Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

Plan Your August Big Bear Getaway

Big Bear’s event calendar is full of great things to keep your entire family occupied and smiling during August. And all of these events will be even more enjoyable when you retreat to the comfort of your luxury Five Star Vacation Rental at the end of each full day’s activities. Here is a sampling of the activities you can enjoy during your August stay in Big Bear.

Big Bear Cycling FestivalAugust opens with the continuation of Big Bear Cycling Festival. The festival opens on July 28th and continues through August 5th. This is the only week-long cycling festival in the United States, and it’s an experience that offers events geared for all ages and skill levels. The 8th annual Tour de Big Bear is part of the activities and it takes place on Saturday, August 4th. This has been voted as “Southern California’s Favorite Ride.” This 25 mile ride circles the beauty of Big Bear Lake, and keeps you immersed in the San Bernardino National Forest with a total climb of about 1300 feet that include views of the San Gorgonio mountains.  Experienced riders may want to choose “The Climb” and embark on this challenging 107 mile route with its 9000 foot climb. Other events during the week cater to more casual riders and there’s rides planned just for the kids as well. Check out all the events and register online at www.BigBearCyclingFestival.com.

Telescope watching the wilky wayStar gazers will want to take advantage of Big Bear’s unique night sky at First Friday Under the Stars at Bear Valley Farms on the evening of August 3rd. This is a great opportunity to experience the night sky in a way most city-dwellers never enjoy. Local astronomers will talk about the stars and share their telescopes with attendees. Pack some blankets and chairs, and get ready for a fun and informative evening under the amazing night sky in Big Bear.

Screen Shot 2018-07-03 at 11.48.53 AMSnow Summit is offering outdoor Movies in the Meadow this summer with family-friendly movies offered for free. You can enjoy screening of “WALL-E” on Saturday August 4th and “A Wrinkle In Time” on Saturday August 11th. Load up the kids and bring some blankets and folding chairs for a relaxing evening on the meadow at the base of Snow Summit. These screenings are a popular event in Big Bear, so you’ll want to plan to arrive early to stake out a good spot. Visit their website for more information on the movies and schedule.

And the Renaissance Faire continues weekends through August 12th. Get dressed up, or just come as you are. Themed weekends this year include Fantasy Weekend July 21-22. July 28-29 is Pirates Weekend, and  August 4th and 5th is Steampunk Weekend. The fun closes out on August 11th and 12th with Royal Weekend. This annual event is one of the best Big Bear offers, and one that many of our guests keep coming back for every year. Visit the faire’s website for more details and to purchase tickets.

View all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for special Father’s Day with your family.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your getaway whatever the occasion may be.  Here are links to our properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

 

More Fun For Your July Big Bear Getaway

In our blog last week, we looked at some of the fun things you can plan for your July getaway to Big Bear. July is packed with fun stuff, so we’re taking a look at some more of the fun things you can include during your stay.

JoustingOur favorite event is the annual Renaissance Faire running weekends starting July 14th through August 12th. If you’ve never been, it’s a great time with amazing food and many interesting characters. Be sure to watch for the themed weekends, and feel free to join in the fun with your own costumes. This year you’ll have the chance to enjoy fairies, pirates, royalty, and more. And the food is simply amazing. You’ll be able to select from a variety of period foods. Just follow the amazing aromas to see which one you’ll take in.

Cycling raceBig Bear boasts one of the most beautiful venues for cyclists in all of California. The Big Bear Cycling Association is hosting cycling events all month long culminating in the Big Bear Cycling Festival from July 28 through August 5th. This is the only week-long cycle festival in the United States. Events are scheduled in the dirt and the road with offerings geared toward all skill levels. You’ll find altitude acclimation rides, kids events, and a cycling expo displaying the best in cycling gear and technology. There are a number of events scheduled including Crafts N Cranks, which combines your passion for mountain biking, and craft brews with a fun run at Snow Summit, the mountain biking Mecca of Southern California. Visit http://bigbearcyclingfestival.com for more info.

watching wildlifeYour family can learn more about ecotourism in Big Bear during Big Bear Valley Outdoor Adventure Days on July 29th and 30th. This event takes place at the Big Bear Discovery Center and features nature, history, discovery and more. Visitors will be able to visit a Big Bear wetland area, explore Big Bear Lake on paddle boats, and learn more about Big Bear’s rich Native American history. Nature walks and bird watching tours will also be offered. It’s a great way to enjoy Big Bear and learn about how we can preserve its beauty for future generations.

You can easily book your stay at any time online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your summer vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

Plan a Quick Midweek Summer Getaway

Portrait Of Family On Airbed In Swimming PoolMost families like to plan a big summer vacation. The kids are out of school, and you’ve likely already had some conversations about it. But maybe your schedules are still too packed for a vacation lasting a full week or longer. If that’s the case, you can take advantage of our lower weekday rates and plan a quick midweek summer getaway.

Our busiest rental times are usually on the weekends, and many of our properties are priced accordingly. A midweek getaway can offer a greater value for your vacation dollars with the added benefit of lighter crowds at some of the more popular activities Big Bear has to offer. July is an especially busy month with lots of opportunities to enjoy dancing, dining, cycling and singing.

For your dancing fun, head over to Wyatt’s at The Big Bear Convention Center every Wednesday for free line dancing lessons and some foot stompin good fun. A plethora of dining options await you in The Village. Pick any one of the fine restaurants there as you stroll among the shop filled with unique gifts and amazing crafts. You’ll enjoy the smaller crowds during your midweek visit. The cyclists can keep active all month long by joining with the Big Bear Cycling Association for one of their many scheduled rides during July. Check out their website for times and places. And lastly, our favorite venue for top notch bands we just love to sing along with is The Cave. They’ve got a great lineup scheduled for July including a special appearance by Ted Nugent. Visit their website for info on upcoming bands.

And if you’re in the mood for a midweek stay with a real bang, you’ll want to grab one of our last remaining luxury vacation rentals for the 4th of July. In last week’s blog, we took a look at the July 4th holiday. It’s a perfect time to visit Big Bear for Southern California’s largest fireworks display. Choose one of our properties with a barbecue, and you’re all set for a perfect getaway.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

 

Plan a Great July 4th in Big Bear

BigBearFireworksThe 4th of July is always a pretty big deal around here. Many families kick off their summer vacations with this holiday, and those heading to Big Bear for the holiday always enjoy a special treat. The fireworks display is the largest one in all of Southern California. The fireworks are fired from a barge on Big Bear Lake, and visible from many shoreside properties and parks, but are even more spectacular from a boat on the lake. It’s a truly memorable event, and one that many families repeat every year.

The fourth falls in the middle of the week this year, so it’s a great opportunity for many families to plan a vacation to include the weekends before and after. And there’s plenty to keep you busy during your stay for the full week. Here’s a sample of the events that week:

July starts with a full slate of cycling events sponsored by the Big Bear Cycling Association. The events continue all month long with rides scheduled for all age and skill levels. Biking in Big Bear is a wonderful adventure with many rides taking advantaAnd if you arrive without a bike, you’ve got some great options to rent them in Big Bear. Visit www.bigbearcycling.com for more information on upcoming events.

NugentAtTheCaveRock and roll fans have a special treat on July 2 when Ted Nugent appears at The Cave. He’s sold over 40 million albums, performed a staggering 6500 live shows, and is world renown for his guitar shredding. This is a unique opportunity for Southern California fans to enjoy his unique brand of music in The Cave’s intimate setting. Get more details, view all upcoming shows, and purchase tickets at The Cave’s website.

Marathon running race, fun run, people feet on roadHead over to Meadow Park on the morning of fourth for the 1st Annual Big Bear 4th of July Fun Run. Kick off the holiday with a fun run at Meadow Park, a great place on the lake to reserve your spot for the evening fireworks!
It’s a fun event for the entire family. Kids (and strollers!) welcomed with 3 distances – 5K, 10K, 15K. Wear something wacky, and you may win the costume contest as well. Head over to www.runbigbear.com for more details and preregistration.

The Convention Center will be hosting a July 4th Independence Day Fair. You’ll enjoy fun games, old fashion contests, vendor booths, and some great food as well.

Barbecue pork ribs on a grillAnd if you don’t feel like cooking up your own feast, head over to the Marian Resort on Big Bear Blvd for the Annual Rotary Club Big Bear Lake Fourth Of July BBQ. This is also a great spot to view the fireworks. They’ll have booths set up with games, live music, and lots of other fun activities. Be sure to pack your lawn chairs and some blankets, so you can enjoy the fireworks in comfort later. Get more info on ticket prices and activities at this link.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

 

Make This Summer Vacation One To Remember

Every year most families talk about making big plans for their summer vacations. These discussions often start far in advance. Some families get busy over the summer and let the time slip away. They’re often the ones that vow to start planning earlier next year. Other families have a great summer vacation, and want to duplicate the experience the following year. Whether your family falls into one of those camps or somewhere in between, Five Star Vacation Rentals will help you make this summer vacation one to remember.

Happy family sitting in the carSeveral years ago the new term “staycation” entered our lexicon and was used to describe something we’ve been doing for years. Essentially, it’s taking a vacation, but not getting very far from home while doing it. It’s a great idea and one that can help planning and budgeting much simpler. There’s no need for passports, plane tickets, or special transportation. Just pile into the family car and within a few hours your vacation is starting. For our Southern California neighbors, the perfect destination for your staycation is Big Bear.

2girlspaddlingBig Bear is our most popular destination year round. It offers some of the most beautiful pristine forest and mountains you can find anywhere in California. It also has a thriving community with fishing, water sports, great shops, lots of performance venues with live music, and a very active cycling community. Take a look at some of our recent blogs highlighting the fun things you can do here and here.  And our collection of luxury estates, and cabins in Big Bear will keep your feeling pampered during your stay with us. Many of our cabins feature forest and mountain views, hot tubs, and a level of luxury that’s hard to find. View all of our Big Bear properties at this link. You can see photos, amenities and book your stay online.

VLEbeachViewIf you’re in the mood for a more exotic getaway, June can be a great time to visit our beachside resort at Nuevo Vallarta. Summer weather can be very romantic with frequent thunder storms. Many of our off-season guests enjoy the dramatic views out over the ocean as storms roll in and out. There are still many sunny days, but the mix of weather can be very refreshing. And with the beach just a few moments away from your room, it’s easy to catch some quality time laying in the sand on the days the sun is out.  It’s a quick flight out of LAX to Puerto Vallarta, where a quick cab ride gets you to the resort. View our Nuevo Vallarta beach condos at this link.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your summer vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

Plan Your June Big Bear Getaway

We’re just a couple weeks away from June, and it’s a great time to plan a Big Bear getaway. In our blog a couple weeks ago we noted some great events upcoming in June for cyclists and anglers. This week we’re going to take a look at some of the other great events you can enjoy during your June getaway in a Five Star Vacation Rental.

Fans of live music will find plenty to keep them happy during June. Wyatt’s at the Big Bear Convention Center hosts line dancing with live music every Friday and Saturday night all month long. You’ll have a great time kicking up your heels at this popular venue.

The Cave is featuring some of the hottest indie and tribute bands all month long. The fun starts on June 1st with Buck Cherry the Anaheim rock band. Eagles tribute band, “Desperado” appears the following night. June 9th will feature a performance by “Uptown Funk,” the Bruno Mars tribute band. Al Jardine of the Beach Boys will be appearing on June 15th. Puddle Of Mudd is an American post-grunge band from Kansas City, Missouri, and they’ll be taking the stage at The Cave on June 16th. Mark the date for June 23rd when “Aeromyth” the Aerosmith Tribute band will land at The Cave. On June 30th “Queen Nation” will rock the house with 90 minutes of non stop Queen hits. Whatever your flavor, The Cave has music to move you in June.

wine tasting
wine tasting

Wine lovers will want to be sure to book their stay with us over June 9th for the Annual Village Summer Wine Walk. This event has sold out in past years, so you’ll want to get your tickets early. With the price of admission you’ll get a commemorative wine glass, a map to the 28 participating locations, and tickets for 12 different tastings. This annual event is a great choice for anyone who appreciates fine wine or wants to learn more about wine. Purchase your tickets online at this link.

Of course the best part of any stay in Big Bear is your luxury vacation rental by Five Star Vacation Rentals. You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

Special Occasions Made More Special With Five Star Vacation Rentals

Family celebrating mother's day with bunch of flowersWe’re a couple days away from Mother’s Day, and we’re seeing the usual traffic of families taking some time away to pamper mom on her special day. Mom deserves the special attention all the time, and Mother’s Day is just one of the many special occasions we all look forward to each year. Of course the great thing about planning a getaway to a Five Star Vacation Rental is that everybody in your party will benefit from the gift. Here are just a few ideas to spark some ideas for your next event.

Big Bear is romantic any time of the year, and it’s a particularly romantic destination for newlyweds. There are several spots perfect for your actual ceremony and any of our Five Star Vacation Rental cabins or estates is a great choice for your honeymoon.

If you’re looking to celebrate your anniversary, imagine watching a sunset from the deck of your luxury cabin while relaxing in the warm water of your private hot tub. Feel the cool crisp breeze and watch the trees gently swaying as you relax and celebrate your anniversary with the one you love. It’s an anniversary you’ll long remember, and want to repeat.

Large Hispanic family toasting at party outdoorsFamily reunions are amazing when you get Five Star Vacation Rentals involved in your planning. Imagine the fun when your extended family can rent two or three cabins side-by-side with room for up to 28 people.  This brings an entirely different quality to your family time during the reunion. Imagine the cooks in your party assembling in one of the cabins and creating a feast for all in attendance. After dinner you can enjoy some great family time, or designate one of the cabins for the kids while the adults enjoy some time catching up in another. And all will enjoy the amazing luxury provided by your Five Star Vacation Rental.

We’re sure you can see the possibilities. Birthdays, work and church retreats, graduation celebrations, and many more are made even more special when celebrated in the pampering that surrounds you in one of our Big Bear cabins or estates.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

 

Why a Five Star Vacation Rental Is Better Than a Hotel

Every once in a while we like to take a moment to recap some of the differences you’ll enjoy with you book your next vacation or getaway and why a Five Star Vacation Rental is better than a hotel.

Hotels can be be fun, but they really can’t compete with the value you’ll get with a Five Star Vacation Rentals luxury cabin, estate, or condo. Here are just a handful of differences:

The finest hotels often bill themselves as offering all the comforts of home. We claim that specific advantage in a far more literally way. With us, you’re actually getting an entire home, estate, cabin, or condo during your stay. That means you’ll have your own kitchen, living room, bedrooms, personal hot tub, and everything else that comes with staying in an actual home. But the advantages go far beyond that as well.

Bed woman noise - funnyEven the finest hotels have walls you’re sharing with neighbors. And don’t even get us started on hotel hallways. Why is it everytime we travel and stay at a hotel, we end up on the floor filled with those in need of Loud Talkers Anonymous?  We understand that many people are out having fun during their hotel stays, and it’s common to return to the hotel excited and chatting loudly about the day. We don’t understand why they do it at 3am.  And though we never recall specifically requesting it, we alway seem to get the room immediately adjacent to the elevator, ice machine or vending machines. Once in a while we actually score the Trifecta and get a room adjacent to all three. We don’t care what Millennials say. Sleep is NOT overrated.

But beyond the shared walls and hallways, hotels lack many of the conveniences that can make a big difference during your stay. “Where did we park the car?” is a question no Five Star guest ever asked. It’s in the driveway, or the garage, not hidden among hundreds of other cars in the hotel parking lot. You’ll remember this advantage when you forget your glasses in the car.

Woman and child in jacuzzi waving to cameraBut the things that make a real difference are the luxury, the privacy, and the freedom you’ll enjoy with a Five Star Vacation Rental. Want a glass of ice water and a snack in the middle of the night? Just pull on your slippers and pad your way over to the kitchen. And many of our cabins will have you enjoying your own personal fireplace, hot tub, and a deck with a great view. You just can’t match it with any other option.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

 

Summer Vacation Made Easy

We can tell it’s getting closer to summer, because the kids are starting the yearly ritual of dreading finals while delighting in the pending end of the school year. There are new arrivals weekly at the Home Depot nursery, and our garden is looking a bit greener as a result. These seasonal signs are the annual reminder that a great summer vacation takes some planning. And with Five Star Vacation Rentals you can easily create a luxury getaway to some amazingly fun and relaxing destinations.

Big Bear is our most popular destination year round. During the summer, it becomes a great respite from the heat and harried lifestyle in Southern California.

HikersWhile we always have a hard time leaving the luxury and pampered feeling we get inside our Five Star Vacation Rental, there’s always something fun to do when we venture out.  There are miles and miles of hiking paths in the Big Bear area, and Big Bear Lake offers great fishing, boating and other water sports.

Starting in the middle of May, Big Bear’s seasonal golf course opens up with 9 holes of golfing fun nestled amid some spectacular scenery with the San Bernardino mountains in the background.

Handsome singer with rock and roll band performing music on stageBig Bear’s nightlife also keeps our guests entertained. Wyatt’s Grill and Saloon at the Big Bear Convention Center boasts Big Bear’s biggest dance floor, and every Wednesday night hosts a good old fashioned line dance to make good use of it. They even offer free lessons, so dancers of all skill levels can have some fun without too much worry about stepping on too many toes.

The Cave in Big Bear offers great live music with some big name performers and some what will soon be. If your idea of a fun evening is listening to live music, The Cave in Big Bear is a great destination. Nearby, The Village offers a wonderfully eclectic blend of small shops and restaurants. It makes for a perfect afternoon or evening stroll to see some of the great crafts and mementoes that would make a great souvenir of your getaway to Big Bear.  You’ll long remember and want to soon repeat your relaxing summer getaway with Five Star Vacation Rentals.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.

 

 

 

Things to do in Big Bear in May

As you may expect, we’re convinced that anytime is a great time to visit Big Bear. But there are a lot of great things to do in Big Bear in May that will make your visit even better. Here are just a few:

Enjoy Some Song and Dance

Screen Shot 2018-04-20 at 10.16.23 AMThere’s no need to think you’re alone when you’re enjoying the music of 80’s pop queen Tiffany. She sold 15 million albums and set a record as the youngest female artist to top the Billboard charts with her debut album. She’ll be appearing at The Cave on May 11th, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of your favorite tunes. She puts on a great show. The Cave offers an intimate experience, so you can enjoy a great evening with this iconic pop star. You can purchase your tickets in advance at this link.

The Cave has a full slate of great performances set for May. Lynyrd Skynyrd fans will enjoy the tribute band Simple Man on May 5th. Dick Dale invented surf music in the 1950’s and came to known as “King of the Surf Guitar.” He’ll be at The Cave on May 12th. Dave Mason was a founding member of the group, “Traffic,” and he’ll be appearing at The Cave on May 19th. Check out their busy month of great performers on their website: http://thecavebigbear.com

Country festivalAll month long you can kick up your heels with some great music and line dancing at Wyatt’s at The Big Bear Convention Center. Every Wednesday Wyatt’s rolls out Big Bear’s biggest dance floor for some good old fashion, heel kickin’ fun. They open the doors at 4pm, and offer lessons for every skill level. So bring your two left feet, your complete lack of rhythm, and a willingness to stumble around with a fun crowd.  Head back to Wyatt’s on Friday and Saturday nights for live music. Visit their website for the full slate of performers.

Grab Your Clubs and Hit The Links

May 18th is opening day at the Bear Mountain Golf Course in Big Bear. This 9 hole course is a perfect place to get in some time on greens with the backdrop of the San Bernardino mountains beyond. With so many things to do in Big Bear, you’ll find this 9 hole course is a great choice that leaves plenty of time for other activities. There’s a driving range, a pro shop, and certified PGA lessons are available as well.

You can book your stay online or view all of our Big Bear cabins and luxury estates at this link.  Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your spring vacation or getaway.  And if you’d like to explore any of our other destinations, you can be assured that we’re committed to providing top quality cabins, estates, and condos for your next vacation getaway.  Here are links to our other properties in Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern California Beaches, and La Quinta.