Nostalgic lakeside leisure

Just east of Mendocino County, Blue Lakes is a gateway to an abundance of water-based vacation getaways and entertainment for visitors to Lake County.

The two wooded, spring-fed lakes along Highway 20 offer a refreshing step back in time with family-style resorts evocative of scenes from the movie "Dirty Dancing."

They're the kind of resorts that host generations of families returning year after year.

"I've been a regular for 30 years," said Dina Mattos, 65, of Novato as she and friend Betty Lutz of San Mateo sunned themselves, books in hand, on a small sandy beach dubbed "the granny beach" at Le Trianon resort.

Mattos has been meeting up with Lutz and several other girlfriends -- Joan Blocher of Santa Rosa, Pat Puccinelli of Napa and Cathy Torres of San Francisco -- and their families every summer for at least 20 of those years.

"Betty and I met right here 25 years ago," Mattos said.

The friends brought their children, who now bring their own children.

They lease long-term trailer spaces at the resort, which also offers shorter-term cabin rentals and paid day use of its beach and boat rentals.

The families while away the summer, relaxing, reading, fishing, boating and socializing.

Less than 20 miles from Highway 101, the area includes Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake, which are connected by a narrow waterway.

Other resorts include The Narrows and Pine Acres resorts, which offer camping, recreational vehicle hookups, motel rooms and cabins by the day and week.

They also offer boat rentals, including kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats.

Near the south end of Blue Lakes is The Lodge at Blue Lakes, a recently remodeled motel with a large dining room that caters to weddings and other events.

The use of kayaks is included with the rooms, said owner Maryann Schmid.

Speed boating is not allowed at Blue Lakes.

"This is a no-wake lake," said Sharon Cerini, who has owned The Narrows with her husband, Art, for 11 years.

"It's great for kayaking, wind sailing and canoes," she said.

Those seeking faster-paced boating or water skiing can make the short drive east to Clear Lake, the largest natural lake located entirely in California and home to world-class bass fishing tournaments.

When Mattos and her chums tire of relaxation, they head to Robinson Rancheria, about seven miles east, to gamble for a half hour before treating themselves to the buffet.

Usually, they just cook dinner and play cards with their friends at the resort, she said.

There's plenty of other things to do nearby for people who want more than resort-style relaxation.

Bird-watching is good all around Clear Lake, and one of the hot spots is at Rodman Slough, just six miles east of Blue Lakes.

Antiques stores, craft shops and galleries abound in the county, particularly in the historic downtown districts of Upper Lake, Lakeport, Kelseyville and Lower Lake.

Live music can be found at a number of venues, including at the nearby Blue Wing Saloon, which is holding a barbecue and blues festival Aug. 6 through 9. Performers include Charlie Musselwhite.

Konocti Resort and Spa, southeast of Kelseyville, regularly hosts big-name acts at its indoor and outdoor venues. Carrie Underwood performed there Saturday night.

Food and wine lovers will find they, too, can have their needs met in Lake County.

Lake County is fast becoming a wine-tasting destination with numerous tasting rooms and wine bars.

It also has a number of restaurants that can hold their own against Bay Area eateries.

But the family-minded will probably be more interested in giving their children an outdoor and even educational experience.

They can get both at Clear Lake State Park, five miles southeast of Kelseyville.

Along with camping, hiking, fishing and boating, the park is home to a small nature museum that features a stuffed mountain lion hiding in a rock cave, waterfowl and other animals.

On Friday and Saturday mornings, the park holds educational hikes and presentations, during which children may learn about geology or animals, said Lisa Calkins, a volunteer at the center.

"The kids come in here, and they're totally in awe," she said.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@

pressdemocrat.com.