Bear Lake

One of my favorite places to visit is found on the boarder of Utah and Idaho. I used to feel like it was a hidden treasure, and it is still a treasure, but I think the hidden part is starting to dissolve a little. If you want to reserve a place to stay at, at Bear Lake, sometimes you will need to start in about February to even get a reservation. More and more people are starting to realize how great Bear Lake is. The funny thing is, this lake is COLD, like really COLD. But I still love it. I love the beaches, I love the fresh water, I love the mountain scenery, I love the intimate towns, I love the traditions and more.

I grew up going to Bear Lake every summer for a family reunion on my mom's side of the family and then for my dad's side of the family. My mom's side of the family was a little more torturous because we had to participate in activities and skits all day and then we were allowed to go play on the beach in the late afternoon. Umm... this is when everyone leaves the beach because the sun is starting to go down and it gets a little breezy and usually windy. My dad's family reunions were focused on playing on the beach, in the water and going out on the boat. Being older today; I love looking back at both sets of memories and wouldn't trade them for the world.

Today I am happy going to Bear Lake even for the day and setting up some chairs on the beach, playing in the sand, seeing how far I dare swim out into the lake, having a picnic for lunch, throwing around a Frisbee, playing some sand volleyball and/or just reading a book. I'm never opposed to renting some wave runners though or going out in a boat as well. It's always fun to end the day grabbing a bite to eat at one of the local spots or at least getting a Bear Lake Raspberry shake.

Bear Lake Vacation Guide

Things to do

• Beach time
• Boating
• Kayaking
• Paddle Boarding
• Wave Runners
• Sailing
• Riding bikes on the bike path around the lake
• Golfing
• Pickleville Playhouse
• And lots of winter activities as well

Some of my favorite places to eat

• Bear Lake Pizza: great for groups! And if you have a group big enough, go for the Old Ephraim Pizza - their 28" pizza.
• Cafe Sabor: local mexican restaurant started in Logan, UT.
• LaBeau's: it's the place to make sure to always make a stop at when in Bear Lake; whether it is just for their famous raspberry shakes or some dinner. My favorites are their burgers and corn dogs and I usually order one of each.

Raspberry Shakes
You can't go to Bear lake without getting a famous Raspberry Shake. There are plenty of other shakes to choose from as well but if it is your first time in Bear Lake, you might as well go with tradition.

• LaBeau's: usually a long line but well worth it.
• The Cheveron gas station at the mouth of Logan Canyon also has an ice cream parlor in it and I love to get a raspberry shake with chocolate ice cream here.
• Hometown Drive - in: their shakes usually tower a good 2 inches over the cup.
• Quick-N Tasty: another great and convenient stop before leaving Bear Lake and the shakes do not disappoint.