By Greg ARAGON

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa (www.lakearrowheadresort.com) has everything the family and I need for a memorable getaway. The place has a great lakefront location, a gourmet restaurant onsite, a game room for the kids, pool and Jacuzzi, spa and fitness center, a bar and coffee house, its own private beach and much more. All we had to do on a recent visit to the resort was park the car, check into a comfortable room and let the fun begin. 

Located at 5,174 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino Mountains, the 173-room Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa sits on the edge of one of California’s most beautiful bodies of water. The property resembles a modern alpine chalet and exudes an historic lake atmosphere. 

Our deluxe room at the resort was perfect for the family. We had two queen beds, an office desk with complimentary Wi-Fi, a large screen TV, big bathroom with a tub and shower, mini-fridge and microwave, and lots of storage space for our clothes and supplies. 

The best thing about our room was the balcony overlooking the lake and private beach. From here we could see birds playing in the tall pine trees, boats bobbing in the water and beautiful lakefront mansions lining the rocky shores. 

When not in our room, we were exploring the rest of the resort. One of our favorite spots was the grand lobby, which features timber walls, Native Serrano Indian art and a large stone fireplace, crackling amidst cozy leather chairs and sofas. 

The lobby is a great place for families because every night it offers special programs for kids. During our visit, a real-life “elf,” dressed in green clothes and long striped socks, read books, told stories and played games with the little ones. My kids loved it! Besides elves and other characters reading books, the resort also shows kid-friendly movies nightly at 6 p.m. and at 8 p.m. 

Another fun spot is the resort’s private beach where guests can relax on deck chairs, play in the water, barbecue on the sand and admire the lake. In winter guests can also frolic in the snow. 

A five-minute walk from the resort is Lake Arrowhead Village, a charming little shopping area with numerous unique shops, a McDonalds and a Stater Bros. grocery store. A walking path surrounding the village lets you get close to the lake to see fish and feed ducks. I recommend bringing a piece of bread or a cracker for the ducks because there are lots of them and they are always hungry. 

While strolling around the village, we got a good view of how big and beautiful the lake is. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains on Little Bear Creek, Lake Arrowhead is an artificial lake with a surface area of approximately 780 acres, a shoreline covering 14 miles and a maximum depth of about 185 feet. It is surrounded by the unincorporated community of Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino County. The lake was formed by the construction of Lake Arrowhead Dam in 1922 by the Arrowhead Lake Company as part of a plan to develop the area into a resort. The private lake is operated by the Arrowhead Lake Association, which maintains the lake for the recreational use of its members.

After touring the village we walked back to the resort for lunch at BIN189, the hotel’s award-winning gourmet restaurant, which serves creative “upscale mountain cuisine” accented with Mediterranean flavors. Led by Chef Krista Stone, the menus showcase locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes.

For lunch we enjoyed blackened shrimp tacos with avocado, garlic aïoli, marinated onions and jalapeños on corn tortillas. We also experienced fish and chips with pale ale battered halibut, fries and lemon garlic tartar sauce; and a Bin 189 Burger with bacon jam, tomato aioli and Wisconsin cheddar on a brioche bun. 

After lunch we relaxed in the resort’s outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, which both overlook the lake. We then discovered the game room where we played Ping Pong, air hockey and foosball. 

For dinner we were back at BIN189 for a delicious meal highlighted by boneless, braised short ribs with mashed potatoes; mushroom ravioli with fried basil; and seared miso salmon miso with honey garlic glaze, jasmine rice and asparagus. 

We concluded the day in the lobby with a live show called “Fun with Forest Friends” that was led by a friendly elf, who read books and played games with all of the kids staying at the resort.   

Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa is located at 27984 Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead, 92352. For more info, current specials and reservations call (909) 336-1511 or visit www.lakearrowheadresort.com.