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While our little neck of the woods may not be the first place you think of when it comes to walking in a winter wonderland, there are plenty of nearby daycations that will have you feeling as though you’ve been transported to one. Here are our top suggestions for those of you who are looking for a quick wintery getaway: Frazier Park Free sledding and snow play at Chula Vista Campground! Just drive to the end of Cuddy Valley road and you’ll find it. You will need a Forest Adventure Day Pass to park, which can be bought at the gas station in Frazier Park or online. And don’t forget the sleds! Costco has some nice ones. Be sure to check weather conditions before you go, as they don't always have snow. We imagine the snow will be prime after this storm, though! For a more comprehensive guide to visiting Frazier Park, this blog is full of useful information. It is a must-read for anyone planning on going! Big Bear Whether you want to ski, sled, snowshoe, or simply build a snowman, Big Bear is sure to have you covered! Snow Valley This mountain features $5 million in recent upgrades and offers Skiing and Snowboarding, a Tube Park, night sessions, and a Snow Play area. It is best for beginners and families. Snow Summit Intermediate snow bunnies and families will enjoy this mountain. It offers Skiing and Snowboarding, a Snow Tube Park, night sessions, and great views. Bear Mountain With its wide array of slopes, this mountain is ideal for any level. It recently underwent $7 million in upgrades and has the only halfpipes in Southern California. Skiing and Snowboarding is offered, there are NO tube hills here or night skiing. At least to our understanding. You can find all the information you need concerning these resorts by visiting this website. Rim Nordic Give snowshoeing or cross country skiing a go, they are both a FANTASTIC workout. At Rim Nordic you can both rent their equipment and hit their trails. Details here. As far as snowshoeing in other areas of Big Bear, you can rent equipment from Get Boards, or go with a company like Rim Nordic or Actions Tours California; though it seems like you will be required to use the snow shoes solely at Rim Nordic, or go on a tour with Action Tours. If you don't want to pay for a shoe tour, it sounds like the Pacific Crest Trail is a great spot to go, as well as the Pine Knot Trail, and Grandview Point. When heading out without guides, always be sure to let someone know where you are going and research the trail beforehand. And don't forget to practice Leave No Trace! Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park Open Monday through Friday10 am to 4 pm, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 9 am to 5 pm. The price is $25 per person, per hour. Cash only! There is an ATM machine there if you need it. Snowdrift Snow Tubing Park is located on the right-hand side of Hwy 18 as you head up to Big Bear, just before you reach Snow Valley Mountain Resort. All the information you need can be found here. Aspen Glen Picnic Area Enjoy FREE sledding, just be sure to have the Adventure Pass for parking, and bring your sleds. Word on the street is this place can get pretty full, so go early. Read the reviews for Aspen Glen here and be as prepared as possible before you go. Ice Skating It’s not an Agoura Hills winter without a trip to the Iceoplex in Simi Valley! Now through January 4th, they have special extended holiday hours for public skate. 9 am-12 pm, 1-5 pm10 pm, and 6-10 pm will be open to the public. Admission is $20 and includes skate rentals. They will close at 5 pm on Dec. 24th, 31st, and Jan. 4th, and will be closed on Christmas Day. Don’t forget to dress warmly! Visit their website for more information. Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

Just down the street in Oak Park, Cafe Sapientia has been serving up delicious coffees, specialty teas, and light fare since 2019. The ambience in Sapientia is a perfect blend of welcoming and modern. A smattering of tables inside the cafe offers an inviting place to dine, or enjoy our year round beautiful weather at one of the patio tables. We find the menu to be just the right size. Not too simplistic, but not large and overwhelming either. We love the Avocado Toast with Prosciutto and the Chicken Pesto Panini. If you are in the mood for something a little more sweet, choose between croissant options, cookies, pastries, muffins, macrons, and more. The abundance of specialty drink options ensures you could try something new every day and never drink the same thing twice- well, at least for awhile, anyway! But the real reason we are Cafe Sapientia fans is because of just one menu item- the Korean shaved ice. Trust us when we say this is the BEST shaved ice you will ever have! The bowl is huge, don’t try and tackle it yourself, and they don’t skimp on the toppings either. Their shaved ice is the best-kept secret in all of Oak Park! Cafe Sapientia is located at 706 Lindero Canyon Rd. Ste 794. They are open Wednesday to Monday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays). Visit their website for more information. Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

You’ve heard us talk about Healthcare for Homeless Animals before. This incredible nonprofit helps cover the costs of much-needed medical care for the pets in the Agoura Animal Care Center. Without their help, many animals would have to wait until adoption to receive needed care that’s not covered by the shelter system. Healthy pets are happier, which means they have a better chance at being quickly adopted, making the work they do invaluable. Now through the end of December, any donations to HHA will be MATCHED by a generous donor. Your donation with be worth twice as much! This donor has committed to matching up to $25,000 worth of donations, how incredible! Let’s make sure we take them for every penny! Donating in easy, simply stop by the Agoura Animal Care center, visit their website, or donate via Venmo. Their handle on Venmo is: @HealthcareForHomelessAnimals. We’ll be making a donation, and if you are able to, we hope you will consider it as well! *You can also donate to HHA by listing them as your Ralph's community reward. Simply visit Ralphs.com, click on community rewards, and enter your rewards number and HHA's ID# C1066. When you shop, Ralph's will make a donation to the organization! UP FOR ADOPTION “God loves a terrier, yes he does! God loves a terrier! That’s because small, sturdy, bright and true! They give their love to you! God didn’t miss a stitch, be a dog or be a....” Best in Show anyone? Anyone? Classic Christopher Guest movie, for those who enjoy mockumentaries and dry humor. It’s a favorite, check it out. Anyway, speaking of terriers, we have three of them for you! Miss Ella just celebrated her first birthday, and you know her birthday wish was for a place to call home. She is spayed and ready to start her next chapter! Pitufo may be small in stature, but he’s big in heart! This handsome gent is looking for a quiet home with a warm lap to curl up on so he can live out his golden years in peace. Lennox is a 10 year old Patterdale terrier. At 20 lbs he's on the smaller side, and still has a lot of love to give. He is neutered and ready to meet his new family! Visit the Agoura Animal Care Center to view these pets, and many others, and the start of your new year just might be the start of a lucky someone’s new life! Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

We can’t remember where we found this sugar cookie and royal icing recipe, but we’ve received such high praise for it we thought it was time to share. The cookies hold their shape well and have great flavor, making them perfect for decorating. This is Amanda's go-to recipe! Sugar Cookies 2 cups of butter, softened 2 cups of white sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons of vanilla 2 lbs (6 cups) of all purpose flour 1 teaspoon of salt (less if butter was salted) 1 Tablespoon of baking powder In a mixer cream butter and sugar together until light, 3-5 mins Add eggs and vanilla and mix well Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl Gradually add four mixture to dough and beat until just combined Roll out dough to 1/4" thickness, cut into shapes, and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. The trick is to pull them from the oven before the edges start to brown Royal Icing 5 Tbsp meringue powder 1 tsp cream of tartar 3/4 cup warm water 2 lb bag of powdered sugar 1 tsp corn syrup 1-2 Tbsp emulsion or extract of choice. In mixer bowl, pour the warm water, meringue powder, and cream of tartar. Mix with a whisk by hand until it is frothy. Pour in all the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest speed using the paddle attachment for 10 minutes. Scrape down the sides after the first couple of minutes to make sure all sugar is incorporated. Add corn syrup and emulsion/extract during the last couple of minutes of mixing. Decorating with Royal Icing can be tricky, we recommend checking out some of the videos below! This is a great video demonstrating the different Royal Icing consistencies. It should be noted that our recipe is too runny for the first two consistencies. Learning how to decorate using royal icing? The simple designs in this video are a great place to start! Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

While our area received a bounty of much needed rain this spring, we do still ultimately live in a dry climate with limited water reserves. If you are looking for ways to lessen your water usage and are willing to put in just a little bit of effort to do so, then this article is for you! Did you know our Las Virgenes Water District has a recycled water fill station? This water has been recovered from wastewater and while you wouldn't want to consume it, it is safe to come into contact with and is perfect for watering our lawns; lessening our dependence on imported drinking water. And it is completely FREE, you can retrieve up to 300 gallons of water a day! A day! That is incredible! But how do you get it? We had a good chat with Foutainwood neighbor Doug about it. He has been taking advantage of this program for some time and gave us some great insights. First, you'll need to complete a Water Fill Station training course, which can be found here. The training is free and needs to be done annually. Details and more information about this program can be found by clicking here. The fill station is located at 3700 Las Virgenes Road at the Rancho Las Virgenes Composting Facility. You get your training done, now how do you get this water from point A to point B, your house? Doug has his system down pat. With the backseat gone, his 300 gallon barrel fits easily into the back of his van and he is able to both fill the barrel, and empty it onto his lawn, from the back of his van. An electric pump and garden hose give him all the pressure he needs to water away. Watch the video below of a similar system for reference! If this process sounds physically strenuous to you, we thought the same! But Doug, who is a retiree, assured us it is actually not difficult at all. Anyone in reasonable health should have the physical ability to perform all the necessary tasks without much effort. Want to use recycled water but don't have the means of getting it to your house? There's delivery! Click here to explore those options. Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

Trick or treat?! We'll take the treat, please. Looking for a simple and delicious treat that'll wow the ghosts and ghouls this Halloween? Try a Caramel Apple Bar! They are easy to put together, and always a big hit. Be it for a Halloween party, a bridal shower, or a book club, this simple dessert is always a crowd-pleaser and perfect no matter what time of year it is. Here's how to do it: Equipment 6 Quart Crock Pot filled halfway with water Wide Mouth Mason Jars- one for each dip Bowls for the toppings Long skewers Dips 1 Cup each of: Chocolate Chips Butterscotch Chips White Chocolate - Plus 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil per cup of chips 1 Bag 10.8 oz of Caramels (Werther's Soft Caramels are recommended!) - Plus 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream plus a pinch of fine sea salt and a dash of vanilla Toppings Sprinkles Crushed pretzels Crushed Oreo's An assortment of Apples Directions Dips Caramel- In a saucepan combine the unwrapped caramels with 1/3 a cup of heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons of water. Stirring frequently, melt the caramels over medium-low heat until smooth. Take off heat and mix in the salt and vanilla. Transfer to a Mason Jar. Chips- In a microwave safe bowl, melt each type of chip in 30 second intervals with the 2 teaspoons of oil per cup. Stir between intervals and heat until smooth. Transfer to a mason jar. Place your Mason jars full of dips into the crockpot. Keep the crock pot on high, and your dips should be good for the duration of the party! Prepping Apples Slice the apples into wedges and immerse them in a saltwater bath for 5-10 minutes. The ratio for this water is 1 cup of room temperature water to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, make however much you need. This will prevent them from browning. After soaking, drain the apples in a colander and rinse them with cold water. Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to use them, and pat dry before serving. Toppings Place whichever toppings you wish to use into bowls. That's it! Offer as many or as few dips and toppings as you wish. Your guests will enjoy making their custom creations! We were inspired by this blog post to create the bar, check out the article for more suggestions and tips! Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

The spooky season is upon us, or pumpkin spice everything season, if you prefer. It’s time for pumpkin patches and haunted houses! Here’s where to go to make the most of your Halloween season! Pumpkin Patches Corner of Agoura & Kanan and a 2nd location in the parking lot at DIY- Both locations are part of Bennett’s Best Pumpkin Patches. Each patch offers free popcorn to patrons, and snacks and drinks are only $1. An $8 wristband gives you unlimited goes on the inflatables, making these patches easily the most affordable. Hours are Mon-Thurs 10am to 8pm, Fri-Sat 9am to 9pm, and Sun 10am to 8pm. Open on October 7th. Lombard St. and Hodencamp- several inflatables and simple carnival rides makes this patch ideal for younger kiddos. Instagramable photo ops abound, making this patch a great place to be seen. Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest- With themed weekends complete with activities and of course pumpkin picking, there’s something for everyone here. $26 per person, children under 2 are free. 11am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays through October 29th. Events Nights of the Jack is back in Calabasas. Now through the 31st, tickets start at $30. Reign of Terror Haunted House is at Janss Marketplace once more. Go see the largest indoor haunted house in Southern California if you dare! Pricing and times vary, runs now through November 4th. Santa Paula Ghostwalks are sure to be a spooky time and run Oct. 13th- 29th on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Pricing and times vary, so it’s best to purchase ahead. The residents on Pisces St. are planning their spooky block party once more, and we are all invited! Bring a goody to share with everyone, and if you’d like to contribute to the trick or treating feel free to set up an area to hand out candy. Last year’s event was an absolute blast, you don’t want to miss this! Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

Knead N’ Nosh is the dream of local Agoura Hills baker Aami. As someone who always enjoyed baking and being in the kitchen, Aami started Knead N’ Nosh as a way to decompress from the stresses of everyday life. It’s hard to keep a good thing quiet though, and word of mouth has found Aami’s bakery quickly growing and in high demand. Specializing in Challah, simply visit Aami’s website to purchase your made to order bread, or sign up for a baking class and make it a date night! Thank you to Rachael on Pisces for this delicious suggestion! *Photos to come* Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

If summer has you dreaming of soaking up rays by the pool while devouring a bestseller, or curling up on the couch with a classic and the AC blowing full blast, then this is the article for you. We love taking some time out of our busy schedules to escape away into the depths of a good book, and a couple of our Fountainwood neighbors have made it easier for us to do so by installing free libraries right in their front yards. So if you are in need of a new read, head over to the corner of Canmore and Acadia, or Calabria Drive, and choose your next book! Little Free Library is a non-profit organization that started in 2009 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Todd Bol started the first Little Free Library as a tribute to his mother who loved reading and sharing her books with loved ones. This community driven concept caught like wildfire, and today thousands of these libraries can be found all over America and in over 90 countries. We love coming across these small libraries while we are out and about, it is always a thrill to stop and see what treasures reside inside. The rules are simple: Take a book. Share a book. Or puzzle. It is pretty safe to assume that most bookworms also love a good puzzle. Shout out to Larry on Eagleton for keeping the library on Acadia stocked with them! There are several free libraries throughout the Conejo Valley, close to our homes. In fact, Oak Park has one in front of each of their schools, and there is even one in front of their district building. You can also easily locate other nearby libraries by going to littlefreelibrary.org or sharewithothers.net Some of these libraries have even become mini tourist attractions in their own right; in Coeur d'Alene Idaho you'll find a library that has been carved right into an old cottonwood tree stump. We love the sense of community these libraries evoke, and we owe a big thank you to our neighbors on Canmore and Calabria for taking the time to build and maintain them. Your work is appreciated! Be sure to stop by these libraries for a browse, and as you work through your summer reading list we hope you will drop off your finished books so that we might all have a chance to enjoy them as well! Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

We certainly don't have to travel far here in Agoura to immerse ourselves in Hollywood lore, and this month's local restaurant feature is absolutely steeping in it. You don't need a hog to feel at home here, The Rock Store in Cornell is a welcoming joint worth the visit, and it is sure to become your new favorite place to take out of town guests! Owned by the beloved Savko family since 1961, The Rock Store has entrenched itself into the hearts of bike enthusiasts the world over. Stop by on any given weekend and you'll find yourself surrounded by classic cars, motorcycles, and friendly faces. Word has it Jay Leno is a regular, and just about anyone who is anyone in tinsel town has stopped by here at some point, as is evidenced by the array of signed headshots lining the walls. The history this building hosts is extensive. We could try to relay it to you, but to really hear and understand it, it would be best to stop by on a slow Friday and you just might luck out with a personal tour given by owner Rich. He knows all the good stories. Or swing by on a Saturday or Sunday and experience The Rock Store in all its storied glory as a motorhead mecca. While celebrities enjoy spending leisure time here, some times they visit for work. Many movies and shows have used the Rock Store as a backdrop, most recently it was featured in the Channing Tatum movie Dog, and in Mark Wahlberg's Father Stu. Even the Geico gecko filmed a commercial here. Given this is our restaurant of the month, we should probably mention the food. You'll find their prices agreeable, and the portions large. We are lovers of a good breakfast spread, and have always been quite pleased with their offerings. The pancakes and potatoes are top notch, and we've yet to find a dish we haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Admittedly, we've not been for lunch. But we're sure it is delicious as well. And if you haven't gathered it yet, the ambience can't be beat. If you've not yet been to The Rock Store, we suggest you fix that, stat. It's an experience you don't want to miss! The Rock Store is open: Fridays 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays & Sundays 7 am to 5 pm 30354 Mulholland Hwy Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

If you had the pleasure of driving down Acadia Avenue during the month of April you no doubt noticed our May Yard of the Month. Brimming to the hilt with bright orange poppies, it is no surprise that this home on Dargan has earned this distinction. In 2014 Rich and Bobette Ambrose decided to lose the grass for something more sustainable and natural to the area. Today their yard boasts an array of plants, all of which (save the roses) are native to California. You'll of course find plenty of poppies, but mixed amongst them you will also notice Desert Mallow, Bee's Bliss Sage, Dwarf Coyote, Deer Grass, and much more. Many of the plants were bought from the Theodore Payne Foundation. Their nursery in Sun Valley specializes in native plants, and is a great recourse for anymore looking to follow the Ambrose's foot steps. Or lack there of, don't trample the flowers! Richard is an esteemed ecology and sustainability expert, and we learned a lot just speaking with him about his yard. Some interesting facts we learned: Birch trees only last for about 15 years in this climate before they die. So if you are considering them for your yard, you may want to reconsider. Planting native plants are of course more eco friendly, but did you know they also attract birds? It makes sense, of course our local birds will prefer native offerings. So if you enjoy bird watching, consider adding some bush sunflower or golden currant to your yard. We learned a lot about the life cycle of poppies. When given proper care you can expect poppy fields to bloom twice in a year. Since this is their natural habitat, it doesn't take much effort to ensure a healthy harvest, especially in home gardens. Unfortunately the life of a poppy is quite short, and the Ambrose's garden has already started the cycle of drying out so the plants can release their thousands (yes, thousands) of seeds. If you missed their stunning display, don't despair. You can expect their garden to come alive again with vibrant orange buds this fall. A big thank you again to Rich and Bobette for having us over! Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

It should come as no surprise to anyone that our rainy spring has resulted in some truly spectacular hiking opportunities not only across the state, but right here in our own backyard. Creeks that typically run dry are bursting with glistening runoff, and once brown fields are in full bloom with an array of colors. Unfortunately these conditions are fleeting, so if you have been wanting to hit the trails, now is a prime time to go before these gifts from nature fade. Here are our top picks for local hikes that are not to be missed right now! Wildflower Hikes Wildflowers can be found on pretty much all of our local hikes right now, but these trails truly stand out. Please remember to STAY ON THE TRAIL, and that mother natures bouquet can't be beat, so there is no point in picking them. Leave flowers as you found them so all can enjoy their beauty. Wishbone Trail Location: 31105 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village Distance: 2 mile loop Elevation Gain: 520 feet Difficulty: Mostly easy with some moderate uphill Cost: Free The trailhead for the Wishbone trail can be found just past the last baseball field at the Yarrow Family YMCA. After crossing over a tiny bridge from the parking lot to trail, you will immediately start ascending the hill. The most intense of the climbing happens in the first few minutes, so don't get discouraged. While most of this hike has you on an upward trajectory, the majority of it is quite gradual and not strenuous. From the trail you will witness sweeping views of the Conejo Valley and Santa Monica Mountains, and of course, find yourself surrounded by wildflowers the entire way. If you have every dreamed of being engulfed by a tunnel of blooms, this hike is a must do! We hiked Wishbone in the evening around 6 pm and felt it was the perfect time. This trail is typically in full sun, but at that hour it was behind the hills almost the entire time. The only downfall going at that time was the small smattering of poppies had closed up for the day and bugs were out in full force. Take bug spray. We believe leashed dogs are allowed on trail, but do your due diligence if you wish to take Fido. You can find more information on this trail here. Point Magu Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop Location: Sycamore Canyon Road, Malibu Distance: 2.7 mile loop, can be added to Elevation Gain: 425 feet Difficulty: Easy Cost: $10 to park in the Big Sycamore Day Use Area, or free along the PCH We've not yet had the pleasure of experiencing this hike for ourselves, but consider it added to our list. Afterall, it is hard to beat wildflowers combined with ocean views, that's a true power couple right there. Per reviews on AllTrails, wildflowers were abundant just 2 weeks ago, so they are likely still out in force. Sorry, no pups allowed on this trail. You can find a firsthand account of hiking this trail here. Waterfall Hikes TLC had it wrong when they told us to "don't go chasing waterfalls", clearly they didn't know what they were talking about. We say chasing waterfalls is the pathway to true happiness. The never ending deluge that was February and March filled our dry creek beds with a gift that is continuing to give in the form of majestic waterfalls. But if you want to see these rare beauties you better act fast; there is no telling how much longer the water will flow! Escondido Falls Location: 27807 Pacific Coast HWY Distance: 3.8 mile Out & Back Elevation Gain: 534 feet Difficulty: Easy, but considered moderate because of length Cost: $12 if you park in the lot, free along PCH Beautiful waterfalls and views of the ocean along the way? Sign us up! This hike is thoroughly enjoyable, and a can't miss. A good portion of the distance is actually spent walking through a neighborhood to get to the trailhead. Not the prettiest, but a small price to pay for the end result. Once you come to the actual start of the hike the real fun begins. You'll weave in and out of groves of trees and cross the stream several times before arriving to the lower fall. At approximately 50 feet tall it is quite beautiful and you can leave happy with your hike ending there, but to be truly wowed we recommend braving the scramble to the upper fall. Getting to it is not the easiest; calling it a scramble would be an understatement. It is a literal crawl in spots, and we cannot recommend proper footwear enough (these are our go-to hiking shoes, their grip is unparalleled). For those of you willing to brave the course, you will be rewarded with a 150 foot stunner that you will likely have to yourself, because yes, getting there really is not for the faint of heart. We recommend you read this article before going. Leashed dogs are welcomed. The Grotto Location: Circle X Ranch, 12896 Yerba Buena Rd, Malibu Distance: 2.7 Mile Out & Back Elevation Gain: 570 feet Difficulty: Trail part easy, scrambling part moderate Cost: Free This is a fun one! If you only get around to one of these hikes, let this be the one. The views were endless, and the bouldering was just a good time. And walking behind a waterfall? Cross that off my bucket list. Keep your eyes and ears open along this hike, there are bonus waterfalls tucked in-between the mountains along the way, and you will even walk right over the top of one. The path is easy to follow, and the elevation gain is so gradual that you mostly don't feel the climb. You'll know you are getting close to the bouldering portion of the hike as the creek crossings become more frequent. It takes quite a bit of bouldering to reach The Grotto, you'll know you made it when you have found a waterfall large enough to not only walk under, but around. We highly recommend braving the cold water to explore the lush greenery of the grotto beneath the fall. There is a peace and tranquility there that can only exist in such an exquisite space. Dogs are allowed on this hike, but we wouldn't recommend bringing them unless they are experienced hikers. The bouldering will be too intense for most weekend warrior pooches. This is a good article to read before you head out on this hike, as is this one. Now hurry out there before this fall dries up! The Best of Both Worlds Why chose between wildflowers and waterfalls when you can have both? Paradise Falls needs no introduction, and if you hit the trail now you'll get to see not only the waterfall, which flows year-round, but you'll find yourself surrounded by one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the area! Location: Wildwood Park. 928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks Distance: 2.55 mile Loop Elevation Gain: 260 Feel Difficulty: Easy Cost: Free If you haven't already hiked Paradise Falls this year, now is a prime time to see it. And if you have never done this hike, let this be your final push to do so. Given its ease and location, the trail can get quite crowded, but don't let this deter you from experiencing it. The trail itself is easily adapted to your adventurous whims; we enjoy including the cave for a fun detour, and last time we went we opted to walk along the creek for a ways before coming up to the fall. Leashed dogs are welcome. To learn more about this hike click here or visit here. With great power comes great responsibility, please always treat trails with nothing but love and respect. You can learn more about the tenets of Leave No Trace by clicking on the link, and keep in mind that rattlesnakes and other creatures call these trails home. We are the visitors. Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"