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Find Your Knight in Shining Armor

travelling minstralsWeekends in August present a unique opportunity for our guests to finally find their actual knight in shining armor.  The first three weekends in August will see the fun and bawdy entertainment of Big Bear’s Renaissance Faire.  Join us August 6-7, 13-14, or 20-21 for this trip back to a simpler time when “Gimme some mead!” was a much more commonly heard phrase than it is today.

The Big Bear Renaissance Faire never fails to give some great entertainment for the whole family.  Ever wonder what happens when you place 130 pounds of metal armor on two men, have them mount 2000 pound horses, and then attempt to skewer each other with hemlock lances while charging at 30mph toward each other?  Well, it’s quite a sight. And it’s one that you’re not likely to soon forget.

In addition to this display of brute force, you’ll also be treated to more cultural displays like period music, mischievous minstrels, and food so delicious, you’ll stop eating it only when you run out of room for it.

KnightInArmorThis is always a busy time in Big Bear, so be sure to book your cabin or estate early.  It seems we have many guests who are searching for that elusive knight in shining armor. And once you begin your quest, you’ll quickly find yourself in a medieval frame of mind. But remember: No mace tournaments in the dining room!

Looking for some relaxation elsewhere? We’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

August in Big Bear

August is huge in Big Bear.  It’s the month we see some of our favorite activities finally arrive each year.  And with these activities, we usually see a surge in our reservations, so make your plans early to get the best vacation rentals!

Cast political correctness out the window and come celebrate the 15th Annual Big Bear Renaissance Faire.  You’ll find yourself transported back to a simpler time when men were men and turkey legs were the size of your head.  You’ll get to watch the knights in a friendly jousting tournament, and be sure to find the Queen for a special treat.  There’s amazing food, entertainment, and non-stop fun.  It’s an event you’ll return to year after year.  This is one of Big Bear’s most popular events each year, so you’ll want to plan ahead.  The faire runs weekends, August 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21.  Visit this link for more details and to purchase tickets: http://bbvrsinc.org/tickets

Another favorite coming up in August is the 27th annual Antique Car Fun Run over the weekend of the 12th through the 14th.  This annual event is a must-see for all car enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates the history of automobiles.  You’ll get to see some of the finest examples of superb craftsmanship and engineering found anywhere on four wheels.  Meet the owners of these fine automobiles and listen to their stories of discovery and restoration.  You’ll find more than one amazing beauty that spent much of its life hidden away in a barn somewhere before one of these intrepid collectors found it and restored it.  This event is free to the public, so get more details and exhibitor info at this link: http://www.antiquecarclub.org/funrun2016.html

Along with these two big annual events, you’ll have plenty of ongoing events to choose from as well during August.  There are weekly community bike rides, live music on weekends, line dancing and hiking clubs.  Big Bear is a great destination to do some of your favorite things while surrounded with the tremendous natural beauty of the area.

Looking for some relaxation elsewhere? We’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta. No matter what city you are visiting, staying in a Five Star Vacation Rental property will ensure that you experience the absolute best in luxury accommodations. We would be glad to help you plan your vacation to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

August in Big Bear: Biking, Hiking, Fairing, and Zooing

August in Big Bear is just plain packed with too much to do.  Once you get a look at all the fun we have in store, you’ll be calling us and asking for a monthly rate on your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate.  No kidding, there really is something for everyone all month long.  Here’s just a glimpse at the upcoming events:

We devoted last week’s blog to the upcoming Renaissance Faire.  That will run weekends August 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16.  Follow this link for details. Prepare to have the time of your life.

The 2015 Tour de Big Bear is scheduled for August 1.  There are 25, 50, 70, and 100 mile courses offered, and it’s a great event for the serious cyclist.  Check out this link for the course details, so you can choose the one that best fits your skill and fitness level.  Each course is well marked, and hydration points are available along the way.  It’s a great opportunity to enjoy cycling through the beautiful Big Bear surroundings.

The Big Bear Discovery Center offers weekend nature walks that are always popular with families.  The hikes are easy, and offer frequent stops to learn about the beautiful plants and wildlife that surround us in the Big Bear.  You’ll also gain some great insights into the history of our region.

Plan a visit to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to enjoy their annual Ice Cream Safari on August 1. As you all know, ice cream goes with virtually anything, and we can think of no better mix than ice cream and wild animals. This annual event is always a big hit, and a chance for the family to take in a yummy treat while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

Whatever may be your reason for visiting Big Bear, Five Star Vacation Rentals will be working behind the scenes to make sure your stay with us is filled with luxury, fun, and fond memories.  Give us a call at 310-780-3411, or browse our properties in Big BearMammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking getaway or a week-long summer vacation, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect Big Bear cabin or estate.

It’s Time to Don Your Metal Pants

We’re just a few weeks away from one of Big Bear’s most popular events.  Yes,  cast out your foolish modern grammar and manners.  It’s time for Big Bear’s annual Renaissance Faire, so pull on your metal pants, chainmail vest, and join us for the weekends of August 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16. You’ll want to make your reservation early, because many of our properties get booked quickly.

This annual event is almost more fun than should be allowed in polite company.  But that’s okay.  Much of the time you may not actually be in polite company.  It’s the one time of the year you get to use words like, “tankard,” “jousting,” and “mirth.” The Renaissance Faire offers a full range of things to do, and offers great entertainment for the entire family.

Our favorite event is the “Imperial Knights.”  These fine folks pull on 130 pounds of steel armour, climb on horses weighing 2000 pounds, and charge at each other with long, pointy lances.  They’ve been known to reach speeds in excess of 30 miles an hour before they collide in the middle.  What could possibly go wrong?

The Passado Action Theater acts out a collection of Shakespearean vignettes filled with bawdy humor, physical comedy and outrageous swordplay. Zaria will also be there. Named in honor of the Slavic goddess of beauty, youth, and sunrise, this troupe is based on a foundation of feminine strength and positive energy. There will be storytellers, pirates, royalty and period craftsman as well. There’s going to a troupe of belly dancers, and you’ll also experience the magic of Ciran the Gypsy Magician.  Wander among the dozens of vendors selling great souvenirs and period crafts.

If this is your first visit, we suggest you arrive hungry, and be prepared to consume some of the most outrageous foods you’ve ever seen.  The rumors are true.  You can actually get an endless supply of roasted turkey legs that clearly come from turkeys the size of an emu.  The ale flows freely, and the cooking aroma in the air is combined with the pleasing sounds of wandering minstrels and occasional shrieks of delight.  Many of our guests keep returning each weekend because it’s just too much fun not to.

Browse all our Big Bear properties at this link.  Call us at 310-800-5454 and we’ll be glad to help you plan a great getaway.  Interested in a getaway at one of our other destinations? Browse our properties in  MammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches, or Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway for Big Bear’s Renaissance Faire or a week-long summer vacation, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect cabin or estate.

August In Big Bear Brings Jousting Fun

August is a big month in Big Bear, and there’s at least one upcoming event that always tops our “must see” list. We think you’ll agree.

If you have yet to visit a Renaissance Faire, you really need to do this.  It’s a throwback to a simpler time when folks would indulge in excesses of food, drink, and merriment.   Sort of like when we were in college.  And now the entire family can join in.  There are huge amounts of food, bawdy maidens and gents, and seemingly endless entertainment.  It’s actually better than your college memories because there are no classes and no exams. Just fun.

The Big Bear Renaissance Faire runs weekends August 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17. There are strolling entertainers and several stages with entertainment that ranges from mild for kids and families, to the downright wild for adults only. The food is just amazing with huge juicy turkey legs in abundance as well as a fine choice of ales to keep you smiling. Many attendees will be dressed in period clothing just adding to the sense that you’re transported to an entirely different time. You’ll get to watch knights engage in jousting tournaments and listen to the sounds of wandering minstrels scattered around the landscape. It’s a really fun event.

We can think of no better way to enjoy your time at the Renaissance Faire than while staying in one of our luxurious Big Bear vacation rental cabins or estates. It’s literally the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy a couple of days filled with experiences from a long ago time, and spend the rest of the time enjoying a luxury they couldn’t even have dreamed of in renaissance times.  Yes, you can have the great fun of walking among a centuries-old setting during the day, and relaxing your tired feet in a hot tub overlooking Big Bear at night.  Get the picture?

August also brings lots of other great events to Big Bear including scheduled cycling and lots of great live entertainment.  We’ll cover some of those events in next week’s blog.

Regardless of what motivates your trip to Big Bear, you can rest assured that we’re working hard to make sure your experience is a great one.  We select only the finest Big Bear vacation rental cabins and estates, so you can have a great getaway enjoying a level of luxury that once was only available to movie stars and millionaires.  Many of those folks stay with us as well.

If you’re in the mood for a relaxing getaway elsewhere, be sure to check out the rest of our properties in  Park CityPalm Springs/La QuintaMammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Your family’s vacation time is important for relaxation and growing closer together through some great shared experiences.  We’re dedicated to ensuring that your time spent in one of our luxury rentals will be a great value for you and your family.  Call us today at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.