Fawnskin

Описание: The small township known as Fawnskin was once an artist's colony. Mountain travelers in the 19th century came to the Big Bear Valley through Fawnskin on the rough road by stagecoach and later motorcars. This charming village has always been an attraction to those seeking a retreat from city life. The 2010 census recorded that Fawnskin has a population of 303 people and 510 housing units. Seventy percent of the housing units in Fawnskin are part time or seasonal use properties.

Fawnskin has some of the best views in the valley and is popular with those looking for a quieter lifestyle. On busy holiday weekends, when the rest of Big Bear is humming with activity, Fawnskin remains sedate and secluded. The Holcomb Valley is located just to the north and some of Big Bear's most beautiful back-country is accessible from here.

Gold miners, loggers and hunters were drawn to the adjacent Holcomb Valley during the 19th century. One urban legend is that some hunters discovered deer (fawn) skins stretched out to dry in the sun. Hence, the area became known as Fawn Skin and later Fawnskin.

Fawnskin was once the hub of lakeside activity, serving as a stagecoach stop and tourist attraction with hotels and dining. The town includes the Fawn Lodge, built in 1917, but now closed; the Pedersen Saw Mill, which lies just west of the lodge; and the historic post office, which lies to the east of it, and is now a private home rental. Downtown Fawnskin has some of the oldest buildings in the valley.

Fawnskin events include the comic Doo Dah Parade, the Loggers' Jubilee and the Fawnskin Festival. The town also claims the only "honest" election in the nation: anyone can vote for the Fawnskin Mayor, votes are donations of a quarter. The candidate who wins is the one who raises the most money. Hence, the town "buys" their politicians.

In 1998, the multi-million dollar Big Bear Discovery Center was built and plans to expand. The facility is managed by a partnership between the US Forest Service and the San Bernardino National Forest.