School’s been back in for a few weeks. How’s that going? Are you adjusting to the new schedule? We mentioned this a couple weeks ago, and we’ve already begun to see a steady stream of guests who are fighting to keep up with the pressures of simultaneously helping with homework, getting to dance and piano lessons, and arriving at soccer practice on time. And don’t forget to squeeze in a meal that was not purchased from the driver’s seat of your car, and is a bit more complicated than the brief hop from the freezer to the microwave to the hungry children. It’s a feat almost worthy of a booth at Comic-Con.
It’s important as these pressures close in that you find time to relax and recharge your batteries. We can think of no better way to do this that a quick weekend getaway in a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear. There’s really something about the crisp mountain air that revitalizes both the body and the soul. Couple this with the luxury of your vacation rental, and it’s a remedy for just about any of the pressures you’re facing.
Oktoberfest is under way, and it’s a great activity for the entire family. Mom and dad can sample some truly amazing beers from around the world while you all can enjoy the music, great food, dancing and booths. Buy one of those beer steins that’s bigger than your head as a souvenir, and you’ll smile every time you pull it out back home. Oktoberfest runs weekends through October.
October has a full slate of other fun activities as well. On Friday and Saturday nights we recommend you take in the Flashlight Safari at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. This is a unique opportunity to observe the animals after dark. The zoo is an entirely different place once the sun goes down, and many animals are far more active. On many nights you’ll hear the wolves howling, the owls hooting, and your kids squealing with delight. It’s a great time. Visit the zoo’s website for more info: www.bigbearzoo.org
On Saturday, October 17, Big Bear will enjoy a rare treat. TV star Kiefer Sutherland brings his band to town for a performance at The Cave. Sutherland has been performing in clubs around the country for years, and this is a great opportunity to hear some great music while spending an evening with one of your favorite TV stars. You can get more information online at www.thecavebigbear.com
Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link. And if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. A well planned weekend away in a Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate will recharge your batteries and equip the entire family for the challenges back at home. Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
If you are looking for a fun, energetic night out, The Cave is the spot for you. In September, you will catch artists like Robby Kreiger’s Jam Kitchen and Y&T at the state-of-the-art venue, and you can enjoy fantastic concessions while you jam out to the evening’s tunes. The Cave is located at 40789 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, and shows begin at 6:30PM. In addition to the artists who have already been announced, you can expect to see impromptu and last-minute shows from artists traveling through town or staying in Big Bear. The Cave is just one of several spots you are sure to find a show going on.
There are plenty of chances to bring the kids to a concert and stage a family sing-a-long, too! This month, the Big Bear Discovery Center is continuing their Music in the Mountains Summer Concert Series, and kids 12 and under get free admission. The Discovery Center is located at 40971 HWY 38, Fawnskin, Ca 92333, and on September 5th you will see Jim Curry perform A Tribute to John Denver. You can rock out to the classics with your family and see whether or not your kids are old enough to be embarrassed yet! In all seriousness, the whole family will love the intimacy of the outdoor amphitheater, and you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Want to unleash the inner aviator in your son or daughter? Join Young Eagles at the Big Bear Airport on September 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Children between the ages of 8 and 17 are offered a free airplane ride around the Big Bear area by pilots from the Pilot’s Association. Each child will be given a preflight review of the basics of flight and the main parts of an airplane prior to the flight. It’s a unique opportunity to expose your child to the excitement of civil aviation. Contact the Young Eagles for more info at (909) 547-0832. Visit their website at: www.youngeagles.org
September is an especially full month in Big Bear. We’ll cover a few of the highlights here.
History buffs will have a great time with the 32nd Annual Big Horn Mountain Men Holcomb Valley Rendezvous. The Big Horn Mountain Men are a group of historical re-enactors who set up a living history encampment of the fur trade era of the American West, spanning the time period of the French and Indian War (1700) to 1840. You’ll enjoy great period food, crafts, and colorful characters from this time period. This event takes place a few miles outside Big Bear at the Holcomb Valley Scout Ranch. Download the flyer at 
Sometimes unlocking the mysteries of life is as simple as taking a closer look at everyday items around us. We look at trees, and we see metaphors for strength through strong roots. Many flowers rise early, follow the light all day, and gently close each night. Even our computer keyboards can offer insights.
In the lower left and right corners of most keyboards is the “Ctrl” key, which stands for “Control.” This is one of the best things about a Five Star Vacation Rental. Unlike subjecting yourself to the confinement of a hotel, with our vacation rentals, you’re in control. Feel like eating something in the middle of the night? No problem. All our units come with full kitchens. Just stock them up with your favorites upon your arrival, and you can pull on your robe and slippers for a midnight snack whenever you wish. Try doing that at a hotel. Want to bring along the kids, but still have some privacy for the adults? Give the kids their own bedroom just down the hall, without the bother of strangers walking just outside in the hallway. Many of our properties have full decks with barbecues as well. Try grilling a couple of steaks in your room at the hotel, and you’ll soon be facing the wrath of the local fire department.
We devoted last week’s blog to the upcoming 
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.
Right around Valentine’s Day each year, we see a spike in bookings for all our destinations. It’s the perfect time to set aside some time for you to rekindle the romance with your sweetheart. But why wait until February? We’ve got some great ideas right here in the middle of summer that are guaranteed to delight the two of you.
The rains pick up this time of year at the beach in Puerto Nuevo, but it does nothing to detract from the beauty and luxury of this destination. Each of our luxury condos is just steps away from the beach. Summer storms are common, but each unit has a covered patio where you can relax and take in the beauty of the storm over the ocean. It can be a vacation more about the time you spend together at this amazingly romantic destination. There are two onsite restaurants, a huge spa, and no compelling reason to ever leave the property. Settle in, spend some time relaxing together, and wait for a great summer storm to roll in. Add a romantic meal on the patio, and we guarantee this will be a moment you’ll want to repeat over and over again.
The 4th of July is always spectacular in Big Bear. The annual fireworks display is among the top 5 in all of California, and timed to last 30 minutes or more. And while millions of other Southern Californians will be flocking to public fireworks displays around the southland in the July heat, your family can enjoy a crisp cool time in the mile-high climate of Big Bear. The fireworks extravaganza can be viewed from much of Big Bear, and we still have a few cabins that remain available. But don’t delay, we will likely sell out shortly.
Summer is also a great time to get all wet in Big Bear. There are watercraft of virtually every type and size available for rent from sailboards to fishing boats. 
Consider the possibilities: A while back we had guests at our 
Family reunions are also a perfect fit for our vacation rentals. And we’re able to accommodate groups of several dozen with the right planning. In Big Bear we have a number of luxury rental cabins that are adjacent to each other. This means that you can gather more than 30 guests together among a few cabins. Usually you’d be stuck in a hotel with a group of this size, but we can help you create a getaway with space dedicated to just your family. It’s an entirely different experience than trying to get enough over priced rooms at a local hotel compared to relaxing in private cabins adjacent to one another.
Hit the ski resorts without the skis. It may seem almost cruel to suggest you go back to the slopes without the ability to strap on your skis, but there are a lot of good reasons to plan this getaway. 
Water sports are a great springtime activity in Big Bear. The 