Topanga Canyon is alive and well, thank you, and in fact, is a lively and enduring community, with the emphasis on community. Just 5 minutes up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades, the Topanga Canyon Boulevard turnoff will take you through scenic, boulder-strewn hills, with oaks and sycamores, woven into a landscape of chaparral and sage. In just 8 to 10 minutes you are in the middle of the village.

Long famous for its thriving artistic community, Topanga also boasts several excellent restaurants, cafes, other interesting shops, and much more than meets the eye. So come for a day in the country – with a sense of adventure, a full tank of gas (there is no gas station in the canyon), and a willingness to relax, for relaxed is how you will find the Topangans when you meet them.

In the middle of the village, at 137 S. Topanga Canyon, is ABUELITA’s Mexican Restaurant, one of the newest restaurants in the canyon. Walking in past the friendly bar, you will find the main dining room overlooking the creek, with a cozy fireplace for wintertime. Upstairs is the family room, where children and their parents can dine in exuberant comfort. Or dine outdoors on a scenic, shady deck, overlooking the creek. Umbrellas and heaters fill every need, and the food and margaritas are delicious! Call for hours, Karaoke, live band and art exhibit schedule: 310-455-8788.

Right across the street, at 120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., is Topanga’s newest and most elegant retail center, PINE TREE CIRCLE, housing the following establishments:

THE TOPANGA CANYON GALLERY spotlights 47 artists, both local and from surrounding communities. Their artistic offerings include paintings, sculpture, silk, ceramics, photography, jewelry and gourds. Pristine white walls and honey-colored wood beams display the art in elegant surroundings. An artists’ studio tour is offered each spring. Call for monthly show and reception information: 310-455-7909.

HOWELL-GREEN, another fine art gallery and framer – what a great combination! 310-455-3991.

TOPANGA RUG COMPANY has kilims and other exciting carpets on their rustic patio for all to see. 310-455-2912.

TOPANGA HOMEGROWN is a charming collection of gifts, Buddhas, scented candles, silk saris, and exotic as well as practical clothing. Check their sale rack on the front walk. 310-455-8781.

SIENNA, THE HAIR SALON, is a pleasure to contemplate. Pine floors lead you to a wall decorated with a gorgeous mosaic scene. 310-455-3196.

TOPANGA FAR OUTFITTERS is a brand-new store that specializes in surfing, skating and hiking clothing and equipment. Owners Steve and Michael have designed woodsy and cheerful surroundings for this merchandise. Call 310-455-2191.

Another new establishment is THE ELDER TREE. Step into this sanctuary and you are surrounded by moss-green walls, soft lighting and a gentle waterfall of river rock created by Chumash Native American artisan, Wally High. Here, one can purchase books, music, essential oils, nutritional products and decorative and spiritual gifts. By appointment you can enjoy deep tissue massage, and Cranial-Sacral and Polarity therapy, administered by John or Dina, who are both licensed by the State of California. Evening classes are offered. These include, but are not limited to, Sacred Dance and Tantric Breathing. Call 310-455-2179 for hours and appointments.

SHIBUI, an interior design studio, has an enchanting mix of Asian and Craftsman style furniture and accessories. 310-455-3856.

HELLA-BELLA, a truly unique children’s store, with handmade toys, crafts and curiosities. 310-455-0144.

Take a time-out at YOGA DESA, with classes of various types of yoga at almost all hours of the day. 310-455-9551.

THE WATERLILY CAFÉ is tops! Excellent coffees of all kinds, mostly organic food, made to order fresh gourmet salads and sandwiches. Eat indoors or out, and meet the locals. Such a friendly staff. If you’re an early bird, they open at 7:00 AM. Call 310-455-0401 and order a picnic to take to the state park or the theater.

If you decide Topanga Canyon is the place where you’d like to live, right next to the café is a COLDWELL BANKER REALTY Office, with the friendliest and most sincere realtors I’ve met in a long time. The excellent art on their walls is for sale, too, so look carefully. 310-455-4111.

Also located in this center is the TOPANGA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. If you happen to be there when they are open, you can enjoy the archive library, which contains a rich collection of local history materials. This includes a permanent collection of historic photographs and rotating exhibits throughout the year. Open Wednesdays l0 AM to 1 PM and Sundays1 PM to 4 PM. Or call 310-455-1969 for an appointment.

Right next door to PINE TREE CIRCLE SHOPPING CENTER, at 154 So. Topanga Canyon, is HIDDEN TREASURES, whose hula dancer standing in front of the building beckons you in. This unique historical building was the “biggest little drug store in California” in the 1940’s. In the 1960’s it became the DISCOVERY INN, the romantic restaurant that lured us city-folk out for lunch or dinner.

In the 1990’s the building with its patios, gardens, and hidden waterfalls became the home of HIDDEN TREASURES. Step in and wander its rooms filled with handmade quilts, antiques, perfectly preserved vintage clothing, and other memorabilia. Whether you want Victorian gowns, leather, silk kimonos, scarves, antique handkerchiefs, tablecloths, or unusual fabric, this is the place to explore. Children’s and men’s clothing as well. 310-455-2998.

On the other side of PINE TREE CIRCLE, at 108 S. Topanga Canyon, is BOUBOULINA. Named after an ancient Greek Heroine, who tied herself to the mast of a ship, this cottage is filled with designer knock-offs, some leaning toward the flowery and frilly, but certainly hip. 310-455-1917.

Right across the street, between Abuelitas and the post office, is TOPANGA ART TILE selling intricately painted ceramic pieces and mosaic furniture. 310-455-3359.

What now, a massage or a leisurely lunch? Drive 1 minute in either direction. To your left is SIENNA SKIN CARE AND DAY SPA, at 395 S. Topanga Canyon. Recently remodeled, it offers facials, massage, and other body treatments, such as herbal wraps, as well as skin care products. Call Sally, the owner, at 310-455-8696.

To your right, is the famous INN OF THE SEVENTH RAY, a stone’s throw off Topanga Canyon Boulevard at l28 Old Topanga Canyon Road. This is the ultimate in romantic settings. Dine in a large outdoor patio by the side of a babbling brook. Tables are hidden away in nooks and crannies, in the dappled sunshine of the sycamores. You are in another world, one that has endured for many years. And the food is marvelous! Homemade bread, delicious gourmet natural foods, good wines. Monday-Friday from 11Am to 3PM, Saturday from l0:30 AM to 3PM, and Sunday brunch from 9:30 AM to 3PM. Also open seven days a week for dinner from 5:30 PM to l0:00 PM. It is the perfect place for a wedding or other special occasion party. 310-455-1311. Don’t forget their gift shop, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE, with a most unusual collection of books, greeting cards, jewelry, and many mysterious objects.

If you feel like seafood, try FROGGY’S FISH MARKET, housed in the original Topanga school house, dating back to l925. A little further on, at 1105 North Topanga Canyon Blvd., it is just past the State Park turn-off, and just before the Theatricum Botanicum. Dine inside at oak tables lit by candles or outside with a view of forested mountains. Here you can partake of seafood prepared in a loving way, among people who are obviously enjoying themselves amongst their friends and neighbors. 310-455-1728.

We’ve all heard of the THEATRICUM BOTANICUM, but who knew it was so accessible? At 1419 No.Topanga Canyon Blvd. turn left into another world. A tradition begun in the 1950’s by WILL GEER in the front of his rustic Topanga Canyon home has been carried on by his daughter, ELLEN, and other devoted family members and friends. WILL GEER was born in 1902, and began an acting career at age 14 during which he ultimately performed with the likes of ETHEL BARRYMORE, WALTER HUSTON, and HELEN HAYES. Many will remember him as the beloved Grandpa of the television series, “THE WALTON’S”. His commitment to the humanitarian life was full. He performed with BURL IVES AND WOODY GUTHRIE for migrant farm workers during the Depression, and was dedicated to the betterment of the human condition until his death in 1978. His family and a band of players continued the tradition of his values and helped THEATRICUM grow into a professional repertory company with rich educational programs, making available to the community, at affordable prices, productions of early and modern classics and new works. In-house educational programs serve amateurs and professionals. The outreach educational programs offer exposure to the classics and Living History plays, helping create the audiences of the future. There is a children’s concert series every summer. The multi-ethnic repertory presents new works that address current social and moral issues, demonstrating viable alternatives to violence, avarice and apathy. Examples of offerings are ANIMAL FARM, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT. Their productions are often rated “Best Bet” and “Critic’s Choice” by the Los Angeles Times and L.A. Weekly. Box office: 310-455-3723.

Before a matinee, or for breakfast, try PAT’S Topanga grill, at 1861 No. Topanga Canyon Blvd. just beyond the Community House. Delicious food and original art on the walls, it’s a favorite among the locals. 310-455-0533.

Included among the 55,000 acres of wilderness and urban parkland in the SANTA MONICA CONSERVANCY ZONE, is TOPANGA STATE PARK. The entrance on Entrada Road, just before the THEATRICUM BOTANICUM, IS ABOUT 7 MILES FROM Pacific Coast Highway. TOPANGA STATE PARK has 9,000 acres of spectacular vistas, rugged peaks and canyons, sunny slopes and cool streambeds. It provides habitat for a variety of wildlife most easily viewed in early mornings or late afternoons. Around ponds and streams are raccoon and deer. Brush rabbits hide in the Chaparral, along with coyote and bobcat, and their prey, the wood rat. In the Grasslands roam deer. The calls of hawks and other birds can be heard throughout. Though primarily a day-use park, TOPANGA STATE PARK has one campground. It features toilets and running water for $3.00 a day. No reservations needed. There are various programs in the park such as bird walks and moderate hikes offered by the Sierra Club. There are also tours given by NATURE DOCENTS, a devoted group who will describe the plants and mammals. For park hours and programs, 310-455-2465.

If you are fascinated by wild animals and want to help protect animals which have been displaced from zoos or natural habitats, or have been confiscated from illegal owners, do call Mollie Hogan at WILDWORKS. Her Wildlife Care Center houses over 45 animals, cared for by volunteers. The animal population at present includes mountain lions, wolfs, bobcats, foxes and kinkajou. WILDWORKS brings selected animals to schools, churches, camps, youth groups, civic organizations and corporations, allowing a close up experience with animals that are rarely seen by the public. Their program dispels fear of “wild” animals and educates the public about preserving habitats and living safely with the wildlife in our environment. While Ms Hogan cannot accept drop-in visitors, you can arrange for wild and exotic animal shows for your birthday party or special event by calling 310-455-0550.

For an animal experience a bit tamer in nature, there is ESCAPE ON HORSEBACK. One-hour to six-hour rides are available for all levels on trails throughout the state park system. In addition, you can go on their privately arranged overnight campouts (two-night minimum) stopping at state park campgrounds. Included are deluxe heated tents with feather mattresses, gourmet meals, and even a massage, if you like. Minimum 6 persons, maximum 10 persons, with two trail guides. Or you can have a sunset dinner ride, ending up back at the stable for a dinner ranging from a hot dog barbecue to filet mignon – your choice. Live music is available. ESCAPE ON HORSEBACK is located at 2623 Old Topanga Canyon Road. Rates are seasonal. Reservations are essential. Call CARMEN AT 818-591-2032.

Three times a year, in spring, summer and fall, the TOPANGA SYMPHONY provides high quality free concerts featuring original works by local, national and international artists and has been doing so for twenty years. The musicians consist of amateurs, students and professional musicians. JEROME KESSLER has been Music Director and Conductor of THE TOPANGA SYMPHONY since its inception. He has also been the director of the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra since 1975. An exponent of American Music, he has commissioned and premiered numerous works for orchestra, solo and multiple celli, chamber orchestra, brass ensemble, band and voice. There is usually standing room only in the 300-seat Community House, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., where the concerts are presented. Call for program information and reservations: 818-999-5775.

Lest all this adventure makes you hungry again, try ROCCO’S NEAPOLITAN CUISINE, SERVING Topanga for twenty years, with family recipes that have been passed down through the generations. 123 South Topanga Canyon Blvd., next door to the post office. 310-455-2487.

An easy way to enjoy all these delights is to take the TOPANGA CANYON BEACH BUS, financed through funds provided by Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles. It is available from June to September on Monday through Friday. It traverses the canyon all the way from Ventura Boulevard in the San Fernando Valley to 3 beaches: Topanga State Beach, Will Rogers State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach. And the fare is, believe it or not, 50 cents for children and adults and twenty-five cents for seniors and persons with disabilities.Toll-Free, 888-769-1122.

There is so much to do in TOPANGA CANYON you’ll want to come again and again. The nicest part, though, is being among the residents of this canyon community. You’ll find them relaxed, friendly, and just plain happy to be where they are!