Take A Spring Getaway To Big Bear

Spring may be right around the corner but there is still plenty of winter fun in Big Bear. March is a great time to visit the mountain resort because you can literally see and feel the seasonal crossroads. This is the time of the year where people are seen wearing jackets while others wear shorts. The scenario is also breathtaking, with cool blue lakes against a backdrop of receding snowy mountains. Take a day trip to Big Bear or spend a weekend away and have fun at some of the following spots.

Teddy Bear Restaurant

583 Pine Knot Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-5415
teddybearsrestaurant.com

Start your morning at the popular Teddy Bear Restaurant in downtown Big Bear. This family diner has been serving up delicious all-American breakfast platters like French toast, pancakes and omelets to fill your belly since 1944. Be careful not to eat too much or you may feel like a bear about to hibernate. Plan to get here early or you may have to wait. The restaurant is cozy and seating can be limited. Take advantage of sitting at the counter -- it offers a great view of the restaurant in action and you will always have your coffee cup refilled. The staff is friendly and treats you like family. A great tip is to dress in layers because the restaurant is small, so inside it can get warm. Although you may need a jacket and gloves outdoors, inside you could wear just a T-shirt.

North Pole Fudge and Ice Cream Co.

618 Pine Knot Ave.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-7622
www.northpolefudge.com

After a few hours of sledding, take a break and stop by the North Pole Fudge and Ice cream Co. Since spring is almost here, the weather will be perfect for ice cream or homemade candy. Patrons rave about the rich buttery caramel wrapped around large Granny Smith apples and the freshly made fudge. This is a great stop for the kids and one that will create years of memories with the toy train that rides along the ceiling, the smell of fresh-baked candy and the taste of creamy ice cream.

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain

800 Wildrose Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-4626
www.alpineslidebigbear.com

You never have to worry about snow when visiting Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain. This slide is open all year long and is a perfect stop for a March visit when the weather can be unpredictable. Snow or no show, you are guaranteed to have fun.

This is California's only authentic bobsled. The ride begins with a scenic chairlift to the top, offering panoramic views of beautiful Big Bear Lake and the surrounding mountains. Kids and adults can all enjoy a day of fun bobsledding.

Snow Play With Magic Carpet

800 Wildrose Lane
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-4626
www.alpineslidebigbear.com

The folks at Snow Play will make sure you have enough snow to play in this March since they increased their snow-making capacity by 25 percent, even in the offseason. Last year, they had snowmaking depths of 30 feet. Playing at Snow Play is a blast and easy. Simply grab an inner tube and hop on board the Magic Carpet that will take you up the hill. The Magic Carpet is covered so you will not get too cold and windblown. The children love the ride up because they won't get too tired to enjoy the many slides down. Try riding down in teams holding hands as you ride your own sled, or go face first and feel the rush of the wind riding down the hill.

Lagonita Lodge

183 Lagunita Lane
Big Bear Lake, California 92315
(909) 866-6531
lagonitalodge.com

Lagonita Lodge in Big Bear Lake is an award-winning resort perfect for a quick getaway. Located on the south shore of Big Bear Lake, you will be treated to picturesque views in an ideal setting for a weekend or a week. This is a great place to spend quality time with family, and friends. The Lodge's condominium-style rooms provide the space and comfort that a typical hotel cannot offer. No matter what the weather is like in Big Bear, the lodge is centrally located near hiking and mountain biking trails, village shops, Snow Summit, Snow Play and various restaurants.

Nottinghams Tavern

40797 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
(909) 866-4644
www.nottinghamstavern.com

Wind down your day of sledding, hiking or skiing at Nottinghams Tavern. Nottinghams features California Cuisine like delicious steak, hamburgers, seafood and pasta. You can request King Richard's Room, which offers a cozy dining area with a fireplace or Little John's Pub, the family dining room or Camelot's Courtyard, a pet-friendly outdoor dining patio. Nottinghams Tavern welcomes families and on Tuesdays, kids eat free. Friends and family looking for a casual table to share drinks and play some pub games will enjoy Friar Tuck's Tavern, also known as "The Tavern," on the upper level.

Michelle Mears-Gerst is a writer in Southern California and can be followed at @sunnynsocal. She highly recommends avoiding the free sledding areas in Big Bear because of the danger involved and because sled riding into a tree is not that much fun.