Our little wonder bundle just turned two, and my partner Kira and I realized we had not had a vacation -- not counting holidays at the in-laws -- since before our son Stephen was born. Desperate for a getaway, but nervous it could all be for naught with a fussy toddler, we planned an overnight to get our feet wet as family vacationers, at nearby Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.

Only 90 miles from our home in Los Angeles, we figured the car ride would be manageable if we scheduled it around naptime, so we headed out after breakfast. Stephen snoozed soundly, waking just in time to be wowed by the view of giant pines along the gently winding roads leading up the mountain. We rolled down the windows to breathe in the fresh mile-high air. A great beginning.

Our reservation agent told us that as a female couple traveling with a baby we would find the resort very gay friendly, and indeed the entire staff was welcoming and accommodating. The soft lighting, fireplace, wood plank floors and rustic-yet-luxurious leather library chair clusters of the newly renovated lobby – part of the hotel’s recent $20 million transformation -- added to the warm, inviting surroundings.

Our room was spacious, featuring a desk and sitting area, panel screen TV, and a sumptuous king bed with a billowing designer comforter and fluffy down pillows, all in keeping with the upscale mountain lodge decor. The large bathroom was tastefully tiled in earth tones with a glass-enclosed walk-in shower. Our room offered a wondrous view of the lake, and to Stephen’s giddy delight, a squirrel sat perched on a stump just outside our window to greet us.

As we unpacked and relaxed after our drive, room service provided us with a bit of sustenance in the form of a delectable cheese and fruit plate and a giant cookie and milk for Stephen. A perfect pick-me-up before heading out to explore the grounds.

The pleasant and knowledgeable head concierge, Jill Willinger, gave us directions to the adjoining Lake Arrowhead Village and the children’s Lollipop Park. Though Kira is generally shopping-intolerant, she endured an hour’s outing into several of the boutiques and factory outlet stores at the village, including Coach, Bass and Pendleton Woolen Mills, where we snatched up some cute hoodies and cashmere-blend sweaters at bargain prices.

We also picked up some yummy souvenir treats at Three Dog Bakery for our golden retriever Scout. Though we left our pooch with Grandma for this trip, I should note that the resort made it clear they not only welcomed four-legged family members , they treat them like royalty, with gourmet pet treats, doggie room service menus, spa treatments and even canine cruises on the lake.

Lollipop Park is where the real fun began for Stephen, who had almost the entire park to himself. As our visit was midweek, there were no lines for the carousel, choo-choo train, pirate ship swing or other amusement rides. In fact, the friendly teen attendants opened up rides just for him, and they let the rides go a few extra rounds since no one was waiting. Around the village Stephen also enjoyed the wildlife sculptures, though we cringed when our city boy exclaimed “Chuck e Cheese” when he spotted the raccoon wood carving.

For us, the relative quite of the resort and village was both good and bad, as we enjoyed having the place to ourselves, but then again it would have added more vibe and excitement if there were more people around. As far as gay families, we didn’t see any same-sex couples with or without children our entire visit, but we chatted by the pool and at the restaurant with several families with kids, and we never got a second glance, or any “Which of you is the mother?” questions. Though we felt far away from L.A., the attitude of the clientele was definitely cosmopolitan.

K. Pearson Brown is a writer and a mom living in Los Angeles with her partner and two-year old son. She is currently finishing her first novel.