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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 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.

Big Bear Nightlife

Nothing is more fun than losing yourself in some music, swaying to a beat, and enjoying a live performance. Maybe your days of headbanging or disco are over, but chances are you still appreciate the opportunity to go to concerts and see live music. With all of the beautiful nature Big Bear has to offer, events like concerts can sometimes go overlooked, but you won’t regret fitting a show into your visit’s itinerary. Big Bear is home to several wonderful music venues that regularly host acts that are great for the whole family or ideal for a parents’ night out.

If you are looking for a fun, energetic night out, The Cave is the spot for you. In September, you will catch artists like Robby Kreiger’s Jam Kitchen and Y&T at the state-of-the-art venue, and you can enjoy fantastic concessions while you jam out to the evening’s tunes. The Cave is located at 40789 Village Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, and shows begin at 6:30PM. In addition to the artists who have already been announced, you can expect to see impromptu and last-minute shows from artists traveling through town or staying in Big Bear. The Cave is just one of several spots you are sure to find a show going on.

Part of the allure of venues in Big Bear is their class and quality combined with their intimacy. Though you will often see big-name acts come to town, they will often elect to play for a small crowd in a memorable setting rather than a big arena. While you are enjoying your luxury rental and the sights Big Bear has to offer, venturing to a show and reliving your glory days can be the perfect end to an evening. Concerts are just one of the many arts-focused events going on! On any given day in Big Bear, you can go to a concert, a wine tasting, or a festival.

There are plenty of chances to bring the kids to a concert and stage a family sing-a-long, too! This month, the Big Bear Discovery Center is continuing their Music in the Mountains Summer Concert Series, and kids 12 and under get free admission. The Discovery Center is located at 40971 HWY 38, Fawnskin, Ca 92333, and on September 5th you will see Jim Curry perform A Tribute to John Denver. You can rock out to the classics with your family and see whether or not your kids are old enough to be embarrassed yet! In all seriousness, the whole family will love the intimacy of the outdoor amphitheater, and you’re sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.

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.

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.

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.