Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

What Kind of Big Bear Vacation Would You Like?

Spring is a great time in Big Bear, and this is a perfect time to drop everything and take that long-delayed family vacation you’ve been meaning to schedule. The mountain air feels especially crisp most mornings, and each day presents new opportunities for getting some relaxing time with your family or friends in a luxury Five Star Vacation Rental.

Cycling takes off during spring in Big Bear. The Big Bear Cycling Association keeps an active schedule going, and there is something on the calendar most days. Rides are available from beginner to experienced, and all of them will have you riding through the beauty of Big Bear surrounded by the trees and lake on many of the rides. Of course you can also take out on your own. Big Bear has several bike paths you can follow on this map. If you’d like to join with other cyclists for one of the planned outings by the Big Bear Cycling Association, you can view their calendar of rides at this link.

Avid hikers can also find some great trails in and around the Big Bear area. Several of our vacation rentals are located near great hiking, and you can also use this map to locate more. Hiking Big Bear during the spring is especially beautiful as the local greenery flourishes and the wildlife activity increases.

Family of Feet warming at a fireplaceOf course there’s always the option to just do nothing. Our luxury Big Bear vacation rentals and estates are designed to cater to this need best. Enjoy the serene beauty of Big Bear, but also be sure to just plan some down time to recharge your batteries and get some relaxing time with the family.  Start the day with a great breakfast cooked in your own kitchen. Pick one of our cabins with some great games, and you can enjoy a friendly game of pool or foosball. Later on you can all adjourn to the hot tub and soak for a while before dinner.  Finish the evening in front of the fire while sharing funny stories. We hope you get the picture, and we’re here to help you put your family in that photo.

We hope this sparks your desire to carve out some time for your family to enjoy a getaway to one of our luxury Big Bear vacation rentals. Take a look at all our Big Bear properties at this link: http://www.fivestarvacationrental.com/big-bear-rentals. We also have some great luxury choices waiting for you if you choose to visit  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark City, 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. If you would like more information, you can reach out to us by calling 310-780-3411.

More Big Bear Fun in May

May is a great time to visit Big Bear. In our last blog we detailed some great reasons to plan your Five Star Vacation Rental getaway for May. But May is a big month for things to do in Big Bear, so we’re exploring a few more events this week.

Anglers will rejoice at the opportunities that await them in Big Bear during May. In addition to the usual great fishing on the lake, the lake will be specially stocked for the Hall Family May Trout Classic on May 20th and 21st.  There are $8000 in prizes slated to be awarded and Bass Pro Shops is donating a new kayak as well. The entry fee is $75, and kids 16 and under can fish for free. Proceeds will go to keep trophy-sized fish stocked in Big Bear Lake. It’s a great chance to enjoy a couple of good fishing days, catch some big fish, and maybe win some prizes too.  You can download the entry form at this link.

On May 20th Big Bear is kicking off its first annual PubFest. This is a great way to sample the wide range of beverages and foods available in The Village. You’ll get a 5 oz. souvenir tasting glass to sample some diverse drinks and craft beers along the way, and many locations will be offering complimentary appetizers as well.  It’s almost a movable feast. You can get more info and register online here.

Region capture 41The Western Mountain Steam Festival lands with its unique blend of great food, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, artwork, and Steampunk items on May 28th and 29th at Pederson’s Mill in Fawnskin. Organizers are expecting to see a diverse crowd of cowboys, time travelers, pirates, entertainers and more. If you’ve ever wanted to delve deeper into the creative world of Steampunk, this is your chance to dive into this amazing alternate history launched from the bygone days of steam power.

Region capture 42May also sees some of our favorite cover bands arriving. “Queen Nation’s” version of Queen will be at The Cave on May 13th at 6:30pm. “Wild Child” will have you singing your heart out to all your old favorite Door’s hits when they land at The Cave on May 6th. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit The Cave’s website: http://thecavebigbear.com/

View 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 VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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 VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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 VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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.

Quality Family Time in Big Bear Before the Holidays

Chances are you’re not giving much thought to the holidays yet. That’s probably for the best. Fall is just around the corner, and the weather is still as warm as ever.

But this is a perfect time to give the family something fun to look forward to this winter. If you fast forward a few months, you’ll be in the middle of holiday shopping, finals at school, and all the pressures that come with those things. The kids will get a break for winter, but the unfortunate truth is that these breaks are rarely much of a break at all. While your kids may enjoy some time off from school, you’re likely to get stuck playing catch up. You can avoid this fate by planning a trip and deliberately scheduling time for family relaxation. What better time to do so than this winter?

Most of southern California won’t get snow and cold weather, but you can travel  to a nearby locale like Big Bear to enter the winter wonderland vacation dreams are made of. This season, you’ll find traditional activities like skiing and snowboarding, but you’ll also find totally unique features such as snowshoe expedition and winter zipline trips.

If theater and events spark your interest, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Big Bear Valley Community Arts Theater Society has a schedule of family-friendly productions they will put on throughout the season. They will be presenting A Christmas Carol in November. Located at 1117 W Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear City, CA 92314, you can call 909-585-4757 for more information on tickets and dates.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo will be getting in on the holiday fun, too, by hosting the Santa Claws event. The whole family can see the exhibit on December 6th, 13th or 20th and get a glimpse of all the other animals in the zoo, too. It is located at 43285 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, and you can call 909-584-1299 for more information.

Why plan a vacation in the middle of the holiday season, though? You’re probably making arrangements for plenty of family time in the coming months, but as you know, planing can often dominate your time and leave less of it for your loved ones. If you feel yourself getting pulled into the tornado of holiday hustle and bustle, that’s a sign it’s the perfect time to get away and focus on what really matters.

Big Bear isn’t the only spot to spend your winter break.  You can also have some fun in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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.

Labor Day in Big Bear

Summer’s last hurrah is rapidly approaching.  Have you taken your family on vacation yet?  If not, there’s still time to plan something.  Labor day in Big Bear is a great time, and there are plenty of activities to keep the entire family happily occupied during your stay.   Labor Day falls on Monday, September 5th this year, and we’ve still got some luxury cabins available.

The anglers in your group can enjoy some of the best fishing in all of Southern California at Big Bear Lake.  Trout and bass are plentiful, and will make a perfect meal prepared in the kitchen of your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin.  There’s really nothing quite as tasty as a meal prepared with freshly-caught fish from the lake.

Time spent on the lake can be a deeply relaxing time.  Take advantage of one of the boat rental facilities on the lake, or bring your own.  Some of our properties have docks right on the lake, so you can go right from your vacation rental to the lake without any travel time at all.  And whether your time on the lake is spent lazily floating along while you read a good book or enjoying some great fishing, this will be a time for you to relax and recharge your batteries.  If this sounds like the vacation you’d like to plan, our staff can help you locate the perfect getaway.

Big Bear Kids Adventure GamesLabor Day weekend marks the Inaugural Big Bear Kids Adventure Games.  This is going to be great fun.  Two-kid teams will navigate an obstacle course designed to thrill.  They’ll face a variety of elements including mountain biking, hiking, zip-lines, a Tarzan rope swing, giant Slip-n-Slide, river tubing, cargo nets, mud pits and more. This is guaranteed to be an event all the participants will long remember.  Registration is open to kids aged 6-14, and there are a limited number of spots available.  Get more information  at their website: http://www.kidsadventuregames.com/ and register online at this link: https://kidsadventuregames.redpodium.com/big-bear-kag-2016

If you’re interested in relaxing elsewhere, we’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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.

 

 

 

 

Find Your Knight in Shining Armor

travelling minstralsWeekends in August present a unique opportunity for our guests to finally find their actual knight in shining armor.  The first three weekends in August will see the fun and bawdy entertainment of Big Bear’s Renaissance Faire.  Join us August 6-7, 13-14, or 20-21 for this trip back to a simpler time when “Gimme some mead!” was a much more commonly heard phrase than it is today.

The Big Bear Renaissance Faire never fails to give some great entertainment for the whole family.  Ever wonder what happens when you place 130 pounds of metal armor on two men, have them mount 2000 pound horses, and then attempt to skewer each other with hemlock lances while charging at 30mph toward each other?  Well, it’s quite a sight. And it’s one that you’re not likely to soon forget.

In addition to this display of brute force, you’ll also be treated to more cultural displays like period music, mischievous minstrels, and food so delicious, you’ll stop eating it only when you run out of room for it.

KnightInArmorThis is always a busy time in Big Bear, so be sure to book your cabin or estate early.  It seems we have many guests who are searching for that elusive knight in shining armor. And once you begin your quest, you’ll quickly find yourself in a medieval frame of mind. But remember: No mace tournaments in the dining room!

Looking for some relaxation elsewhere? We’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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.

August in Big Bear

August is huge in Big Bear.  It’s the month we see some of our favorite activities finally arrive each year.  And with these activities, we usually see a surge in our reservations, so make your plans early to get the best vacation rentals!

Cast political correctness out the window and come celebrate the 15th Annual Big Bear Renaissance Faire.  You’ll find yourself transported back to a simpler time when men were men and turkey legs were the size of your head.  You’ll get to watch the knights in a friendly jousting tournament, and be sure to find the Queen for a special treat.  There’s amazing food, entertainment, and non-stop fun.  It’s an event you’ll return to year after year.  This is one of Big Bear’s most popular events each year, so you’ll want to plan ahead.  The faire runs weekends, August 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21.  Visit this link for more details and to purchase tickets: http://bbvrsinc.org/tickets

Another favorite coming up in August is the 27th annual Antique Car Fun Run over the weekend of the 12th through the 14th.  This annual event is a must-see for all car enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates the history of automobiles.  You’ll get to see some of the finest examples of superb craftsmanship and engineering found anywhere on four wheels.  Meet the owners of these fine automobiles and listen to their stories of discovery and restoration.  You’ll find more than one amazing beauty that spent much of its life hidden away in a barn somewhere before one of these intrepid collectors found it and restored it.  This event is free to the public, so get more details and exhibitor info at this link: http://www.antiquecarclub.org/funrun2016.html

Along with these two big annual events, you’ll have plenty of ongoing events to choose from as well during August.  There are weekly community bike rides, live music on weekends, line dancing and hiking clubs.  Big Bear is a great destination to do some of your favorite things while surrounded with the tremendous natural beauty of the area.

Looking for some relaxation elsewhere? We’ve got some great options.  We also maintain rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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.

June in Big Bear

Things in Big Bear start to heat up in June—both literally and metaphorically. As summer sets in, activities at the lake become more active, and the sun’s warmth presents visitors with plenty of opportunities to bask in the light and have fun. If you’re ready to explore and try new things, there are several activities this month that may tickle your fancy. Expect some fine wine, some bike competitions, and some fishing with very high stakes involved.

June will see The Village Summer Wine Walk revisit Big Bear and celebrate wine, art, and Big Bear’s downtown Village, as it does every year. This year, however, the proceeds from the event will be donated to a few different great causes. The Big Bear Valley Education Trust and Christmas in the Village are two that have been announced thus far. Event attendees will enjoy the wine samplings that line downtown’s main drag along shops and restaurants, with an emphasis on tasting wines from cultures around the world. The walk will take place on June 4th, starting at 3:30PM.

If wine isn’t your scene, though, that’s ok—maybe biking is! The Kenda Cup Series will be presenting the first annual Mountain Bike Shoot Out on June 5th. This event will feature top bikers competing for the Kenda Cup by performing stunts and other impressive feats along the Snow Summit trail. This event is for professionals only, but visitors can attend and watch the bikers race and perform stunts. For more information on the event and how to get tickets, you can call (909) 633-6729.

And if neither wine nor biking thrills you…well, you can get involved in fishing, but the stakes are high. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. A competition aptly titled Fishing for $50K apparently promises the champion a reward of $50,000. It will take place on June 11th and June 12th, and participants may register at 630 Bartlett Rd. More details will be announced at the time of the competition, but if you are interested in learning more, you can call (800) 424-4232 for information and tickets.

These are a few activities June will offer Big Bear visitors, but renting a cabin might be the best attraction yet. But if you’re looking for a something else, we also maintain rentals in  Nuevo VallartaMammoth MountainPark CitySouthern 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.

Fishing in Big Bear is Better Than Ever

Do you love fishing? Do you love lakes brimming with catches just waiting to happen? Imagine there’s a fisher’s paradise hidden away within proximity to Los Angeles and surrounding areas. It’s a place called Big Bear, and there’s no better time to go fishing there than in the summer. Baseball might be America’s Favorite Pastime, but we think fishing is probably number two. In Big Bear, it’s definitely number one, and you’ll see why when you visit. With cool breezes, an easily accessible lake, boat rentals available, and water full of fish, it’s no wonder sportsmen flock to the area.

Rainbow trout is the most popular fish species to be found in Big Bear Lake. You may know that these fish are only populous in bodies of water that have great depth. Luckily, the lake accommodates plenty of these fish, and you can take advantage of their presence by fishing in deeper waters. The western side of the waters is known to be particularly favorable to trout fisherman, but you may encounter them at nearly any part of the lake.

Trout aren’t the only residents inhabiting Big Bear Lake, though. You’re also likely to catch some largemouth bass. This species is known for its aggressiveness, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be caught. Quite the opposite, in fact! The lake offers conditions that bass thrive in, and they’re likely to bite almost any bait that’s in the water. If you position yourself near weeds, docks, or rocky areas, you can expect to round up more than a few of these fishes.

Other species such as catfish and panfish are also plentiful in the waters. Many of these are active in both the day time and the nigh time, so you can grab a catch any time you’d like. We weren’t kidding when we said Big Bear is a fisherman’s paradise. It isn’t just for pros, though. Big Bear Lake is a fantastic place for aspiring fishers to get their grounding, find success and learn more about techniques.

There are several establishments, in fact, that offer guided fishing tours for those who want to learn more before setting out solo. Cantrell Guide Service and Fish Big Bear Charter Service can turn fishing into a fun group activity. If you’re ready to cast your bait like a pro, you can rent a pontoon, get bait, and cover all your other fishing needs at one of the marina’s many experts.

If it’s outdoors fun you’re after, Big Bear is one of the top destinations. 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.