ALONG COMES MARY

Since I’m a beach person, I often forget about the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. I’ve been lucky to discover them over the past few years on our trips to SkyPark at Santa’s Village. This year, after our visit, we headed to the Perch at Twin Peaks. The Perch is a beautiful retreat venue just minutes from both SkyPark and Lake Arrowhead, featuring 13 unique cabins.

We had such a fun afternoon, as always, at Santa’s Village. Given the cold weather, we were glad to take the quick drive home for the evening. The twirly ride up and down the mountain to Santa’s Village can be daunting, and we’ve yet to attempt it once it’s dark. Being just five miles from the Perch gave great peace of mind as we took our time at the park.

A Stay at the Perch at Twin Peaks

We stayed in cabin seven. The studio space has a large bedroom, a separate kitchen, a full bathroom, and a private porch. For warmth, there’s a heater, a fireplace, and space heaters. I’ll admit it took a while for the cabin to feel cozy despite all of the options. By bedtime, it had improved very much.

The kitchen is impressive. Ample room makes it homey for cooking. With a handful of stores nearby in Lake Arrowhead, we stopped into Grocery Outlet for necessities. Since I wasn’t sure how accessible stores would be, I packed my usual food and snacks. There’s a petite dining table that can also double as a work area.

Retreat to the Perch at Twin Peaks

Speaking of work, I love that the Perch hosts several retreats. Including writing and artist residencies. The solitude and tranquility of the Perch are so inviting for a writer’s getaway. My favorite option is their Remote Work Special. During select weeks, those who book a stay from Monday to Friday can use code WORKAWAY to get the week for $500 plus applicable fees and taxes.

The Perch also encourages digital detoxes when staying with them. Cabins do have wi-fi access but no televisions. Even though I was nervous at first that we brought no laptop (hello, Netflix), it turned out to be perfect. Mabel adjusts easily, and it’s an ongoing goal to reduce screen time.

The Perch can cater to both small families and groups to larger ones. Cabin one sleeps up to seven guests. Some have up to four bedrooms. Their barn can act as a meeting or reception hall, and they have dining options for weddings and events. They make it extremely easy for anyone to have a customized stay away from the city noise.

Explore Lake Arrowhead Village

We slept well, all snuggled up together in our king bed. The morning was lazy as we slowly got ready to head out. I’d always wanted to explore Lake Arrowhead village. Mike and I had been to the area once, yet had never seen the actual lake. We accomplished both this time, and neither disappointed us.

Lake Arrowhead Village is beautiful and quaint. Parking is easy thanks to a large lot with a supermarket. The area is filled with small shops, restaurants, and even a McDonald’s. We were lucky to stumble into the Inland Empire Modular Railroaders Model Train Display. It’s open on Saturdays and every third Sunday of the month. The display is impressive, and we got a kick out of it. It chugs in at 100×30 feet and is operated by the Inland Empire Modular Railroaders Club. The club was started over 50 years ago by model train enthusiasts. As you look through its nooks and crannies, there’s a scavenger hunt to look for special characters (like Santa Claus and Jack Skellington) as you go.

The lake views are stunning. Ducks flock to the edge as most of the businesses sell duck food, and Mabel had a blast feeding them. We stumbled into the fast casual Rockin’ Bowls, which serves up acai and teriyaki bowls. The staff is extremely hospitable and accommodating. There’s also a large pizza parlor with a fun game arcade.

Plan a Visit

With the cold weather, I couldn’t help but think how much fun the lake must be in the summertime. A return visit to the Perch to enjoy the patio, sunshine, and hang out at the lake is definitely in our future.

A special thanks to the Perch at Twin Peaks for hosting us. Our stay was so special, and we cannot wait to return. Learn more and plan a trip of your own HERE.