The Coolest Destinations for Wintry Wanderings!
IE Weekly
By Arrissia Owen
January 17, 2013
The Inland Empire isn’t exactly known for its vacation
destinations like, say, Los Angeles or Laguna Beach, but that’s not to say we
don’t have our share of tourist traps worthy of some expendable income. There
are plenty of hot spots within a tankful of gas worthy of a day trip, a weekend
or, hell, even an entire week of vacation time—and you’ll be keeping it local.
For Shredders: Big Bear Lake
If you still think that Big Bear ski resorts have fake snow,
you are mistaken. Artificial snow? Like that white fluffy stuff at the mall by
the Santa house?
Um, no. Big Bear Lake has real snow, and the resorts have
millions invested in creating the most dependable snow conditions in Southern
California to add to Old Man Winter’s gifts. There is only one ingredient in
man-made snow: water. That water comes from Big Bear Lake, as in the
actual lake in the city of Big Bear Lake. That is confusing. We’ll give you
that.
This season, there’s been a steady dump of snow from the
heavens above, keeping the town itself a winter wonderland and slowly building
a base at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit resorts’ combined
440 developed acres. But to maximize the dew point potential, the resorts
atomize water and blow it into the cold, dry mountain air, basically helping
Mother Nature speed things along.
But the big news at Snow Summit is that the resort turns 60
this year. As a gift to itself, the resort got a newly expanded Snow Summit
Bear Bottom Lodge where the existing deck got a 960-square foot addition
to make more room for the party. There’s also a new bar, the Slopeslide
Pub, an indoor-outdoor pub named for its view of lower Miracle Mile and Summit
Run.
Sister resort Bear Mountain, always innovating, expanded its
newish Red Bull Plaza, taking over all of Powder Bowl to replicate an urban
skate spot on the slopes. The buzz this year is all about the plaza’s five new
features.
There’s the giant Red Bull wall, the 32-foot long parking
garage and a 40-foot double-sided gateway box. There’s a multi-use object
called the City Center with more approaches than a seasoned salesman, and the
Cop Shop with its wall-box-jump and chopped police cruiser multi-feature.
For the younger set looking to work their way up to the
master jibs, Bear Mountain offers the Riglet Park for children ages 3 to 6.
It’s a safe haven where the wee ones can take advantage of Burton’s
Learn-to-Ride Technology and skilled instructors to get the hang of the sport in
a fun, playground-like setting. They’ll soon be the real deal.
Bear Mountain Resort, 43101 Goldmine Dr., Big Bear Lake.
Snow Summit Resort, 880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake. (800) 866-5766; www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.
Stuff Your Gullets and Drink Hot Toddies: Lake Arrowhead/Blue Jay
If you’re looking to escape the ski slope crowds and just
have a nice night or weekend out in search of epicurean delights in an Alpine
atmosphere, head to the Lake Arrowhead area for your fill of decadence.
BIN189 in Lake Arrowhead sets the standard for the
area’s fine dining, giving rustic modern chic a run for its cache. Located
inside the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, the fine dining establishment
makes moose antler chandeliers chic. Try the miso-crusted Chilean sea bass,
BIN189’s specialty.
27984 Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead, (909) 337-4189; www.laresort.com.
A little off the beaten path in Twin Peaks sits The
Grill at Antlers Inn, lodge-style dining cozy enough for a romantic night
out and friendly enough for a sophisticated meal with the fam. If you’re
feeling easy like Sunday morning, opt for the Grill’s brunch menu featuring
items like its bacon, lettuce and tomato pizza—and eggs served until 2 p.m.
They also serve up some mean sushi.
26125 Hwy. 189, Twin Peaks, (909) 336-2600; www.thegrillatantlers.com.
Then there’s the retro Cedar Glen Malt Shopdishing up
burgers and shakes since 1946. Shimmy up to the counter and pair a Cadillac
Coupe de Ville, a.k.a. the bacon cheeseburger, with a peanut butter shake and
fries.
29125 Hook Creek Rd., Cedar Glen, (909) 337-6640; www.cedarglenmaltshop.com.
Belgian Waffle Works in the Lake Arrowhead Village is
a waffle lovers dream with enough diversity on the menu to take along friends
looking for sandwiches and burgers, as well. But for the waffle crew: Stay
simple with the classic Belgian breakfast waffle or dig into the Boston Cream,
Hot Apple Annie, Banana Cream or Peach Melba varieties. Want S’more? They have
that, too.
28200 Hwy. 189, Lake Arrowhead, (909) 337-5222; www.belgianwaffle.com.
Run for the Tex-Mex border at Texifornia Tamale Company in
Blue Jay if you’re feeling zesty. Everything’s made from scratch, bringing
together authentic Texas-style barbecue and Mexican delights. The restaurant’s
known for its tamales, from spicy brisket and green chicken chili to jalapeno
cheese and black bean corn. Cheers.
27226 Highway 189, Blue Jay, (909) 336-1200; www.texiforniatamale.com.
Looking for a peaceful desert storm: Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree might not be the first winter getaway
destination that pops into mind. But once you visit during the summer, you’ll
realize the mild winter climate is literally a pretty cool time of year to
explore some desert scenery as you mentally play U2 in your head on a constant
loop.
There is no escaping the area’s namesake, the crooked, spiky
ubiquitous trees that Bono and the guys paid homage to. They can grow as high
as 40 feet and look like they’re praying to the heavens.
While the winter days are still much warmer than most other
areas in the Inland Empire, be warned that overnight temperatures can drop
drastically so bundle up if you’re camping. The chill will be well worth it as
you gaze star struck into the most beautiful, wide-open skies anywhere in
California.
There are nine campgrounds total, with three accepting
reservations. All campgrounds except Black Rock Canyon are open year-round.
People hauling trailers may prefer neighboring campgrounds White Tank andBelle.
The boulders block the wind and provide shade.
If you fancy yourself a bit of a map and compass person,
register at one of the backcountry boards and bunk under the stars at least a
mile from any roads and 500 feet from any trails. You may find a pristine area
perfect for some extreme bocce between the boulders.
Joshua Tree National Park has more than 7,000 rock
climbs available year-round at every rating that attract people from worldwide. Hidden
Valley Campground is filled with rock climbers, with tents set up
everywhere between huge monzogranite boulders. You may even spy a few quail or
bighorn sheep.
Other rock climbing hot spots include Wonderland of
Rocks and Jumbo Rocks. If you are new to the sport, book a lesson or
guide at Joshua Tree Rock Climbing School (www.joshuatreerockclimbing.com).
Once you get to the top of the sticky, rarely crumbly granite, you’re rewarded
with a sublime high-desert view.
Strap on your hiking shoes because the area offers
everything from easy, quick nature walks with interpretative signs to strenuous
climbs over boulders and up to desolate peaks. Search out the elusive ocotillo,
the wildest looking cactus in the bunch.
Highlights include the 49 Palms and Los Palms oases,
mini tropical paradises that appear out of nowhere. At Wonderland of Rocks,
huge boulders make up a stony wilderness filled with gigantic granite
formations. On Barker Dam Trail, you’ll find American Indian rock
paintings.
There’s also the Bill Keys Desert Queen Ranch built
in the early 1900s inside a rocky canyon that is now part of the national park.
You can go on a 90-minute guided walking tour through the homesteader family’s
remote ranch house, school, store and workshop. Tickets must be pre-purchased
at a visitor center. (www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/programs.htm)
There are four paved bike trails and fire roads in Joshua
Tree: Old Lost Horse Road Trail and Old Queen Valley Historic Road Trail, California
Riding and Hiking Trail and the Thermal Canyon Bike Trail, in order
of difficulty. Biking is not permitted in the open desert.
Dress in layers and be prepared for flash foods during
inclement weather. Be careful around washes.
If you need a dose of civilization, Crossroads Café at
the entrance to the park serves a scrumptious seitan sandwich or a hefty
half-pound burger.
61715 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760) 366-5414; www.crossroadscafejtree.com.
You can also try the NY-style slices at Pie for the
People across the street 61740 29 Palms Hwy., Joshua Tree, (760)
366-0400; www.pieforthepeople.net.
You can approach Joshua Tree from the west via Interstate 10
and Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway). The north entrances to the park are located
at the towns of Joshua Tree and 29 Palms. The south entrance at Cottonwood
Spring, which lies 25 miles east of Indio, can be approached from the east or
west, also via Interstate 10.
Pretend like it’s not winter at all: Palm Springs area
Forget shoveling snow. Palm Springs offers a warm refuge
with all the Rat Pack-style vibe desired, plus quirky vintage shops and
classic, mid-century architecture. The palm trees will help you leave the pines
behind, and there’s always a festival or two to welcome you. The city’s average
temperature in January is 69 degrees. Hello, flip-flops.
As you probably know, the area boasts multiple casinos and
about 100 golf courses, so we’re pretty sure you can find those. We wanted to
clue you in on some of the lesser-known attractions the area has to offer.
If you can swing a room and leave the kiddos behind, check
out the über-hip Ace Hotel and Swim Club, a 1960s-era remodel
constructed with earth-friendly materials. The year-round outdoor pool is the
main attraction, open until 2 a.m. with live music and DJs. Go for drinks in
the Amigo Room and take your festivities to the patio.
701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, (760) 325-9900; www.acehotel.com.
Why not check out the Riviera Resort and Spa, where
stars like Elvis Presley, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra lounged back in the day
With $70 million pumped into the place for renovations, the joint is back to
its salacious self.
1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, (760) 327-8311; www.psriviera.com.
Then it’s time for some sightseeing. You’re on vacation,
after all. The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is home to
about 3,000 examples of desert cacti and plants grouped by geographic regions.
Founders Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten and his biologist
wife Patricia designed and installed landscapes for Sinatra and, thanks to
their local hobnobbing with Walt Disney, helped design the western theme of
Frontierland at Disneyland back when it opened.
1701 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, (760) 327-6555; www.moortengarden.com.
The Palm Springs Air Museum, dedicated to the
restoration and preservation of American’s legendary fighters, bombers and
trainers, houses one of the world’s largest collections of flying WWII
airplanes. Climb up and check out the cockpits that won The People’s War.
745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, (760) 778-6262; palmspringsairmuseum.org.
The Living Desert in neighboring Palm Desert, a
1,200-acre zoo and botanical garden, is rife with mountain lions, wolves,
javelins, bobcats, golden eagles and more. Nestled at the foothills of the Santa
Rosa Mountains, the animal park offers a glimpse into desert life around the
world through the eyes of its inhabitants.
74485 National Monument Dr., Twentynine Palms, (760)
367-5500; www.livingdesert.org.
To relax, head to one of Desert Hot Springs’s 22 boutique
mineral spa resorts. The area boasts the only aquifer of thermal, mineral
spring water in Southern California. Relax, and maybe even feel like a new you
after a soak.
Then just when you start to miss a cozy fireplace and your
favorite faux fur-lined parka, hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for
a 15-minute ride up to Chino Canyon at a whopping 8,000 feet. Just go for the
view, a meal at Peaks Restaurant (www.pstramway.com) or shake off
that desert vibe with a shock to the system: snow camping! Once there’s enough
snowfall the Adventure Center opens, offering rental equipment for
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There’s also an ideal winter playground
for sledding or the occasional snowball fight. Watch your back.
Family fun and small-town atmosphere: Idyllwild
With no big ski resort in its midst the bucolic Idyllwild,
about 10 miles from the Mountain Station at the top of the tram, remains one of
the Inland Empire’s secret treasures. There is no public transit from the
Mountain Station to Idyllwild, so you would need to hike it or take a cab if
you combine trips.
Known mostly for its world-class arts school, the Idyllwild
Arts Academy and Summer Program, the area is a thriving arts community with
creativity galore. The little mountain town nestled in the San Jacinto
Mountains is set among the tall pines, sweet-smelling cedars and legendary
rocks, perfect for a rollicking snowball fight or practicing the fine art of
snowman construction.
Idyllwild offers a refuge for sledders and snowshoers, away
from the throngs of skiers and snowboarders making their way to Big Bear Lake,
Running Springs and Wrightwood. There’s sledding to be had at Upper Fern
Valley at Humber Park, which requires an Adventure Pass through the
Forest Service at theIdyllwild Ranger’s Station.
(909) 382-2921; www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf.
The area also offers plenty of snowshoeing, which is like
hiking with the added fun of freezing snow under your feet and special shoes
that don’t really look like shoes at all. They’re more like small tennis
rackets. If you’re in need of snowshoes, you can rent or buy them at Nomad
Ventures. (www.nomadventures.com).
To warm up, head into town. Idyllwild still has its
provincial feel, with locally owned galleries, shops and eateries. For the
latter, our picky pallets prefer Café Aroma’s garlic bisque with leeks and
potatoes topped with croutons to warm us up after our frostbitten frolicking.
54750 North Circle, Idyllwild, (951) 659-5212; www.cafearoma.org.
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Dana Point
IE Weekly
ST. REGIS AT MONARCH BEACH
Cost: $$$$$
Why You Must Go: The St. Regis at Monarch Beach is alright, if by “alright” you mean absolutely awesome. It’s a little on the pricey side, but it’s worth the splurge for the private beach access in Dana Point alone. From the moment you walk through the gilded doors, you feel like you’re walking out of suburbia and into a Tuscan-like retreat. Be sure to book a Mediterranean Massage at Spa Gaucin and take in a good soak afterward in the waterfall spa while sipping on your complimentary glass of organic chardonnay. Then it’s back to your suite, which is pure luxury. As you get ready for dinner, take in your surroundings: The fine Italian leather furniture. The spa tub for two. The flat screen TVs in each room.
Where To Eat: Try wining and dining at Stonehill Tavern where you’ll dig into managing chef Michael Mina’s four-star, lip-smacking creations that are as beautiful to look at as they are delectable. Savor the three-course tasting menu. Go for the Hawaiian blue shrimp with butternut squash crepes and coconut-curry broth, prime beef short rib and the chocolate pudding duo. Then it’s off to the lounge before heading back to your room for better things.
What Else To Check Out: Catch the tram to the Monarch Bay Club, an overnight resort-guest-only restaurant overlooking the pristine blue sea before taking advantage of the surf butler service available. You can’t go back to Riverside without a hands-on surf lesson. Your surf butler will hold your hand, literally, or at least your board, until you’re ready to hang ten. But if you just want to hang back, they can help with bodyboarding, too. And then it will definitely be time for a cocktail at the beach club because you’ve got a designated tram driver.
St. Regis at Monarch Beach, 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, (949) 234-3200; www.stregismb.com; “Seaside & Starlight” midweek package starts at $475.
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Three Totally Romantic Places to Grub
By: Arrissia Owen-Turner
Nobody ached with more romantic passion than Billy Ocean. Who can forget those devastating lyrics to “Loverboy” when he was all like “I’ve got to have your love, got to have it aaahhhl to myself, I said yeah, yeah, yeh yeeaaah . . . Wanna to be your (dun-dun) lover (dun-dun) lover (dun-dun) loverboy.” Remember that shit? Besides gyrating with that slick panache, Ocean’s secret was real simple—just let her know. Here are three restaurants in the IE that you can let her know, dude. Let her know. Or, vice-versa, let him know.
Sycamore Inn
The historic Sycamore Inn Prime Steakhouse is a landmark in the IE. The Route 66 staple has kept couples coming back since 1848 with its elegant ambiance and the melt-in-your-mouth, Midwestern, cornfed-prime rib and oysters Rockefeller, the tarte a l’alsatian and/or Luigi’s minestrone soup, the latter of which has been starting things off for more than 50 years. Tip the light fandango with a glass of San Simeon pinot noir, stare into the object of your affection’s eyes under intimate lighting, and order the Death by Chocolate indulgence for dessert. If you’re light on cash but still want to impress your date, hit up the happy hour 5 to 7 p.m. when wine by the glass is half off. You still get to take in the building’s rich history (there has been plenty of intrigue through the hallowed halls) and snuggle up by the fireplace.
Sycamore Inn, 8318 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga, (909) 982-1104; www.thesycamoreinn.com.
Knickerbocker Mansion
The Knickerbocker Mansion is a Big Bear bed and breakfast of historical proportions, originally the home of Big Bear Lake’s first dam keeper back in 1920. It was converted to an inn during the 1980s with 11 guest rooms, wink wink, perfect for a slumber after a big meal at the hands of executive chef Thomas Bicanic. Breakfast in bed is part of the deal, but first you’ll need your Friday or Saturday night reservations (the only nights they serve dinner). Dig in to the rack of lamb or some osso buco or even Portobello mushroom ravioli before going decadent with the chocolate croissant pudding with bourbon infused crème anglaise. You’ll thank us in the morning.
Knickerbocker Mansion, 869 Knickerbocker Road, Big Bear Lake, (909) 878-4248; www.knickerbockermansion.com.
The Farm Artisan
Owner/executive chef Roberto Argentina will tempt you with his take on veggie-laden modern American cuisine, heavy on the organic and locally grown produce and minimally processed foods. The Italian-born Texas transplant knows his way around a romantic dinner, with minimalistic atmosphere and plenty of decadence. The menus are seasonal and change often, but last we checked the pork belly over sage cannellini beans and quince fruit appetizer was still rockin’ the joint, and that’s enough to drag our date in there any time. Since we are partial to the abundance of small plate vegetarian options, the menu got us in the mood for gourmet amore: the roasted Portobello mushrooms with wilted chard and warm goat cheese and the acorn squash with wild rice, sautéed mushrooms and ginger sage sauce had us all riled up before the risotto entree was even on the table.
The Farm Artisan, 22 E. State St., Redlands, (909) 792-1162; www.farmartisanfoods.com.
http://www.ieweekly.com/cms/story/detail/three_totally_romantic_places_to_grub/2080/
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Fawnskin
INN AT FAWNSKIN
Cost: $$$-$$$$
Why You Must Go: Looking for a quiet retreat with your lovely? The Inn at Fawnskin is on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, away from the tourist traffic and McDonald’s drive-thru full of daytrippers. Fawnskin is a few miles from the rural rat race of the resort town, tucked away in an idyllic hamlet. The inn is a B&B owned by Nancy and Bill Hazewinkel, who will cater to your every pastoral need, from ordering in a massage at the teepee to enjoying cozy cuisine in the community dining room. Book the Garden Suite with a private deck overlooking the lake and grounds. Back inside, there’s a two-person jetted tub, king size bed and a piano in case you’re feeling like tickling the 88s.
Where To Eat: Amangela’s is a little, bohemian-like lunch place with phenomenal sandwiches and outdoor seating. Grab a sangria, order a veggie sandwich on olive bread and sit by the creek to take in your surroundings.
What Else To Check Out: Hiking trails abound with everything from Alpine Pedal Path for a leisurely stroll along to the lake to Cougar Crest Trail for the more adventurous. Stop by the Big Bear Discovery Center a little east on North Shore Drive to sign up for any sort of tour you could want, from off-roading to wildflowers to canoeing. It’s all there waiting for you, and then some.
Inn at Fawnskin, 880 Canyon Road, Fawnskin, (800) 329-6754; www.fawnskininn.com. Rooms from $165-$265.
http://www.ieweekly.com/cms/story/detail/fawnskin/2354/
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IE Weekly
TAKE A HIKE: MOUNTAINS
Sometimes, when you’re looking for a good time, you’ve got to rise above it all—literally. The IE is full of great mountain areas to discover a whole new brand of thrills: invigorating hikes, cool mountain lakes and other nature-brimming activities. Here’s a sampling of what some of our higher elevations have to offer.
BIG BEAR LAKE
It sounds as far as BFE, but BBL is only about 60 to 90 minutes from most of the rest of the IE. And because it’s the biggest Alpine resort in the area, it has the most amenities. Whether you’re looking for a little gold panning, hiking, mountain biking or a day on the lake, the little-yet-large mountain town has what you’re looking for, sans June gloom most days. There are multiple special events most weekends—check out the antique boat show, Old Miners Days, Fourth of July fireworks show, Cowboy Gathering, et al. Bonus: You will actually see yourself driving out of the smog!
Big Bear Lake Resort Association, 630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear Lake, (909) 866-7000; www.bigbear.com.
MT. BALDY
Usually the only time you hear about Mt. Baldy is when there is a missing skier or hiker, but don’t let that dampen your enthusiasm for this summit in the sky. Part of the San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. Baldy offers plenty of trails—Manker Flats to Baldy Notch or the Baldy Bowl Trail, et al—which are best finished off by a cold brewsky at Baldy Lodge in the heart of Baldy Village. But before you hit the booze, stop in at the Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts for a scenic chair lift ride to see the urban sprawl from a distance that you left behind and remind yourself just what it is that drives you to drink.
Mt. Baldy Ski Lift, 6777 Mt. Baldy Road, Mt. Baldy, (909) 981-3344; www.mtbaldy.com.
SANTA ANA MOUNTAINS
Serving as a natural border between Riverside and Orange counties, the Santa Ana Mountains (which actually start in Chino Hills), also show a whole other side to the OC that doesn’t involved backstabbing trophy wives. There’s the Modjeska House to soak up a little local history, Hidden Ranch for the Wildlands Conservancy, the nearby Great Park in Irvine for a hot air balloon ride and much more. For hiking and mountain bike trails, explore Upper Santiago and Trabuco canyons, or head farther south to Ortega Highway for the Bear Canyon Loop Trail closer to San Juan Capistrano where you can stop in Ortega Oaks Candy Store for trail mix.
Trabuco Ranger District, 1147 E. Sixth St., Corona, (909) 736-1811; www.santaanamountains.org.
SAN JACINTO MOUNTAINS
Anyone who has marveled at the beautiful Coachella sunsets during the behemoth music festival is already familiar with the San Jacinto Mountains. Behind the palm trees of the desert sits 272,000 acres of mountain terrain perfect for outdoorsy fun. Whether you’re tracking big horn sheep, documenting local wildflowers in the Alabama Hills like the Scarlet Locoweed or documenting local stream bottom ecology, you can escape from the city and find your place in nature.
The Monument Visitor Center, 51-500 Highway 74, Palm Desert, 760-862-9984; www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings/santarosa.html.
