Take the Ventura Rapid bus line to the end of the line. From the Warner Center bus depot, walk ½ block north on Owensmouth to the 21st Century Plaza Sculpture Garden.

Before you explore Main Street Canoga Park, take a second to view the 21st Century Plaza Sculpture Garden (6301 Owensmouth). Revealing its first installation this summer, the garden will feature monumental sculpture by regional artists on a rotating schedule.

Topanga Canyon/Sherman Way (Metro Bus # 150)

Catch the #150 Metro Bus northbound at Topanga Canyon and Victory boulevards to Sherman Way. Depart the bus at Sherman Way and proceed east towards Owensmouth Avenue.

Proceed to Antique Row (primarily Sherman Way between Owensmouth and Canoga Avenues). The street itself is composed of the original "syndicated block," that represented the community at the terminus of the Pacific Electric Red Car line. For much of the twentieth century, this section of Sherman Way was the business center of the West San Fernando Valley. Today, Main Street Canoga Park is a member of the National Main Street and California Main Street Programs, and is one of the premier destinations for bargain hunters. The shops here are filled with curiosities, including everything from jewelry to beautiful furniture. With over sixteen antique dealers within a four block radius, plan to browse for some time.

From Sherman Way, proceed to Owensmouth Avenue and head north.

Need a dose of history? Visit the Canoga Park-Owensmouth Historical Society and Museum (7248 Owensmouth Ave.; 818/340-3696). The museum is located in the Canoga Park Community Center, which was converted from one of the first fire stations in the San Fernando Valley. The museum contains many pieces of memorabilia and photographs documenting the early history of the San Fernando Valley, particularly the evolution of a small railroad stop named "Owensmouth" into today's Canoga Park. The town was originally called "Owensmouth" because of its alleged proximity to the southern end of the Owens River Aqueduct (a land speculator's exaggeration­ the real terminus is near Sylmar.) Call ahead for hours.

Return to Sherman Way. Proceed to Remmet Avenue and head north.

Located in a 1928 mission style building that once served as the first operator assisted phone company in the San Fernando Valley, the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center (7222 Remmet Ave.; 818/346-7099), a facility of the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, offers classes in the visual arts for youth 6-17 years of age and a gallery for exhibitions. Don’t miss out, all classes offered are affordable.

Return to Sherman Way.

Specializing in original works by local artists, the Canoga Park Art Gallery (21620 Sherman Way; 818/340-9453) compliments a community that presents only the best in culture. Stop in and view their latest show, or purchase a work and get it framed.

Exhibiting the rotating series, “Drawing a New Map,” curated by the Art Art Gallery located at 20200 Sherman Way, contemporary masters and emerging painters are displayed throughout the upper and lower floors of the Madrid Theater (21622 Sherman Way). For exhibit information, please call 818/227-9663.

In the community of Canoga Park, several great performance venues promise a delightful experience: The Madrid Theater (21622 Sherman Way; 818/347-9419); the Main Street Performing Arts Studio (21616 Sherman Way; 818/598-0135); and just one block north on Owensmouth Avenue from Sherman Way, the Woodland Hills Community Theater at the West Valley Playhouse (7242 Owensmouth Ave.; 818/884-1307). Call ahead for a schedule of performances.