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Oktoberfest in Big Bear

October is just around the corner, and with that the holiday season will be in full swing. You don’t have to be a Halloween enthusiast to fully appreciate everything this month has to offer. The onset of fall, the arrival of pumpkin spice, and the cooler weather are all reasons to celebrate and take a break from your usual routine.

What’s the best way to do so? A vacation, of course! You need not venture abroad or across the country to find relaxation, luxury, and quality time with your family.  A world-class vacation spot with accommodations that are just as nice can be found in nearby Big Bear.

There’s plenty to get excited about this October in Big Bear. Fishing enthusiasts can get in on trout season and enter the Big Bear Lake October Troutfest. It’ll be held on the first of the month, starting at a bright and early 6:30 AM. Attendees will gather at Big Bear Marina at 500 Paine Rd. for the fishing and festivities.

Another tradition, the 46th Annual Oktoberfest, will grace the streets of Big Bear. Adults can enjoy craft beers while kiddos can take part in activities and games. The whole family is sure to have a blast. It, too, will be held at the beginning of the month on the 1st and 2nd at the Big Bear Convention Center at 42900 Big Bear Blvd.

October is the perfect time for a quick getaway before the hustle and bustle of the holidays really begins. Whether you’re considering a solo trip or a family vacation, nothing will make it unforgettable like booking luxurious lodgings. Five Star Vacation Rental maintains a number of accommodations in Big Bear, including vacation homes that are complete with a gourmet kitchen, dining room, HDTV with cable, and many other luxury features like pool tables and spas. Check out all our luxury Big Bear cabins and estates at this link.

There are plenty of other places to enjoy the luxury of a Five Star Vacation Rental in October, too. 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 getaway to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Quality Family Time in Big Bear Before the Holidays

Chances are you’re not giving much thought to the holidays yet. That’s probably for the best. Fall is just around the corner, and the weather is still as warm as ever.

But this is a perfect time to give the family something fun to look forward to this winter. If you fast forward a few months, you’ll be in the middle of holiday shopping, finals at school, and all the pressures that come with those things. The kids will get a break for winter, but the unfortunate truth is that these breaks are rarely much of a break at all. While your kids may enjoy some time off from school, you’re likely to get stuck playing catch up. You can avoid this fate by planning a trip and deliberately scheduling time for family relaxation. What better time to do so than this winter?

Most of southern California won’t get snow and cold weather, but you can travel  to a nearby locale like Big Bear to enter the winter wonderland vacation dreams are made of. This season, you’ll find traditional activities like skiing and snowboarding, but you’ll also find totally unique features such as snowshoe expedition and winter zipline trips.

If theater and events spark your interest, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Big Bear Valley Community Arts Theater Society has a schedule of family-friendly productions they will put on throughout the season. They will be presenting A Christmas Carol in November. Located at 1117 W Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear City, CA 92314, you can call 909-585-4757 for more information on tickets and dates.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo will be getting in on the holiday fun, too, by hosting the Santa Claws event. The whole family can see the exhibit on December 6th, 13th or 20th and get a glimpse of all the other animals in the zoo, too. It is located at 43285 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, and you can call 909-584-1299 for more information.

Why plan a vacation in the middle of the holiday season, though? You’re probably making arrangements for plenty of family time in the coming months, but as you know, planing can often dominate your time and leave less of it for your loved ones. If you feel yourself getting pulled into the tornado of holiday hustle and bustle, that’s a sign it’s the perfect time to get away and focus on what really matters.

Big Bear isn’t the only spot to spend your winter break.  You can also have some fun 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.

Last Call for Labor Day in Big Bear

Labor Day in Big Bear is a great way to enjoy summer’s last hurrah, and we’re here to help you enjoy every last moment of it.  It’s always a busy weekend for us, and we only have a handful of Big Bear Vacation Rentals still available as we write this.  Since this is very last minute, you’ll probably want to give us a call to book your stay.

We can’t promise these will still be available, but if you hurry, here are a few of the properties you may be able to enjoy this weekend:

Our cabin #6, Talmadge Lodge is a real beauty, and perfect for a getaway this weekend.  It’s located just a short walk to The Village, so you can enjoy some of the great shopping and restaurants just a few minutes away.  It’s built with grand style and boasts 5 bedrooms and 4 baths with room for 16 guests.  You can enjoy your Labor Day in Big Bear without ever leaving the cabin with this one. It has an amazing gourmet kitchen and a pool table, foosball table, exercise room, 2 fireplaces. See more photos and details at this link.

If that one’s already taken,  be sure to ask about Cabin 13. We call it Ski-In/Ski-Out Bear Mountain, and it’s just as comfy and beautiful during the summer as it is with skis. It has an open concept living room with nice big screen LCD, DirecTV, and a DVD player, so you can bring that collection of your favorite movies you’ve been wanting to watch.  Be sure to spend a few minutes just walking around the house and taking in all the warmth of the wood in the log-style cabin. Cap it all off with a relaxing soak in the spa out on the deck.  You get more info and photos at this link.

One last bit of paradise that’s still available at this writing is our Cabin #15, Gorgeous Lakeview Village Lodge.  As the name implies, this amazing Big Bear vacation rental boasts some of the best views of the lake from virtually every room.  It has a secluded location, so you can enjoy some privacy while you relax in the hot tub. After dinner you can relax in front of the fireplace or enjoy a friendly game of pool.  Make this a Labor Day in Big Bear that you’ll all remember!

Want to plan a getaway someplace else? 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 getaway to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

When Was the Last Time You Took a Walk In the Woods?

busy scheduleThe kids have been back in school for several weeks now, and maybe things are settling into the usual routine around your house.  It’s an amazing exercise in logistics, but you’ve managed to work out scheduling for soccer, baseball, piano lessons and some family time as well.  But if your family is like so many others, the grind of this schedule can wear your edges thin a bit.  Even though you have everything handled, there are moments when you begin to feel you’re the one being handled by a demanding schedule with no time to just relax.

We understand, and we’re here to help.

With a schedule that’s constantly tugging at you, sometimes the best way to relax is to push it into the schedule.  It seems a bit odd to put a block of time dedicated to relaxation on your schedule, but it’s important that you make time for it. If it helps you prioritize it, think of it as some regularly scheduled maintenance. We recognize our vehicles need down time dedicated to keeping them running at optimum levels, so how much more do you and your family need this?

Family On Walk Through Beautiful CountrysideThere are few things you can find that will provide you the level of relaxation you’ll find with a Five Star Vacation Rental.  Choose one of our Big Bear cabins, and you’ll be just a few steps away from the tranquil serenity of the forest.  You can leave after work on Friday, and within a few hours the family will be soaking in the amazing luxury of one of our Big Bear vacation rentals. Head out before dinner for a short hike, and you’ll soon find yourselves talking in hushed tones as your listen to the different bird songs and watch for little animals scampering along the floor of the forest.  Just a few hours ago, the closest thing to a forest you had was that No. 2 pencil on your desk.  Now you’re all delighting in the crisp clean smell of the forest as you listen to the gentle breeze rustle through the trees.  Take a deep breath and just feel all the stress and anxiety start to melt away.

We also have some other great opportunities for relaxation at our other destinations as well. 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 getaway to Big Bear or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

 

Why Choose Five Star Vacation Rentals?

FamilyHiking_StockEvery week we take an opportunity here to cover some interesting event or activity at one of our destinations.  It’s easy to understand why.  Our guests are an active bunch, and they tend to hit the ground running when they arrive for their Five Star getaway.  And our properties are located in some of the most amazing destinations.

You have a lot of things to consider when you plan your next vacation or weekend getaway, and big part of that decision is the place you’ll stay once you arrive.  Though you may sleep less on vacation, you’ll definitely want to make sure you have a comfortable bed waiting for you when you’re ready to catch a few winks.  We are unlike virtually every other option out there.

Hotels are a common choice for many travelers, but there are definite drawbacks.  Even the best hotel can take on the feeling of a college dorm if you just happen to book your stay at the wrong time.  Common hallways are often filled with uncommon noises at all hours.  It only takes one rude guest to rouse an entire floor of sleeping vacationers.  We all have stories along those lines, don’t we?

In addition to the roulette of noisy  neighbors, hotels also require more time and planning to do even the most simple things you do at home.  With some rare exceptions, you cannot simply roll out of a hotel bed and make yourself a yummy omelette, some toast, coffee, and orange juice in the morning.  Even hotels that offer a breakfast service would prefer that you don’t show up in your pajamas and slippers for the meal.  Greeting the morning with the requirement that you get dressed and share the time with complete strangers is a major detraction from the enjoyment.

This is where a vacation rental makes a huge difference.  It literally becomes your home away from home.  It has all the convenience of home, but you’re magically transported to a destination that offers more fun and relaxation than home.

Five Star Vacation Rentals takes this concept light years beyond and lets you experience your vacation in a manner that is typically reserved only for the extremely wealthy.  We have assembled top-notch luxury properties in some of the West’s most desirous locations.  These properties offer craftsmanship and luxury furnishings that are intended to amaze our guests.  And that’s the typical reaction we get.  For the duration of your stay with us, you’ll experience a level of quality surroundings that are difficult to duplicate.  Beyond the luxury and fine craftsmanship around you, you’ll get to spend more time with fewer distractions simply enjoying yourself with your loved ones during your time away.  And isn’t that what you’ll appreciate most?

Want to experience this amazing quality for yourself?  We maintain luxury rentals in Big Bear,  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.

 

Labor Day in Big Bear

Summer’s last hurrah is rapidly approaching.  Have you taken your family on vacation yet?  If not, there’s still time to plan something.  Labor day in Big Bear is a great time, and there are plenty of activities to keep the entire family happily occupied during your stay.   Labor Day falls on Monday, September 5th this year, and we’ve still got some luxury cabins available.

The anglers in your group can enjoy some of the best fishing in all of Southern California at Big Bear Lake.  Trout and bass are plentiful, and will make a perfect meal prepared in the kitchen of your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin.  There’s really nothing quite as tasty as a meal prepared with freshly-caught fish from the lake.

Time spent on the lake can be a deeply relaxing time.  Take advantage of one of the boat rental facilities on the lake, or bring your own.  Some of our properties have docks right on the lake, so you can go right from your vacation rental to the lake without any travel time at all.  And whether your time on the lake is spent lazily floating along while you read a good book or enjoying some great fishing, this will be a time for you to relax and recharge your batteries.  If this sounds like the vacation you’d like to plan, our staff can help you locate the perfect getaway.

Big Bear Kids Adventure GamesLabor Day weekend marks the Inaugural Big Bear Kids Adventure Games.  This is going to be great fun.  Two-kid teams will navigate an obstacle course designed to thrill.  They’ll face a variety of elements including mountain biking, hiking, zip-lines, a Tarzan rope swing, giant Slip-n-Slide, river tubing, cargo nets, mud pits and more. This is guaranteed to be an event all the participants will long remember.  Registration is open to kids aged 6-14, and there are a limited number of spots available.  Get more information  at their website: http://www.kidsadventuregames.com/ and register online at this link: https://kidsadventuregames.redpodium.com/big-bear-kag-2016

If you’re interested in relaxing 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.

 

 

 

 

More August Events in Big Bear

Most of us are acutely aware that summer is rapidly slipping away from us.  If you haven’t already started, in just a few short weeks you’ll be shopping for school supplies and new clothes for the fall semester.  You’ll be swapping out your summer schedule for the busier one that happens each year when the kids return to school.  There’s still time to make this summer one to remember with some great activities planned for August.

Cycling raceBig Bear has one of Southern California’s most active cycling clubs, and they have a number of scheduled events coming up in August. You can join the Big Bear Cycling Association several days each week for a variety of group rides for the full spectrum of riders.  Some are geared toward experienced competitive riders, but many are intended for guests and tourists to enjoy the beauty of Big Bear by joining other riders on scenic routes.  One of their biggest rides of the year is coming up on Saturday, August 6th. The Tour de Big Bear spans over 100 miles, and covers some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in the area.  Shorter distances are available as well.  Visit their website for more information and to sign up: http://tourdebigbearhc.com/.

As we’ve mentioned in our recent blogs, August also sees the arrival of the annual Renaissance Faire with all the great food, fun entertainment, and amazing period performers.  This is one of our most popular events, so you’ll want to book your vacation rental cabin or estate early to make sure you’re all ready for some great jousting over a cup of mead. The Renaissance Faire runs weekends August 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 at Pederson’s Mill in Fawnskin.

Here’s a quick rundown on just a handful of other events you can enjoy during your stay with us.  This is just a small sample!

Wednesdays enjoy some good old fashioned line dancing at Wyatt’s Saloon at the Convention Center.  Free lessons and music provided by DJ Joe Vonesh.  Doors open at 4pm, and dancing starts at 7pm.

Fridays and Saturdays are Honkey Tonk nights back at Wyatt’s Saloon.  Enjoy live music with some foot-stomping great times.  Doors open at 4pm, and the fun starts at 6pm.

HikingFeetSaturday mornings in August the Big Bear Discovery Center offers guided nature walks.  These are a great opportunity to explore the amazing beauty that surrounds us here in Big Bear and learn some amazing facts about the history of the area.  Visit their website for details: www.mountainsfoundation.org.

Combine these scheduled events with Big Bear’s amazing hiking trails, boating, and scenic beauty, and you can see we’ve got lots of great fun in store for you during your stay with us in Big Bear.  And if you’re interested in relaxing 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.

 

What’s On Your Vacation Schedule?

Planning a vacation usually starts with picking a place and booking your stay, but then you must make the plan within the plan. With a destination chosen, you can pick what attractions and activities to fill up your schedule with. In Big Bear, it won’t be a challenge to find items to add, but it may be a challenge to narrow down a list that will fit the time you’re spending in town.

If there’s a single must-see in Big Bear, it’s probably the town’s titular lake. With activities for the whole family that run annually, you can catch fishing tournaments in Summer and other seasonal activities throughout the year. Surrounding the lake are other natural wonders that invite exploration and adventure, so don’t forget to take in the exploits offered by Big Bear’s own terrain while you’re visiting.

Other activities include the Discovery Center and a rotation of monthly activities downtown, but perhaps now’s the time to rebel and make absolutely no plans at all. With a wealth of activities to take in, there’s no pressure to make plans or decisions, and an open schedule can give you and your family the freedom to explore. Don’t get too committed to a strict itinerary when the distractions you find along the way could very well be the best part of the trip.

One part of the experience to mark on your schedule is relaxation. Vacations are all about having fun and getting away, and scheduling some relaxation time is a big part of that. When you’re staying in a deluxe cabin in the heart of Big Bear’s gorgeous forests, it isn’t hard to unwind. Take the opportunity to let stress go and enjoy the simple pleasure of a home away from home. The rest of your vacation schedule will be better for it.

But if you’re looking for a something else, 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.

June in Big Bear

Things in Big Bear start to heat up in June—both literally and metaphorically. As summer sets in, activities at the lake become more active, and the sun’s warmth presents visitors with plenty of opportunities to bask in the light and have fun. If you’re ready to explore and try new things, there are several activities this month that may tickle your fancy. Expect some fine wine, some bike competitions, and some fishing with very high stakes involved.

June will see The Village Summer Wine Walk revisit Big Bear and celebrate wine, art, and Big Bear’s downtown Village, as it does every year. This year, however, the proceeds from the event will be donated to a few different great causes. The Big Bear Valley Education Trust and Christmas in the Village are two that have been announced thus far. Event attendees will enjoy the wine samplings that line downtown’s main drag along shops and restaurants, with an emphasis on tasting wines from cultures around the world. The walk will take place on June 4th, starting at 3:30PM.

If wine isn’t your scene, though, that’s ok—maybe biking is! The Kenda Cup Series will be presenting the first annual Mountain Bike Shoot Out on June 5th. This event will feature top bikers competing for the Kenda Cup by performing stunts and other impressive feats along the Snow Summit trail. This event is for professionals only, but visitors can attend and watch the bikers race and perform stunts. For more information on the event and how to get tickets, you can call (909) 633-6729.

And if neither wine nor biking thrills you…well, you can get involved in fishing, but the stakes are high. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. A competition aptly titled Fishing for $50K apparently promises the champion a reward of $50,000. It will take place on June 11th and June 12th, and participants may register at 630 Bartlett Rd. More details will be announced at the time of the competition, but if you are interested in learning more, you can call (800) 424-4232 for information and tickets.

These are a few activities June will offer Big Bear visitors, but renting a cabin might be the best attraction yet. But if you’re looking for a something else, 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.

Make This Mother’s Day One to Remember

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and you really should be planning something wonderful for your wife, mother, mother-in-law, or grandma.  Or all of them!  Booking a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear is a great way to show these wonderful women exactly how much you love them and appreciate all they’ve done for you over the years.

Spring in Big Bear is a wonderful time.  Your weekend getaway can start with all the men assembling in your vacation rental’s gourmet kitchen and cooking up all of her favorites.  You’ll find our cabins have kitchens equal to virtually any cuisine you may wish to create. Whether mom wants some yummy biscuits and gravy, or steak and eggs, you’ll be able to create her favorite.  You can pack your chosen ingredients in an ice chest for the drive up the mountain, or there’s plenty of local shopping available to buy fresh after you arrive.  And for all our cooking-challenged dads, Big Bear has some amazing restaurants that will let you all enjoy the talents of a professional cook.

After breakfast, you can walk off the meal with a refreshing walk down one of the many Big Bear trails. If your family enjoys exercising on two wheels, there are plenty of scenic routes that will have you all delighting in the beauty of Big Bear’s natural surroundings.  But the best part of your stay will likely be the beautiful Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate you’ll be enjoying.  All our cabins are chosen with your comfort in mind, and each has a level of luxury that will keep you amazed.

Region capture 60We recommend you book your stay as quickly as possible.  Mother’s Day is a busy weekend for us, and we’d hate to see you miss out on the chance to treat mom to a luxury getaway.  You can check out our Big Bear vacation rentals on this page: http://www.fivestarvacationrental.com/big-bear-rentals.

Want to take mom to one of our other destinations?  We’ve got some great ones! Five Star Vacation Rental also offers luxury accommodations in  Nuevo Vallarta, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern 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.