This was the start of a great Mothers Day weekend in Big Bear CA.
It was decided that we would celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in Big Bear CA. a few weeks earlier, which is a really good thing because there was no trying to figure out what to go and do at the last minute.
The thought was that we would take the motorcycle up through the mountain passes, but Mother Nature had other plans for us: the forecast called for rain and some snow. Getting on the road around 1pm we headed north to try and avoid the weekend traffic. Even driving east around L.A. the traffic was still stop and go in places. After an hour or so it was decided that a coffee and bathroom stop was needed. As we exited the interstate we noticed a 5 Guys burgers. As it turns out it was very fortunate that we happened to stop at 5 Guys because we now both know how to access the administration menu of the Coke Freestyle soda machines. But that’s technically a post for another site.
We continued on our way to Big Bear. Upon seeing the electronic sign displayed above the freeway stating that chains were required we began to become very nervous. We have 4-wheel drive, but no chains. Driving along Highway 18 we encountered brief patches of mist (not rain), and at one point saw a car with snow on its hood. Fearing the worst, we continued on. We checked into the Big Bear Frontier Lodge around 5pm. Other than the 1 car, we saw no snow anywhere. The lodge is nice and right on the lake–It is sad to note that the drought has vastly affected the lake level. What should be a very handy boat dock on the Lodge property is sitting on the bed of the lake. The pool and hot tub are open year round, although the thought of exiting water into ambient temperatures of less than 60 degrees does not appeal to us. There are several picnic benches and barbeque grills on the property as well. The room was decent sized, with dated decor. But, it did have a real wood burning fireplace. Sharon was very happy and demanded the purchase of firewood. Upon checking in with Yelp we found that you received 1 free fire-log with your check-in. Score!!!! These are Duraflame logs that last approximately 2 hours–perfect for getting a fire started. We headed across the road to the JR market and bought a small bundle of wood (hint: bring some wood with you if you plan on building a fire–this small bundle was only 4-5 pieces and cost $8).
So, happy hour was calling and we ventured to Nottingham’s tavern in downtown Big Bear. It was a decent tavern with a dart board and free popcorn. That in addition to $4 drink specials made for a great start to the weekend. For dinner we had fantastic, perfectly cooked steaks at the Peppercorn Grill. We couldn’t have asked for a more tasty and perfectly cooked meal. With our tummies full we headed to bed.
The next morning started off cool and sunny. Had it not been for the rain the previous night we would have ventured onto one of the many local hiking trails (one of Sharon’s favorite things to do). However, we were not prepared for slogging through mud and opted to drive to the Lake Arrowhead area (about 45 minutes from Big Bear Lake) to check it out. We stopped at Lake Arrowhead Village–full of shops and a few restaurants. Not wanting to eat so much as to ruin our next planned meal we opted for McDonalds and sat at a corner with a view of the lake. This McDonalds also has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meals on warmer days.
After our snack we aimlessly drove around the area–stopping for a bit at Lake George where there is a nice walking path that appears to circle the lake. We were feeling nappy at this point, but not wanting to go all the way back to the hotel we decided that finding a secluded spot where we could take a quick nap in the car would suffice. It took us a while, but we eventually found a trail that took us away from the main highway and stopped under the tree. After a nap, we continued along the trail to discover that it quickly went from a dirt road to a relatively easy 4-wheel drive trail. We were, after all, driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The next 40 minutes or so were spent bouncing along the trail. And just as quickly as the trail began, it ended into a very nice paved road.
We had planned on stopping at the Hungry Bear Deli & Café in Skyforest for an early dinner and so made our way there. We had stopped there during a previous trip for coffee. The workers were so friendly and inviting, everything on the menu is promised to be homemade, and the desserts looked incredible. We had always planned on going back for dinner on our next trip to the area. We entered and noticed that, unfortunately, the people working the counter were not the same. Oh well, they were friendly enough. However, the dinner menu that I had looked forward to had been discontinued, and so we were left with to choose from a variety of sandwiches. Sharon chose the Eggplant Parmesan sandwich, while Brick chose the meatball. Brick also asked for a small bowl of chili.
We wish that we could say that these were two of the best sandwichs we had ever had. The hoagie rolls were incredible–fresh baked and soft. However, all of the food lacked seasoning. Sharon, not normally a salt adder, was definitely being very heavy handed with the salt. The owner mentioned that many of their regular customers are older and prefer blander food. The two of us prefer heavily spiced, bold flavors. While, yes, salt can be added–it just tastes better when it is cooked in the food. The lack of seasoning turned out to be a common theme for our remaining meals in Big Bear.
After our early dinner/late lunch we made our way back to Big Bear lake. Complimentary tickets to the town’s event center were presented to us upon checking in with the hotel the night before. Hollywood U2 (a U2 tribute band) was set to perform. We made our way there, peering in the windows of the now closed shops. It isn’t quite summer tourist season so the shops all closed early. The event center was small. Nikki Sparks, an up and coming country rock singer from Big Bear, was the opening act. She covered many songs–some were good and some not so good. However, when she sang her original song “Misunderstood” it was captivating. Hollywood U2 came on next and were every bit as cheesy as you would thing a tribute band could be. We left after 2 songs and ventured back to the hotel to enjoy the remainder of the evening by the fire.
The next morning was Mother’s Day and Sharon wanted a good brunch. The Teddy Bear seemed like it would be the place. We arrived and noticed a cash only sign above the door. They do have an ATM in the waiting area. After waiting about 10 minutes we were seated. The restaurant is very small–only a handful of tables and a counter dining area. It is very much a typical diner. Sharon found that they do serve mimosas, and with it being Mother’s Day decided that she had to have one. The mimosa was very good–not too much orange juice as mimosas tend to have. We then ordered our meals. Brick chose the chicken fried steak meal with mashed potatoes, gravy, and broccoli cheese soup. Sharon ordered a normal omelet for her–a vegetarian omelet made with 1 whole egg, 2 egg whites, feta cheese instead of cheddar, and an addition of turkey. She also ordered the cinnamon corn bread and the home fries.
Brick’s soup arrived, and needed seasoning. A lot of it. Then the meals arrived. The cinnamon corn bread was fantastic–like cinnamon cake but made with cornbread. You have to try it. However, Brick’s gravy needed salt and pepper–a lot of it. And he felt that the chicken fried steak was a pre-frozen steak like you would get at many fast food places. Sharon’s omelet had cheddar cheese and so back it went for feta. It came back with pepperjack. She gave up. Our advice for The Teddy Bear: order a piece of cinnamon cornbread to go and enjoy it.
After a quick beer to support a local brewery we left Big Bear to return home. Heading down the curvy mountain pass we were greeted by one of the most amazing sights we had ever seen. A valley full of clouds. It looked like a bed of whipped cream, or cotton balls. There were a couple of snow-capped mountains visible. At every turn the view changed and was just absolutely mesmerizing. At one pullout we were greeted by an island floating in the middle of these clouds. We feel very fortunate to have been able to witness such an awe-inspiring site.
