Reservations & More Information: 310-780-3411

More September Fun in Big Bear: Hot Rods and Cool Nights

In our blog last week, we took a look at some of the upcoming September events in Big Bear.  Oktoberfest is certainly the most popular.  You can read the entire blog at this link.  This week we’re covering even more upcoming events.

We have guests that make an annual pilgrimage out of the Rodriders of Big Bear “Cool Run in the Mountains ” Car Show. This year’s event is September 5th at Big Bear Snow Play. Prizes will be awarded. If you’re especially proud of your ride, cars of any make model or year are welcome to enter. If you’re just a fan of fine automobiles, you’re welcome to roam around these great works of art at no charge. Visit their website for more info: http://rodridersofbigbear.com.

Enjoy a cool evening in the Village with the 6th annual Fall Wine Walk on Saturday,September 12th, 2015 from 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm in The Village. This event is sponsored by The Village Business Association of Big Bear Lake, and is a great way to enjoy some fine wine and great food. Many of the Village merchants and fine restaurants participate, so you’ll be able to stroll the streets and drop in to sample the extensive offering. You can purchase tickets in advance at this link.

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

As you can see, we’ve got a full month of activities for your enjoyment in Big Bear. But even if you’re just looking for a few relaxing days in a luxurious vacation rental, we’re here to help you plan a getaway that will be an exact fit. Call us at 310-800-5454 and we’ll be glad to help you plan a great getaway for just a weekend or several weeks.  Browse our properties in Big BearMammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches, or Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking getaway or a great family vacation, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect Big Bear cabin or estate.

September in Big Bear — Oktoberfest and More

September is an especially full month in Big Bear.  We’ll cover a few of the highlights here.

Oktoberfest is always a favorite with our guests. There’s great food, entertainment, and of course lots of great beer. It kicks off this year on Saturday September 16th and runs weekends through October 31st. As in years past, the opening weekend September 16th and 17th will be American Heroes Weekend. Admission is free for all past and present, military, law enforcement, fire fighters, and their immediate families.

Oktoberfest continues to grow in popularity every year, so we recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance and reserve your stay in one of our Five Star Vacation rentals as quickly as possible.  Call us at 310-780-3411 to reserve your stay, and purchase your tickets for Oktoberfest online at this link.

September is also filled with events for cyclists.  The Big Bear Cycling Association has a full month planned with events scheduled for both weekdays and weekends.  You can bring your own bikes from home, or rentals are available once you arrive.  The September events are available for all comers from beginners through experienced riders.  Visit their website for more details: www.bigbearcycling.com

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 this link.

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 BeachesMammoth 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.

 

How To Make Your Life More Like Your Computer Keyboard

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.

On the upper left of most keyboards is the magical, “ESC” key.  As we all know, that’s short for “Escape,” and it’s exactly what makes a Five Star Vacation Rental such a great value.  “Escape” is a powerful concept. In its simplest definition, escape means to seek freedom from some sort of restraint or confinement.  Many of us live lives that are sorely in need of an escape.  We have high-pressure jobs with people relying upon us for one thing or another.  We have commitments and appointments, and sometimes we face one deadline after another. It’s vital for our health and well being that we occasionally seek refuge from this.  Remove the lid from the pressure cooker, and breathe some fresh air. At Five Star Vacation Rentals, that’s what we’re all about.

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.

And at the bottom of every keyboard is the all important space key.   That’s what you may enjoy most about your Five Star Vacation Rental.  Why rent a small room in a hotel, when you can enjoy the space of an entire luxury home for your next getaway?  Surround yourself in a truly luxurious space, so you can enjoy your escape.

Five Star Vacation Rentals specializes in creating luxurious vacations in the most beautiful destinations.  You can browse our properties and book online, or let one of our specialists help you find the perfect getaway destination for your family.  We have great vacation rentals available in Big BearMammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern California Beaches, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Whether you’re planning a weekend hiking getaway or a week-long family vacation, we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect location.  Just give us a call at 310-780-3411, and our vacation specialists will help you create an experience that your family will always cherish.

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  MammothPark CityPalm Springs/La QuintaSouthern 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.

Summer Fun in a Five Star Vacation Rental

Five Star Vacation Rentals has properties located in some of the most desirable destinations in the world.  With summer vacations just around the corner, it’s a great time to look at the possibilities.  This year you can plan a vacation that will be the one the entire family looks back on for years to come as their all-time favorite. Here is a quick recap of our top two destinations.  Either of these will be a great option for your summer getaway:

Big Bear Vacation Rentals

Far and away, this is our most popular destination.  We’ve worked hard over the years to assemble some the most luxurious cabins and estates available in Big Bear.  Our cabins offer something for everyone.  If you want seclusion and privacy, we’ve got you covered.  Want to enjoy a great lake view with room for the extended family?  No problem.  Planning a family reunion with 20-30 family members?  We have adjoining cabins available that will keep you all centrally located without the hassle and expense of renting a dozen hotel rooms.

Summer is an ideal time to visit Big Bear.  The lake is stocked, and fishing is a great pastime.  Boating on the lake is also popular with boat, sailboard, and jet ski rentals available.  There are a number of great hiking trails that will immerse you in the beauty of Big Bear’s forest.  Bring your bike with you or rent one when you arrive, and you’ll find another great opportunity to enjoy the pristine surroundings.  View all of our Big Bear rentals at this link: www.FiveStarBigBear.com

Villa la Estancia Mexico Vacation Rentals

We were one of the early buyers at this resort outside Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, and we regularly return to enjoy the amazing sandy beaches.  It’s everything you expect from a beachside resort.  It has luxurious pools with sunken cabanas, so you can just swim up and get some refreshments.  It has a 30,000 square foot world-class spa on site that will provide you with a decadent level of pampering.  The restaurants located at the resort are world class, and offer an amazing combination of local seafood with the finest Kobe beef dishes as well.  Ask us about our all-inclusive meal package to simplify your stay.

In addition to the great beach and resort benefits here, you’ll be located a short cab ride from Puerto Vallarta.  This amazing historic city has a large community of artisans who sell their works on the streets and in small local shops.  And the local cuisine is just amazing.  Some of the best lobster we’ve ever had was in a little hole-in-the-wall cafe nearby.  There are so many fun shops and arts available, you’ll find yourself returning over and over again.  This is one of the reasons we always travel with an extra empty bag.  It’s never empty by the time we return home!

There are direct flights to Puerto Vallarta out of LAX, and the resort is just a short cab ride from the airport.  Check out all our available Villa la Estancia units 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, and Mammoth Mountain,  A well planned vacation 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.

 

Hit the Ski Resort Without the Skis

The skis have been packed away again for the season.  We’re enjoying the arrival of spring and the fresh colors it brings.   But we still have weekends to fill and summer vacation is rapidly approaching.  What to do?  Well, we here at Five Star Vacation Rentals have a lot of great ideas.  Try this on on for size:

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.  Big Bear is a year-round destination, and spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year.  The greenery is simply breathtaking and the cool spring air is a natural tension reliever.  You just can’t inhale that fresh, crisp air without feeling more vigorous and alive.  There are plenty of hiking paths where you can quickly immerse yourself and the family in the beauty of the wooded landscape.  Cyclists will enjoy many scheduled events with the local cycling clubs as well as great scenic routes you can follow on your own.  A quick visit to the Big Bear Discovery Center will provide ample ideas for hiking, biking, and other fun activities in the Big Bear area.

Water sports are a great springtime activity in Big Bear.  The Big Bear Marina offers rentals of all sorts of equipment from boats, wake boards, and jet skis.  Big Bear Watersports School is now offering rides on the ZUP Board which is some of the most amazing fun we’ve seen in years.  Be sure to catch their video and more information at http://www.bigbearwatersports.com Enjoy some of the finest Southern California fishing at Big Bear Lake as well.

If you want to get a bit farther away from home, be sure to check out our great vacation rentals in Mammoth and Park City, Utah.  Both of these destinations have great spring activities that will allow the entire family to unwind and take in the beauty of nature.

You can view all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  Here are links to our other destinations in Park City, and Mammoth Mountain,  Southern California Beaches and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  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.

Showcase of a Beautiful Escape Destination

Back in March of 2012, we welcomed an amazing new estate to our collection of properties.  While each of our properties brings something special for our guests, this one coupled great luxury with an amazing space.  It’s one of our largest properties with 6700 square feet and a soaring 35 foot ceiling in the great room.  The expansive floorplan stretches out with 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.  Three of the bedrooms are master suites, so this property is tailor made for larger groups, families, or multiple families.

The property features a theater room with two level seating and a 10 foot (diameter) viewing screen for your enjoyment.  Grab some of your favorite DVD’s and enjoy a weekend binge watching some great movies.  You’ll also enjoy spending some time shooting a friendly game of pool, or declare a “Vegas Night” as you gather around the full size poker table for some serious competition and penny ante stakes.

The gourmet kitchen offers a great opportunity for you to indulge your inner Wolfgang Puck.  Cook up something amazing for the family, and relax in front of the fireplace before you enjoy some dessert.  The view out the wall of windows is amazing as you allow your eye to follow up to the full 35 foot height above the fireplace.   Later, you may all want to file out to the deck and enjoy the view as you warm up with cups of steaming hot chocolate.  That may well be the moment that it hits you:  The hardest part of this vacation is going to be packing up and leaving this amazing estate.  See more photos and details about this cabin at this link.

You can view all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  Here are links to our other destinations in Park City, and Mammoth Mountain,  Southern California Beaches and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  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.

We Hate to Brag, but . . . Well, Actually, We Like to Brag

One of our favorite things about our job is that we get so many repeat guests.  It’s really satisfying when we get a call that starts with, “We rented a cabin last summer from you guys, and we’re wondering if it may be available again . . . ”  These calls are affirmation that we’re doing our job right.  We strive daily to make sure that we keep our guests happy with the finest properties available.  Here are a few notes we received from happy guests:

Tim T. and his family stayed last month in our cabin #2 Luxurious Castle Glen Estate: “What a great property! Our large family stayed in this home recently and we had a wonderful time. It’s quite an interesting home with huge windows, a tree trunk beam, 2 kitchens, and wonderful forest/ski slope views from several of the rooms. The only thing that was a bummer was the lack of snow! The weather was quite warm for the winter and we ended up doing a day hike on the other side of the lake. We will stay again next time we are in town!”

Pam drove up with her extended family from Diamond Bar for her stay in our Cabin # 8 Estate by the Lake.  Here’s what she had to say: “My husband and I decided the family needed a get-together to take our minds off of tough times and thought we’d surprise everyone with a luxury weekend. Wow! Everyone is still talking about it and we’re doing our best to fit it in our budget again this year. I can’t tell you how amazing our stay was and we thoroughly enjoyed all the family pictures. Would love someday to also be able to spend time in the spring or summer. The best part was watching mom (81) enjoy her three daughters, husbands, grandchildren and great grandchildren and she insisted we play scrabble until we dropped! Thank you so much for making your home our home!!”

Our cabin No. 10 The Grand Lakefront in Big Bear is a consistent favorite with our guests.  It was featured on a young starlet’s reality show last year, and it continues to wow our guests.  Maryam from Los Angeles described her family’s visit this way: “We do an annual Big Bear trip every Feb/March. This cabin was by far the BEST experience we had in all these years! The views are breathtaking as is the cabin itself. There is so much attention to detail in this beautiful cabin. It truly felt like we were in our own home…we were so comfortable! The game room is perfect for teenagers/kids- it’s like they had their own living quarters! We had the best time ever and we can’t wait to return every year to this beautiful cabin! Thank you Barb for a wonderful weekend in your home. You truly designed it with love and we felt it!”

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 BeachesMammoth 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.

 

 

Life Has Too Many Regrets. Grab Your Skis and Avoid This One

We’re getting amazing snow in Big Bear right now.   March is upon us, and the skiing is better than ever.  But it can’t last forever; Spring is right around the corner. You don’t want to look back at this time once May rolls around realize you wasted one of your last chances to hit the slopes.  The conditions right now are great.  Don’t put this off any longer.

We imagine nobody will be surprised to learn that we’re in favor of the 4 day work week as long as you plan the other 3 days in one of our luxury Big Bear vacation rentals.  We’re also in favor of using some of those accumulated vacation days you have in reserve.  And we’re continually proposing that our guests just take a few days for relaxation in the mountains.  Call it personal days, impersonal days, or an out of town excursion that involves absolutely no work whatsoever.  This is a perfect time for some days on the slopes and some nights relaxing in a Five Star Vacation Rental in Big Bear.  Order your lift tickets in advance and save some money with this link: http://www.bearmountain.com/snowboard/rates/lift-tickets/

Our weekday bookings are usually much lighter than the weekends, and the same applies to the slopes at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit.  Get more time in on the slopes, and enjoy a wider choice of cabins for your time off the slopes.  As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll find even the best restaurants in the Village will seat you immediately.  It’s a great chance to unwind.

After a fun day on the slopes or in the Village, you can look forward to the evenings in your Five Star Vacation Rental. You’ll find each of our properties to be a luxurious delight. Cozy up in front of the fire and just relax with your family. Choose one of our properties with a hot tub, and that’s another great spot to end the day.

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 BeachesMammoth 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.

Upcoming Events In Big Bear

Skiing is still the number one reason to head to Big Bear right now.  With artificial snow being made nightly and snowfall in the weather forecast, it’s a perfect time to book your ski getaway.  But Big Bear is a great destination this time of year even if you have no intention of picking up skis.

Over the years, Big Bear’s nightlife has really expanded.  The sleepy little mountain town that first gained notoriety for the “swarms of bears” found here has morphed into a lively getaway for families and night owls alike.   There’s a steady stream of popular musicians performing around town.  And though skiing is the biggest draw during the winter, there’s still plenty of great activities to be had without taking up skis.  Here’s just a sample of the events upcoming in March:

First on our list is a bit extreme, but certainly a chilly way to support a great cause.  The 4th Annual Big Bear Lake “Polar Plunge” for Special Olympics takes place on March 7th at Swim Beach starting at 10:00am.  Grab your pet penguin and head over to support the Special Olympics.  After you’ve been chilled and shaken (not stirred), be sure to rush your numb appendages over to your Five Star vacation rental.  Pick one with a hot tub, so you can more quickly defrost as you continually repeat, “What the heck was I thinking?”  Once you’ve thawed, keep warm by the fireplace.

If you’re more interested in kicking up your heels than freezing them off, you may want to visit one of Big Bear’s fun night spots. Here’s a partial list for your club hopping:

The Cave
at 40789 Village Drive
Tel: (909) 878-0500

Chad’s Place
40740 Village Drive
Tel: (909) 866-2161

B’s Boathouse
350 Alden Road
Tel: (909) 866-5400

Black Diamond Tavern
42172 Moonridge Road
Tel: (909) 366-0871

Nottingham’s Tavern
40797 Big Bear Blvd.
Tel: (909) 866-4644

Club Bombay
672 Pine Knot
Tel: (909) 878-0133

We also recommend that you plan a visit to the Big Bear Discovery Center.  They always have fun and interesting activities on tap.  During March you can participate in the annual Bald Eagle count.  This is a great outing for nature lovers and photographers alike.  You may get a chance to see these amazing birds up close during the count.  The final day of this year’s count is March 9th, and you can get more details at this link.

But the most important event in Big Bear is that moment your family walks through the front door of your Five Star Vacation Rental cabin or estate.  It’s an amazing feeling.  You’ll be immersed in the luxury and quickly make yourself at home.  You’ll laugh as the kids bounce on the beds and you explore every corner.  Test the water in the hot tub to make sure it’s just right and then decide if you’ll fix dinner in the gourmet kitchen or head out to one of the great restaurants nearby.  And it will take a while before you realize you haven’t wasted a single moment worrying about whatever pressures you left behind as you walked through the door.

Check out all of our Big Bear vacation rentals at this link.  If you’re in the mood for a getaway to one of our other destinations, follow these links to view our other properties in Park City, and Mammoth Mountain Southern California Beaches or Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico.  Your family could use some time away to relax and enjoy each other, couldn’t they?  Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan a great vacation or weekend trip.