Hello everyone! It’s time to come visit Idyllwild during the cooler winter months. December, January, and February have so much to offer in this cozy and fun town tucked away in the mountains, just a 40-minute drive from the desert and two hours from any southern California location.
First and foremost, we must tell you that Idyllwild is a very dog-friendly town. I should know, too, since I am Mayor Max, a 4½-year-old Golden Retriever, and I am assisted by my very able Deputy Mayors Mitzi and Mikey, always frisky and feisty. They, too, are 4½-year-old Golden Retrievers, and we are all related. We are the direct descendants of the late great Mayor Max the First, also a Golden Retriever.
COURTESY MAYOR MAX
You know you can put your trust in the very loyal, fun, and upbeat mayoral team of Golden Retrievers elected into office. You can visit with me, Mayor Max, and my two Deputies Mitzi and Mikey at any time by calling my Chief of Staff, Phyllis Mueller, at (949) 525- 0100 to arrange a visit.
Idyllwild is ready and able to accommodate you and your pets for both short- and long-term visits.
Most of the excellent restaurants in town are dog-friendly and have outdoor seating areas to accommodate your pets. Many of these seating areas include outdoor heating to keep you comfy and warm on cooler winter days. Your pets are always welcome! (Editor’s note: Please call the restaurant first to make sure their dog policy has not changed.) To mention only a few, the pet-friendly restaurants include:
Café Aroma
Crazy Train Pub & Grill
COURTESY MAYOR MAX
FERRO Restaurant
Fratello’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
Idyllwild Bake Shop & Brew
idyllwildbakeshopandbrew.tumblr.com
Idyllwild Brewpub
Idyllwild Pizza Company
IDYOLOGY
www.facebook.com/Idyologyinidyllwild
La Casita Mexican Restaurant
The Lumber Mill Bar & Grill
Mile High Café, milehighcafe.net
Mountain Center Café
Plant Food Supper Club
Restaurant Gastrognome
Taco Los Gorditos
Tommy’s Kitchen
The Town Baker
Village Market
www.idyllwildvillagemarket.com
You can also find pet-friendly accommodations for overnight stays of any length. There are many inns, B&Bs, vacation rentals, Airbnbs, and campgrounds that will take care of you and your pets. You can snuggle up by the fireplace and truly enjoy the peace and tranquility of mountain living and the holiday spirit, which surrounds your soul with warmth and happiness. Call early though, as many weekends and holiday/vacation times can fill up in advance. There are so many organizations to contact for accommodations—here is a very helpful website: www.idylodging.com.
Art lovers, you will enjoy the many art galleries in Idyllwild and the events created by Art Alliance of Idyllwild. For a listing of all of the art events in Idyllwild for any month of the year, visit the Art Alliance of Idyllwild web site at www.artinidyllwild.org.
The Christmas and New Year holidays are magical in Idyllwild, with so much holiday activity. Between November 25 and January 3, you will enjoy over 6,000 Christmas tree lights on our 100-foot-tall Sequoia right in the middle of downtown. It’s a beautiful sight.
Holiday shopping is also superb for any type of gift you may need for the people and pets on your list. We have an excellent shop for pet lovers, Mountain Paws, located at 54380 N Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA 92549. It’s a must-see, and you can purchase my signature ties there. I always wear a tie to work every day, as I like to dress for success! You can also purchase the best doggie treats in the world at this store. I really love spending time there, and I know you will, too.
Musical entertainment can be found in town every single day, 365 days a year. During the holidays, some very special holiday music events are put on by the extraordinary Idyllwild Master Chorale. To find out more about the Idyllwild Master Chorale schedule of events, visit their web site at http://www.idyllwildmasterchorale.org/.
Idyllwild is a perfect retreat, any time of the year. You will find yourself uplifted and happier for having visited us. We will be delighted to see you at any time—so please come visit us!
If you have any questions about Idyllwild, feel free to call my office, the Office of the Mayor of Idyllwild, at (951) 659-0283, and we’ll do our best to make sure your trip is easy and fun!
Love always,
Mayor Max
Cold Weather Tips
If you and your furry companion are visiting the local mountain communities, temperatures can get below freezing and snow, sleet and ice are a possibility. Pets can be affected by cold just as easily as humans but they have a much harder tme letting us know that they are uncomfortable. Here are some cold weather tips:
◾Paws not used to cold temperatures may need extra protection, consider paw wear, like booties, Dog Mocs, or weatherproof shoes.
◾Bring a towel along to wipe off your dog’s feet after walking in the snow or ice.
◾Pay attention to the area between the toes, ice, cinders, and chemicals used to melt ice can lodge between toes.
◾Wash and dry its feet and check for cracks in the pads.
◾Antifreeze, coolant and products used to melt snow can be poisonous to pets.
◾Dog coats come in a variety of styles including waterproof and insulated and help keep your dog warm when outside.
