DAY TRIP LAKE ARROWHEAD

Lake Arrowhead is 90 miles east of Los Angeles, part of the San Bernardino National Forest. Home to the Ice Castle International Training Center, an Olympic-quality facility for ice skaters, Lake Arrowhead operates as a year-round mountain resort, and offers summer activities including hiking, water skiing, biking, free concerts and a weekend farmer’s market. Centrally located, Lake Arrowhead Village is a shopping mecca, with quaint boutiques and premium outlet stores. Lakeside dining is available, and a family fun center and arcade can be found at the Village’s pizza and deli restaurant. Also in the village is the Chamber of Commerce building and the J. Putnam Henck Visitor Center, where information about activities and a calendar of events is available.

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 south to the 55 north. Merge onto CA-91 going east toward Riverside. The 91 becomes I-215; take the 215 north toward San Bernardino. Stay to the right to take CA-30 east toward the mountain resorts. Take CA-18, the Waterman Avenue exit. Turn left onto North Waterman Avenue, continue following CA-18. After passing the turn-off for Crest Park, at the intersection of Highway 18 and Highway 173 (the turn-off for Lake Arrowhead) turn left onto highway 173 and proceed approximately 2 miles.

THE LAKE ARROWHEAD QUEEN

Visitors can relax on a 50-minute narrated cruise around the lake, past architectural points of interest and historical sites, in the all-enclosed Lake Arrowhead Queen paddlewheel boat. Cost is $11 for adults; $10 for seniors (age 60 and older); $7.50 for children 12 and under. Children under 12 years old must wear the personal flotation device provided. Tickets may be purchased at Leroy’s which is dock-side in the Lake Arrowhead Village near the boarding area for the boat tours. Call (909) 336-6992 for hours of operation.

MCKENZIE WATER SKI SCHOOL

The ski school, located lakefront on the point in Lake Arrowhead Village, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through the end of September. Reservations for lessons are recommended and must be pre-paid. All boats are driven by McKenzie Water Ski School employees, who have been certified as level one instructors by the American Water Ski Association. Call (909) 337-3814 or go to www.mckenzieskischool.com.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURS

Lake Arrowhead offers scenic bike trails for beginning to advanced riders, where local, experienced guides can take visitors to places they might not otherwise get to see. Tours include helmet, gloves, mountain bike, support van with refreshments, first-aid and two-way radio, a meal waiting at the bottom of the ride and a complimentary photo. For information or to make a reservation, call Lake Arrowhead Mountain Bike Tours at (909) 336-3732.

MOUNTAIN SKIES ASTRONOMY VILLAGE

Lake Arrowhead is also the home of the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society, and the Astronomy Village is located at 2001 Observatory Way, west of Rim of the World High School. The village is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features the Robert Brownlee Observatory, a lender library, demonstration area and the Star Gazer’s Gift Shop.

Admission is $5; children 4 and under are free. Call (909) 336-1699.

FARMERS MARKET

There is a Farmers Market and free entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. in Lake Arrowhead Village every Friday through August 31st. The market offers a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other specialty foods. Call (909) 337-2533.

— Sue Thoensen