While in recent years Big Bear Lake suffered from an extended drought that drastically reduced the water level, the lodgings and frequent visitors of Big Bear are happy to report that Big Bear is back to its old self. 

With higher than average precipitation in the winter of 2005, water levels are up -- some locals believe it had something to do with some Indians who were called into to bless the area and ask the spirits for rain -- and so is the mood among local residents. Even an infestation by bark beetles is being battled back and, from what we could tell on our recent trip to Big Bear, the popular resort area is once again attracting millionss of Southern California vacationers to its natural charms.

The dead trees are noticeable but, as far as we could tell, not yet seriously detracting from the experience that Southern Californians have enjoyed for generations. It’s no accident that Hollywood has frequently used the area as a stand-in for mountain locales around the world. And, much to the delight of filmmakers, one of its greatest assets is the sunshine — where else can you find an easily accessible mountain with 300 annual days of sunshine?

This area also has one of the best selections of getaway-style lodgings anywhere in the state. The "cabin in the woods" experience is alive and well, whether it’s staying in a resort or renting your own Big Bear cabin by the week or month. There are some of the best bed-and-breakfast inns available anywhere in California. Or you can stay in simpler motel-style units – this area has it all.

On our most recent trip to the area, we sort of combined the Big Bear cabin and bed-and-breakfast experiences – by staying at a renowned bed-and-breakfast called Gold Mountain Manor. The inn was built in the 1928 by Guy Sherman Maltby, well known in the area as a contractor and owner of the Bear Valley Milling and Lumber Company. The building simply exudes history at every turn.

Although it is much more than a cabin, the inn does have many of the features you would find in a cabin in the woods: a gigantic stone fireplace, gleaming bird's eye maple floors and beamed ceilings. Originally, this mansion included nine bedrooms, eight fireplaces, a wine cellar, a billiard room, chauffeur's quarters, and three deluxe donkey stables. The grounds include many majestic pine trees and the feeling outside is one of a peaceful, historic park. It's the perfect place to settle in for your Big Bear vacation.

Inside, Innkeeper Cathy Weil spends her time doing all the things that a perfect hostess would do – baking gooey chocolate cookies for arriving guests, or putting out wine and a snack plate for a late afternoon gathering of her guests. And, of course the Big Event of the day is the scrumptious breakfast, all prepared meticulously and most from tried-and-true recipes used by the inn for many years. Our breakfast menu included fresh peaches and sour cream, a chocolate cappuccino bread pudding in a coffee cup, a sausage and egg quiche plus fresh squeezed orange juice.

In between meals, it’s not uncommon to see Cathy working as much in her garden as in the kitchen, always humming a tune as she brings in vegetables fresh from the garden. It’s clear that she’s in her element – just a few months ago Gold Mountain Manor was owned by a pair of gourmet chefs and, when Cathy took over, she spent several weeks learning their culinary secrets. As guests can validate, she has passed this little test with flying colors.

The accommodations at Gold Mountain Manor are just as distinctive as the food. After all, where else could you stay in former donkey stables and feel like you were royalty?

We stayed in the Ted Ducey Suite – converted from those original stables and named after one area's most famous outdoorsmen. It’s hard to imagine Ducey settling in for his over-sized Jacuzzi bath surrounded by burning candles and soaking in water laced with fragrant bath powder. Perhaps the suite’s wood-burning fireplace and aged knotty pine were more to this man’s man’s liking. Regardless, the Ted Ducey suite is a getaway unto itself and sure to please any couple intent on making their overnight stay memorable. (If you need further convincing, just read the entries in the Guest Book).

Gold Mountain Manor is among several lodgings in the area that place a premium on pampering. There is a good selection of fine restaurants as well, and breakfast time at Gold Mountain is a great time to swap stories and recommendations with other guests staying at the inn. Most of our fellow guests were young couples and it was clear they were loving every minute of their stay.

Big Bear vacations are popular with residents all over California and the activities in this area are limitless – if it has to do with outdoor recreation, you probably can do it at Big Bear. Hiking trails are located in different locations around the lake, and bicycling is big – although, remember, you’re at almost 7,000 feet of altitude. Boat rentals and water activities are available in summer; in winter the area turns into a winter wonderland ski resort. Skiing and snowboarding are offered at Snow Summit and at Bear Mountain. Other winter sports include sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you want a real back-to-nature experience, just try a Big Bear cabin in winter.

WHERE: Big Bear Lake is about a two hour drive east of Los Angeles, not far from San Bernardino. Another popular destination, Arrowhead Lake, also is in the general vicinity. Lodging in the area is plentiful and you can find Big Bear rentals in every price range.

WHAT: Big Bear Lake is about as far removed as you can get from the heat of inland Southern California – mainly because you travel up some 7,000 feet to a completely different climate zone. With an abundance of pine trees and other mountain vegetation, this area looks more like the Sierras than Southern California.

WHEN: Any time of year. Summer and winter are the busiest seasons because of water activities and snow activities. The shoulder seasons can be some of the most pleasant ties to visit – always sunny, but not too hot. Last minute travel deals are sometimes available in shoulder seasons and vacation packages are common year-round.

WHY: A Big Bear vacation is a total escape from both the population centers of Southern California. Yet it’s a fairly short drive from most locations in this part of the state.

HOW: To learn more about Gold Mountain Manor, phone (800) 509-2604 or go to www.goldmountainmanor.com. There are nine guest rooms at the Gold Mountain Manor. The Ted Ducey Suite runs $195 for a weeknight, slightly more for weekends.

BIG BEAR CABINS and ACCOMMODATIONS: To plan your Big Bear vacation, start with a list of local accommodations. Big Bear rentals are easy to find and relatively inexpensive and range from smaller, older buildings to magnificent log homes. Big Bear vacations come in all shapes and sizes, as well, ranging from a night at a small motel to weeks in a luxurious vacation home. Whether it's pure luxury or a Big Bear cabin experience, you are bound to find just the right experience. Big Bear Vacation Rentals offers both homes and condos in Big Bear.