Enchanting Lake Arrowhead

AWARENESS MAGAZINE September/October 2015

The world is filled with wondrous places! Distinguished forests, lakes, mountains, canyons and natural areas in Southern California are truly some of the most beautiful, offering a welcome respite and quiet moments to anyone who visits. It may be surprising to discover The Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest, just a few hours east of Los Angeles, provide a thousand miles of trails, more campgrounds than the Yosemite area and encompasses 1.2 million acres of greenbelt. This mountain paradise is home to Lake Arrowhead.

My friend DJ and I decided to make our escape to the mountains in the middle of the week. After careful research, we headed up to The Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. The location was perfect; we planned to be car-free during our stay. We wanted to swim, explore the lake, hike, take yoga classes and have dinner at BIN 189, the fabulous signature restaurant at the resort.

 This lakefront refuge is located in the heart of Lake Arrowhead Village, home to numerous restaurants, specialty shops and walking paths by the lake. Concert series are held during the summertime.

My daredevil friend and ex ski-patrol member wanted to explore the wilds of the outback country trails on a quad, an open-air vehicle consisting of four very wide tires, a steering wheel, a brake and a go switch. Our guide from Enjoy the Mountain, a wilderness adventure company, picked us up at the resort and off we went. My nerves were on edge as we were geared up in our extra strong helmets and unbreakable safety glasses. After starting our engines and prior to heading up the rocky trail, I timidly informed the instructor that I needed more time to practice on level ground. He couldn’t have been more patient and reassuring. After building my confidence on the flat land, I felt a bit more comfortable heading up into the hills with his guidance. Simply put, the experience was thrilling!

As soon as we returned to the resort, we headed over to the spa to experience their signature treatment. The Spa of the Pines Massage incorporates various massage techniques, along with the warmth of hot stones. This was the perfect solution for melting away all the stress I had accumulated while bouncing over the rocky road in the quad. We lingered in this warm and welcoming space long after our massage was over, sipping tea and purging ourselves of any built up toxins in the steam room.

In the evening, we sat out on the expansive deck by the restaurant, relaxing with a glass of wine and gazing at the crystal blue lake through the pine trees. The classy and tranquil BIN189 Restaurant brings the outdoors inside, with a huge rock fireplace, earthy tones and a tree-top setting. The menu features tasty choices like crispy pickle fries in smoked garlic dipping sauce, Angel Hair Pomodoro with tomato, garlic, basil and white wine and Charbroiled Halibut with pineapple salsa. The Coconut flan dessert was a hit with both of us. Yum!

After a good night’s sleep, we couldn’t wait to wake up early and attend the outdoor yoga class on the poolside deck. Taking in the beautiful lake view while stretching in the poses was the perfect way to start our day. The variety of classes offered is impressive and includes Tai Chi, Zumba, Water Aerobics and Salsa.

Before heading home, we wanted to explore the fourteen- mile lake shoreline on a pontoon boat tour offered by the resort. During our one-hour excursion, we were enthralled with the local history, the incredible lakeside homes and the bald eagle we spotted dodging in and out of the tree tops. This boat trip was a reminder about how important it is to take care of our water, our animals and our eco-system. Appreciating nature is a defining quality of ecotourism and when people experience wild areas, it seems natural to appreciate their beauty and integrity and want to protect them.

The area surrounding and including Lake Arrowhead is often referred to as the “Alps of Southern California.” This mountain community is a year round paradise and a place to cherish and preserve. Endless outdoor activities are steps away from any location and nearby Big Bear is home to two of Southern California’s largest ski resorts.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION:

Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa: Call - (909) 336-1511 or contact www.lakearrowheadresort.com

Enjoy the Mountain - Wilderness Adventures & Off-roading: Call - (909) 366-5363 or contact www.enjoythemountain.com

Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center: Call - (909) 337-3715 or contact www.lakearrowhead.com