May is a big month in Big Bear, and there are plenty of reasons to visit. In our blog last week we covered some of cycling and night life events happening during May. This week we’re going to take a look at some of the other fun activities you can participate in during your Big Bear visit with Five Star Vacation Rentals.
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12th this year, and this may be a good year to step up your celebration of mom. Candy and flowers are great, but how about adding a weekend getaway in Big Bear as well? We still have some great cabins and estates available for the weekend, and there’s still time to book a getaway mom will long remember. Treat mom to a great lunch buffet at Wyatt’s at the Big Bear Convention Center. They’ll start serving at 9am and run until 2pm with an omelette bar, and bottomless drinks. There will be live entertainment and free flowers for all the moms. It’s really a great way to show her just how much you care. Search for available properties and book online at this link: http://fivestarbigbear.com
Big Bear’s golfing season also opens on May 17th at Bear Mountain. This 9 hole course features some some spectacular scenery. Our anglers will want to grab their gear and head up for the Ultimate Big Trout Derby at Holloways Marina. This is a two day event on May 18-19. The Friday before the event will feature some great teaching time to explain some of the best techniques for fishing in Big Bear Lake. Get more info at this link: https://bigbearfishingassociation.org/
On May 26th car buffs will want to head over to the Big Bear Snow Play to check out this year’s Antique Car Show and Pinewood Derby. You’ll enjoy a great collection of finely restored and preserved cars from the past. And the pinewood derby competition is a great family event where you can build and race your own creations. Check out more details at http://www.antiquecarclub.org/
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 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, Mammoth Mountain, Park City, Southern California Beaches, and La Quinta.
Spring relaunches Big Bear’s cycling season, and there are a bunch of events planned all month long. The events start May 1st. with a twilight ride starting from Maggio’s Pizza at 5:30pm. Many consider Big Bear to the cycling capital of Southern California, and the Big Bear Cycling Association is one of the most active cycling groups anywhere in the country. Owing to Big Bear’s natural beauty and varied terrain the association offers a broad spectrum of rides for all skill levels and some planned specifically as family events. Visit their website for more details on upcoming rides: 
Big Bear’s night life is jam packed throughout May with some really great choices sure to delight everyone in the family. For a fun night of comedic relief, and family-friendly slapstick, head over to the Big Bear Performing Arts Center for the Big Bear High School Performing Arts Department’s presentation of a Panto version of “The Wizard of Oddz.” Inspired by the comedic style started in England, this loosely follows Dorothy and her friends trying to get back to Kansas with some very funny changes and audience participation along the way. You’ll want to 
Hiking in Big Bear is a passion for many of our guests, and it’s easy to see why. There are hiking paths ranging from wheelchair and stroller accessible paved ones to expert-level paths up to 15 miles long calling for navigation skills and significant exertion. The paths navigate a variety of the terrain and views found throughout the Big Bear area. Hiking in the spring is especially rewarding and will usually bring some close up interactions with some of the local wildlife as well.
Fishing in Big Bear Lake starts up again this month as well. And whether you’re looking for a lazy afternoon relaxing on the banks of the lake or a serious angler intent on bringing home something fresh for dinner, Big Bear Lake fishing is a perfect fit. Rainbow trout, bass, and catfish can find their way to the end of your hook on a typical day. And with the gourmet kitchens you’ll find in most Five Star Vacation Rentals in Big Bear, they can end up deliciously prepared for everyone in your group. As any fisherman will tell you, there’s really nothing quite as tasty as a fresh caught and prepared fish dinner. Add some sides from the local market, and you’ll be serving up smiles all around.
On Saturday the 20th, Bear Mountain is hosting a free Easter party. The fun will include an Easter egg hunt, live music, a bounce house, games, photos with the Easter Bunny, and face painting. The fun starts at 4:00pm and the fun continues at sundown with a free Movies in the Meadow screening of 
Most local churches will be holding special Easter Sunday morning services, so this can be a great time to refresh both your mind and spirit by starting the day out at with your family at church. Here are some links to some local churches to get more info on their events:
Winter and Spring are ideal times to visit Nuevo Vallarta. The weather is moderate and the rainfall usually starts tapering off in March. Golfers will love their stay here with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Von Hagge and more nearby. And with Puerto Vallarta a short cab ride away, no stay at Villa la Estancia is complete without a day or two spent enjoying the local markets and traditional eateries for an exciting day shopping for local crafts, art, and amazing food.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the weekend of April 20th for the Ultimate Big Trout Derby at The Pines Lakefront. This is the first and biggest trout tournament of the year. The fun starts on Friday the 19th with signups and the Youth Fishing Club will be on hand to teach some of the variety of fishing techniques that may lead to winning this event. There will be weigh ins both Saturday and Sunday and prizes awarded for the biggest fish caught by qualifying youth and adults. Get more details online at 
Want to have less traffic and shorter wait times on the slopes? Your weekday getaway to Big Bear typically sees much faster repeat runs on the slopes, and fewer overall crowds throughout the city. This means faster service in restaurants, more room to move around in Village shops, and a generally less rushed and crowded experience.
Ski season is a big deal, and some guests encounter traffic congestion getting to and from Big Bear. Isn’t one of the reasons you’re planning a getaway is to get away from that? Well, you’re weekday getaway will usually see much faster travel times and less time sitting in traffic getting here and home. Wouldn’t you like to smile as you pass the traffic tie ups heading the other direction?
Once a year Big Bear attracts those brave souls who actually arrive with the intent to immerse themselves into the frigid winter waters of Big Bear Lake. While we’re definitely more inclined to dive into a glass of red wine next to a comfy fireplace during these cold days, this annual activity helps support a great cause. The 8th Annual Big Bear Lake “Polar Plunge” for Special Olympics takes place on Saturday, March 2nd. This is a great cause and a lot of fun. And best of all, you can be a sponsor, and never even get near the water. Check out the ways to participate at their website: 
On March 8-10th, you’ll want to attend the Supergirl Snow Pro at Bear Mountain. This is a top-level Boardercross (SBX) and Half-pipe competition with the world’s top female pros and a slew of up-and-coming amateur talent. The event is designed to not only showcase the best female snowboarders on the planet, but also to also serve as a developmental contest to help locate, nurture, mentor and encourage the next generation of aspiring snowboarding pros. Free to watch. For info on participating, visit their website at 