Arnold Black Bear Inn

1343 Oak Circle, Bear Valley, California 95223
Innkeeper(s): Bruce & Wendi Davisons
 
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Table Of Contents

  • Introduction

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    Welcome to the Inn's Great Room
    The Black Bear Inn is your perfect home base for recreation! Beautiful Sequoias, amazing scenery, and manicured gardens throughout 1.3 acres - all for your enjoyment.

    You can experience all this and more, year round, in our 5,200 square foot timber frame constructed inn. Built in 2002, the Black Bear Inn is perfectly suited for guests seeking a casual atmosphere with first class service and accommodations.
     



    Room rates include a full Chefʼs breakfast daily and local wines with a customized cheese & charcuterie plate every evening.

    Year-round Spa
    Outdoors we offer a covered spa for year round relaxation, large patios, and many places to unwind - including a porch swing, a hammock, and several sets of tables & chairs with large market umbrellas.

    The Black Bear Inn is close to restaurants, wineries, golf courses, skiing, antique shops, galleries, apparel and gift shops. At 4,000 feet, you can head down the mountain for wine-tasting, entertainment, and great shopping. Head up Highway 4 to visit Calaveras Big Trees and to explore and enjoy high country recreation and scenery. A truly year round destination!
     

    Exposed Beam Construction Throughout the Inn

    About Us

    After talking about buying an inn for more than 10 years, we finally started our search in 2009. We looked at available inns from the central California coast to the San Juan Islands above Washington state. Although there were many beautiful choices, none of the properties compared to the Black Bear Inn. We were immediately wowed by the grand entrance and gathering room, and quickly fell in love with the Inn.



    Taking care of people is our passion, and it didnʼt take long to reap the rewards of that passion. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, and catering to the needs of our guests. Our motto, when making daily decisions is, “is this good for the guests, or good for us?” If the answer isnʼt that “itʼs good for the guests,” we make a different decision.

    We both have hospitality in our work histories (catering, food/beverage management, golf industry experience, etc.), and knew that those skills would pair well with running an inn. Most recently, we both worked in commercial lending, managing customer experiences for many years. This combination of our skill sets, complimented by Bruce's formal culinary training will result in a continued high level of satisfaction for guests of the Black Bear Inn.



    Our five guest suites include:
    •  King beds with Tempurpedic mattress toppers & down comforters
    •  Private baths with jacuzzi tubs and large separate showers
    •  In-room refrigerators with pitchers of fresh mountain water
    •  Lush bathrobes
    •  Lindor Chocolate Truffles
    •  LCD flat screens with satellite television
    •  Private french doors, leading to our meadow or outdoor hot tub
    •  Gas fire places
    •  Radiant heating and cooling
    •  Wine Glasses & Bottle Opener
    •  Table and chairs in your patio area
    •  Free wireless internet access
    •  Hair Dryers
     

    Press/Media

    SARCRAMENTO BUSINESS JOURNAL "Putting your retirement to work"

    FROMMER'S "California's Other Wine Country: Calaveras County, California"

    COMSTOCK'S MAGAZINE "Fund of Dreams"

    SIERRA LODSTAR "Arnold's Black Bear Inn Delights the Senses"

    DVINE WINE & VISITORS GUIDE (Page 10) "Rest, Relax, & Renew at Black Bear Inn"

    Winter Wonderland
    Concierge Services

    Dinner Reservations
    We can help you with recommendations in Arnold and the surrounding areas. We have many of the menus on hand for you to peruse while you are here, and we are happy to make reservations for you.

    Wine Tours
    There are more than 25 wineries within a very short distance of the Inn! We can map out a route for you to include interesting tasting rooms, excellent wines, boutique wineries, and wonderful people. Most tasting rooms are run by the owners who will generally be pouring for you.

    Excursions
    So many things to do, so little time... Calaveras Big Trees State Park is three miles up the highway, and offers several hiking options. Several lakes are easily accessible for fishing enthusiasts. We can even assist you in getting your fishing license! Caverns, zip lines, olive oil tasting, and clay making are just a few other options in the area. We can help plan any of these events and day trips for you - just call!

    Christmas at Black Bear Inn
    Massage Therapy & Spa Services
    Massage appointments available in your room with 48 hour notice.  A full "menu" of services available at Jillian Day Spa & Salon, just 15 minutes from the Inn (in Murphys).

    Gift Certificates
    For holiday giving, anniversaries and birthdays, or just to help celebrate a special event for friends and family, Black Bear Inn gift certificates are a great way to create lasting memories. Our gift certificates can cover specific room rates and lengths of stay, or provide partial credit toward lodging costs.

     

    AAA 3 diamond

    Beautiful Sequoias, amazing scenery and the peacefulness of the heavens full of stars!

  • Guest Comments

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    Our goal at The Black Bear Inn is to create a memorable experience for our guests, some of whom have graciously shared their thoughts...

    “The rooms are very nice, the beds extremely comfortable and the rooms and bathrooms are clean and cheery.”

    “The room was fantastic, we slept like bears in the ultra-comfortable bed - the food and ambiance were outstanding.”

    “The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are so pretty and comfortable with great patios for your wine and cheese platters.”

    “The room was really comfortable; the large jacuzzi tub, large walk in shower, and temperpedic mattress - all excellent!”

  • Special Events

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    Host Your Next Event With Us!

    We provide a spectacular setting for special events inside the Inn, and outside with our footbridge, lawn reception areas, and large patio space. We welcome small and large groups, and provide an exceptional facility for weddings, retreats, anniversaries - any special event. We can accommodate events up to 150 guests, and are happy to assist with catering recommendations. The Inn possesses a beer/wine/spirits license, making beverage service easier for you.

    Weddings
    A wedding plannerʼs dream! There are so many areas within and throughout the property - indoors or outdoors, making the Black Bear Inn an ideal setting for your special day. The front lawn area is slightly removed from the Inn for privacy, with ample room for chairs. The back patio can easily serve as a group dining area. The gathering room and large fireplace create a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony. Please call us with specifics and we will be glad to review your options to help make your wedding a truly special event for everyone involved. Visit our Wedding Page.

    Corporate Retreats
    Private and secluded - a perfect place to conduct workshops, focus sessions, and retreats. The spacious indoor gathering room and outdoor patios allow for various meeting options. The Chefʼs breakfast is included, and other meals can be provided at an additional cost.

    Family Reunions
    Bring everyone together in our 5,200 square foot facility! By booking the entire Inn for your extended family, you will have the whole place to yourselves - including the gathering room, patios, lawn areas, and hot tub. The Chefʼs breakfast is included, and other meals can provided at an additional cost.

    Birthday and Anniversary Celebrations
    We love celebrations at the Black Bear Inn - call Wendi to customize your special event.  The guest of honor's favorite dish, a special birthday cake with trick candles - whatever we can provide to make the occasion memorable.  We can help plan private wine tastings, outdoor adventures, live music, or create any type of itinerary for your event.
     
    Contact Us for pricing and availability.

  • Weddings

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    The beautiful private grounds of the Black Bear Inn is an ideal setting for a romantic outdoor wedding. Exchange your vows in the lower meadow among the oak trees and sweet peas, enjoy cocktails and appetizers in our stunning Gathering Room, and dance under the string of lights on the back patio.

    With so many areas within and throughout the property - indoors or outdoors, the Black Bear Inn is an ideal setting for your special day. The front lawn area is slightly removed from the Inn for privacy, with ample room for chairs. The back patio can easily serve as a group dining area. The gathering room and large fireplace create a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony. Please call us with specifics and we will be glad to review your options to help make your wedding a truly special event for everyone involved.

    Location Uses: Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Rehearsal Dinners

    Capacity:
    Max Indoors: 100
    Max Outdoors: 150

    Wedding Services & Amenities 

    • Year Round Availability
    • Customized Events
    • Catering: Provided or Approved Vendor
    • Kitchen Facilities: Available for Approved Vendors
    • Restrooms: On site
    • Bride's Dressing Area
    • Parking by Attendants
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Garden, Forest, bridge-covered creek
    • Other: Event Coordination


    Arnold Black Bear Inn provides a spectacular setting for special events inside and out with our footbridge, lawn reception areas, and large patio space. We welcome small and large groups, and provide an exceptional facility for weddings, retreats, anniversaries - any special event. We can accommodate events up to 150 guests, and are happy to assist with catering recommendations. The Inn possesses a beer/wine/spirits license, making beverage service easier for you.  

    There are many activities to be had in the area in addition to shopping, dining & wine tasting. In Arnold we are surrounded by the beauty of nature with lakes, rivers, caves and some of the largest tree's you'll ever see. There is a lot in the way of  arts, entertainment, outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, cave exploration, wineries, breweries, fairs, festivals, winter activities/sports, great food & more.  Have an extraordinary experience at Arnold Black Bear Inn for your wedding ceremony, reception, and honeymoon.

    Contact us for pricing and availability.

  • Area Information

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    Guests visit from all over the world to experience everything that Calaveras County has to offer - it's easy to spend time here, year-round.  Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a fan of good food and wine, an artist - you will find what you are looking for!  The fishing is fantastic, the golf courses are beautiful, and the activities are endless.

    Our concierge service is complimentary with your booking, and we are happy to make any arrangements you need (private wine tasting, cave tours, horseback riding, etc.).  Just ask for Wendi when you make your reservation.


    Points of Interest
    Our region has both winter and year round destinations. You'll find outstanding recreation,
    music, wine tasting and so much more.

    Local Golf Courses
    We have several golf courses in the area that include extra natural surroundings you can't find in the city. All guests of The Black Bear Inn have privileges for access to the Sequoia Woods Country Club which is just 2 miles east of Arnold. Bring your golf clubs and get ready for some picture perfect, uncrowded courses that offer so much more than just a place to get 18 holes in.

    Performing Arts
    Local theater and the arts are very much alive and well in our region. We offer performing arts packages for our guests and have fantastic events and summer concert series you don't want to miss.

    Attractions
    Zip lining, hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, skiing, and shopping are some of the many adventures you can experience near The Black Bear Inn. Looking for an underground adventure? Cave, caverns and mine tours are just 20 minutes away! Many outdoor activities are here waiting for you to discover.

    Skiing & Snow Sports
    We have all the seasons here in Arnold and snow season is kind to the many skiers who visit the region. Whether it's snowboarding, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, or cross country, you've come to the right place. Stanislaus National Forest, with Bear Valley, is here as your winter playground. During summer you can get some excellent mountain bike riding & hiking in with chairlift access!

    Wine Tasting
    Calaveras Wine-Grape Alliance won its first Gold Medal for wine in 1872. Today, nearly 20 family-owned wineries from large to boutique are active in the county with tasting & tours. Stop in and try the ongoing Gold Medal winners wine during your visit.

    Area Website Links...