One of the prettiest, yet easiest fall and winter destinations for superb shopping in a scenic wonderland, is Wrightwood, California. You can get there without the usual twisting mountain passes; enjoy a town with no stop signs; take in the splashes of brightly colored, falling leaves and crisp air just right for hiking in the fall; or frolic in the beauty of falling snow and the fun activities it brings, during winter.

Wrightwood enjoys around 53 inches of snow a year, even though the average temperatures rarely fall below 20°F, making it one of the most convenient ski areas in the world. The roads are cleared quickly to accommodate the visiting skiers, snowboarders, sledders, snow players, holiday shoppers and families looking for a fun ‘White Christmas’ destination. The festive atmosphere of the town, cozy rustic places to stay --warmed by crackling fireplaces--make this an ideal place to soak up some holiday spirit without the stress and hassle of the city. Accommodation ranges from family friendly motels, cabin rentals and cottages--even boasting an historic home, now called The Harrison, built in the early 1900’s where the grandnephew of Wyatt Earp stayed.

The history of this small hamlet is varied, encompassing farming, ranching, mining and prospecting, and fox farming. Wyatt and Virgil Earp frequently visited the area in their day, staying at what was known as "Clyde Ranch" in the Lone Pine area; a cattle ranch and apple orchard still in operation and owned by the Clyde family today. In the 1920’s it was "the" winter and summer playground for the residents of Hollywood and Los Angeles.