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/ When you think of Mendocino, what comes to mind? Perhaps the restaurant by the same name, Mendocino Farms? Or maybe East of Eden, the 1955 film staring James Dean that was filmed in the seaside town. We got the full Mendocino experience by staying on an actual farm (an organic farm that is!) just steps away from the historic downtown of Mendocino. Mendocino is far removed from the "brightlighters" of San Francisco in the best way possible. The location enables you to unplug and reset with views of coastal headlands, rose gardens, white picket fences, redwood water towers. Where to Stay: The Stanford Inn is a magical getaway, located on an organic farm where they grow everything from cauliflower, rainbow chard, to kale. Many of these ingredients are used in the on-site vegan restaurant, Raven's Restaurant. Take an evening retreat in the cozy redwood paneled suites complete with wood-burning fireplaces. The experience takes you to simpler times where you can unplug and immerse yourself in nature. From our room we could listen to the birds, smell the fresh pine groves, and walk outside to take out an outrigger canoe on the Big River. Where to Eat: Pattersons Pub - Cozy and welcoming atmosphere and traditional pub food taken up a few notches with the excellence of Mendocino's dining palate. Order the clam chowder, crab cake salad, and top it off with either a Guinness or Gowan's Heirloom Cider. Gowan's Heirloom Cider - Speaking of beverages, try the Cider Tasting Room for the crisp apple cider from the heritage apple orchards. Raven's Restaurant - The Stanford Inn's exceptional all vegan and organic menu is creative and mouth watering. Try the savory breakfast crepe made of chickpea flour, vegan sushi, and sea palm and root vegetable strudel. Where to Drink: Meyer Family Cellars - When you are in "Pinotland", it's time to try Mendocino's finest with the award winning Pinot Noirs at this family owned cellar. Pennyroyal Farms - A farmstead, winery, and creamery where you can visit the goats and sheep behind the making of the delicious artisan cheeses. Goldeneye - Wine and dine amongst peaceful rolling vineyards and try the dazzling Pinot Noirs perfectly paired with artisan cheeses! Lula Winery Mendocino - Here you are treated like family on this beautiful property known for their Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs. Things to Do: Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden - Follow the trails through the many different gardens and art sculptures to the cliffs for the dramatic views of the Pacific. Van Damm State Beach - Abalone shells wash up on the shores on this beach which has waters the color of blue Gatorade. There's camping, trails, and more! Skunk Train - A truly unique experience where you can ride on electric bike powered "railbikes" on the actual Skunk Train rail lines through old-growth California coastal redwoods. Check out Mendocino on your next Northern California trip!
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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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