The Big Bear Valley is one of only a few populated areas in the country situated in the middle of a national forest. The San Bernardino National Forest not only provides a beautiful alpine environment full of wildlife, it’s also a base camp for endless mountain adventures. Whether you hike, mountain bike, camp, rock climb, or just love off-road driving, the adventure begins here. The best source of adventure information is the Big Bear Lake Discovery Center, located on the north shore of the lake. This beautiful … [Read more...]
The Big Bear Cowboy
August 23, 2011 by 2 Comments
The history of the cowboys in the Big Bear area is intertwined with cattle ranching in the valley. There were several large cattle ranches including the I.S. Ranch in west Big Bear Lake, the Shay Ranch at Shay Meadows, and the Hitchcock Ranch in Holcomb Valley. The grazing began in the San Bernardino Mountains around 1857 with both cattle and sheep. Gus Knight from Knight’s Camp, Jim Erwin from Erwin Lake and Will Talmadge, who owned lakefront property, were among the valley’s first ranchers. Cattle were … [Read more...]
Exploring Big Bear
August 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
There’s a side to Big Bear that most people never get to see. It’s the amazing back country that surrounds our mountain valley. Some of the most beautiful places in Big Bear are just a few miles off the beaten path. Here are a few tips for first time back country explorers. Most of the fire roads that lead into the San Bernardino National Forest are easily traveled by standard two wheel drive vehicles. Be sure to pack a couple of blankets, plenty of water, and some food, just in case you break down or get lost. … [Read more...]
Winterize Your Big Bear Home
August 18, 2011 by 1 Comment
It’s unbelievable! It’s mid-summer, the trees are still green, and yet there’s a chill in the air. September looms on the horizon. For Big Bear locals, it’s time to think of the upcoming winter season. Winters in the San Bernardino Mountains can vary greatly. Recently, we’ve had both mild southern California style winters and winters where we’ve received six feet of snow at once. Although rare, we’ve had low temperatures down to -10 degrees, freezing water pipes in older homes. If your real estate investment is a … [Read more...]
Five Reasons To Purchase Big Bear Real Estate
August 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
With all the doom and gloom in today’s economic news, there’s a bright spot for home buyers in Big Bear, CA. Here are five primary reasons to contact Tyler Wood Group and start shopping for the home of your dreams. 1. There are more homes to choose from. From affordable starter homes in Big Bear City to lakefront homes on Boulder Bay and horse ranches in Erwin Lake, the variety of available properties for sale is tremendous. We can honestly say that there’s a home available in every location, property type, and … [Read more...]
You know You’re a Big Bear Local If…
August 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I belong to a Facebook group called “You Know You’re From (My Home Town) If…” where everyone shares tidbits of local nostalgia and information that only a local would know. Here’s my Big Bear version of the article. You Know You’re a Big Bear Local If… 1. There’s a bear paw sticker (the right kind) on the back of your car. 2. The car you own is four-wheel-drive (probably a Subaru). 3. By the end of Summer you start dreaming about skiing & snowboarding. 4. You know all the back streets so to avoid weekend … [Read more...]
Oktoberfest at the Big Bear Convention Center
August 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Oktoberfest Like a Local Big Bear Lake’s Oktoberfest is a local tradition spanning more than forty years. Hans Bandow and his family originally brought the tradition to Big Bear. What started in a tent, quickly grew into its own building, the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. Hans had the architect design a building based on the early Oktoberfest tents from Germany. The event organizers provide an entertainment mix of German bands and progressive Los Angeles rock bands. The dancing is punctuated with old … [Read more...]
Big Bear Celebrity Sightings
July 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment
I’ve never been a “star-chaser” and I don’t subscribe to any tabloids. But the other night I was dining with friends at the local Big Bear restaurant that used to be owned by character actor Andy Divine and the conversation turned to celebrity sightings. Specifically, Big Bear celebrity sightings. My first celebrity sighting occurred just after I had just moved to Big Bear in the early ‘90’s. I was skiing by myself at Snow Summit and was waved up from the singles line to join a half full chair of other skiers. … [Read more...]
Big Bear City Airport
July 23, 2011 by 1 Comment
Big Bear City Airport (L35) The Big Bear City Airport began as a dirt landing strip. Air service was through Los Angeles and Ontario airports. The Big Bear Land and Water Company, of Big Bear City, kept the time tables in their office. Early aviation attempts had to overcome the challenges of wind, weather and altitude. Mountain winds usually cross the valley from the west to the east and have reached speeds of over one hundred miles per hour. Big Bear City’s altitude begins at 6,725 feet. In the Summer, hot … [Read more...]
The Big Bear Market – Rentals and Real Estate
July 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
There are many factors to consider before you stick a “for rent” sign in your yard. Location and rent-ability are just as important as management and maintenance issues. Is the property better suited for vacation rental or are you looking for a full time tenant? Are you going to market and maintain the property yourself or will you need to hire a professional to help you? Here are a few key issues to think about before you get started. Location If your property is near the lake or next to the resorts it will be a … [Read more...]
