Mammoth, California Travel Guide

February 5, 2015

Last weekend my fiancé and I met some friends in Mammoth Lakes, California for a winter getaway. I was hoping for snow, but it turned out to be 50 degrees and sunny for most of the trip. The nice weather was perfect for driving around and exploring the town while the rest of the group went skiing. These are some of my favorite finds.

Food & Drinks

Black Velvet Coffee. Halfway through my adventuring I stopped here for some tea and coffee cake. It’s a cool, modern atmosphere with sleek furnishings, exposed beams and an open counter where you see the barista carefully make your drink. The friendly, relaxing environment makes it a perfect place to warm up! Plus there is free Wi-Fi!
Mammoth Brewing Company. We discovered this brewery on our first trip and couldn’t wait to come back! Our favorite beer last year was the Fire and Eisbock, but this year we loved the RazzBEARy Sour Stout. Plus, their root beer is amazing! I don’t even like root beer, but I helped drink a good portion of the growler we brought back to the condo.
The Eatery. This is a gastropub inside of Mammoth Brewing Company. It’s a great addition that complements the quality beers. I mean how can you say no to bacon beignets and lobster corn dogs?!
Bleu Handcrafted Foods. I stopped in this specialty store and was impressed by the selection of craft beers, wines, cheeses and fruit preserves. I was disappointed that we didn’t have time to try the tasting platters, but everyone raved about their charcuterie on Yelp (by the way, it has a five-star rating!).
Mimi’s Cookie Bar. I was driving to the grocery store when I saw this sign and made a quick detour. It’s a cute bakery that sells cake stands and cookie jars along with a variety of organic baked goods. I tried the salted caramel and lemon macarons, which were very tasty.
Gomez’s Restaurant and Tequileria. We stopped here after checking out the village and had a drink on the patio. They specialize in tequila, so Rob got the cucumber jalapeño margarita, which was nice and refreshing! They also have tequila flights and a great selection of Mexican food. Great spot for people watching!
Mammoth Tavern. We went here to drink away our sorrows after the Super Bowl (okay, I had one drink, so not really ha). It is a second-story gastropub that has a wood cabin feel to it and a beautiful view of the mountain. I tried the red sangria, which was really good! They also have a mouth-watering menu with jalapeño miso-glazed salmon, short rib grilled cheese and other unique eats, like bone marrow.
Schat’s Bakery. This bakery has something for everyone—breads, jams, pastries, cookies and cakes. There is also a deli attached to it. I tried some of the samples (banana nut bread and chili cheese bread), which were moist and flavorful. I was also tempted to try their chocolate chip shortbread cookie.
Lakanuki. This Hawaiian bar has great happy hour and a lively atmosphere. With all of the tiki décor and tropical cocktails, you’ll forget you’re in the mountains!

Shopping

Mammoth Fun Shop. This quirky store has a great selection of gifts, toys and souvenirs. They also have hand-scooped ice cream for a sweet treat. Both kids and adults will enjoy this store.
Chato Boutique (pictured above). I was excited to see a fashionable boutique in the village since many of the stores sell souvenirs or sportswear. They have trendy clothes and accessories from established brands such as Wildfox and Ella Moss. I loved their cozy, yet cute sweatshirts and stylish jewelry.
Deer Rose Boutique. This cute clothing store is located in the strip mall near Vons and has a fun selection of clothes and accessories. I love the deer décor.
Busy Beez’ General Store. I love the candy section at this store. They have a large variety of salt water taffy, M&Ms and Jelly Belly jelly beans, which are Rob’s favorite.
Second Chance Thrift Shop. I wish we had more room in our car, because they had some furniture that I would love to make over! They also have a large selection of skis, clothes and home décor.
The Village at Mammoth. It’s fun to walk around the village which has a variety of retail shops and restaurants. There are also games, such as corn hole and giant Jenga, along the pathway.
Tonik. I didn’t get a chance to check out this store, but it looks like they have a great selection of brand-name denim, cute clothing and stylish shoes.

Activities

Skiing or Snowboarding. This is obviously the main reason many people visit Mammoth. I skied when we went last year, but I opted out this trip. I learned that I like the idea of skiing more than actually falling, freezing and wearing uncomfortable boots.
Ice Skating. If you want to experience the winter activities without committing to a full day on the mountain, check out the outdoor ice rink located behind the Mammoth Lakes public library.
Woolly’s Tube Park. Another way to get your snow fix is at the tubing park, which has six groomed lanes and lifts to whisk you to the top.
Tamarak Lodge. If you just want to look at the snow, this resort offers a gorgeous viewpoint. Just a short drive from Main Street, this location boasts views of Twin Lakes, which are frozen over in January, and the mountain itself. If you’re hungry, check out the lakefront restaurant.
Scenic Gondola Rides. The elevation at the top is 11,053 feet and offers a spectacular view. It’s a great way to get to the top of the mountain without having to ski down it.

{Mammoth Brewing Company}