Finding Nature In SoCal

I think this is the first time I’ve felt like a tourist in my hometown. It’s definitely our first fun-filled, action-packed vacation to SoCal.  We’ve done a lot of the touristy things – Disneyland, Downtown Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, the beach, etc. – and we’ve been eating and drinking like we’re on vacation. It’s like a vacation with all your friends and family – in short, it’s totally awesome! And we’re having a great time! We’ve been visiting with people almost morning, noon and night for the past couple of weeks and we still don't/won’t have time to see everyone we love and care about…talk about being overwhelmed (in a good way!!) with all the blessings (our friends and family) in our life! 

There is so much I could tell you about - and I might at a later date (probably when I’m gone and missing California terribly) - but I want to focus on our recent trip to Big Bear Lake. In my opinion, Big Bear Lake is the best escape-to-nature in SoCal. It's a year-round destination (skiing in the winter, boating in the summer), found in the local mountain range, and surrounded by the National San Bernardino National Forest. 

You could call this trip “our vacation from our vacation.” It was the most relaxing few days that I’ve had in a really long time. 

Picturesque landscape…

wind in your hair…

lots of yummy treats…

and good company…

What more could you ask for?!

We were lucky enough to be there with friends that have a cabin and a boat (yay!). No worries if you don’t have a boat, there are lots of rental options (kayaks, jet-skis, etc.) and a small beach with a water slide. The beach looks perfect for families with younger kids.  Click here for more info.

If you need a place to stay, try the Northwood Inn Resort.  My hubby has stayed there many times for work.  Click here for more info.

We ate at Village Pizza (40568 Villge Dr). It has decent pizza, is family-friendly and relatively inexpensive. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Taco Pizza. It was a fun change from ordinary pepperoni pizza.

We also found a cute little bakery, Sugar Pine Bake Shop. It has limited operating hours so check the website or call before you go. I recommend the Hoosier Pie – a cross between Crème Brulee and Bread Pudding – and the chocolate chip cookies – which have an unexpected but delicious burst of cinnamon and nutmeg flavor. I wouldn’t turn down a cupcake either.

As for nightlife, near "the Village," there is a fun, hole-in-the-wall, dive-bar with karaoke nights – I can’t remember the name (did it even have a name?!) – where the locals seem to hang out. If you go, I highly recommend you sing only country songs. Trust me on this...I learned the hard way. 

One last note, if you happen to get car sick, research “the back way” up the mountain. The front way (Hwy 330) has many sharp twist and turns.