The Economic Vitality Association's inaugural public relations effort was The Arrowhead Experience, and invitation-only event for media representatives from all over Southern California held June 10-11. During the Arrowhead Experience, guests were shown a range of different attractions that make Lake Arrowhead such a spectacular destination. Not only were they treated to sumptuous meals at notable restaurants like the Belgian Waffle Works, Bin 189, and the Grill at the Antlers, they were also shown Lake Arrowhead treasures that even many locals have yet to experience, such as the unique vacation and conference space at Pine Mountain Camp, the state-of-the-art meeting facilities at the UCLA Conference Center, and the newly-renovated Lake Arrowhead Resort and its luxurious Spa of the Pines.

During their stay, guests got up-close and personal with indigenous wildlife at Wildhaven Ranch and saw first-hand the fishing, hiking, and other recreational opportunities in Deep Creek during a guided Jeep tour. And, of course, no tour of Lake Arrowhead would be complete without a historical tour of the lake aboard the Arrowhead Queen.

The goal of the event was to get the word out that whatever kind of getaway Southern Californians are looking for, it's available close to home, an easy drive into the San Bernardino Mountains. If you're in the market for an active holiday, there's hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and ATVing available in the back country. If you want a little pampering, there's a relaxing spa and fine dining restaurants with extensive wine lists. And if you want a family vacation, there are very affordable accomodations and plenty of ways to entertain the kids, like Wildhaven Ranch, Lollipop Park and the sree Summer Concert Series.

The Arrowhead Experience had the desired effect. Chantal Lamers of Sunset Magazine discovered that "Lake Arrowhead is... a great mixture of luxury and affordable activities for families." Her remarks were echoed by Ruth White, publisher of The Mission Viejo News, the Coto de Caza News, The San Clemente News, The Ladera Ranch News, The San Juan Capistrano Independent News, and Santa Margarita Style, who said, "There were so many more vacation opportunities than I expected."

Based on the success of the Arrowhead Experience, the ACEVC will be planning more familiarization tours for media later this year. Our goal is to spread the word. That means we'll continue to reach out to media not just locally, but wherever we can, to let everyone know what a hidden gem Lake Arrowhead is.