India, June 28 -- Situated among the San Bernardino mountains about a two-hour drive northeast of Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake is a legendary hub for just about any form of outdoor recreation imaginable.

The 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail passes right by town, and some of the West's best cycling and equestrian trails wind through the surrounding pine forests. And that's not even mentioning the two biggest attractions here: the eponymous lake and Big Bear Mountain Resort, the former a haven for boating and sunbathing, and the latter a winter destination for snowboarding and skiing.

These days, the village is enjoying something of a renaissance, fueled by an infusion of swanky new lodging and dining concepts. But whereas other towns might...