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Daycations: Wooded Wonderland – Idyllwild, California
By Lisha Ross
Something refreshing happens when you arrive in Idyllwild, California. Perhaps it’s a physical reaction to the first sip of clean, mountain air. Maybe it’s the sensation of humbleness that occurs as you take in the magnitude of the pines that surround the town, from their burrowing roots to their towering tips. Or it could be that the soothing song of creeks, crickets, bullfrogs and birds is so utterly foreign, yet so pleasing at the same time. Whatever the cause, this pristine mountain town, nestled in the wilderness of the San Jacinto mountains about 281 miles from Vegas, has a way of stirring the mind and rejuvenating the soul. Artists (and art lovers), hikers, bikers and cyclists, collectors of kitschy country wares and others all flock to Idyllwild seeking solace and inspiration year-round. A juxtaposition of modern California living and quaint village style, Idyllwild offers the best of all worlds in one magical destination.
You Are Here
The village of Idyllwild is the beating heart of the town; a hodgepodge of shops and restaurants from which everything else–vacation rentals, hotels, campgrounds, spiritual retreats, churches and more–radiates outward. Before you set out, pick up a free copy of The Idyllwild Guide and the town map. Both are available in just about every business and hotel and are quite helpful for navigating. Take some time to explore the shops for souvenirs and trinkets, handmade crafts and home-smoked jerky. Visit the Idyllwild Historical Society Museum, a small tribute to the area’s past and present located in a 1930s Craftsman era building.
As you stroll around, you’ll realize quickly why author John Villani cited Idyllwild as one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America. Artistic energy resonates in their numerous galleries and far beyond. Just about every weekend from May to December there is something art-related happening. It could be a large-scale, annual shin-dig like the two-day Jazz in the Pines Festival in August or the Art Walk and Wine Tasting in October, or it could be something as casual as a Saturday Morning Art Café or live musical entertainment at a restaurant or pub. Drawing both amateurs and professionals from Southern California’s vast pool of talent, their theatre scene is nothing to scoff at either. Idyillwild Arts Academy puts on practically professional level productions throughout the year, and the town’s own professional female community group, Isis Theatre Company, performs regularly. Check out the community calendar at www.idyllwildchamber.com to see everything on schedule from now through the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema in January.
Take a Hike
As intriguiging as the village is, you’d be remiss not to get out of town and discover what’s attracted visitors to the area for hundreds of years: the natural beauty of the wilderness. In fact, ask any local how you should spend a day in Idyllwild and the answer is unanimously “Go on a hike.” With moderate daytime temperatures that hover in the 80s in summer and 70s in fall, and more than 200 miles-worth of hiking trails, it’s really a no-brainer. Those seeking an easy stroll without straying too far from town will find over 200 acres of yellow pine forest and 3.5 miles of trails to explore at Idyllwild Nature Center. Interpretive programs, guided and self-guided nature walks offer unique, interactive ways in which to discover the area’s natural history and native culture. There is a small museum on site as well, featuring educational historical exhibitions, live and stuffed critters, toys and gifts. Visit www.idyllwildnaturecenter.net or call (951) 659-3850 for info.
For longer adventures, Idyllwild’s trail system is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Many of these trails were blazed as early as the 1800s by cattle wranglers and early campers. Some, like the easy five mile Ernie Maxwell trail, have become popular for family excursions; others forge ever skyward to places like San Jacinto Peak where, at an elevation of 10,834 feet, the views are guaranteed to take your breath away.
If you prefer scaling multi-pitch crags over uphill scrambling, there is plenty of that, too. Recognized as one of the places where rock-climbing took hold, Idyllwild is home to two major climbing areas: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. Local outfitters like Nomad Ventures (54415 N. Circle Dr.; (951) 659-4853) are available to serve your every hiking and climbing need.
Eat, Drink, Repeat
Far from the greasy spoons one might expect in a small town, restaurants in Idyllwild are surprisingly diverse–some capturing ethnic flair, others reflecting the simple, yet thoughtful culinary craft that makes California cuisine so phenomenal. Most restaurants, although understated in décor, are distinguished by their unique character, quality of food and friendly service. Red Kettle is a hit for homestyle, diner-esque breakfast and lunch; their reputation for perfectly prepared hash browns precedes them. Just outside of town, Mile High Café puts their own unique spin on traditional egg dishes, omelets and French toast in the a.m., as well as burgers, sushi and Korean eats for afternoon and evening noshing.
Options for lunch and dinner are virtually endless, from gourmet pies at the Idyllwild Pizza Company to Cajun/Creole eats at Bone Daddy’z and tacos at La Casita. Jo’An’s is the spot to be on weekends, when the grill moves outside to serve up succulent BBQ favorites in the beer garden while bluesy bands rock out on stage. Café Aroma, deemed “The Peak of Culinary Excellence”, is without question a town favorite for fine dining. Fun and funky in the afternoon, romantic in the evening, diners are treated to a variety of inventive Italian dishes as well as live music. However, if you’ve only got one night to splurge on a fine meal, Gastrognome, another long-time town favorite, offers up some stiff competition. Their “specials” outnumber their every day menu offerings and include superb creations like the tender six-ounce filet covered in brandy-peppercorn sauce, Salmon Florentine and Chicken Madeira.
Tip: Save room for dessert! Stop by Candy Cupboard Candies for incredible chocolates and a delectable ice cream bar freshly dipped in chocolate and rolled in roasted almonds, peanuts or sprinkles.
After Sunset
Hiking, exploring and eating leaves one wanting for comfy lodging, and Idyllwild does not disappoint. Options come in all shapes and styles, from campy cabins to rustic-chic vacation rentals to cozy bed & breakfasts. For those wishing to submerge themselves in Idyllwild’s natural splendor while still enjoying modern accommodations, Quiet Creek Inn is a perfect fit.
Resting on 6.5 acres along Strawberry Creek and flanked by woodlands, this welcoming inn more than lives up to its name. Accommodations include ten individual cabins–five duplexes and five full suites–all of which are appointed with wood burning fire-places, a mini-fridge, microwave, kitchen necessities, a T.V. with VHS and DVD player and private decks for sipping wine while taking in the stars. Charming common areas tie it all together, including a barn replete with a library of movies, games, popcorn, tea, coffee and soft drinks for guests to enjoy. The great room in the main house also doubles as an art gallery where guests can browse and/or purchase a variety of unique pieces curated by owners Jim and Mike. Offering Tai Chi classes on the deck of the main house every Tuesday evening, yoga classes and relaxing spa services, Quiet Creek Inn also caters to those in need of a mind/body wellness boost. It’s these little extras, combined with Jim and Mike’s brilliant attention to detail, that make a stay at Quiet Creek Inn an unforgettable experience. For a list of additional accommodations, businesses, events and more, visit www.idyllwildchamber.com.
Yes, at the end of the day there is just something special about Idyllwild, California. A world away from the hustle and flow of the city, it’s a place to seek out inspiration, connect with Mother Nature, slow down and poke around. Above all else, it’s the kind of peaceful retreat that’ll keep you coming back for more.
[…] write-up about Idyllwild in Las Vegas Zip Code Magazine with several paragraphs about Quiet Creek Inn in the “After Sunset” […]