oktoberfest Archives - Five Star Vacation Rental

September in Big Bear. Plant This In Your Mind.

Well, the kids are back in school or will be in a few days. It’s time to surrender to the more mundane aspects of a weekly schedule that includes early morning roundups of kids, backpacks, lunches, puppies and car keys. Why is it that the car keys are always someplace new? Maybe we should devote an entire blog to that topic. But not this one.

Your bodies may well be going through the motions of a post-summer reality, but there’s really no reason to surrender your mind to this eventuality. Much of your daily routine can be handled quite well without devoting your entire attention to it, right? Spreadsheets and calendars already have boxes on them, and you just need to punch in a bit of text. Heck, most of those reports you’re preparing can practically write themselves. And unless you really are a brain surgeon or rocket scientist, this really isn’t brain surgery or rocket science. So why not allow your mind to continue in summer vacation mode for a while longer? We can’t think of any compelling reason to pull you back. In fact, we’ve cooked up a few reasons that you should remain in vacation mode for at least another several weeks. Take a look at some of the fun things that you can do in Big Bear in September:

Oktoberfest is back! It starts September 13th and runs weekends through October 25th. This annual event if one of our most popular, and it’s absolutely a great time for the entire family. There’s beer, brats, more beer, great ethnic costumes, more beer, games for the kids, dancing, beer, and pretzels. And did we mention beer? Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, Oktoberfest in Big Bear is great fun. The food is just amazing, and there are so many fun things to do with lots of great little shops and stalls to visit as well. Grab your sweetie, and prepare to polka! Will you please pick up one of those cool little caps with the feather in it for us?

September 19-21 also sees the arrival of the 15th annual Big Bear Film Festival. This is a great event for film buffs of all stripes. You can rub elbows with industry leaders, and there’s usually some great star gazing if you can peer behind that sea of over-size sun glasses to pick out the “A” listers that fly into town for the occasion. This is a very popular event, and you should get your tickets in advance. This year there will be over 115 movies shown at different venues around town, and there will be a great selection of 3D films to choose from as well. You can buy your tickets at this link.

There’s really no better way to enhance your enjoyment of these September events in Big Bear than with a luxury vacation cabin or estate from Five Star Vacation Rentals. We have assembled dozens of the finest, most luxurious properties to be found anywhere in Big Bear. You can spend your days taking in some of the cutting edge films or sampling international beers, but spend your nights in the comfort and luxury of your Five Star Vacation Rental. It’s a perfect combination. Spend all day on your feet having fun, and prop up your feet at night in your luxury vacation rental. Check out our Big Bear vacation rental cabins and estates at this link.

Give us a call, and we’ll be glad to book your getaway for you. Looking for a vacation somewhere else? No problem! Check out our luxury vacation rentals in Park City, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We realize that you get very little vacation time each year, so we’re dedicated to ensuring that your time spent in one of our luxury rentals will be a great value for you and your family. Call us today at 310-800-5454, and we’ll help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.

Oktoberfest Is Just Around the Corner. Book Your Vacation Rental Cabin Early

We’re getting a jump on September events in Big Bear, because the month is packed with some of our most popular of the year. If you’ve never visited Big Bear during September, it’s a real treat as the leaves begin to turn with the evenings become cooler. And every September we’re excited to welcome back Southern California’s most popular Oktoberfest celebration.

Big Bear’s first Oktoberfest was celebrated back in 1971, and it grows in popularity and attendance each year. This year’s celebration commences September 14th and continues for 7 consecutive weekends through October 27th. Many of our guests make it an annual rite of fall to reserve their favorite cabin and spend some time drinking in (literally and figuratively!) the fun and culture of the event. Once you attend, you’ll soon see why.

This year’s celebration will continue the tradition of offering some of the world’s finest German beers, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and apple strudel. Big Bear prides itself as one of the country’s most authentic Oktoberfests with much of the cuisine and brews created by German brewers, bakers, and butchers. The list of tasty ales keeps expanding each year, and you can count on finding brews ranging from traditional German varieties to yummy flavored beers including lemonade, pumpkin, raspberry and more. You haven’t fully lived until you’ve sampled a steaming hot fresh bratwurst washed down with an icy cold authentic German beer. If you’re not drooling, check your pulse.

And you’ll have plenty of opportunity to work off your meals with lots of dancing and unique shopping booths to stroll through as well. If you’ve been searching for an excuse to break out your lederhosen and get down to some serious German fun, this is it.

Oktoberfest is always a busy time for us here at Five Star Vacation Rentals, so we recommend that you get your reservation in early. And be sure to ask about a discount for weekly rentals if you want to stay longer to enjoy some of the other September events. Check back for next Friday’s blog with details about this year’s Big Bear International Film Festival.

You can view all our Big Bear cabins at this link, or call us at a 310-780-3411. We’ll be happy to help you put together the ideal Oktoberfest getaway. And while Big Bear is certainly our favorite spot to celebrate Oktoberfest, you can also enjoy great beer and fine dining at any of our other destinations including Park City, Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Regardless of which one of our luxury getaway locations you choose, you can be assured that we’re working to make sure your vacation will be one you’ll want to repeat again every year.

Planning the Perfect Oktoberfest Getaway

Oktoberfest Is Here!

Tomorrow is the opening day of Oktoberfest, and it will continue to run through October 27th. Have you made your plans yet? This is one of the year’s biggest events in Big Bear, and it’s something that many families make a regular yearly tradition. If you’ve never been, it will take just one visit to see why it is so popular.

This weekend opens with a salute to America’s Heros. Past and present military, law enforcement and fire fighters will get free admission. There will be a special opening ceremony on Saturday night to offer thanks for the sacrifice of these brave men and women.

The fun of Oktoberfest starts each Saturday at noon with German bands, polka dances, and events for the entire family. There can be some pretty big crowds, so here are a few suggestions to make your weekend more enjoyable.

Buy your tickets in advance

There can be a line to buy tickets during peak hours, so one quick way to get the fun started right away is buy your tickets in advance. There are a variety of ticket prices and packages available, and you can purchase them at this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1758871515?ref=eorgbtn

Come hungry!

One of the great delights about Oktoberfest is the wonderful food. From amazingly tender pork roast to consistent favorites like the German Sausage Sandwich, you can count on finding so many food options that you’ll want to stay longer just to sample more of the wonderful cuisine. Knockwurst, bratwurst, and Polish sausage abound, and virtually every dish will be topped with generous amounts of German potato salad and sauerkraut.

For the less adventurous among you, there’s also a full American menu available with hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and the like.

Come thirsty!

There are over a dozen different beers to choose from as well as a good supply of wine too. O’Doul’s Free Shuttle will be operating each evening offering a free ride back to your cabin from the festivities.

And when you finish sampling the amazing food and drink at Oktoberfest, be sure to visit the visit the Budenstrasse (Avenue of the Booths). These shops offer an amazing assortment of fine chocolates, beef jerky, kites, old fashion clothes, gifts and artwork. The Avenue of the Booths is an especially big hit with the kids. You’ll find face painting, bounce houses, pony rides, and a petting zoo.

Be prepared to laugh and enjoy yourself

The entertainment never ends during Oktoberfest. There are fun contests for the entire family as well as bands and dancing. It’s a great time for the family to just relax have some real fun. Sundays are family day with half price adult admission and free for children 12 and under. The Children’s contests including Pretzel Eating and Boot Holding. Children’s contests take place at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Sundays and are free for children.

Enjoy it all from the comfort of your Big Bear Five Star Vacation Rental Cabin

Oktoberfest is even more enjoyable when you stay in one of our luxurious Big Bear Vacation Rental Cabins. We still have a number of cabins available, so give us a call at 310-800-5454. We’ll be happy to help you put together your first or fifteenth visit to Oktoberfest. Browse all of our Big Bear cabins on this page.

We also have vacation rentals available in Park City,Palm Springs/La Quinta, Southern California Beaches, Mammoth Mountain, and Villa la Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. And we specialize in helping our guests create vacations with memories that will last a lifetime.

Win a Free Cabin Rental in Big Bear!

About the only thing we can imagine better than a Five Star Vacation Rentals weekend in Big Bear, is getting that weekend for FREE! And right now you have the chance to win a great weekend stay at one of our Big Bear Cabins.

It’s simple to enter and no purchase is required. Just visit our Facebook page and submit your original photo or video depicting time you’ve spent in Big Bear. We’re looking for photos or videos that will highlight great times you’ve had there. They can be from any season and any activity in Big Bear. Submit your entries on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Fivestarvacationrentals

Here are a few ideas to stir your imagination:

Depict family activities in any season
Send a video of fun you’re having in one of our Five Star Big Bear Cabins
Have any good videos of your first time skiing?
Have you taken any video or photos of Big Bear wildlife?

The contest runs from March 16th-April 16th, and we’re looking for your original photos and videos. We’ll announce the winner on Facebook on Monday April 23rd, and the lucky winner will receive 8 Oktoberfest tickets and a free weekend in a 3 bedroom cabin during Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest in Big Bear is a great time for the entire family. Every year there are amazing bands, festivities, and – of course – beer! There’s an expanded bier garten with big screen TV’s to watch the NFL, or college ball games while you relax with friends. The kids will love the game booths and petting zoo, while you can sign up for the log sawing or beer drinking contests.

At the end of the day, you’ll enjoy the luxury of one of our 3 bedroom cabins that will sleep up to 6 guests. You can relax in front of the fireplace or enjoy a movie. It will be a weekend that you’ll always remember.

Contest Rules: No purchase is necessary. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States aged 18 or over. To enter, just visit our Facebook page between March 16th and April 16th, 2012 and submit an original photo or video that you personally created in or around Big Bear. The winner will be selected by Five Star Vacation Rentals and announced on our Facebook page on April 23rd.