Seeking a Peaceful, Southern California Winter Getaway? Claremont Offers a Relaxing Experience with Great Hotels, Spas and Restaurants

CLAREMONT, Calif., Dec. 6, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- If summer was for "staycations," then the holidays are the time to schedule a backyard "winter (re)treat" for either a well-deserved break from shopping or a quieter, more delicious way to secure those final gifts.  

Why wait to open presents when you can give yourself a gift now by scheduling one or more nights in Claremont and its tree-lined village atmosphere, 31 classy restaurants, 13 upscale spas and salons, variety of hotel choices, 11 art galleries and surprising entertainment choices?  

If considering a "winter (re)treat," Claremont is a green oasis that beckons with a variety of options to suit your style.  For a mini-vacation, design your own package with an upscale, but moderately priced stay at Hotel Casa 425 or the Doubletree Hotel Claremont; early dinners at the Casablanca Mediterranean Bar and Grill (500 W. First St.) or Casa Moreno (101 N. Indian Hill Road); and a relaxing, evening walk to the nearby colleges for a choice of plays, music or educational presentations (yes, even in December!). Check the listings at www.claremontcalendar.com or www.collegescalendar.org.

For a relaxing shopping experience, consider a stay at the Claremont Lodge (ask for the Jacuzzi suites), Hotel Claremont (look for a shuttle to the Village) or Howard Johnson Inn, then head early into the Village for unique coffees and pastries at a number of character-filled cafes, such as the Last Drop Cafe (119 Harvard Ave.).  Evening dining choices run the gamut of styles, from Saca's Mediterranean Cuisine (248 W. Second St.) to the decidedly All-American Village Grill (148 Yale St.).

In between, the shopping experience in the Claremont Village is just like boutique hopping.  Within the European-style setting, ultimately unique shops include upscale infant wear at Tattle Tales (309 Yale Street) and classic fashion accessories at Vintage Soul (143G Harvard Ave.).  If looking for hard-to-find gifts for children, try Boon Companion (145 Harvard Street). Gift shops filled to the brim include Claremont Village Treasures (317 W. First St.) and The Village Attic (211 W.  First St.).  Gifts from the world can be found at the Himalayan Collection (272 W. Second St.) and Tibetan Artcraft Imports (134 Yale St.).

Evening entertainment options (should you decline the culture at the college) include the newly opened Flappers Comedy Club, the Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue and Laemmle Theater.  The nighttime lounge scene at Hotel Casa 425 is a great retreat for couples, while the Packing House Wine Merchants (540 W. First St.) offers an inviting way to meet new friends over great vino.

Want to make it easier?  Take the freeway out of the equation.  The local Metrolink stop lets passengers out within a few steps of the Claremont Village.  Want to pack it all in?  Bundle up for the short drive up to Mt. Baldy for snow-tubing or some of Southern California's best skiing conditions.  

For information about shops, hotels, events and more, visit either www.thevillageclaremont.com or www.claremontchamber.org.

SOURCE City of Claremont