Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you are seeking to take your love to a higher place–nothing beats being in the high altitude.

Snow capped mountain peaks where time slows down is just the right environment to kick up the romance.

Not only can you feast on some great food or enjoy a hot drink next to a crackling fire, but you also can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities or just opt to lock yourself up in a quaint cabin to enjoy some alone time.

If that isn’t your style, opt for a day of pampering at a Day Spa, spend some time shopping at some of the unique boutiques or galleries, or hit the slopes for some fun.

The great thing about planning your romantic escape is that you can do it easily.

Locally, we tend to all kick around ideas over coffee and such. But if you are a visitor, you’ll find that the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce or the Big Bear Visitor’s Center useful.

GG encourages you to simply pick up the phone to call and find out about any seasonal specials or packages but, as luck would have it, Gossip Girl has her own ideas of what to do in this mountain lake resort.

I took some time to query a few locals over on Facebook (Have you “liked” the Fawnskin Flyer’s page yet? Go ahead, do it now!)

Most of the locals who shared comments were women.

Yep, it is well known that you gotta help out the guys a bit and they jumped right on it.

Otherwise a gal might get something like an appliance. Guys, pay attention–that will usually land you in the dog house!

Anyway, the hot suggestions? Imagine, they consisted of the best places to eat and drink!

I picked a couple to share with you since I know you want the scoop:

Now, GG happens to agree with Cindy. If you are seeking to wine and dine your honey, pay close attention to her recommendations and get on the phone for reservations now.

Not to be left out, another local business owner put in her two cents as well:

Sally mentions the marshmallows from Copper Q because they are freshly made, melt-in-your-mouth, yummy treats.

As for the locals in Fawnskin, many head over to Moose Lodge 2085 for Kevin’s Prime Rib dinner and the live entertainment.

It starts early (around 5pm) and is a short commute to and fro–we happen to like that.

Of course, you must be a member to be able to attend but at $22 per person, it is usually a sell out.

But if you are not a local and need some help with ideas of where to stay, never fear–GG has the scoop.

Here on the North Shore, Windy Point Inn is the place to be. This B&B is situated right on the lake where the views and contemporary design will leave you breathless.

Other bed & breakfast favorites include the Inn at Fawnskin and Gold Mountain Manor but you can find a good listing of Big Bear B&Bs here.

Truth be told, there are a lot of other places that exist but nothing is as romantic as our little town of Fawnskin.

Nestled against the forest with limited commercial development, it is the perfect place for a quaint, romantic Valentine’s Day escape.

Thanks for stopping by the Fawnskin Flyer, not necessarily the news for Fawnskin.

Be sure to say hi to GG when you get to town–and I’ll be back with my Talk of the Town on Thursday.

GG keeps surprising a local hawk that has decided he likes my deck and needs to keep any eye on me.

Seriously, he is regularly perched on the railing, on the bird house, or in an adjacent tree after I startle him.

Nice to know that someone is looking out for me.

But really, I think he likes the perches here on the hill because of the amazing view of the lake and hillside.

This gives him the advantage of locating a tasty morsel or two and probably conserves energy in a downward swoop.

I like having him around because I love wildlife–but more on that later.

Now I bring up the hawk eye theme because Post Master Mike needs your help.

It seems that someone decided to have a bit of fun down in the lobby of the Post Office.

The display boxes were strewn all around the floor and also were pushed through the mail slots.

Although the lobby is locked between certain hours, locals do have extended access due to commuter schedules since they cannot access their mail except during times before and after normal operating hours when staff is on hand.

The suspicion is that young, bored individuals were the culprits but if you were witness to any activity at the Post Office before or after staff hours, please inform PM Mike.

He asks that we use our keen eyes for observation to prevent such happenings again.

On another tangent, did you know that Post Master Mike has been here over three years already?

Time sure does fly!

GG wishes you a great holiday weekend.

Although I anticipated being down in the desert, I’ll be hiding out here after all.

However, my neighbors are coming up so they might get me out for something or other.

Just a reminder that starting next week, the Fawnskin Flyer will be updated twice a week–Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Chat with you then!

So, it is still a bit slow around these parts.

Post Master Mike had the sniffles on Monday but then he also road his bike into work.

Brrr!

So, someone asked me if I have seen any eagles but I honestly have not been looking!

But you might like to know that I have a hawk that resides on my deck and I often surprise him as I come down the stairs.

Seriously, he sits on the railing and gazes over Grout Bay–which confirms that I do have a great lookout point.

When I startle him, he flies up into a nearby tree–and it happens at least once a week.

It may be the one that was so enamored with me that he dropped a trout on my deck as I was lounging in my hammock.

That’s the way to impress a gal. Yes sir-ee.

Now in case you were wondering, and GG is sure you are…back in December, the annual eagle census came back with a report of 9 eagles.

These birds of prey arrive annually as early as November but the numbers tend to peak in January and February.

Then by April most have left the area. This is the reason the public areas are closed off and you have those nice “Keep Out” signs everywhere.

Even so, people ignore them.

But I digress…as luck would have it, if you are wondering about the eagles, you can volunteer for the next count which is coming up this weekend.

Bald Eagle Census
Saturday, January 14th will be the second bald eagle count–and there will be two additional counts on February 11th and then on March 10th. GG suggests all enthusiasts put those dates in your calendar NOW.

If you would like to volunteer, meet at the Big Bear Discovery Center here in Fawnskin at 8:00am on Saturday, January 14th.

The good news is that you don’t need experience to help out.

However you do need to bring binoculars, a watch (or timer), and dress appropriately for winter so you keep warm.

Contact Robin Eliason at (909)382-2832 or reliason@fs.fed.us for more information.

Highway 18 Maintenance & Repairs
This week highway repairs and maintenance is again on the agenda–something you probably noticed if you commute.

The work is scheduled to continue through Thursday, January 12th from 8:00am until 2:00pm and click here for commuter alerts.

This & That
GG the slacker SO forgot to tell you that she talked to a few business people on the other side of the lake.

It seems the quilt shop will moving up on Village Drive and the old Mandoline Bistro is getting ready to open up sometime in February (if luck holds).

Now you might remember my review of the Tea Exchange sometime back and you’ll be excited to hear that they will be opening up in the old village Starbucks location.

I hope that satisfies your curiosity this week.

If not, pass some dirt news this way in the comments.

Until Friday, this is GG signing off…