Big Bear’s warm outdoor season is ending. Our entertainment choices now range from watching the fall colors change, attending Oktoberfest, to celebrating Halloween in the Village. Since the fall colors appear to be peaking this weekend, we’ll try that first and join in with everyone else next weekend. The fall colors can be seen in the Fox Farm neighborhood, near McAllister. For a wilderness experience, hike into the Aspen Grove. Our Aspen tree leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow and orange. To visit the Aspen … [Read more...]
Big Bear Neighborhoods
October 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
You’ve just won the lottery, or maybe a rich uncle has generously remembered you in his will. You now have the means to live in any Big Bear neighborhood. Where would you live? Here’s my wish list and a few reasons why I’d choose to live there. Boulder Bay Lake Front This is a no-brainer. If you’ve ever walked through a Big Bear lake front home you know why they’re so great - location, location, location. Being able to walk out on your deck and jump in your boat for a lake cruise has to be the cat’s pajamas. And … [Read more...]
The Big Bear Gourmet
October 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Restaurants in the mountains have long been known for their piles of pancakes and American cuisine. But recently, new Big Bear Lake restaurants serve a variety of ethnic flavors and gourmet ingredients to this community. When we first moved to Big Bear from Los Angeles sixteen years ago, we used to joke about the lack of restaurant ambience. At that time, few restaurants even used linen service. The Iron Squirrel, Fred & Marys, Madlons and Stillwells at Northwoods were among the best choices. While Madlons (Big … [Read more...]
Autumn in the Mountains
October 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
In these next few weeks, the Big Bear area will be putting on the Fall Colors. Already, the Jeffrey Pine needles are turning orange. Some of the Ornamental Maples have turned a deep red. A few of the Quaking Aspens are losing their vibrant green. We actually saw yellow Aspens behind the bank. Late season flowers are blooming, with Sunflowers, Black Eyed Susans and Rabbit Bush really drawing the bees and butterflies. Bring your camera. The best Fall viewing is coming. Big Bear is famous for our Fall display. You can … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate – Home Staging Tips
October 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
In today’s competitive real estate market sellers must do everything they can to prepare their home for a sale. Aside from pricing your home correctly, home staging is next best way to attract potential buyers. Here’s a few low cost tips to get you started turning your house into a show home. Curb Appeal This is the critical first impression as buyers drive up to the home. Wipe down or power wash your exterior including the front door, porch, outside railings and steps. It’s cheaper than repainting and makes a … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake Autumn and Oktoberfest
September 26, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Fall is in the air. You can feel it and see it. The mornings are just a bit cooler and the trees are beginning to turn their green leaves into red and gold. It’s a magical time to be in Big Bear. We’re one of the few communities in Southern California that gets to experience the change of the seasons like other parts of the country. Our fall season is the time to get the last of the warm weather activities into the scrapbook and start looking forward to winter. But first it’s time to party. And one of the biggest … [Read more...]
Homes and Dreams in Big Bear
September 24, 2011 by 5 Comments
Big Bear is a mecca for the retirement set, and for good reason. Our mountain community offers affordable housing, an active senior center, adequate health care, and plenty of other baby boomers to hang out with. And to top it off Big Bear is located in one of the most beautiful settings in the country. My mother and stepdad have lived in Big Bear for almost twenty years and they’ve never regretted their decision to move here. Before settling on Big Bear they looked all over California for a suitable retirement … [Read more...]
Hot Dawgs and Hand Rails (HDHR)
September 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Snow time in the mountains of Big Bear Lake…almost! Saturday, September 24th, Bear Mountain will open for a unique pre-season party. Forty top jib riders will compete for $15,000 in cash prizes . This eighth annual event will see Nick Visconti return as defending champ. The contest begins at 2:00 PM and goes until dark. Arrive early and watch the staff lay down 110 tons of ice. The unique 2011 features are sponsored by Red Bull. They include a huge wall with a ledge, stairs, down rails, close out rails, and bank … [Read more...]
Big Bear Is For Dog Lovers
September 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear is one of Southern California’s most dog friendly communities, and it’s no wonder why; fresh air, open spaces, and plenty of other dogs to bark at and sniff. If dogs could choose their places to live, Big Bear would be at the top of the list. The dog owners that live up here already know that one of life’s simple pleasures is watching a dog play in the snow or splash around the lake. You can’t help but smile. Walk through the Big Bear village and you’ll see water dishes outside many businesses and … [Read more...]
How Big Bear Lake Spent The Summer Vacation
September 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Labor Day weekend has come and gone and the first hint of fall is in the air. So its a great time to reflect on the summer of 2011 and remind ourselves why we love our mountain paradise. Here's a look back at some of our more popular summer events. Big Bears' summer of 2011 began with the first fishing tournament of the season, the May Trout Classic, with over 400 participants competing for cash and prizes. This years winning fish weighed in at 9.10 pounds and was caught by Jack Storti of Westlake Village. In … [Read more...]
