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The Renaissance Faire is Here

It’s that time of year again. The annual Renaissance Faire opens its doors on Saturday July, 20th. This is an event many of our guests return for annually, and it’s enough fun to book consecutive weekends to take in all the fun. Here’s a sampling of what you can expect.

There Will Be Jousting

This event is probably the one that comes to mind first when we think about the Renaissance Faire. It’s all in good fun, and nobody gets hurt, but it’s a glimpse into an amazing display of horsemanship, bravery, and chivalry. The knights engage in thrilling hand-to-hand combat in the main arena. Choose your favorite knight and root for them. Winning knights have been known to reward your enthusiasm by wading into the crowd with gifts.

The Food Will be Amazing

By now you’ve probably seen pictures of the turkey legs the size of Cincinnati. We honestly tremble at the thought of ever meeting one of these freakishly large turkeys, but we do love the food they so graciously provide. Past years have included chowders and a variety of period foods to delight you and your family. And don’t forget to grab a glass of ale or mead before the day’s out.

Entertainment Galore

In addition to the jousting, you’ll enjoy performances that will be both on stage and roaming among the crowd. They’ll usually be sporting some amazing medieval outfits and the songs will be seasoned with an extra helping of ribald humor and fun. Even their names are funny: Gallows Humor, Joust Kidding, and Cutthroat Reef. As a special treat this year, Celtic singer songwriter Kris Colt reveals her past incarnation from the time of her ancestors in Scotland Ireland, England, and Wales as the song bird Black Rose. She is a modern bard, with a lyrical singing style who passionately performs songs of both original and ancient origin.

You can see there’s a lot to take in, and it’s a really fun way for the family to spend the day before you retreat to the luxury and comfort of your Five Star Vacation Rental. 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 holiday 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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

Are You Letting Another Summer Pass You By?

We hope you all had a great July 4th. We sure did. We ate so much we’re thinking of heading to New York next year to compete in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.  The fireworks were amazing, and our dogs have finally started to calm down. We know many people are making a long weekend out of this, and we’re going to mix a bit of work and fun in as well.

Happy family sitting in the carThough we hardly call this work, we would like to work with you and your family to help you put together a great vacation this summer. And we’re not judging, but we want to gently remind you of all those past summers when you were determined not to let time slip away. But you did. This summer we’ve made it easier than ever before.

If you haven’t been to our website lately, you’ll notice our online booking feature is pretty streamlined. You can search for properties based upon where you want to stay, how many are in your party, the number of bedrooms you’d like and the dates you’re looking for. And we pride ourselves on having some of the best photography around, so you can get a great idea of what you’ll be looking at when you arrive.

Couple DiningThere are lots of great reasons to choose a Five Star Vacation Rental over a traditional hotel vacation. Privacy and convenience are two of the big ones. In a hotel, you have lots of common areas shared with strangers, and that can range from inconvenient to “who the heck is yelling in the hallway at 2am???” Each of our properties also has a full kitchen, so you’re in control of how, when, and what you eat. You’ll probably want to enjoy some of the great dining experiences that can be found in restaurants at each of our destinations, but you can stock up to keep snacks, drinks, or full meals prepared right in your vacation rental as well. You decide how you want to spend your vacation. And many people prefer to skip the lines and expense at the restaurant for something fun they can prepare together right in their own kitchen.

And of course you will have the luxury experience you can find with a Five Star Vacation Rental. We have some of the most amazing properties, and whether you want to experience a sandy ocean-front beach in Nuevo Vallarta, a golf vacation in La Quinta, or a mountain getaway to Big Bear, we’ve got options to meet pretty much any group.

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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

More July Fun in Big Bear

In last week’s blog we detailed all the great fun you can have during your July 4th stay in Big Bear, and this week we’re going to show you have you can have even more July fun in Big Bear. It’s one of the most popular events of the year, and if we still have any cabins available, you’ll be glad you came for it. In this week’s blog we’re going to look at some of the other fun things you can do during your July visit.

Find some unique creations from local artists at Art on the Corner in the Village from July 4th through 7th on the corner of Village Drive and Pine Knot Avenue. Fine Art, craftsmanship, and a variety of different mediums will be found. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine, and enjoy the music as you browse the artwork. Proceeds to benefit the Bear Valley Guild for the Arts and the Open Sky Music Foundation.

Let's Eat In Tonight!
Let’s Eat In Tonight!

If you’re staying with us on a Tuesday, and you’d like to try your hand at some culinary creations using locally grown ingredients, you’re going to want to head over to the Big Bear Valley Farmer’s Market at the Big Bear Convention Center. The Market is open 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Tuesday morning, and it’s a great way to start your day with some fresh fruits and other local items.

Screen Shot 2019-07-01 at 8.37.31 PMRock and roll and comedy fans are definitely going to want to check out The Cave’s lineup during July as well. Our favorite is The Jefferson Starship appearing on the evening of July 19th. This iconic band features some of the original members and will recreate the sound known to at least a couple of generations. You’re in for a great laugh with Pauly Shore of “Totally Pauly” fame will be appearing on July 20th, and the month closes out on July 27th with the inimitable style of Ted Nugent as he brings his unique brand of rock and roll that will just about blow the roof off.

There’s still so much more than we can fit in here. Your time in a Five Star Vacation Rental will leave you feeling relaxed and with your batteries recharged. 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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

Make Your July 4th a Blast in Big Bear

You’ve got lots of choices for your July 4th celebration, and Big Bear may well be the best one. Every year Big Bear rolls out the biggest fireworks display in all of Southern California. Many families make this an annual event, and you may do likewise after your first visit.

Screen Shot 2019-07-01 at 1.52.34 PMThere are a lot of reasons why Big Bear’s Independence Day is so spectacular. The fireworks are certainly one of the main reasons. The beauty of the fireworks is more amazing because they’re fired from a barge on the lake, and the reflection off the water unlike anything you’ve probably seen before. The show can be seen from pretty much anywhere along the shore, from boats on the lake, and many of our properties are perfect for viewing from their decks.

Woman asian Marathon running race, Run up the mountain road.Of course every 4th of July must include some great barbecue, family events, and other activities. You can start your day with the second annual 4th of July Fun Run at Meadow Park. This is a truly fun run with prizes being awarded for the best costumes. Choose the distance that suits you best from 5K, 10K, and 15K, with strollers and walkers welcome on the course.

After the run, you can take in the festivities at the 25th Annual Independence Day Fair at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. There will be booths with local artisans, live music, and specialty foods and gifts. The kids will enjoy the bounce house, face painting, crafts and lots of treats. Admission is free, and it’s a great way to enjoy some fun shopping and entertainment before the fireworks start later. Open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Barbecue pork ribs on a grillWhen you’re ready to settle in for some great barbecue and a good spot to watch the fireworks, plan to head over to the Rotary Club’s annual barbecue. Tickets include a range of tasty options from hot dogs and hamburgers to barbecued chicken and baby back ribs. And the ticket price also lets you stay to enjoy the fireworks from one of the best settings anywhere along the lake. You’ll want to bring your own chairs and dress warmly, because it may get chilly.

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 holiday 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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

 

What’s Your Perfect Vacation?

We devote a lot of time to helping people create their perfect vacation. We consider ourselves to be among those lucky few who have found work that doesn’t really feel like work at all. It’s great fun and often a privilege to work with people to plan a vacation, family reunion, anniversary or secret birthday celebration with a loved one. And we still get a thrill when we hear later just how great things went. But as with most great adventures, a little planning can go a long way toward creating a great getaway. And this week’s blog is going to help you plan a perfect vacation.

Do you have golfers in the family? If so, we’ve got some great options for you to choose. And we have a few different destinations as well.

GolfVacationOur most popular golf destination is La Quinta in the desert just outside Palm Springs. La Quinta has been called “the golf capital of the world.” There are several world-class courses to choose from. The Arnold Palmer Classic Course is a past host of the Bob Hope Classic Tournament, and a consistent favorite with our guests. There are few things more relaxing than spending the morning under the deep blue skies with the mountain views beyond followed by relaxing just off the fairway with a cool drink on the patio of your Five Star Vacation Rental. It’s a perfect recipe to help you recharge your batteries and reconnect with your family. Check out our La Quinta properties and book online at this link.

family with backpacks taking selfie and hikingFor many of us city dwellers, the allure of nature is a regular part of our relaxation. We buy machines to recreate the sounds of rushing water, rainfall, and other soothing nature sounds. But as we all know, there’s really nothing like actually immersing yourself in nature to relax and enjoy these things as the naturally occur around you. That’s the sort of relaxation you can enjoy with a getaway to Big Bear. Summer is a great time to enjoy Big Bear’s natural beauty. There are dozens of miles of hiking paths with exertion levels to fit every family member.

Fishing at sunsetBig Bear Lake is fully stocked, so you can expect to catch bass, rainbow trout, and catfish. Some great fishing can be had directly off the shore in many locations. If you’d prefer to get out on the water, Holloway’s Marina is a great resource for boat rentals. Follow the online maps to the best fishing spots. There are few things tastier than treating your group to a meal with your fresh catch of the day.

You can do your own custom search for the specific dates you’d like to stay on our Big Bear page. Or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you choose a great property for your perfect holiday 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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

July in Big Bear

Big Bear FireworksJuly in Big Bear is full of options for family fun, and the 4th is certainly the most popular event of the month. We suggest you book early for the dates surrounding the 4th, because we sell out every year.  If you’ve never seen the fireworks over Big Bear Lake, you should put it on your bucket list. Big Bear prides itself on putting on the biggest fireworks display in all of Southern California. There are plenty of great spaces around the lake and boats you can rent to view the spectacle on the lake. There are also a bunch of other events during the day from a fun run in the morning, a festival with booths full of great gifts and creations from local artists, and plenty of amazing food. But don’t delay!

Our road warriors will have plenty of opportunities for group bike rides throughout July. Meet every Monday morning at the The Copper Q for the weekly Java Morning Road Ride with the Big Bear Cycling Association. The ride is free, and starts at 8:30am. July offers a new ride almost everyday, and various difficulty levels are offered as well. Visit their website for more details.

Screen Shot 2019-07-01 at 6.29.35 PMJuly 5th and 6th Bear Mountain golf course is offering a unique experience for the golfers. It’s a night time glow in the dark extravaganza with glowing golf balls, and the entire course laid out with a special lighting. You can be the first one among your golfing buddies to declare you love the sport so much, you even play it at night. Tickets for the event are $59 and include the green fee, cart rental, light refreshments, and a glow-in-the-dark ball. Check out their website for more details and to RSVP.

Screen Shot 2019-07-01 at 6.37.38 PMIf you’ve never done goat yoga, your life is incomplete. Bear Valley Farms is offering goat yoga on their 30 acre spread, and it’s a rare chance to relax and feel the soothing hooves of some baby and adult goats walk all over you. Leave your kids with the in-laws, and head over to spend some time with these kids. It’s hard to imagine you won’t come away from the experience with some great stories and some pretty relaxing yoga as well. Who knew allowing farm animals to climb all over you could be so relaxing? Visit their website for more info.

This is just a taste of the great events that await you during your July visit with Five Star Vacation Rentals in Big Bear.  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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

Spotlight on Nuevo Vallarta

If your family is planning a summer vacation, we’d like to suggest a fun and exotic option. We have over a dozen luxury condos in Villa la Estancia right on the beach in Nuevo Vallarta, and it’s a great chance to enjoy a seaside vacation in an exotic location without having to travel half way around the world.

NuevoVallartaNuevo Vallarta is near Puerto Vallarta in Mexico and is about a three hour flight out of LAX. It sits on a pristine white sand beach and offers a wide range of luxury services right on the property. At Villa la Estancia you can enjoy the full spa experience with their onsite spa. You have fine dining available in the two onsite restaurants as well. And each unit has a full kitchen, so you can partake of some of the local fresh fish and vegetables, and create your own meals for your party.

Just a short cab ride away is Puerto Vallarta with its rich history and great shopping. You can find a great selection of restaurants ranging from small family owners to large luxury dining. The choices are amazing, and we always find the best lobster there. The Puerto Vallarta night life is vibrant, and you’ll find some of the planet’s best margaritas at The Bar LaPlaya. It’s a great destination after a day of shopping, seafood, and a great sunset.

Screen Shot 2019-07-02 at 2.06.47 AMYou’ll also find some great fishing options with charter boats offering day excursions. Puerto Vallarta Fishing is a good option, and runs its charters year round. Imagine the fun you’ll have after a day snagging a mahi mahi, red snapper, or even a marlin. Since your Five Star Vacation Rental has a full kitchen, you could end up treating your guests to some of the freshest fish they’ve ever had.

Golfers are in for a treat in Nuevo Vallarta as well. The Flamingos Golf is an 18 hole championship course just 5 minutes away from Villa la Estancia. There’s a putting green, driving range, pro shop, lessons, and club rentals as well. It can make for a perfect getaway with your days split between the sands on the beach by your luxury condo, and some of the finest golfing available.

You can view all of our Nuevo Vallarta condos and book online at this link. You can also have a great family holiday in  Big Bear 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 holiday in Nuevo Vallarta or elsewhere, so if you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

Spotlight on Big Bear

Big Bear is our most popular destination. It’s about a two hour drive from most of Southern California and offers some amazing recreational choices. Part of its popularity is because there are so many fun things to do all year round. The winter offers world-class skiing and snow play; in the other seasons you’ll enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating. The city also boasts an amazingly diverse selection of live music venues, theaters with local productions, museums, shops and many amazing restaurants.

Of course our favorite attraction in Big Bear is our collection of Five Star Vacation Rental cabins and estates. We have about 30 properties to choose from can accommodate groups up to 26 with some of our cabins located side-by-side. You can view all our properties and book online at this link, and here are a couple to whet your appetite.

CAbinOur Shasta Pines Log Estate always strikes us as a bit whimsy when we approach it. The roofline has a striking collection of windowed gables breaking skyward supported by the full log walls of the cabin itself. It has room for 16 guests in its 5 bedrooms and 5 baths spread over a sprawling 5500 square foot floor plan. It backs up to the national forest with easy access to great hiking trails and sledding in winter. And the massive windows will keep you appreciating the beauty and wonder of the forest just beyond.  Its lot feels secluded in upper Moonridge, but it’s not far from the Village with its great shops and restaurants. Downstairs is a game room with a pool table and foosball table. View more photos and book online at this link.

6396360704This next property is also a great choice for a group of up to 16 looking to plan a great getaway. The Luxurious Castle Glen Estate has been a part of our rental family for quite a while, but it still makes us stutter with a brief “wow” every time we walk into it. It has raised ceilings in the great room and panoramic windows with an amazing view. It stretches out over a rambling 5200 square foot floor plan with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. There are two master suites with mountain and water views and deck access. There’s a first-floor apartment with its own kitchenette, fireplace and living room. You’re sure to find a way to relax with its pool table, poker table, and spa. You can book online and see more photos 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 Vallarta and La Quinta.

Plan a Trip To The Desert

Is your family looking for a relaxing getaway that can check off the boxes for your favorite activities while returning every evening to a luxury home? We encourage you to check out our great selection of luxury estates in La Quinta. These estates are mostly located right on the fairways of world-class golf courses. And nearby Palm Springs offers access to a full range of shopping and entertainment venues. Here’s a sampling of the activities you can enjoy during your visit:

Old Town La QuintaOld Town La Quinta is a popular destination with its great selection of shops, restaurants, bars and specialty vendors. They also host seasonal events like art shows, a farmer’s market, holiday brunches, and outdoor concerts. These popular locales are something most want to include in their La Quinta visit. Visit their website at this link for more info.

If you family delights in learning more about the history behind the places you visit, the La Quinta Museum is a popular choice. You’ll find the rich history of the area including a diorama of a Cahuilla Indian village and another depicting native animals. There’s a constant rotation of themes of local interest including a Route 66 exhibit opening in mid June. You can check out their hours and current exhibits at this link.

Palm Springs TramwayA short drive away is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This is a great day trip for the entire family. The ride up the tram offers amazing views of the rugged terrain of the local mountains. And the cool crisp air at the top of the tram offers an amazing contrast to the typically much hotter feeling in the desert below. Once you reach the top, there are guided nature walks and the Peaks restaurant offers fine dining and unbelievable views of the desert below.

Be sure to check out all our properties in La Quinta.  You can book online or give us a call at 310-780-3411, and we’ll help you find the right property to meet your specific requests. We can accommodate both big and small groups, so feel free to call us for ideas on how to plan your perfect 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 Big BearNuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark City, and Southern California Beaches.

A Summer to Remember Starts Here

You’re just coming off of spring break, and you may not be thinking too much about the summer, but we’ve always been in favor of early planning. And planning a summer to remember starts here. We have luxury, adventure, and just plain fun waiting just inside the door of our amazing Five Star Vacation Rentals. Here are a few ideas to spark your early summer plans:

Memorial Day in Big Bear

Barbecue pork ribs on a grillVeterans Park in Big Bear will host the annual Memorial Day event. It’s a great time to meet with or join fellow veterans and celebrate the great sacrifice made by some, so that we can enjoy the freedoms we do. It’s a great barbecue to celebrate the brave men and women who have served to protect our freedoms.

Plan for Father’s Day June 16th

We’ve had a great ski season this year, but as that winds down it’s a great time to start planning your summer getaway.  And there are some events coming up that that you can make even more special by spending them in Big Bear. This may be a great time to show dad just how much you appreciate all he’s done for you over the years. Father’s Day falls on Sunday June 16th this year, and few things will make dad feel more appreciated than whisking him away for a fun and relaxing weekend in Big Bear.

July 4th in Big Bear

Big Bear FireworksThe Independence Day spectacle in Big Bear is considered the be the largest fireworks display in all of Southern California. The fireworks are launched over Big Bear Lake, and can be seen from venues all around the lake. There will be lots of barbecue, fishing, hiking, and general relaxation going on. We’re usually booked up for this holiday. And since it falls on a weekend this year, it’s wise to plan ahead and book your stay early.

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.