cottonwoods turning golden. While this is not a New England
forest, you will be pleasantly surprised at how the green pine
forest and the blue skies make for a stunning backdrop for the
fall leaves.
Belgian Waffle Works is the hot spot for breakfast in Lake Ar-
rowhead and a great place to continue your foliage-gazing at a
table on their scenic patio. They have some of the most divine
Belgian waffles and another yummy breakfast fare. Belgian
Waffle Works also serve throughout the day. For lunch, you will
find traditional gourmet sandwiches such as the club and the
Monte Cristo, however with a Belgian twist, using waffles in-
stead of bread. The crisp fall air makes it a perfect “local” spot
to enjoy a dessert, sip hot chocolate or other specialty drink.
Enjoy a chartered boat tour on Lake Arrowhead to check out
the gold and red hues of the surrounding Pacific dogwood and
California black oak trees. The Lake Arrowhead Queen has
tours on the hour as well as private charters.
If you would like to plan a weekend getaway in Lake Arrow-
head, there are lots of individual houses and cabins for rent.
Another option is the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. It is a
beautiful property with a private beach where you can end your
day with a nightcap while you make your own s’more in the
Resort’s fireplace.
Los Angeles County Arboretum
Arcadia, CA
Located a bit closer to home, the Los Angeles Arboretum is
a great place to experience the colors of fall. The Arboretum
offers Fall Foliage tramway tours on select days, but there is
nothing like strolling at your pace with camera in hand. The
Yellow-leafed Ginkgo, which you will find in the arboretum, is
stunning. There are benches and various architectural struc-
tures among the plants, and trees all of which become a back-
drop for your photos of the yellow leafed Ginkgo when it begins
to lose it leaves. After you capture that perfect shot why not
make your leaf-angel? The garden is bathed in autumn hues
throughout most of October. Even up until December you will
find Crepe Myrtle, multi-colored Chinese Pistache, Freeman’s
Maples and more. Many of these trees will offer various levels
of color up until the end of November.
There are only one food and beverage offering in the arbore-
tum, the Peacock Café, located at the center of the gardens. A
Lovely setting where Peacocks roam freely, (hence the name):
Although the menu is rather small, the sandwiches and burgers
don’t disappoint.
As the Santa Anita Racetrack is in season and nearby, why not
combine a trip to the Arboretum with an afternoon at the races.
One of the life’s great joys is sitting in your box at Santa Anita