Idyllwild, California

Idyllwild is a beautiful mountain town located in the San Jacinto Mountains. The town has a population of about 2,500 people. It is very small and artsy, boho-ish for lack of a better word. When you arrive at the center of the town, you will be pleasantly surprised to find it is very well maintained, it is clean and open with live jazz music playing. If you are bale to enjoy the town in early spring, the morning sunrise will be gorgeous, and the birds singing will fill the air between the live band sets.

One thing you will absolutely have to do, is walk the town square and venture into the shops. There are art galleries, painting studios for both children and adults, candle and soap shops, genuine leather product shops and some of the best sweets and treats you can enjoy.

I highly recommend checking out Mamma Mia Crepes and Desserts. The menu items are delicious, unique and fresh. I tried the Fruit Bomb Crepe which had kiwi, strawberry and mango and a Tiramisu Milkshake. You can enjoy them on the roof top deck, or go down the stairs onto the Town Center and enjoy them in the open air sunshine.

After enjoying a nice snack, you can walk right into the forest or venture over to Mountain Mikes leather shop. He is an Idyllwild legend, his motorcycle is a work of art and he will gladly share stories of his life with you that date back to the times of the Wild West. The man is a legend, he has been at his craft since the time of the cowboys and indians and is even featured in some "Olde Time" real life newspapers of the time. His shop is like the ultimate Build a Bear, but for rugged mountain or western gear, you can pick out the leather you want, and the product you want made and the customization of it and he will hand craft it himself.

The entire town is Instagram highlight reel worthy, with the most bizarrely decorated deers scattered about town, a spectacular Idyllwild mural, and Idyllwild wild life throne to sit on and snap a few spot. The most groovy spot you'll want to make sure you check out before leaving town though is the Wild Idy Shop/house/cottage. A definite trip to go on while on your trip (wink* wink**)