We are escaping the summer heat by spending a weekend in Big Bear! This is a four-season mountain resort, located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. We explore the quaint charm of Big Bear Village and sample the foodie cuisine. While winter time is known for its bustling ski and snowboarding resorts, in spring and summer itâs time to enjoy lake life! We are staying in a cozy lodge, equipped with canoes, and renting fat tire bikes for a mountain biking adventure.
Big Bear Lake sits 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the San Bernardino National Forest. Altitudes range from 6,750 to 9,000 feet and the valley enjoys 300+ days of sunshine each year.
Big Bear Village offers a wide variety of eateries and restaurants, from Himalayan, Thai, Italian, German, and more!
We check in to the Noon Lodge, a boutique lodge with a Nordic alpine theme, offering the comforts of home. We have fire pits, canoes and bikes for rent, a pool, corn hole, and barbecue grills. It's located right on the lake and walking distance to Big Bear Village http://www.noonlodge.com/
Big Bear is a getaway that brings you back to childhood summer camp vibes and is a fun place to make new memories with your friends and family!
Wildlife flourishes in Big Bear's alpine environment and we even spot a young bald eagle. Big Bear Lake is a manmade, fresh-water lake 7 miles long and a 1/2 mile wide, making it the perfect lake for boating, kayaking, canoeing, SUP paddleboarding, and of course - fishing.
âWhat's your favorite lake activity in Big Bear? Comment below!
Welcome to Sonoma valley, a region that is synonymous with wine and located just 45 miles north of San Francisco. This is the birthplace of the California wine industry and the wineries are noted for their rustic charm and family heritage. But there is so much more to do here than wine tasting. We are showcasing the activities outside of wine, including distilleries, historic sights, cuisine pairings, abundant nature. Letâs hop on a vintage motorcycle and explore!
Wineries:
1. Landmark Vineyards: This winery's history is connected to the John Deere family and they offer their flagship Chardonnay as well as a variety of other wines. They also have a gorgeous event space with views of the Mayacama Mountains. https://www.landmarkwine.com/ 2. Mayo Winery: Cuisine and wine pairings that focus on the wine first. The tapas style dishes are paired to bring out the notes in the wine: https://www.mayofamilywinery.com/ â 3. BR Cohn: A winery known for rock n' roll, wine (of course), and olive oil! Taste the California olive oil varieties in the tasting room, pair it with a Cabernet, and learn about the winery's connection to the Doobie Brothers. https://www.brcohn.com/ @brcohnwinery
Non-Wine Activities:
1. Hanson of Sonoma | Organic Vodka made from grapes! This family owned distillery produces vodkas infused with organic fruits and vegetables, such as the creative habanero vodka. The mouth feel is different than your traditional vodka and the flavors are fun to mix as a cocktail or use as a sipping vodka. Our favorite was the chocolate and vodka paring with truffles from Kollar Chocolates, which perfectly compliment the vodka flavors. Visit here: https://hansonofsonoma.com/
Planning a trip to the desert getaway of Palm Springs this spring or summer? This region is known for its stylish and retro hotels, dazzling pools, old Hollywood glamour, and high concentration of mid-century modern architecture. We visit every year for Modernism Week and keep coming back to this tranquil and artistic city. These are the must-see sights that make visiting this region so special.
For more information, go to https://VisitPalmSprings.com
1. Palm Canyon
If you are looking for a shaded hiking spot which also has plentiful Palm Springs history, look no further. Enter Indian Canyons, which has been home to the indigenous people for thousands of years. Palm Canyon is the largest fan palm oasis in the world. It is filled with hiking trails that wind through the Washingtonia Palms, which provide natural air conditioning. There is also the 60 foot tall Tahquitz waterfall and a running spring, the original life source for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. There is an entry fee which is well worth the admission. There are no dogs are allowed, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. More information: https://www.indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons
2. Palm Springs Aerial Tram
The Palm Springs Aerial Tram whisks you away on an exciting journey from the bottom of the desert floor to the mountain peaks in ten minutes. The tram is the largest rotating tram in the world and the ride is breathtaking. As it rotates, visitors get a 360 degree view the different ecological zones below as they transition dramatically from cactus to coniferous trees. This is the perfect activity for the entire family, especially on hot desert days. The top of the mountain provides alpine breezes and a refuge from the desert heat. Note: There is a $12 parking fee and bring warm layers of clothing. The top of the mountain is over 8,000 feet high and there can still be snow in May! More information: https://pstramway.com/
3. Pool Party
If you do one thing here in Palm Springs this summer, you must make a splash in the pool. There are more pools per capita here than anywhere else in North America. If you are not staying at a resort with a pool, you can grab a day pass. Visit the retro pools at Ace Hotel or The Saguaro for a fun day in the sun! If you want a full pool party experience with music, check out the Splash House event this summer.
4. Modernism Mecca
Palm Springs has an extensive concentration of mid century modern architecture. There is even an event called Modernism Week which provides tours of the iconic homes, many of which you otherwise cannot access. One of the most well-known modernist buildings is the Albert Frey Tramway Station as you enter Palm Springs on Highway 111. Its design showcases the quintessential look of the mid-century style including the industrial materials, glass windows, overhanging roofs, and angular lines. Modernism Week happens in May and is the best way to transport yourself back to the Palm Springs of the 50's and 60s! Get your tickets here: https://modernismweek.com/
5. Dining Out
In Palm Springs, dining out is a must do! There's classic deli cuisine, Italian, and even Austrian food here! The evenings usually bring cool breezes here in Palm Springs. If you are dining outdoors in summer, many restaurants provide misters and covered patios so you can stay refreshed. Be aware that many restaurants close in the mid afternoon from 3 - 5 PM so plan accordingly.
6. Art Scene
Palm Springs has an eye-catching public arts scene. Most notably is the 26 foot tall Forever Marilyn sculpture, which is on display in front of the Palm Springs Museum of Art. Her presence brings the Hollywood glamour to Palm Springs, which has been known to be the playground of the stars. Another jaw dropping public art piece on display is the "History of Suspended Time" by Gonzalo Lebrija, which is an inverted vintage automobile that appears to be plunging head-first into a reflecting pool. It is on display for a year and found in front of the entrance to the Palm Springs Museum of Art. Be sure to visit the Palm Springs Museum of Art which has a thought provoking collection of Native American art and contemporary designs.
What are your favorite sights to see in Palm Springs? Comment below!
âThank you to Visit Palm Springs for helping to make this video possible! For more information, go to https://VisitPalmSprings.com |
Published Travel ArticlesWelcome to Run The Atlas!
We are two adventurous young professionals who turned our passion for travel into a blog to help others travel more.
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