Tucked away in Ventura County’s Heritage Valley region and surrounded by the picturesque Topa Topa Mountains, Fillmore is an oasis of solitude and simplicity for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Groves of oranges, lemons and avocados create a pastoral setting, welcoming you to this charming and historic community whether driving from Los Angeles to the south or Santa Barbara to the north.
Discovered by the Spanish in 1769, the town of Fillmore was not formally established until more than 100 years later in 1887 when Southern Pacific brought the railroad through the valley. This event also provided the town with its name, after the general superintendent for the company’s Pacific system, J.A. Fillmore.
Currently, at just 3.4 square miles, the charming community offers a unique blend of culture and activities that pay tribute to its colonial Spanish roots and nostalgic American legacy. With modern and historic architecture, quaint downtown storefronts and a rich agricultural history, Fillmore is also a popular filming destination for major studios such as MGM, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and 20th Century Fox.
The Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures dry and warm, with plenty of outdoor sights and activities to enjoy regardless of the season. During springtime, the hills come alive with California poppies as yellow, red, white and pink blooms blanket the mountainsides surrounding the town. During summer and fall, cool breezes bring up the crisp ocean air from the coast, which is only 20 miles from Fillmore and makes for an easily accessible and relaxing day at the beach.
Situated on the corner of Central Avenue, The Fillmore on Central has served as a gathering place for the community, as the First Presbyterian Church site and later a school for more than 100 years.
Constructed in the 1920s, the building’s architecture is synonymous with the traditional Mission-style design prominent in historic churches and buildings throughout California. These elements include a Spanish tile roofline, central courtyard, sculpted columns and an iconic 80-foot tower that can be seen from miles away. Carefully restored in 2020 to preserve and highlight these exquisite original details, the updated façade and interiors blend seamlessly into the town’s turn-of-the-century feel while elevating the skyline and welcoming the community to rediscover the notable church as a new destination for events.
