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Cabin Like It's 1992:

  • Writer: Erin Gore
    Erin Gore
  • Jul 16
  • 6 min read

A Cozy Weekend in Lake Arrowhead Filled with Nature, Nostalgia, and No Wi-Fi


Our family on the steps of the cabin

Goodbye, city noise. Hello, pine trees, fresh mountain air, and a much-needed digital detox. We packed up the kids, tossed our phones in a drawer, and headed into the San Bernardino Mountains for a cozy, old-school cabin weekend. No filters, no schedules—just good food, fresh air, and lots of unplugged family fun. And yes, we Cabin Like It’s 1992... because sometimes the best memories come without a Wi-Fi connection.



The Perch sign in front of the cabin

Our Mountain Home for the Weekend:

Tucked into the pines just 10 minutes from Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory, The Perch at Twin Peaks was the kind of place that instantly makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper. This boutique retreat hosted us for the weekend, and it felt like stepping into a nostalgic mountain hideaway—with just the right amount of modern comfort.


We stayed in Cabin 1, a four-bedroom, two-bathroom cabin with a full kitchen, dining room, wood stove, and enough space for everyone to relax, play, and just enjoy being together. From quiet mornings on the porch to cozy dinners inside, The Perch gave us room to reconnect—without distractions.


With 12 cabins and a communal barn on-site, The Perch at Twin Peaks is perfect for families, retreats, or anyone craving nature, quiet, and a little rustic magic.



Me reading a book with my family playing games at the dining room table in the background

Unplugged Evenings, 90s Style

Our first night at The Perch set the tone for the whole weekend. With no pressure to be anywhere or check anything, we fully embraced the slower pace. We cooked an easy dinner—sloppy joes, watermelon, chips, and pickles—and gathered around the dining table without screens or distractions. The vibe felt like childhood summers: no agenda, just simple food, good books, and the people you love.


After dinner, the kids learned how to play blackjack (M&Ms as chips, obviously), we curled up with our current reads, and stayed up laughing and playing by the glow of the cabin lights. The Perch makes it easy to unplug—no guilt, no FOMO, just space to connect. That first night reminded me how refreshing it is to not just be away, but to be present.



My husband staring off into the trees on the Heart Rock Trail

Heart Rock Trail in Crestline, CA

The next morning, after a few peaceful hours of slow coffee and reading time, we headed out for an adventure. Just 20 minutes from The Perch, Heart Rock Trail in Crestline is a scenic, family-friendly hike known for its heart-shaped natural rock formation carved by a waterfall.


We didn’t make it all the way to the heart—the final stretch is steep, rocky, and uneven, and we weren’t quite up for that challenge with the kids. But the journey itself was beautiful. The trail winds through pine forest, past boulders and shaded spots perfect for exploring. Even without reaching the landmark, it was a win: fresh air, movement, and a good reminder that it’s not always about the destination.



My kids next to the Lake Arrowhead Village sign

Later that day, we made our way into Lake Arrowhead Village—just a short drive from The Perch and totally worth it. This lakeside destination feels like a hidden gem tucked into the mountains: part charming town square, part vintage boardwalk, and full of things to explore. You’ve got scenic lake views, boutique shops, and plenty of spots to grab a treat or just soak it all in.


The kids found their happy place inside the Lake Arrowhead Pizza, Deli & Arcade, where retro games and bright lights gave them the perfect dose of playtime. Meanwhile, we strolled the village, enjoying the relaxed energy and that classic mountain air. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and linger a little longer.


We wrapped up the night at The Lakefront Tap Room, Bar & Kitchen, a laid-back spot with casual bites and unbeatable lakefront views. The vibe was just right: cozy, kid-friendly, and exactly what we were craving after a day of exploring. Watching the sun set over the water while sipping a drink and recapping our day? Pure cabin weekend magic.



The Heaps Peak Arboretum sign

A Peaceful Walk Through Heaps Peak Arboretum

The next morning, we set out for something a little more low-key—and Heaps Peak Arboretum delivered exactly that. Just 15 minutes from The Perch, it’s an easy, family-friendly nature loop surrounded by towering pines, fresh mountain air, and the kind of peace you can’t download from an app.


We followed the trail slowly, stopping at every overlook and little discovery along the way. My son leaned over the wooden bridge rail to peek into the forest, my husband paused to smell tree branch (yes, really), and I found myself just standing still, breathing deep, watching the sunlight filter through the branches.


There’s something really grounding about walking through a place that’s been so thoughtfully preserved. No steep climbs, no time pressure—just nature doing what it does best. Heaps Peak felt like a reset button for all of us.



Me with a pina colada in my hand at Sunsets Island Bar and Grill

Dinner with a View at Sunsets Island Bar & Grill

For our final dinner in the mountains, we headed just 10 minutes from The Perch to Sunsets Island Bar & Grill—and wow, what a send-off. The restaurant sits right on the water with panoramic lake views, tropical drinks, and the kind of relaxed energy that instantly makes you feel like you're on vacation (even if you only drove a couple hours from home).


We went all in on dinner: I ordered the Big Island Salad, fresh and vibrant with tropical flair; my son chose the Pipeline Shrimp Tacos (and devoured them), and my daughter—who has expensive taste—shared the Surf & Turf New York Strip + Lobster with her dad. Between the food, the laughter, and the golden hour light pouring in through the windows, it was one of those nights you tuck away in your memory for a while.


It felt like the perfect full-circle moment—good food, beautiful views, and a table full of people I love, all wrapped in that cozy, California mountain energy. Sunsets delivered on the name in every way.



Our Arrowhead Queen boat tickets in hand with the boat in the bacground

Sunset Magic on the Lake Arrowhead Queen

After dinner, we made our way to the dock for one last adventure: a sunset boat tour aboard the Lake Arrowhead Queen. We bought our tickets, boarded the boat, and settled in for a one-hour cruise across the lake—just as the sun began to dip behind the trees.


The views were stunning—calm water, golden light, and beautiful homes nestled into the shoreline. But the highlight? Both kids got a turn behind the wheel, complete with the captain’s hat. Watching them steer the boat with huge grins on their faces was one of those unexpected parenting moments that instantly becomes a core memory.


It was the perfect ending to a weekend of unplugged family time, fresh air, and slow living. The boat pulled back to shore just as the sky turned cotton candy pink—one last reminder that sometimes, the simplest trips leave the biggest impact.




Our family on the Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour

Why These Moments Matter

Life doesn’t slow down on its own. Between work, parenting, and the everyday chaos of modern life, it’s easy to move through the weeks without ever really catching your breath. This weekend in the mountains reminded me how important it is to unplug—on purpose—and create space for joy, connection, and those little moments that become the big memories.


From teaching the kids to play blackjack with M&Ms to watching them steer a boat at sunset, every part of this trip was a reminder that slowing down isn’t about doing less—it’s about noticing more. When the phones go away, the magic comes out. And The Perch at Twin Peaks gave us the perfect backdrop for that kind of presence.


Planning Your Own Lake Arrowhead Escape?

Here are the highlights to bookmark:



Me with my hands making a heart on the Point Dume Beach in Malibu, CA

I’m already dreaming of our next mountain weekend. Have a favorite California cabin spot or hidden mountain town we should explore next? Leave a comment or message me—I’m always up for discovering something new.









With love, light, and boundless gratitude,

Erin 🌟✨


🏖️ Follow my daily adventures on Instagram 🌊

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