Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Historic Home Tour in Oxnard: Sunday, Sept. 27

From the Oxnard Autumn Historic Home Tour...

For Immediate Release
Public Contact: Oxnard CVB, 805-385-7545 or 1-800-269-6273;
web: www.visitoxnard.com

Oxnard’s Historic & Cultural Side is Highlighted during the Annual Oxnard Autumn Historic Home Tour... New Trolley Tour Packages are Offered

Oxnard, Calif. – Oxnard is best known for its beautiful beaches, agricultural riches and varied museums. But, Oxnard also has a historic and cultural side that is highlighted every year during the Oxnard Autumn Historic Home Tour, scheduled Sunday, September 27, 2009.

Visitors can step back in time and visit the unique collection of early 20th century homes within the Henry T. Oxnard National Register Historic District. The event features docent-led tours of five distinctive homes, guest speakers, demonstrations, plus a Vendor Market Faire featuring antiques, collectibles, plants and art in a garden boutique environment. The “Topa Topa Flywheelers” will also display their vintage tractors along the tour route in addition to classic cars from local car clubs. And, this year a new, exciting element has been added – Trolley Tour Packages.

To participate in the Trolley Tour Package, individuals may either drive or take Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train (No. 763), which departs Los Angeles Union Station at 9:05 a.m. The train arrives into Oxnard’s Transportation Center at 10:40 a.m. where visitors will catch the trolley at 10:50 a.m. For those arriving by car, the trolley is available for pick-up at the California Welcome Center (CWC), 1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 135 in Oxnard at two departure times (10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.).

The Trolley Tour Package itinerary includes a two-hour stop at the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District where individuals can tour up to five historic homes and visit the Vendor Marketplace before boarding the trolley for the next stop. The second stop includes a visit to historic Heritage Square where individuals will enjoy a prepared lunch al fresco catered by La Dolce Vita Restaurant and wine tasting at Rancho Ventavo Cellars. Guests can learn about Oxnard’s history provided by a Heritage Square docent and stroll the beautiful gardens before boarding the trolley back to the designated departure points.

Homeowners, Barbara and Mary Kay Hartley who own a Victorian home at 235 South E Street, are participating in the Autumn Home Tours for the first time this year. “We are looking forward to being part of this historic event,” stated Barbara Hartley. “Our home is currently undergoing renovation with a goal of restoring it to its original design,” she added. The Hartley’s home was built between 1903 and 1906 and originally owned by Jacob Walter Rose, who worked in Oxnard’s Sugar Beet Factory, which was the foundation of Oxnard’s early beginnings.

Laurie Chacon, owner of 235 South E Street, is also a first-time participant on the Autumn Home Tour. She is part of a third generation family with her parents and grandparents also residing along “F” Street. With her father’s help, she is restoring her 1910 Craftsman home into its original design. “I grew up in this neighborhood and it’s fun to participate in such a great event that showcases Oxnard’s wonderful historic assets,” stated Chacon.

The cost for the Trolley Tour Package is $45 per person in advance, and $50 at the door (California Welcome Center departures only). The package includes the trolley, home tour and lunch – (Amtrak rate is not included – Amtrak reservations can be made by calling 1-800-872-7245 or online at www.amtrak.com).

Visitors can also tour the Historic District on their own. General admission for the home-only tour is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the event. Tickets purchased on the day of the event can be obtained at the CWC or Carnegie Art Museum at 424 South “C” Street starting at 10 a.m. Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 805-988-0717 or 1-800-269-6273.

Oxnard is an easy drive up the coast from Los Angeles or from the northern portions of California. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Oxnard’s uncrowded beaches, open agricultural fields and explore the many diverse attractions and outdoor adventures that are unique to the area. For overnight stays, a wide variety of hotel accommodations are available ranging from mid-priced rooms to oceanfront and seaside settings. A list of accommodations and Oxnard visitor information can be found on the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at www.visitoxnard.com

No comments: