Santa Paula is the geographical center of Ventura County and is surrounded by the mountains of the Nordoff Range. The city of Santa Paula is called the "Citrus Capital of the World" but also has a strong history of oil production. Union Oil was founded here in the late 1800's.

The Union Oil Museum, housed in an unusual Queen Anne-Italianate style building is Ventura County's pride. It was constructed in 1890 by the founders of Union Oil Company. Inside is told the story of black gold.

Faulkner Farm has been around since the late 1800's. A pristine Victorian home stands in the middle of the property and is surrounded by acres of prime farmlands which have been growing pumpkins and Xmas trees for 5 generations. On arrival, you can take a guided tour of the farm aboard a haywagon pulled by a team of Clydesdale horses. Every guest should take time to go out into the patch and "pick their own" pumpkin, but for the less adventurous, there are already-picked pumpkins available.

The Santa Paula Union Oil Museum depicts the history of oil exploration in California.

Faulkner Farm is as pretty as a postcard.

The Iron Mountain Boys perform in the pumpkin patch.

A guided tour of the farm aboard a haywagon pulled by a team of Clydesdale horses is an old-fashioned treat.

The colorful designs and patterns of the turban pumpkins deserve close scrutiny.

Continue to the nearby cities of Fillmore with its photographic possibilities and Ojai, the artist's retreat.