California is the nation's most populous state. Los Angeles County, which comprises a good deal of Southern California, is home to approximately 9.9 million people, according to 2008 U.S Census data. The combination of these two staggering stats might tempt a visitor or resident to seek a bit of small town serenity once in a while. Not to worry, there are many quaint small town getaways, from the mountains to the seas, that are definitely worth visiting.
Angelenos head to Big Bear Lake when they want to experience a bit of winter snow and a rustic, small town vibe. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including skiing and snowboarding at Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, golf, fishing, parasailing, kayaking, boating and off-road adventures.
Lodging choices range from the 8,200-square-foot Chalet Summit vacation home, which sleeps 16 to cute and cozy cabins to chain hotels. Perfect for a weekend or week-long stay, Big Bear offers scenic views and crisp air; day spas and fine dining; and nature lovers can enjoy an abundance of wildlife, including deer, raccoons and eagles. Its close proximity (roughly 100 miles from Los Angeles) makes it a quick getaway from it all.
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If travelers want to go where the buffalo roam---literally---sun-drenched Catalina Island, with its main town of Avalon, is the place. Located on 76 square miles of lush foliage surrounded by emerald waters, Avalon Harbor is reminiscent of exotic Monte Carlo, but with a small town feel. Outdoor water sports abound: scuba, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat riding and submarine tours are a big draw here.
No trip to Avalon is complete without visiting the magnificently restored casino, an Art Dec-style icon that will transport guests back in time to 1929. First run movies are shown nightly. Golfers will love the chance to tee-off in paradise at the Catalina Island Golf Course, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens offers visitors an impressive view of the harbor.
Lodging options range from the newly renovated Pavillion Hotel, the historic Hotel Atwater, private rentals and camping, which is allowed by permit in the island's rustic interiors. If visitors are lucky, they may catch a glimpse of the buffalo herds that populate the island.
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Step back in time to another world with a trip to the enchanting Danish town of Solvang, 90 minutes north of Los Angeles in the Santa Ynez Valley. Quaint windmills and buildings follow the traditional thatch-roof architectural style of Holland.
This charming little tree-lined town is steeped in heritage, and a trip to the Elverhøj Museum will enhance visitors' knowledge of all things Nordic. For book lovers, the Solvang Book Company is packed with Scandinavian literature, while the Hans Christian Andersen Museum houses several first editions of Andersen's books. A visit to the Solvang Shoe Store will have visitors kicking up their hand-painted clogs with style. And the dozens of shops and unique sweets and tea shops are big crowd pleasers.
solvangusa.com
