In Southern California, fall doesn’t arrive in a flurry of autumn leaves and chilly temperatures. The seasonal shift is more subtle. It comes in little things, like street corner pumpkin patches and empty parking spaces at the beach. In the land of perpetual sunshine, you could miss the season altogether if you don’t pay attention. Around here, if you want to find fall, you have to look for it.
September may have gone out like a blast furnace, but relief can be found in the local mountains. High in the San Bernardino National Forest, Lake Arrowhead is dressed and ready for fall. It takes only a ninety minute drive to go from palms to pines and to find blue skies above the haze. There you’ll be greeted by an alpine village on the shores of Lake Arrowhead where the leaves are turning golden and fall celebrations are in full swing.
All this month, Lake Arrowhead Village is celebrating the season with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Oktoberfest runs from October 2nd - 30th, with Bavarian music and authentic German food every weekend. You can also sample local microbrews at the first annual Lake Arrowhead Brew Fest on October 16th. Kids of all ages can pick their own pumpkin at Jack’s Pumpkin Patch. Even dogs can get a taste of fall, with homemade pumpkin dog biscuits available at Three Dog Bakery. Just be sure to stop at Jensen’s Fine Foods in Blue Jay on your way home to pick up a fresh apple pie for dessert.
If you’re dreaming of amber colored leaves, bratwurst and apple cider, Lake Arrowhead is ready to satisfy your autumn craving. After spending an afternoon with the sweet aromas of cinnamon and sauerkraut, listening to bearded men in lederhosen playing “The Chicken Dance,” you’ll know that you’ve found fall after all, even if it’s only for a day.
IF YOU GO:
Getting There: From Orange County, take 91 Freeway east to Riverside. Follow Fwy. 215 North (toward San Bernardino, Victorville, Barstow, Las Vegas). From right lanes, exit onto Hwy. 210 East. Exit Waterman Avenue. At top of off ramp, turn left onto Waterman Avenue (North, toward mountains). Proceed approximately 20 miles North on Waterman Avenue (which becomes Hwy. 18, as you begin your climb up the mountain).Shortly after passing the turn-off for Crest Park, you'll reach the intersection of Highway 18 and Highway 173 (the turn-off for Lake Arrowhead). Turn left onto highway 173 (toward Lake Arrowhead) and proceed approximately 2 miles.
Listen to the Music at the Lake Arrowhead Village Oktoberfest. October 2nd-30th, every Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-4pm. Admission is free. www.LakeArrowheadVillage.com
Sample Microbrews at the First Annual Lake Arrowhead Brewfest, Saturday October 16th at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. Event begins at 1pm. Admission is $25. Call (909)337-3715 for more information. www.Lakearrowhead.net
Pick your Future Jack-O-Lantern at Jack’s Pumpkin Patch. Opens October 9th. Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm, Weekdays 10am -6pm.
Enjoy Lakeside Dining at Woody’s Boat House, Lake Arrowhead Village (909) 337-2628. Sit at a teakwood table and watch the speedboats go by. Try the Oktoberfest Special : German Sausage sandwich with warm potato salad and homemade applesauce.
Don’t Forget Dessert from Jensen’s Fine Foods in Blue Jay, 27264 HWY 189, (909) 337-8484. The Old Country Bakery makes fresh apple and pumpkin pies daily.
