Big Bear

Located about 98 miles from Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear is known for its great winter skiing. But come here during the summer, and the lake is all yours.

Big Bear lodging ranges from rustic rental cabins to romantic B&Bs, such as the Windy Point Inn at Fawnskin. For a romantic getaway, many Big Bear homes, such as the Inn at Fawnskin, offer a lovely bed and breakfast experience with private baths, roaring fireplaces — and free WiFi. If you prefer to stay in one of the cabins in Big Bear, the Inn at Fawnskin offers several rentals, from charming cottages to large log homes. Most sleep between 4 and 8 people and some have views of the lake.

We're staying at the Northwoods Resort, a Big Bear hotel that's right in the village. The family suite is spacious and comfortable. In fact, it's like having our own private cabin — and the kids love the bunk beds! Robinhood Resort, also in the village, is a nice choice as well.

Big Bear Lake is a man-made lake measuring 7 miles long and 72 feet deep. And during the heat of summer, this is where you want to be. For Big Bear rentals of boats, jet skis and other watercraft, head to North Shore Landing, where you can rent practically anything under the sun.

For tours of Big Bear Lake, check out the grand paddlewheel boat, Miss Liberty, or the Big Bear Queen for 90-minute rides around the bay. There's also a Pirate Ship that sails daily around Big Bear Lake. Used in the 1981 movie, Time Bandit, this Spanish Galleon replica offers daily tours, complete with its own authentic pirates — and full bar.

During the Pirate Ship tour, which departs from Holloway's Marina, Captain Don Licti shares the fascinating history of Big Bear Lake and its residents, who include Woody Harrelson and Kevin Costner. Along the way, we check out the Big Bear home of cartoonist Mike Judge ("Beavis and Butthead"), and the historic Big Bear cabin used in the movie "War Games."

On the South Shore, we pass by some cool boulders — a favorite jumping spot for locals. Across the way is Garstin Island, where you'll find a historic rice-paper house brought over from China during the early 1900s.

In Sawmill Cove, we pass by a beautiful wooden boat with a familiar face — Bugs Bunny. It's the former home of cartoon legend Mel Blanc. His son, Noel Blanc, pops out to say hello, mimicking the voices of some of our favorite cartoon characters.

After the tour, young buccaneers are treated to a pirate tattoo and look inside the treasure box.

You can't visit the mountains without getting in touch with nature, and Big Bear Discovery Center offers a variety of nature hikes and activities throughout the year. You can even do a bit of gold panning.

The river near Holcomb Valley has now dried up, though there are still several claims. But panning in a sleuce is the next best thing, and it's great fun for the kids.

Every summer weekend, the center offers a variety of family activities, from canoe and kayak trips to hatchet throwing, jewelry making and birdhouse projects. If you enjoy hiking, you can access the famous Pacific Crest Trail here as well.

For a great snowshoe hike during the winter, Big Bear Discovery Center offers several snowshoeing tours. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can rent your own snowshoes through Equada Outfitters in the village.

Ready for more adventure, we head to Alpine Slide, a family fun center with some of the coolest bobsled tracks in Southern California. You can also play a round of miniature golf, zip down a waterslide, or take a spin in a go-kart. In the winter, you can rent your own inner tube and whoosh down the toboggan run on a bobsled.

Big Bear Village is home to a number of unique and wonderful shops  — from a year-round Christmas Mart to the fashionable Paisley Boutique. Filled with stylish clothing, shoes and handbags, I'm tempted by everything I see. In the back, there's an adorable children's section.

When it comes time to eat, you won't find a shortage of Big Bear restaurants. Sweet Basil Bistro offers wonderful homemade salads and paninis, while Captain's Anchorage and Evergreen Restaurant offers great fine dining. Big Bear Mountain Brewery specializes in pub-grub fare and house-crafted beers, including a terrific orange blossom ale and Red Ant Hill signature brew. For authentic German cuisine, check out Old Country Inn. The restaurant also serves up some amazing gourmet burgers and Italian specialties.

When you're ready for a bit of pampering, head to Elevations Day Spa on Fox Farm Road, not far from Big Bear Choppers. Open since 2000, this full-service Big Bear spa is the local's choice for body treatments, facials and massages. My custom 1-hour facial with esthetician Debby Dockter includes a neck, scalp and shoulder massage. After bringing my dry skin back to life with a mixture of mud masks and soothing gels, I'm left feeling like a princess.

If you come to Big Bear during the summer, don't miss a trip up the Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit. The sights both up and down the lift are just incredible — offering a birds-eye view of the lake, pine trees and nearby mountain peaks. At the top, 8,200 feet above sea level, you can enjoy a bite at Big Bear's highest barbecue grill or zip down the hill on a mountain bike. But I'm here for the view. If you're in the mood for a hike, there's a trail down the mountain for hikers as well.

During the winter,  the Big Bear mountain resorts of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain serve up 430 acres of skiing, complete with shuttle service between both hills. The Big Bear ski season usually runs between November and March.

Big Bear snow can come unexpectedly, so always be prepared with either a 4wd or snow chains. Big Bear weather averages about 300 days of sunshine per year, but always come prepared with a light jacket in the summer, as nights can get chilly.

For more information about Big Bear, contact the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, 630 Bartlett Rd., Big Bear Lake, CA 92315; (909) 866-7000; www.bigbear.com