. Aquafitness classes provide gentle, low impact exercise that's easy on the joints. Open to members and non-members. 818.222.2782.
Wander through Sperling Nursery
No matter what the season, you'll find your mood improved by a walk here. Just go. This is not your typical nursery. It's filled with unusual and beautiful plants arranged with an artist's eye. Lots of seasonal color, an extensive array of perennials, gift baskets and more. Helpful and knowledegable gardners will share their green thumb with you.
Go to the movies
Nearby Calabasas has its own movie palace with the Edwards 6 Cinemas, located in The Commons. The seats are a step above other stadium theatres. The AMC 16 in Woodland Hills has lots of choices.
