Stagecoach Inn Museum is a charming museum and venue filled with rich history. This is such a cute…read morevenue for weddings, fundraisers, and entertainment. I had no idea until recently that stagecoach inn museum offered their lawn and space to accommodate events. Sweet location, but parking can be tight if you do consider having an event here. There's a park with public parking next door, but once that lot is filled, good luck finding parking within convenient walking distance. Highly recommend checking out the museum doing business hours.

One of my professions is that of a Medieval English Historian having worked in contract with the…read moreHistoric Royal Palaces foundation in England. Even though my expertise is in Medieval, Renaissance and Restoration Europe; I am passionate about much of history. Basically, I am saying I am a history buff both academically/professionally and leisurely. California is rich in history from the indigenous people of Mexico to Missionaries to the Gold Rush to motion pictures to everything in between. One piece of this history sits locally in the Los Angeles/Southern California area where proprietors from all parts of the country made the trek to the 'Wild Wild West' frontier. You can re-live this history in the Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park. Let's give a quick history lesson... In the late 1800s, before Newbury Park was even called Newbury Park, the Grand Union Hotel was built as a stopping point for travelers from Santa Barbara and beyond to Los Angeles south. This area was purchased by the Newbury family (you get it now?)  who named it after themselves and the wooded area. The Newbury family initially tried to strike it rich with using the land for crops but after years of crop failure due to little rain; they had to find another way to survive and opened the first post office in the area (which was initially a tent!). The Grand Union Hotel was moved to make way for the burgeoning 101 freeway and ended by burning down by fire (no one knows the exact cause of the fire).  To celebrate this Conejo Valley history, Newbury Park constructed a replica of the Grand Union Hotel about a block or so away from where it originally stood currently at South Ventu Park Road (free parking lot or street parking available). The compound consists of the hotel replica, The Timber School which is an accurate imitation of a one room school house that served the area, a blacksmith shop, a Chumash "village" (basically a yurt), a Spanish Adobe home, and Newbury Pioneer House and thus showcases all eras of peoples/history that once stood in the area.  Some "hiking" paths around the property are also available. This sounds fantastic... in theory. Unfortunately, in execution it is quite cheesy and maybe better suited for very young children. The pioneer house is sort of 'cool' as you can walk through this 'Little House on the Prairie" - style cabin and transported back into what it would feel like to live in such accommodations as a docent explains the history. The Chumash Village is nothing more than a yurt and an awning that takes .2 seconds to traverse while the Spanish Adobe House seems inaccurate in construction materials but what do I know. The blacksmith shop wasn't attended during my visit so I didn't get to experience it fully; but it does contain actual proper tools. This part of the compound simply feels a bit "half-assed", so to speak. The Grand Union hotel replica - the actual Stagecoach Inn in this case - is two floors (plus small gift shop) that you can walk through the rooms some of which are set up to exemplify their actual functions like kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, etc; while others hold permanent or temporary exhibits like art made from real hair that was popular during the Victorian era (VERY weird), a room full of clothing irons from various timeline periods, a room filled with gramophones (I loved this because I have a tattoo of one), etc. The weird thing about the Stagecoach Inn is that it jumps back-and-forth between history versus staying true to the California late 1800s as far ahead as WWII as docents explained that the dishware in the dining room came from Germany during WWII (so, stolen from the Jews --- why is this here in a frontier replica?!). Some of this place simply does not make sense and being a historian - I take historical inaccuracy personally. Also awkward are the overuse of very creepy mannequins in each room including the 800 dolls in the children's bedroom that I was just waiting to attack me via a horror film. Both corny and cheesy; I could have done without.  It doesn't take long to walk through the museum and it is just a little unappetizing. My favorite part of the Stagecoach Inn Museum grounds was the Timber School. It is the least creepy and best in terms of historical merit with school desks, chalkboard, books, a wood burning stove, a working school bell tower, etc. It looks exactly like all the photos of one room school houses. I have to give a shout-out to the docents at Stagecoach Inn Museum. These are all unpaid volunteers and yet I have never seen such enthusiastic, happy museum employees. They are almost aggressive in their zeal to share the history of the area/buildings and because of this: you will truly retain the information they pass. The Stagecoach Inn Museum isn't terrible; don't misunderstand. It is just cheesy and a stretch calling it a 'museum'. I would say it is more of a history center and best suited for school field trips for the locals versus adults.

Follow-up review 9 years after my original review from 2013 ... same. Don't bother trying to book…read morea VIP Tour that they list on their website. If you email, there will be no response. If you call the main number, they won't answer and the they don't allow voice messages and there will be no response. If you call their VIP Tours number that they list on their website, the phone only puts out a busy signal and there will be no answer. How stupid. Just remove the mention of tours from your g*dd*amn website and stop wasting all of our time.

Impressed doesn't even begin to describe our experience with EJ yesterday. He took my dad and I on…read morea tour of Melody Ranch, which was the highlight of my dads year, as my dad is a huge western fan. EJ is knowledgeable, friendly, and was very accommodating to our schedule. Melody Ranch has something for everyone, even if you're not a huge western fan, and I left knowing I gave my dad the best birthday present he could ask for. Sign up for a tour with EJ, and you will not be disappointed.

Unfortunately this museum is now closed to the general public. School group still have the…read moreopportunity to visit this museum that offers a wealth of information on the native Americans in this area plus about the local wildlife. As the museum is closed to the public, you can still enjoy the items outside that includes Chumash housing, remains of a chimney and more. Hope to experience this museum soon: please open to the public

What a wonderful museum! If you want to learn a little about Chumash history and culture, this is…read morethe place. I learned that Chumash territory extended from Malibu to Morro Bay, covering some 7,000 square miles, and included the four northernmost Channel Islands. The Chumash believed their ancestors came from these islands in the far distant past. Inside the museum you can view a staggering number of authentic artifacts, giving you an idea of the technological sophistication of the Chumash people. Some artifacts as old as 9,000 BC One can get a sense of how resourceful the Chumash people were, particularly in how they used plants and how they manufactured implements and tools to address their daily needs. On view are talismans used by Medicine Men, tomols (canoes) used for transportation and trade, as well as arrowheads and spear tips used for hunting and war. Very interesting to me were the many gambling artifacts. Dice games, marbles, ring toss, so many different games! Equally interesting were the musical instruments. I saw terrific examples of whistles, rattles, and clapper sticks. I spent an inordinate amount of time inside the museum, examining every display. But as fascinating as all that was, for me the most interesting part was the recreation of a Chumash Village in the beautiful hills behind the museum. Kind of odd, I suppose, that the recreated part captured my imagination even more than the authentic part. But the recreated village was just what I needed to see to be able to imagine how all the artifacts fit together. I was keen to see the recreation of the type of shelters the Chumash people lived in. The structures, called "'Aps" were made with tule and cattail reeds attached to a framework of wooden poles. Some smaller 'Aps were for single families, others, much larger, could house as many as 50 people. They featured a central fire pit, with an opening directly above to vent smoke. Villages were typically built on high ground, near a source of water. The chief's 'Ap was always the largest. Some things never change, lol. Near the chief's 'Ap there was usually another 'Ap to hold a supply of extra food for entertaining visitors or distribution to the people in times of need. Villages also typically included a sweat lodge. I was surprised to learn that the sweat lodges weren't only for men. Sometimes women and children used them for ceremonies and in healing rituals. The museum location is perfect. As you walk the ground it truly feels like stepping back in time. Few reminders of the outside world intrude in this idyllic setting. I found out about this great museum because it is part of the Passport2History program. If you are at all interested in the history of Southern California you should check into the Passport2History. I've been to many of the participating museums and each one has been very worth a visit. For information on the Passport2History program, go here: https://www.leonisadobemuseum.org/passport-2-history Mikey C says: thanks to my friend Victor G up in Hayward for reminding me that November is Native American Heritage Month

Beautiful Venue for a smaller scale Wedding. City Staff was helpful & courteous. All tables &…read morechairs were provided & set up and taken down for us.

Harry Carey was a notable early western film actor whose film career included at least 233 movies…read more This is the ranch house where he used to live with his wife Olive. Famous stars including John Wayne and Gary Cooper have visited the location. It's a nice place to come with your kids. I recommend combining it with a trip to the former St. Francis Dam.

The Place- Very cool place with an impressive collection of classic cars!…read more I am not particularly into classic cars but thought I would check this place out because it had great reviews and was pretty local to where I am and it did not disappoint. There offer two types of admission tickets. The $5 one is where you walk around yourself but only have access to one of the buildings. It is well worth it to pay the $20 for the guided tour where you get to see both buildings. Tour takes about 90 minutes and is at a leisurely pace. The 2nd building is 3 stories but does have an elevator if needed. Parking- Large private lot with plenty of parking.

As will be apparent when you read other reviews here along with this one and view all the…read morephotographs, this is a beautiful niche interest museum. We had out of town guests who had this place on their list as it is one of a kind. First of all, it is enormous, spotlessly clean and perfectly lit to show off a jaw-dropping collection of vintage cars. I am not a collector or even a fan but I appreciate elegant style and beauty. Also, the attention to detail. While contemporary vehicles boast amazing electronic capabilities, the craftsmanship and love that went into the conveyances here showcase the mentality of an earlier time when quality and longevity were prized above price and novelty. There is not much for me to add. One tiny annoyance this weekend was a strange and very audible buzzing sound from a failing light fixture. That can be remedied easily and I hope the Nethercutt staff will take care of it. Otherwise, an exceptional way to spend some time on a quiet weekend.

Pleasantly surprised by this quaint art gallery and show. After enjoying dinner at a restaurant on…read moreMain Street we happened by this art show. Thankfully they had signs up that caught our eye. The artists were all on sight. They were pleasant to talk to and willingly shared some stories about their art and the different techniques Norma and Jerry were enjoyable to meet. We look forward to returning soon.

We were pleasantly surprised at how genuine and warm the people were. Beautiful arts of all types…read more We left with the most beautiful work of art. A Ballerina by Mardi Georgio. Stop by and take some time to look around.

I have mixed feelings writing this because over the past 2 1/2 years, I have visited this winery…read morenumerous times. I was a wine club member for a year, I've paid and attended a couple of special events, checked out their outdoor vending market, and love coming by just to relax for a glass of wine. The wine itself is excellent, and the ladies behind the counter are always incredibly kind and informative. The grounds are mostly nice, and I do love visiting the animals in the back. Here are a few areas that fall short for me: Like I said, I've attended a couple of paid events here. And while the dessert vendor is absolutely delicious, the boxed sandwiches provided are disappointing and practically inedible. It's surprising they continue to use the same sandwich caterer for events. The outdoor middle area is so unattractive. Can't they do anything nicer than wood chips and bark? As a vendor myself, I wouldn't ever want to join their market events. Instead of placing booths and tables along the pretty and easy to walk perimeter, the vendors set up in this field of wood chips, which makes it an awkward setup for both the vendors and shoppers. Steve, the general manager, is incredibly nice and charismatic during events. However, on regular random visiting days, I've found him to be unfriendly and even somewhat rude. It's really odd and a disappointing contrast to his event persona. So overall, it's (mostly) a pretty spot with great wine and excellent front counter staff. Wish I could give it five stars. Maybe one day I will.

What a large property so much to do here, whether you want to taste drink a bottle, bring some food…read moreor visit the animals they have on property. This place doubles as a donkey rescue. Buy a cup, buy some clothing walk in and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and incredibly pleasant customer service. First time i've ever been asked if I was a Cork Dork absolutely love the vibe here!!! Rose delicious!! 50/50 yes!!! The Cabernet is my favorite Love that we can bring food. Cant wait to explore the property! The service, wine, and space are spectacular!! Steve and Sara are amazing!! They have GRAPE STOMPING day the first Saturday in October. With a I Love Lucy look alike contest!!! Fabulous experience!!! Our tour of the grounds did not disappoint. Fabulous stop, can't wait to return!!!

I went to this garden a few weeks ago. The garden was pretty, though not as spectacular as I…read moreexpected. One of the docents engaged us in conversation. She was rude and aggressive. She was upset that I had used a selfie stick to take a picture of the main gate. (I was standing outside of the property.) She explained no selfie sticks were permitted. I understand there are "rules" but these rules were posted inside. I think her approach could have been more professional. I was not on live in social media, I was not involving any other guests, I wasn't interfering with anyones enjoyment of the property, and I wasn't even taking a selfie. My friend and I were disappointed with this reception. It marred our visit. I visit gardens and museums in locations within and out of the US, docents usually receive guests with kindness and provide guests with information on the grounds. Do better docents. Do better.

I really liked the rose garden, it had paths adorned with Japanese Boxwood bushes and pergolas…read moregarlanded with roses, it felt very manicured and something you'd see from a manor house. The Japanese garden has a pagoda next to a small pond with koi fish and ducks. This is such a tranquil garden. It's small but it's free. It's close off the freeway, perfect for a stopover before a drive to Santa Barbara or other places north.