Kasey's Kitchen: Fall in Love with Ojai

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. That means we are scurrying around to find the biggest box of chocolates, make reservations at the swankiest of the swanky restaurants and pinning every "DIY Valentine's Day" ideas we can find, right?

Want to really "WOW" your sweetheart? Look into spending the weekend in Ojai. I had the opportunity to check out this picturesque town during the holidays and I was blown away.

Just a little over an hour North of the smog and flashing lights lies the most charming town filled with wineries, olive oil makers, and inns that look like they were cut out of the latest issue of Town & Country Magazine.

We stayed at the Emerald Iguana Inn which is just a few blocks north of the town center. We were greeted by our innkeeper, "B" who showed us to our quaint cottage called "Peacock". Each cottage and villa at the Emerald Iguana is named after different elements found in nature.

The stone pathways that lined the property created a serene feeling. You would have never known you were less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of LaLa Land.

As we entered our cottage I found a slew treats from local vendors including olive oil, lemonade, and fabulous cookbooks. Thank you Ojai Visitors Bureau!

Our room was immaculate. Wrought-iron bed, clawfoot tub, wood-stove, a full kitchen... it was the perfect backdrop to celebrate our holiday!

Ready to create your own getaway? Celebrate love in Ojai Valley this Valentine’s Day. Ojai businesses are offering specials for two to enjoy. From romantic resort packages to special activities, Ojai Valley turns Valentine’s Day into a month of memorable moments.

Extend the romance of Valentine’s Day with Ojai Valley Inn & Spa’s 28 Days of Romance, a program that features unparalleled romantic experiences from February 1-28, 2014. Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Emerald Iguana Inn and the Blue Iguana Inn with the Romance Package and enjoy a complimentary bottle of Moet Chandon, a gourmet box of chocolates, and a rose delivered to the room prior to check in.

Enjoy a two night stay in one of the stunning guestrooms at Su Nido Inn and receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne, a Valentine’s Day floral arrangement, and rose petals on the bed upon arrival.

Get crafty this Valentine’s Day with Lavender Inn’s gift making class. Make concoctions from desserts to bath salts and receive a 10% discount towards a room for one night.

Valentine’s Day is not complete without the decadent selection of candy and chocolates available at Kingston’s Candy Company. This year, Kingston’s Candy Company will be selling chocolates made by the French chocolatier, Jean-Michel Carre from Chocolats du CaliBressan. The chocolates are the perfect gift for that special someone. The boxed assortments will include truffles, bonbons, and sweet caramels.