Lake Arrowhead
For a bit of lakeside luxury that won’t break the bank, the alpine village of Lake Arrowhead is worth a trip.
Once
prime hunting and fishing land for the Serrano Indians, this mountain area is an ideal weekend getaway where you can get pampered at a spa,
stay in a luxury lakefront room, dine on gourmet cuisine and shop some
of the finest stores.
One of the greatest surprises is Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa (27984 Hwy 189; 909-336-1511; www.laresort.com),
one of the most popular sources for Lake Arrowhead jobs outside of the outlet mall.
This gorgeous resort recently shed its 1980s look for an urban and chic new style. In the
morning, free homemade little donuts tempt guests in the lobby, while
at night the resort is sprinkled with an abundance of fresh rose petals
on the counters and in the bedroom.
Locals
have been clamoring over the new restaurant BIN 189 (27984 Hwy 189;
909-337-4189), led by executive chef Stewart Redhead, formerly of the W
Hotel in New Orleans. Homemade Guinness bread, cheese bread and olive
bread starts out each meal, complimented by an unusually tasty dipping
oil and seed mix. The menu offers spa cuisine intermingled with hearty
portions of California cuisine (think Cornmeal Crusted Hemingway Trout
with Roasted Grape and Almonds or Mountaintop Meatloaf served with
Tomato Relish and Red-Skinned Mashers. View dinner menu.
While we were dining, two separate tables of local residents boasted that the food was “the best on the mountain.”
If
you take the hour-long tour on Arrowhead Queen paddle wheel boat ($11;
909-336-6992), your host will explain the history of the lake while
pointing out an awesome array of homes that are worth upward of $15
million. Owners include Beach Boy Brian Wilson, Patrick Swayze, Herb
Alpert and other glitterati.
Many of the homes — complete with elevators and trams — sit empty, used perhaps once or twice a year.
While
you’re in the village, don’t miss a morning breakfast at Belgian Waffle
Works (909-337-5222), known for its huge portions of waffles smothered
with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
At
the end of the shopping center, children 2-12 can burn off energy at
the Lakeside Playground or enjoy games at the Village Fun Park,
complete with autopia and bumper cars, a giant air slide, toddler
bounce house, 30-horse antique carousel, 9-hole miniature golf course
and train rides.
Back
at Lake Arrowhead Resort, guests can lounge in the heated outdoor pool
and soak up the sun, or book a treatment at Spa of the Pines (27984 Hwy
189; 909-744-3000). The spa, which pays homage to the area’s native
Serrano Indians, incorporates indigenous natural materials and scents
into its treatments, ranging from pine and sage to lilac and holly. The
Signature Massage, at $120, is a blissful 50-minute excursion using a
combination of techniques and custom aromatherapy oil blend tailored to
each guest. Click here for a menu of spa treatments.
During
the summer months, McKenzie’s Water Ski School (909-337-3814), allows
visitors a chance to get on a tournament ski boat and take to the lake.
Instruction is offered for beginners and pros, including trick skiing,
barefoot skiing and race skiing.
Lake
Arrowhead, with its tall pines, sparkling lake and clean air, has been
a favorite spot for moviemaking since the early part of the century. In
April, the town pays homage to its moviemaking history with the Lake
Arrowhead Film Festival (909-337-7587) at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and
Spa (27984 Hwy 189; 909-336-1511; www.laresort.com).
Playing up its Hollywood history, the resort screens a movie filmed in
Lake Arrowhead every Tuesday night. The event, complete with
fresh-popped popcorn, is free and all ages are welcome.
Fresh homemade donuts are a specialty at Lake Arrowhead Resort, offered in the lobby and coffee shop, or $5 a dozen at BIN 189.
Every bathroom in the resort is stocked with the aromatic Essentiel Elements line of Spa products.
IF YOU GO
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa (27984 Hwy 189; 909-336-1511; www.laresort.com)
BIN 189 (27984 Hwy 189; 909-337-4189)
Arrowhead Queen paddle wheel boat ($11; 909- 336-6992)
Belgian Waffle Works (909-337-5222)
Lake Arrowhead Village Shopping Center (280200 Highway 189; 909-337-2533; www.lakearrowheadvillage.com/storemap/ )
Spa of the Pines (27984 Hwy 189; 909-744-3000)
Ice Castle International Training Center (401 Burnt Mill Road; 909-337-0802)
McKenzie’s Water Ski School (909-337-3814)
