Throwback Junction is OPEN!…read more We came on Labor Day. The place is clean and organized. They have a nice selection of well-priced vintage items. I picked up a super-adorable handmade crochet toddler sweater. Although we found some nice vintage shirts, they unfortunately didn't fit my husband. The guy at the register was friendly. We'll be back!

Yelp has Throwback Junction as Closed! It is not! As of June, 28, 2025 when I stopped by (2 days…read moreago) it was still opened! My husband is into media, so we popped inside Throwback to check out their merchandise. The place is big, goes back, nicely decorated, clean, well stocked. It surely has character! Customer service was just OK, not the most welcoming, chatty guy, but decent. Unfortunately, their prices are high here, if you're looking for a deal, this place won't offer that. Their media was very pricey, pretty dirty (despite the store being clean, some of their media could have been dusted), with their shocking stickers on, alongside thrift store ones, with a way lower price. So they might flip things? Anyway, it might be too hipster-ish, too bad that trend is spreading to downtown Ventura as well!

This was such a cute store to browse. A lot of nastalgia walking through. So many cool and unique…read morethings that this store offers that you find in any old thrift store. I didn't buy anything but I wasn't really looking to buy anything, I just wanted to check it out. The store clerk was nice and greeted us.

I love the idea of what Findings Market is. Bringing artists together to showcase their work and…read morecreations is lovely. I've been to many markets and collaboratives like this one and truly I love them. I love being able to have variety and finding a bunch of cool creative finds in one spot. However, I wasn't wowed today by the selection and more so the prices seemed pretty steep for downtown Ventura. The positives are that this shop is open and inviting. I really appreciated the outdoor sign as it made this spot easy to find from the Main Street. I appreciated that the merchandise wasn't crowded and the store was easy to navigate. Also the gal working behind the register was so sweet! I had no issues with service here and vibes were friendly. What it really came down to for me was my own personal styles/tastes and the prices being relatively high. Having been to many markets such as this one I just didn't find the assortment to be tailored to my likes as much. Some of the items here didn't seem fresh and look like items I've seen many times over at other collectives. Long story to say nothing screamed out to me as "super cool" or "I need to have it" Also the prices just seemed high on some of the items. A $25 hair clip? If I wanted to pay those prices I'd go to Anthropologie. At an artist collective in a spot like Ventura I wasn't expecting LA prices. I totally understand the prices are likely determined by the artists but when prices are generally high it steers people away. Unless you have deep pockets, it's not super affordable for me. I want to support local and am willing to pay but the quality and uniqueness has to be there. I knew I wasn't alone when I watched a guy and gal next to me look at a clothing price tag and immediately kept moving. Yes, this is a great place to browse. I appreciated the friendly service. But I wanted to shop so maybe the current inventory just isn't for me. I stand behind the effort of what this spot is and I'd definitely check this spot out in a few months to see what the inventories like then and to see if there are more affordable items.

Lately, due to some health issues, I've been staying home a lot. Way too much! The cabin fever…read morewas getting to me, plus the inland heat. To give our electric budget a break from paying for more air conditioning, we headed to the coast last Sunday afternoon. We hadn't had breakfast, and although we thought about going to the farmers' market at Channel Islands Harbor, I suggested to Dear Hubby that we head straight to the Ventura Harbor to eat at Brophy Brothers, then take it from there as to the rest of the afternoon's activities. There have been some changes since the last time we came to this place, which is one of our favorite haunts. First, they now charge a minimal fee for parking on Friday's, Saturdays, and Sundays. All things considered, that seems fair. Supply & demand - popularity. It didn't seem to slow down the amount of people visiting. It took some time for us to find a parking place. There was quite a line at Andria's Seafood, waiting to get in and order. At Brophy Brothers, it was 50 to 65 minutes to get an outdoor table overlooking the harbor. Instead, we went downstairs to Brophy's On The Alley and ordered the same fish & chips we would have ordered upstairs. It's their fast casual approach, as opposed to full table service. From where I was sitting, I could see that a large section of the center-west building was under construction. We went that direction to check it out after we finished eating. There is a good-sized construction project in the works which will end up with a two-story restaurant concept, including one with on outdoor patio with stellar views of the boats and mountains in the distance. We also got to check out a scuba diving class trying out their skills in the harbor water. I know there's a diving school there, with their own swimming pool for training. I'd never seen students in the harbor water, though. A steel drum player and his percussionist were performing near the central gathering spot. The "birdman" with his exotic birds was showing off his pet creatures nearby, too. The weather was perfect; just a lovely day to be near the shore. DH and I made a stop at Coastal Cone where I was able to get a root beer float, as they had a vanilla oat vegan ice cream available (I try to strenuously avoid cows' milk dairy products). I hadn't had a root beer float in a very long time, so that was a perfect summertime treat after our late lunch / early dinner. Great people-watching spot here, too. I actually didn't go to the Harbor Hatter this time as I was running out of energy. We still had a nice time and definitely enjoyed the cooler weather in an upbeat location.

So much potential, so much waste. The Good:…read moreHarbor Cafe: a nice place to eat BF and lunch, grab a seat picnic bench style right on the end of the marina. Food is pretty darn good as well. Who took forever this past weekend waited almost 35 minutes and got a Snappy answer from one of the waiters when I politely asked to check on our order. Beach: right across you have a rare, sheltered cove like beach with zero waves, and a wavier side on the left. Andria's Seafood is a fish and chips staple, although prices have skyrocketed and their original fish and chips tasted much better a few years ago. But still good and hearty. Ice cream parlor is good. Try the death by chocolate it's delicious and they're waffle cones are always freshly made. And of course the legendary fishzookiei waffle shaped like a fish. The Greek Restaurant waterside is popular; had dinner here 2 years ago and liked it very much. The Bad: Lotsa rinky-dink food and shops that take up space and are as useless as can be. Overpriced beachwear and ladies' clothes, wine tasting place, and cheesy fast-food places with no real identity next to the ice cream parlor. IMO, a waste of premium store space. The fun zone arcade typer place nothing but a shakedown and completely useless as well. Mostly same outdated and crappy shops as before..like 5...10..20 years ago nothing changes here much. They have closed the significant portion right at the elbow and have a picture of a modern restaurant multi-level shit being constructed. To be continued. You would think at least one of these spots would be designated as a coffee shop well, nope, and there are actually none. Yes you can get coffee from some of the sit-down restaurants and fast food places but I prefer to have coffee where they actually feature it, not a side show. There used to be a cute coffee shop right at the corner but it has long shut down, SMH. My beloved Milano's pizza (RIP 2018) has been replaced years ago; you will be missed my love. (Kiss good-bye) They have begun charging for parking Fri-Sun. Another shameless, petty move which most of Oxnard was immune to, but now has infected yet another city. I think 1 hour is free, then 3/HR. And no freebies for handicaps. They are aggressive so don't try to avoid payment; saw parking enforcement cuttin' up tix left and right last time I was there. Really a very short area of 10 minutes tops to walk; for a fast walker can be done in 5. The beach is LOADED with kids on the sheltered cove side, for obvious reasons. The water is murky at times and smells like whale piss/blubber more often than not. Extremely loud and somewhat compact area make noise and music blares tough to tolerate for a full day (at least for me.) Also I went this past weekend there was a shit ton of driftwood all over the place Neutral: Would like to try the taco place on the parking side, but looks run down and old....again.

I am not sure how I missed this jewel of a gift store on my many visits to Ventura and Main Street…read morein particular. Where do I start. They have such interesting merchandise including an assortment of unique gift cards, maps, pictures, stylish hats, scarves, and rare books to name just a percentage of what they have to offer. The sales associate was very friendly and helpful. He even tried on a hat I wanted to buy my husband and was concerned about the size. He let me know they take returns within 30 days with the receipt and original tagging. Fortunately it fit! This amazing shop is on Main Street which is closed to through traffic. There is free publick parking just down the street at the Museam of Ventura County. It is also in a great location for other speacialty stores and eateries.

I didn't visit for anything in particular but was very impressed with the curated variety of…read moremerchandise. In terms of their stationery, which is what I'd be most interested in, they have a very small selection of Japanese stationery, Field Notes, and Rifle Paper, among other small journals and other items. I felt like it was the perfect store to come in and find a last minute (or not so last minute if you're good about that type of thing) gift. Customer service was friendly, and helpful. If I lived in the area I'd definitely be back.

What a cute gift shop! I had gone to this place while in the city of Ventura. We were camping…read moreabout 30 min away. We on Main St. to go thrifting. One of the gals mentioned they knew the owner of the place that we should check out the store and see if the owner was in town. While waiting for the owner we took a look around and found some cute, fun and funny things! They had a Christmas tree decorated with camping themed merchandise which of course caught our attention. They had a little bit of everything for almost everyone and any age. Well, maybe not for infants at least i don't recall seeing anything for infants. The found the prices on some of the merchandise to be reasonable. Some of the clothing were on the pricey side. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Although I didn't purchase the really cute, and funny kitchen towels, I did purchase a couple of stickers (I enjoy stickers!). This business will find me here again if ever in the area.

Glad that B on Main safely made it past the Covid pandemic times. It's always fun to pop in to see…read moretheir colorful and interesting mix of gift and décor items. They've always done a good job of creating small vignettes to show off different themes. This being Ventura, they definitely carry a lot of beach-themed items. One area that caught my eye this time was a section with camping / get outdoors / celebrating the National Parks merchandise. Some very cute and unique stuff to be had in that section. I found something for my aunt to make as a gift. She's making a goal to get around to all of the National Parks, and is steadily chipping away at it. What I got will help memorialize that in a whimsical way. The ladies who work the store are friendly and helpful, which makes the shopping experience even more delightful. Take your sense of humor in when you visit - you never know what you'll find to make you smile and even laugh out loud.

- Cortado 4oz, Paper Cup - $4.50…read more- Roast: Medium Dark - Milk: Whole - Foam Art: No - TOD: 1:30 pm - Prep: More than 5 min - Machine: La Marzocco - Roaster: Beacon Coffee - Baked Goods: Yes - Menu: Breakfast, Brunch - Review: 2 oz espresso/2oz microfoam. Full city, medium to medium-dark roast just into second crack. Bean roast = a sweet, balanced, and rounded profile coffee experience. Served in a 6oz paper cup. - Tip Worthy?: 25% Level (Rating Scale: 0%; 10%; 15%; 20%; 25%; 25%+) - Customers: People who come to enjoy Ventura surf city brio and a SoCal version of Euro cafe culture.

Waited 15 mins for an Iced espresso .....?…read more Six as in 1,2,3,4,5,6 people working behind the counter...... ? Please someone do the math for me ? I was the only person in line ? Coffee/ espresso was ass. Wasted $10 for sure.

absolutely LOVE this space. As someone who is a newer plant parent, Patricia has made this…read moreexperience less overwhelming for me. Not only is the staff very friendly and patient, the overall vibe itself is amazing as it highlights local artists, makers and very queer affirming. They also support lots of local events. Coming to Fiddle & Fern is truly a wonderful experience!

The owner is the sweetest woman. She is so helpful and stocks the store with wonderful, fun plants…read moreand vases and much more. I love Air plants and Fiddle and Fern turned me on to them. They have beautiful, colorful vases and other unique things. Who knew that I needed these things in my life‍ I can't help myself, when I'm there. The plants and colorful vases pop out at me and find their way on to my walls and shelves A wonderful addition to add decor and color, for such a reasonable price.