BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA
It’s hard to believe that only 2 hours from sunny Los Angeles awaits a snowy wonderland nestled high in the San Bernardino Mountains called Big Bear Lake.
We found a lovely house to rent through Airbnb with the most amazing backyard, complete with it’s own sledding hill. We spent the next 4 days “unplugged” making snowmen and angel wings, having snowball fights and stomping through the powder.
It’s how a lot of us spent EVERY day in the winter as kids, right? And now… what a gift to play in the snow and be silly all day with my little one. I’m not sure which of us had more fun!
And here’s my darling Hubs. The guy who shoveled us out of a foot of snow in the driveway and put chains on our tires in 25 degree weather. He’s my hero. xo
I’m an Upstate New York gal and my husband is from Epping Forest, England, so we’re no strangers to snow, in fact we love it! So it’s crazy that our almost 3 year old daughter had never experienced a white winter!
And that gave us a great reason kick off the first week of 2019 in this storybook-like city. Thankfully, Mother Nature played along with our plans and we were blessed with one of the most beautiful snowfalls I’ve ever seen.
This is Jemma’s first snowman ever.
We lovingly named him “Olaf”. :)
This is a place worth discovering. And here are some of my favorite recommendations, not including all the fantastic ski resorts which we hope to try on our next trip!
Big Bear Village Allow time for a good stroll with over 120 shops offering mountain attire, souvenirs, kitchen items, gifts, candy stores and some nice restaurants.
Antlers Boutique & Beauty One of my fave boutiques in the Village, just behind Teddy Bear Restaurant, filled with creations from local artists including more than reasonably priced clothing, jewelry, dreamcatchers and essential oils.
OJ’s Donut House The freshest, yummiest donuts in town! Made a great snack for our family “Tea Time”
The Grind and Grill Cafe Great breakfast and service. Ask about the “Avalanche” breakfast.
Teddy Bear Restaurant Right in the Village serving a good hot breakfast.
Himalayan Some of the best Indian food in California. Try the Mo Mo’s appetizers (steamed dumplings with veggies or meat.)
Captain’s Anchorage- Old school steak and seafood tavern. Had a great dinner there with exceptional service.
An enormous thank you to all the friendly locals who took such great care of us on our family vacation. And thank you to The North Face for keeping us all warm, cozy and cute.
Who’s been to Big Bear Lake? Would love to hear your recommendations for our next visit in the COMMENT section below!
