While visiting in California you might have drank some water called Arrowhead. We have a box of these bottles in our garage in the event of an earthquake. But while drinking water you might not always think where it comes from. Well, the Arrowhead spring is located in the San Bernardino mountains, close to Arrowhead reservoir. Lake Arrowhead is a popular holiday destination, especially for those living close to the Los Angeles area. We stopped by on our Christmas trip just for one day. Lake Arrowhead Village is a cute little mountain village basically in the middle of nowhere. I am not surprised that so many people like it so much.
They started developing Lake Arrowhead to be a recreational destination in 1920’s when the name was changed from Little Bear Valley to Lake Arrowhead Village. I am thinking that the old name must come from Big Bear Lake which is also close by, but the new name comes from the hot springs which according to old Indian legend are in the nearby forest. Their name was Arrowhead. Many Hollywood stars bought vacation homes in Lake Arrowhead and they even filmed some movies there. Today, there are 12,500 people living at Lake Arrowhead.
People come to Lake Arrowhead for vacationing and to enjoy the outdoors. You can golf, water ski and hike there. An old paddlewheel boat will take you to the lake to see how beautiful it is. In the winter time there is some snow in the mountains and the ski resorts close by will open up. The whole village has been built to resemble an Alpine village, and it is sometimes called the “Alps of Southern California”. Over 4 million people visit the area every year.
There are many shops, cafes and restaurants in the village center. We walked around for a while and bought some hot chocolate and coffee, since it was a chilly day. Our daughter did the merry-go-round at the end of the walk way, while I took some photos of the lake. It must be very pretty on a sunny day, since even now it was nice. You can see many huge vacation houses or mansions on the lake. Right when we planned to head back home, it started snowing. Slowly the little white snow flakes hit the ground and our kids were excited of course. For once, we almost had a white Christmas!
On the way back home from the mountain we saw a gorgeous sunset. We just had to pull over and take some photos of it, and just sit there for a while enjoying it.
Until next time enjoy these beautiful mountain views!
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I had never heard about Arrowhead but it was good to make the connect when you started from the box of bottles. It was good to know about the lake, the history of the place and White Christmas looks a great idea.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading about it Manjulika.
I’m so happy that you got to have a White Christmas! I think that’s so magical. Lake Arrowhead Village definitely looks magical and relaxing. I love the European-styled architecture and the mountains as well. Seems like the perfect locale to relax and rejuvenate.
Thank you Martha!
Hmm I’ve been to California countless times, but never encountered Arrowhead water just yet. The lake is beautiful though and staying in a vacation home there must be a dream. Bummer you didn’t get a white Christmas, but stellar views regardless!
Arrowhead water is not the biggest bottled water producer but it sure is out there. The views were great!
The place sure looks amazing. It has a certain eastern European touch which I just love. Love spending a day out on the lake or just walking around the cozy streets. Seems amazing!
I agree, I would be perfectly happy just walking around the lake and enjoying some mountain air for a day.
Lake Arrowhead looks magical. A definite would be for a ride on the paddlewheel boat around the lake. Some of those houses looked like as if they were featured in fairy tales. I did not relate Arrowhead water to Lake Arrowhead.
I didn’t know about the link between bottled water and Lake Arrowhead either before I read some of the history of this area.
This looks a lovely place to vacation in the summer or winter. I liked that the the buildings were designed to resemble an alpine village, I bet it looks so pretty in the snow. I think you picked a great time to visit, especially with a few snowflakes falling for Christmas!
I would have loved to see even more snow but unfortunately in California it almost always means traffic chaos. Seeing some snow flakes made me happy though.
I could see myself renting a cabin at Lake Arrowhead and spending weeks there without getting bored! Lake Arrowhead Village looks like such a quaint little town, and I’d want to check out all the trails there. Basically, put me in nature and I’m good! Hoping I’ll get to experience LAV for myself someday soon!
I am the same way, I would love to hit the trails and enjoy the nature there.
We have been to lake arrowhead recently for the first time and instantly fell in love with it. Everything there was beautiful and Peaceful. I have been recommending everyone to go there since then .
I agree, it was very peaceful. We loved it!