Final update from our Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead weekend getaway in 2012.

While our initial plan is to stay overnight in Lake Arrowhead, accommodation is pricier than our budget allows. But in the days leading up to our trip we realize that nearby Lake Gregory in Crestline has more affordable options. Done and done!

We drive to Lake Gregory after dinner and it’s clear that this bowling alley is the only action in town. My sister is game to go but it’s Cosmic Bowling night for $20 a person (no regular bowling allowed). Bummer.

Beth and Lindsey intend to check out a nearby bar but there’s a man passed out in the entrance so they head back to the hotel.

We’re staying at Sleepy Hollow Cabins & Hotel — the exterior is charming. The room itself is a little rundown but totally suits our purposes for the night. (I just checked out their website and it appears they’ve remodeled since our visit in 2012.) Today their cheapest rooms for up to four people are $100 a night; a few years ago we paid a little less. Not a bad deal split three ways.

The hotel receptionist left us board games in the room — how nice is that?

Bethany has brought along ingredients for s’mores, but sadly we don’t have wood for the fireplace in our room. So we make do with the poor man’s fireplace… a Yankee candle.

Tonight is Daylight Savings Time so we begrudgingly skip playing board games in favor of sleep.

We check out early the next morning — our plan is to walk around town to find coffee and then walk a loop around Lake Gregory.

Here is Lake Gregory in all its glory:

The lake is 3.5 miles in circumference (way smaller than Lake Arrowhead’s 14 miles) and it’s a beautiful morning for a stroll. But first… coffee.

We wander through town in search of caffeine. The main drag in Lake Gregory is both charming and shabby, and we take our time admiring the stores and signage.

I smell the intoxicating aroma of coffee beans…

Lattes in land, we return to Lake Gregory and begin our walk. What a peaceful way to spend a Sunday morning!

Bethany and Lindsey:

Yours truly:

The dock appears to be closed at this time of year (March). But what a serene place to paddle around for an hour — I’d return in warmer weather just for this.

We spend the next several hours back in Lake Arrowhead, eating brunch and walking it off around part of the lake.

By late afternoon we’re ready to drive back to Los Angeles. A few of the overlooks entice us to stop and admire the views, just as they did on the way up to Big Bear 36 hours earlier.

Check out the view from Rim of the World High School… are these kids lucky or what:

A sister selfie:

Thanks to Beth & Lindsey for a weekend of great company! And thanks to Beth for driving!

Do you live in Los Angeles and want to plan a similar getaway? These three areas — Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead, and Lake Gregory — are just over an hour’s drive apart. We fit in all three destinations (with at least one meal and activity in each place) easily in one weekend… Daylight Savings weekend, no less! The scenery is spectacular all around. Lake Gregory has the cheapest last-minute accommodation but you could probably find a similar deal in Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead in advance through Groupon or Living Social or Travelzoo. Good luck!