Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

Celebrate Your Summer Events With Five Star Vacation Rentals

Despite our wish to prolong the season, we’re moving quickly through spring. We’re seeing some new flowers and trees growing and some of us are reacting to more pollen in the air as well.   It’s a great time of year, and one that moves us forward toward the events of summer. And this is one time of year when many big events take place in our lives.

Region capture 26If you’ve got a significant graduation on the horizon, a great way to mark the occasion is with a family getaway to one of our Big Bear vacation rentals. What better way to celebrate the hard work and accomplishment of your graduate than with a relaxing time in the serenity of a Big Bear cabin or estate? Let them sleep late, and greet them with a breakfast of their favorite fixins prepared fresh in your gourmet kitchen.  Pick one of our properties with a hot tub, and add that into the mix for relaxation. Enjoy some leisurely shopping in The Village, and plan on a nice meal at one of the great restaurants there.  Make it a weekend or an entire week, and your graduate will appreciate the relaxation and quiet solitude you can find here.

Region capture 27If you’re planning a traditional June wedding, Big Bear is a great place for your ceremony and your honeymoon. There are a number of great locations to have your wedding, and we have the perfect solution for gathering your entire wedding party for the occasion. We have adjacent properties that can host up to 28 people. That’s room enough for all the in laws, maids of honor and best men, and a handful of grandparents as well. And there are few better places to enjoy your honeymoon after the big event. Spend some relaxing time hiking in the surrounding hillsides, dining and shopping in The Village, and enjoying the luxury of a Five Star Vacation Rental.

And June weddings also launch June anniversaries. You can make this year the one you plan something truly special to celebrate your marriage. And while it’s common to celebrate the big numbers like 10, 20, 30 years or more, there’s no reason that your 2nd, 4th, 7th or 9th should be excluded from a great time in a luxurious Big Bear vacation rental from Five Star Vacation Rentals.

Check out all our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals 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 allows you to 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.

 

Make This Summer Different With a Vacation Rental in Big Bear

Summer vacation, young girl ready for travelWe know we are just a few weeks into spring, but our thought this time of year inescapably start leaping forward to summer. It’s only natural. Summer is a great time for most families. The kids are out of school, and you can finally work to clear your schedules to get some quality time together as a family. But if you’re like a lot of families, these opportunities slip away year after year in the usual rush of events around your house. You can make this year different by just making plans early, alerting the whole family, and start everyone moving in a trajectory that culminates in your long-awaited summer vacation.

FishingGirlBig Bear is a great destination for your summer fun. The lake offers multiple opportunities to pursue swimming, boating, and fishing. There are few things more satisfying during your Big Bear vacation than to gather at dinner time in your luxury Five Star vacation rental and enjoy a meal of the fish you just caught a few hours earlier. Add a bit of wine, some locally-grown produce, and one of the signature desserts you’ll find at Gadley’s Bakery to add a yummy finish to the meal.

But if you’re serious about making this happen, it’s important to carve out the time pretty quickly. Task the kids with researching all the fun events taking place during your stay, and soon you’ll have the entire family counting the days until you pack  up and head out for your Big Bear adventure.

fishermanThe summer months in Big Bear also offer a number of great opportunities for cyclists, runners, and hikers. The Big Bear Cycling Association is one of the most active anywhere in California. Bring your own bikes or rent some when you arrive, and you can get involved in one of the many different rides scheduled. Visit their website at this link. 

The Big Bear Discovery Center is a great resource for visitors, and a quick stop there can uncover last-minute events or other fun offerings you may not find before you arrive. Visit their website, and plan a visit when you get in town.

Check out all our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals 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 allows you to 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.

February Events In Big Bear

The snow is as thick as ever in Big Bear, and February is a great time to plan your getaway to one of our Five Star Vacation Rental cabins in Big Bear.

Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, and we’re almost booked over the weekend before and after. But if you can plan a weekday getaway (which places you in Big Bear actually on the 14th), we still have a good number of available properties. Give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll work with you to make even your last minute getaway a romantic one that you’ll both remember.

snow shoeingTake a guided snowshoe tour with the Big Bear Discovery Center weekends through March 4th.  Enjoy some of the rich natural beauty of Big Bear in the winter. Learn how to snowshoe and enjoy exploring the San Bernardino Mountains of Big Bear. You’ll hike through the forest with the help of a naturalist to point out the amazing things beyond the natural beauty of Big Bear. Reservations are required, and you can call Megan Oberdoerster @ 909-382-2842 for any questions.

The annual Bald Eagle Count is also ongoing through the Big Bear Discovery Center.  The monthly count is this weekend February 11th and again on March 11th. You’ll be volunteering for the Forest Service to count the number of bald eagles wintering in the San Bernardino Mountains. Dress warm, and bring your own binoculars.  Meet at the Big Bear Discovery Center between 8AM and 8:30AM. For more details, call 909-382-2790.

Enjoy some fun and music at The Cave in Big Bear. This fun venue hosts some of the best cutting edge and crowd favorites. Scheduled for February are Metalchi on 2/11, Pam Tillis on 2/17, “Deadman’s Party” Oingo Boingo tribute band on 2/18, Pato Banton and The Now Generation on 2/24, and Beatles Versus Stones on 2/25.  For more information on ticket prices and showtimes, visit http://thecavebigbear.com.

PianoKidCome out to the Big Bear Performing Arts Center on February 18th for the first edition of “Big Bear’s Got Talent.” This promises to be an amazing show filled with local students performing in a variety of categories. You’ll enjoy piano, classical vocal, and non-classical vocal competitions. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, the local winners receive cash awards, and will go on to regional competition with other Southern California clubs.  Admission is free, and you can call 909-563-0331 for more details.

While all these events promise to be great fun, you’ll enjoy them even more when you stay in one of our Five Star Vacation Rentals. Check out all our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link, and if you’re in the mood for a getaway elsewhere check out our vacation rentals 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 allows you to 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.

There’s Just Too Much September

Honestly, we’re poring over the upcoming events in Big Bear for September, and we realize we’re going to need to start offering a monthly rate for our vacation rentals here.  We certainly encourage you to give it a try, but we’re convinced there’s just too much going on to cram into a quick weekend getaway or even a longer stay during the week. Check out these options.

Oktoberfest makes its annual “why-wait-for-October?” arrival on September 10th this year. Feel free to call it “Septemberfest” if you must.  The fun will the same regardless.    It runs weekends until the end of October.

If you’ve never been to Oktoberfest, you’ve been missing out.  In addition to one of the most amazing collections of international brews found anywhere, the entire family will find lots of fun and activities.  Yep, last week you couldn’t even spell “lederhosen,” and now you own a pair.  Nice knees.  There’s plenty of Bavarian music to get your feet moving, and the kids will love all the activities set up just for them.  Sundays are family day. Kids get in free, and the’ll enjoy a bounce house, face painting, balloons, and carnival games.

September 10th will see the arrival of the hugely popular Young Eagles program at the Big Bear airport.  This event is intended to acquaint kids with the thrill of civilian aviation.  Aimed at kids ages 8-17, it offers many their first free flight in a private airplane.  The pilots will spend time with participants explaining the different parts of the aircraft to teach them the basics of flight and how the planes work.  The free flight that follows is the essence of excitement.  This is something every parent should do for their kids.  And it’s free.  This takes place on the second Saturday of each month through September. More info on their website:  www.youngeagles.org

Weekends at the Big Bear Discovery Center are a big hit with our guests.  You can join them for nature walks and learn some of the little-known history of Big Bear and its inhabitants.  The trail guides will also provide fascinating information about the plant and animal life that surrounds you.   Visit their website for more details.

Of course all of these activities take on a special significance when you have a luxury Five Star Vacation Rental cabin to head back to after you’ve had your fun.  Cook up a big family meal in your gourmet kitchen or just assemble the family in the hot tub for a relaxing evening after your full day.  A Five Star Vacation Rental will be the difference between, “that was fun” and “we’ve GOT to do that again!”

You can view all of our Big Bear luxury vacation rentals at this link.  We also maintain rentals 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.

Three Steps to Making Summer 2016 the Best You’ve Ever Had

Summer is a welcome chance to relax, take a break from school and spend quality time bonding with your family. It can fly by quickly if you don’t seize the opportunity to get out and have a great time, though. Why not take the Best Sumer Ever Challenge? You guessed it—we’ve got everything you need to make summer 2016 the best one you’ve ever had. With a little bit of planning, team work, and enthusiasm, it can be a reality. Here are three tips for putting the plan into action:

1. Involve the whole family in planning. It’s called a family vacation for a reason. Every member of the team should have a chance to offer their input on vacation ideas. Call it pre-game preparation before the big trip, and open the floor for a group discussion. Everybody will get excited when they can get involved in planning.

2. Choose a family-friendly destination. Everybody will likely have different ideas of what they want to do, but the good news is you can likely do it all if you plan wisely! This way the whole family is satisfied and enjoys the vacation. You should select a destination that offers entertainment, educational opportunities and the beauty of nature all in one place. A place like Big Bear might just fit the bill!

3. Lock in luxury accommodations. The best part of a vacation is enjoying and relaxing in a haven away from home. With a luxury vacation rental to retire to, you can immerse yourself fully in the stress relief a vacation will provide. At Five Star Vacation Rental, we maintain our properties with families like yours in mind. We know that you’ll likely be busy and you need accommodations that will suit everybody. Amenities like gourmet kitchens and luxurious details are just the cherry on top.

We aim to offer each of our guests a truly unforgettable experience. Our vacation homes are located in world-class destinations, and they are crafted with state-of-the-art features. If you’re ready to ditch the cost and monotony of a hotel, you can trust us to provide a great alternative. Nothing makes for a better getaway than fun and relaxation combined with unparalleled luxury.

Big Bear one of the top destinations for summer vacations, but if you’re looking for a more exotic vacation, we also maintain rentals 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.

Differences Between a Hotel and a Vacation Rental

If you’re planning on spending your vacation in a hotel, you’re missing out. Hotels offer convenience, safety, and clean accommodations, but so do vacation homes, along with plenty of other benefits! If you’ve been putting off a vacation for fear of the hassle or planning it involves, you can rest easy. Renting a vacation home can take the stress out of vacation planning and offer a fun, economical getaway. There are a million and one reasons to stay at a vacation rental instead of a hotel, but we’ll give you the top four:

1. Avoid loud surroundings and disruptions. Hotels are notorious for unexpected disruptions, loud hallways, crowdedness…we could go on and on. Is this any way to spend your vacation? Of course not. You can sidestep paper thin walls and enjoy a home-away-from-home all to yourself and your family by booking a vacation rental. Instead of noisy neighbors, you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of nature.

2. Maintain privacy. Along with those aforementioned noisy neighbors, you’ll enjoy a lack of privacy at nearly any hotel you might stay in. Not so at a vacation rental. With the place all to yourself, you can revel in the retreat your vacation should provide. A vacation rental will let you enjoy a getaway to its fullest extent.

3. Save time and money. Hotels often come with a host of fees and tacked-on expenses, and they offer subpar value in many cases. Renting a vacation home, on the other hand, provides maximum value. You can save time, too, by arriving at your accommodation and settling in—don’t worry about valet, check-in, or any of the other obligations you’d encounter at a hotel.

4. Get a full vacation experience. When you’re on vacation, you want to escape from the stress of everyday life. Maybe you’re with friends or family, and you want them to have a good time, too. A luxury rental means you can finish off a day of activities and exploration with true relaxation. Instead of just a place to sleep, it’s a haven to retreat to.

Big Bear is one of the top destinations for a getaway. 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.

Plan Ahead For the Holidays

Enjoying time with family.We know it’s a bit early, but the holidays are just around the corner.  This is a perfect time to start planning a getaway that will be one the family memory book.  And since we typically get much busier as the holidays approach, now is a great time to pick a date, pick a destination, and begins making some plans for fun.

If your Christmas is like ours, it’s always busier than we would like and we never get to spend quite as much time as we’d hope for with family and friends.  Why not make this year different?  A holiday away in Big Bear can be an amazing event.  One of the great things about planning your vacation rental with Five Star is we have some wonderful estates available.  These properties have more than enough room for multiple families to share.  Think of the possibilities:  You can plan for a wonderful family reunion or get together a bunch of friends from the neighborhood or school.  However you choose to fill your Five Star Big Bear vacation rental, you’ll be assured you’re getting a high quality luxurious getaway.

thansgivingDinnerWe’re already about half booked up for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  New Year’s Eve is going fast as well.  This is an opportunity for you to create a wonderful time for your extended family as well.  The Big Bear ski season is usually in full swing by Christmas, and sometimes even by Thanksgiving.  And if  you’re already making travel plans for the holidays, the time spent in a Five Star Vacation Rental is vastly superior to anything you’ll encounter at even the finest hotel. Instead of being scattered across several rooms with strangers around every corner, you can enjoy an entire luxury cabin or estate.  The kids get their own rooms, and so do the parents.  If Uncle Harry snores can have his own room at the end of the hall; nobody needs to lay awake in misery.  It’s a perfect solution, and you’ll all awake refreshed ready to share breakfast in your own kitchen surrounded only by the people you invited.

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.

Ready For an Escape Yet?

Keep Calm Poster with Crown

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

Child with a flashlight looking for somethingOn 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.

It’s Not Too Late for Labor Day in Big Bear

The last gasps of summer are echoing around our homes.  They take the form of rushed mornings, conflicting schedules, and the recognition that life would be simpler if we had a fleet of cars with drivers for the little ones.  If school hasn’t already started back up for your family, it soon will. Even if you had a family vacation over the summer, Labor Day is a great way to have one last hurrah before fully settling in with the new schedule when school gets in full swing.

Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7th this year, and the mountain is packed with great events for the long weekend.  We often get booked solid, so be sure to call us right away to book your getaway.  We reported on a couple of the Labor Day events in last week’s blog, so be sure to check that out (here) for more info on the Car Show and the Annual Mountain Men gathering.  Here are a few more of the fun things happening that weekend:

The annual Fall Festival Arts & Crafts Show takes over the Big Bear Convention Center for the weekend, and it promises to be a great event for the entire family.  Browse the many booths filled with crafts and artworks created by local artisans. This one is great for the kids, because many of the artists will be creating works live at the event.  You’ll see pottery thrown, dolls crafted, unique jewelry, and hand-carved bears. There will be some great food and live entertainment as well. Doors are open from 10am to 5pm on the 5th and 6th.

The Busy Bears Annual Quilt Show at Big Bear Middle School in on September 6th this year from 10am to 5pm.  This annual event showcases some of the most amazing and creative works of stitchery you’ll find anywhere.  It’s a great opportunity to see this centuries-old craft close up, and many of the quilts are on sale with proceeds benefiting local Big Bear charities.  It’s a unique opportunity to walk away with an instant family heirloom lovingly crafted by a local artisan.  There’s a $5 admission fee to benefit the charities.  Visit their website for more info: http://www.busybearsquiltguild.com

The weekend also have numerous events for the cyclists sponsored by the Big Bear Cycling Association and ongoing nature walks at the Discovery Center. Whatever event draws you to Big Bear, we confident the best part of your visit will be the comfort you experience in  your Five Star Vacation Rental. There’s really no better way to end a full day of fun family activities than to retreat to the privacy and luxury you’ll find in one of our Big Bear vacation rentals.

You can view all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  Making other plans for Labor Day weekend?  Here are links to our other destinations in Park City, and Mammoth Mountain,  Southern California Beachesand Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Whatever your plans may be for this or other upcoming events, make sure your next anniversary, birthday, or holiday is one your family will always fondly remember.  We’ll be happy to help that happen, so call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan a great vacation or weekend trip.

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  Mammoth, Park City , Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern 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.