Looking for a heart-healthy day trip that is a short (and scenic depending on your route) drive from Los Angeles, California? Head to Ojai! Nestled in the rustic hills of this laid-back community is Ojai Olive Oil Company, a family owned and operated fully organic and sustainable treasure.

We visited a short while ago. The guide dogs were fierce (ha!), well, when they were not asleep or looking to lick us to death, but we plunged forward into the land of olives.

What we came away with was a greater understanding of the process of making olive oil AND what to look for when purchasing olive oil. Did you know the best olive oil to buy is the one that is produced closest to where you live? That ensures greater freshness. Tips like that coupled with the laughs we had getting there (it is a little tricky) and all the tasting we got to do while there made it a great day.

Our guide’s enthusiasm and expertise made it all the more fun. He encouraged and patiently answered everyone’s questions. Not once saying, “Gee, I’ve never heard that one before.”

We bought some of their heart-healthy elixir and have been using it to elevate the taste of some of our main-stay dishes. It’s also been a great inspiration for us to follow a more healthy Mediterranean diet. Interestingly, my husband has taken to Greek dancing since our visit too. Perhaps he is taking the Mediterranean thing a bit too far???

Find out more about Ojai Olive Oil Company by visiting them at 1811 Ladera Road, Ojai, California 93023, calling them at (805) 646-5964, or viewing their website at wwwojaioliveoil.com.