WRIGHTWOOD, CALIFORNIA

We wanted to do something festive and wintery and… (due to the Frozen movie craze in our house), Hayden asked, “Do you wanna build a snowman?” I never dreamed we could do just that less than an hour and a half north of Los Angeles. I can’t explain how good it is for the soul to get out of the city, drive through mountains and experience a different season. We played in fluffy real snow right outside of LA (this town resembles the town in Virgin River- the new show on Netflix). This trip will definitely be added to our new traditions page. Actually, if I had wanted to, I could have gotten up early, headed to the beach and SURFED, come home to change and made it up to ski by lunch. It reminded me why I love LA. Forgive my intense enthusiasm, but this Texas bred, LA girl doesn’t often see snow at home! I usually have to go on location filming or vacation;) Anyway, for the adventurers out there that that might be visiting or all the families that live nearby and need a STAYCATION but want to SEE SNOW FALLING, Wrightwood, CA (basically Mountain High) is worth the drive. Here’s why:

PICTURESQUE

You step directly into every Hallmark romantic Christmas story. No joke. Everyturn felt like a Hallmark movie. I wanted to stop and take a photo so many times on the side of a road. UPDATE: Since this trip, I’ve been twice again when it was snowing and not snowing. I will say I think the white snow adds a lot of the “hallmark” feel;) But, Mountain High Resort does have snow regardless of the weather.

PROXIMITY

So close to LA, you could make it half a day trip if need be. We left at 11am and were home by 6:30pm. Next time, we’ll stay longer.

AFFORDABLE

No need to spend money on resort fees, parking, or airfare. We went to Mountain High Resort East where one can go tubing, sledding or have snow play. Check the times because they often (I think everyday) have half-price hours (which gives you an hour or so time for around $10). We only did snow play for Hayden, but soon enough we will do the other activities. Call Mountain High for skiing prices.

What happens when you drive an hour North of LA

FUN SHOPPING/EATING

We had so much fun checking out some of the shops. The prices were considerably less than in the city and we picked up some great finds. Gamercantile.com was the store in my story that we loved. Grizzly Cafe (next door) was booked, but smelled delcicious. UPDATE: We ate there yesterday (12/2020) and it was very good, hometown kind of food. Down the street we found the BEST spot possible: Evergreen Cafe. Decked out for Christmas from ceiling to floor with decorations from every Grandma’s closet. Sure to widen any child’s eyes (and yours!)- and you’ll leave full and happy. I also hear there’s a great Pizza spot (the only one, so if you find it, that’s it!) and Wine Cellar/Coffee Bar.

ACCOMODATIONS

We didn’t spend the night, so I can’t say from first hand experience, but next time we will. I know vacation rentals are popular and we found what looked like an adorable bread and breakfast. Mountain High is also a resort. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, head to Lake Arrowhead. But if you are trying to enter another world for just a while, Wrightwood, CA is perfect.

TAKE NOTES

You may need chains on your vehicle. We did our due diligence and called Mountain High resort to check snow conditions. They also have a LIVE CAM. No one ever mentioned needing chains or 4-wheel drive. CPH was stopping people and making them turn around about an hour and 15 minutes into our drive!! Luckily, we had 4 wheel drive, but it would been a huge bummer to turn around and find chains. Many people were stopped on the side of road putting chains on their cars. And, in fact, the roads were icy. Driving conditions were not ideal after 5pm. It gets foggy fast and very dark in winter months. The end of the video are the roads toward the bottom of the mountain about 5:15pm.

Please tell me what are idealic day trips near your hometown? Also, if you know more about staycation spots near LA, TELL ME!

Have a great last week of the DECADE!

xoxo

AAJ