I'm gonna be totally honest, I was skeptical about this place. Seriously-- I feel that way about almost anyplace that has the word 'outlet' in the title. So yah, I profiled this place based just on the name. And later, when they started building, I was even more concerned. Location, lack of parking, size all confirmed my worries. But man, was I wrong-- at least about some of it.

There are lots of reasons that I love heading to the backside of Mammoth Mountain-- sunny afternoons, no crowds, long runs, fresh snow, breathtaking vistas, wind protection. But my favorite reason head to the Northwest face is The Outpost. (Fair Warning: Getting to the backside is a commitment and you will need to take the inexplicably speedy, tiny-chaired, 2-man lift #12).

I'll never forget the time my girlfriend told me, "You should check out the bowling alley. It just opened and its really cool." Yah, right, I thought to myself. How cool could a bowling alley possibly be? But you know what? She was right.

Check out those photos. Looks like an old fashioned, independent grocery, right? Well, that's cause that's exactly what it is. Though the building is older, this family-run business has easy parking, fresh groceries and a convenient diner just next door. Inside the store, the staff is friendly, the selection is amble and its a lot less crowded than the large chain stores in Bishop and Mammoth. The prices aren't bad, either.

Click 'read more' for details.

If you're looking for a kid-friendly spot with good pizza & wings and great drinks, put the Mammoth Rock-n-Bowl bar at the top of your list. It's not the bowling alley food you're used to, I promise.

With a fine dining restaurant upstairs, and a shared kitchen, I should have known. Not only is the food really good compared to most bowling alleys, but it has one of the best views in all of Mammoth.

Click "Read More" for details on the menu, seating, and other good stuff.

When we're in Mammoth we are always looking for somewhere new to grab lunch so we can get on with our adventures. One afternoon this summer, when I picked up my fisherboy from the fishing Crowley, we decided to stop in for lunch at Crowley General Store.