MORE AND MORE, Local residents and visitors alike are realizing Lake County is "a little island of affordability in a sea of rising prices," and Lakeport is enjoying its share of growth and prosperity. The seat of county government, Lakeport is the vibrant center of a service area reaching north and east to Blue Lakes, Upper Lake, Nice and Lucerne, and south to Kelseyville, Soda Bay, Buckingham, The Rivieras and Cobb Mountain. Lakeport is two plus hours from "everywhere," including San Francisco, Sacramento, and the Pacific Ocean.
EARLY HISTORY
An early settler, William Forbes, arrived in 1858 and established a wagon and blacksmith shop. In time the town was named for him, and eventually the pioneer donated land to an infant county government. In appreciation of his generosity, county officials designated "Forbestown" (soon to be renamed Lakeport) the official seat of county government. In 1888 the then nearly 700 residents of Lakeport voted to incorporate.
In its earliest days Lakeport (and, for that matter, much of Lake County) enjoyed a far-flung reputation among the high rollers of that era (Hollywood personalities and Bay Area socialites) as a welcome respite on their journey to Bartlett Springs and other hot spring and mineral bath spas. Here, they would step down from the overland stage that brought them from the railroad line to the west. After dinner, a night's rest, and breakfast, the travelers would board a steamboat for the trip across Clear Lake where they would disembark and board another stagecoach for the final leg of their journey into the mountains. As a result, a number of hotels once lined the city's Main Street.These included a restaurant and bar on the main floor with upstairs rooms to let. Some of the second floors have disappeared through the years, but a few remain, and a brightly colored group of four on the west side of Main Street between First and Second Streets is the best remaining example.
HEALTH CLUB — Quail Run Health Club offers day-use fees for non-members. Facilities include a swimming pool, weight room, tennis courts and racquetball courts. Child care is available, too.
WATERSPORTS — Free access to Clear Lake - for both motor boats and sail boats - is readily available from four public launch ramps. And plenty of free parking is available as well with double-length spaces for vehicles towing trailers. In Library Park families and groups will find athletic fields, picnic facilities, a children's playground, a beach, a swimming area, and public rest rooms; all free and all intended to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing visit for everyone in the family. Additional facilities include a swimming pool and tennis courts at the school grounds on Lange Street off Lakeshore Blvd. If you'd like to rent equipment for your day of sun and fun, Disney's Watersports has wave runners, jet skis, ski boats, patio boats and run-abouts. They're located on Main Street at the corner of C Street, 263-0969 (page 35). Downtown on Third Street across from Library Park, On the Waterfront has absolutely everything for your watersports adventure, 263-6789
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERTS — From June through August, Library Park is home to the Friday evening Summer Concert Series, a collaboration of the City of Lakeport and KXBX Radio, 98.3. Grab a picnic basket and blanket and come enjoy an evening of free pop, jazz, rhythm and blues, or country music.
INDIAN GAMING — Konocti Vista Casino, located on Mission Rancheria Drive off Soda Bay Road, offers Nevada-style table games and slot machine action 24 hours a day, seven days a week (262-1900). In addition to the casino, they offer a 74-space RV park, an 80-room motel and the most modern marina on Clear Lake with 90 boat slips.
FIVE-SCREEN CINEMA — Lakeport has followed the trend toward multi-plex theaters where you can enjoy first-run movies throughout the afternoon and evening, every day, year around. There is a drive-in theater, too, which (unlike the relics of the past found in some other communities) is a clean, modern facility open seasonally and offering movies at affordable prices.
FAIRGROUNDS — Home of the Lake County Fair each Labor Day weekend - where families can enjoy all the traditional county fair atmosphere and excitement - the fairgrounds provides a venue for many events throughout the year, from auto races and craft fairs to the Lake County Rodeo and the Lake County Fair. The main exhibit building doubles as a roller skating rink with open skating Monday thru Friday, 2-6 pm; Thursday, 7:30-10 pm; and Saturday, 2-4:30 pm, 5-7:30 pm, and 8-10:30 pm. The rink is closed during April and August.
COUNTY MUSEUM — The Lake County Courthouse Museum is best known for its outstanding collections of Pomo baskets and stone tools, and pioneer memorabilia. There is also an in-depth display of more than 60 native plants and a discussion of their traditional uses. The county's 1871 brick courthouse was designated an official historic site in 1974, and was later retrofitted and returned to its original appearance. It became the county museum in 1978. A research library at the museum houses a collection of historic photographs (some more than 100 years old) which include many of the hot springs resorts and spas which sprang up during the 1800's.
GOLF COURSES — There are four nine-hole golf courses within 30 minutes of Lakeport. These include two on Cobb Mountain: Rob Roy Golf Course, 928-0121 (page 3), and Adams Springs Golf Course, 928-9992 (page 53); two in Kelseyville: Buckingham Golf and Country Club, and Riviera Hills Golf and Recreation Club, 277-7575 (page 81), plus an 18-hole championship course in Hidden Valley Lake, 987-3035
WHERE TO SHOP
Pieces Boutique on Main Street has a perfectly lovely selection of "upscale resale clothing and accessories." This shop is worth a look, and they have a second location in Upper lake, too. 262-0800
The hottest new shop in Lakeport is the Kitchen Gallery - the best source for fine things for your kitchen, plus a line of great gifts for the cooks and entertainers in your life. 262-0422
Inspirations Gallery, an official Thomas Kincade outlet with a selection of original local art, 263-4366
On the Waterfront on Third Street between Main and Park offers a selection of activewear, swimwear and accessories for both men and women. 263-6789
Shari's Secret Garden is laden with an eclectic offering of gifts for all ages. They have an extensive area devoted to scrapbooking, too, 263-1647
Main Street Gifts is a must-see shop with an assortment of one-of-a-kind gifts to suit every taste, 263-7288
At the corner of C Street and Main Street, in the Main Street Mall, you will find The Furniture Consignment Shop offering a wide assortment of used furniture and accessories, 263-0686
Just across C Street is Hillside Honda-Yamaha offering sales, parts and service for an extensive line of watercraft, mototcycles and ATVs, 263-9000
Across Main Street is Disney's Water Sports where you can rent boats and a variety of water sports equipment. They also have a selection of T-shirts for sale. 263-0969
And, of course, the ever-present shopping center smorgasbord awaits at Willow Tree Plaza on Eleventh Street.
Bruno's Shop Smart on Lakeport Boulevard between Main Street and Freeway 29 offers a fresh bakery, discount liquors, delicatessen, fresh flowers, USDA choice meats, North Lake Pharmacy, fresh produce and fresh seafood in addition to all the grocery, frozen, dairy and other items one associates with a full-service grocery store.
WHERE TO EAT
Park Place Restaurant and Lounge across from Library Park and the waterfront offers one of Lakeport's most popular menus featuring homemade pastas and sauces, 263-0444 (page 35).
Right down Park Street is a great new fun place to eat, with great food. Bigg's 155 Diner has American regional food, made to order! 262-0155
On Main Street, you'll find Molly Brennan's, an authentic Irish Pub, where you can "enjoy a lazy lunch or a romantic dinner, listen to live Irish music, sample great rustic cooking and experience true Irish hospitality." 262-1600
An excellent choice for lunch or dinner is Carlos & Vinny's Bar & Grill at 370 S Main Street. They offer an unique selection of appetizers, salads and entrees that are sure to please. Plus a full selection of adult beverages from the bar. Prices here are modest and you won't go away hungry, 263-6493
Sicily's Italian Restaurant has moved to the Airport on Highland Springs Road and is open for lunch and dinner. Family owned and operated, Sicily's serves authentic Sicilian cuisine, including steaks, seafood, pasta and veal. Your host, Eileen Meo's motto is, "Generous Portions and Friendly Service." What could be better? 263-6310
WHERE TO STAY — Skylark Shores Resort offers rooms and private cabins, plus waterfront facilities, a swimming pool and picnic area. Located in downtown Lakeport near restaurants and shops, 263-6151
Regency Inn has a boat dock and pier and modern rooms located right downtown near restaurants and shops, 263-3551
The Mallard House is a cottage-style inn with extensive lakefront facilities near downtown shops and restaurants. For reservations, call 262-1601
The Anchorage Inn is on the lake in downtown Lakeport and offers one- and two-bedroom suites. They have a pool, jacuzzi, boat docks, pool table, ping pong table and free high-speed internet. 263-5417
Rocky Point Vista is a 3000 sf Victorian vacation rental on the shores of Clear Lake. Billed as "first class accommodations at an exclusive location on beautiful Clear Lake," it features exquisite decor, elegant furnishings and exceptional privacy. With five bedrooms and four baths, this is the perfect place for your next getaway. 1-650 483-0609
Just north of town on Lakeshore Boulevard is Rainbow Lodge, "your log cabin home away from home." Accommodations include kitchenettes and suites and free continental breakfast is included each morning. Pets are welcome, too! 263-4309
You might also consider a vacation rental. For information about homes available throughout Lake County, call Lake Vacation Rentals, 866 587-LAKE
COUNTY AIRPORT — Lampson Field is on Highland Springs Road, off Highway 29, about ten minutes south of Lakeport. The 3600-foot runway is 60 feet wide with an 85-foot displaced threshold. Aircraft up to 12,500 pounds can be accommodated. Elevation at the airport is 1380 feet. Fuel may be purchased. Tie-down fees are $5.00 for single engine and $7.50 for twin engine.
MEDICAL ATTENTION — Sutter Lakeside Hospital is a 69-bed primary care facility offering 24-hour emergency care. An excellent staff of doctors and nurses stands ready to serve you in the event you require attention for any sort of injury or health need. On Hill Road East, the hospital is most easily accessed from the Park Way Exit off Freeway 29. 262-5000
