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...]
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...]
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...]
Labor Day Weekend
September 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
We are expecting a beautiful weekend in Big Bear, CA. The temperatures will be moderate and sunny, with a possibility of scattered afternoon thundershowers. How will you enjoy yourself? There are several events in the Valley this weekend, beginning with Friday nights in the Village. Enjoy street vendors and live music on the street corners. There’s plenty of shopping and dining throughout the area, along with two movie theaters and a bowling alley. On Saturday night the Big Bear Lake Discovery Center will play host … [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 Real Estate – Finding A Place In Big Bear To Call Your Own, Part 1
July 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Finding A Place In Big Bear To Call Your Own, Part One Once you’ve decided to look for a piece of Big Bear to call your own, the big question is “where”. Our valley has many different neighborhoods to choose from, each with their own unique look and feel. What may be a perfect area for one person might not work for someone else. It really depends on where you are in your life and what your goals are. For a first time buyer or a young family looking to purchase a home in Big Bear there are several great areas to … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake Events
July 12, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Summertime Big Bear Lake Old Miner’s Days has been a local Big Bear tradition spanning more than sixty years. Its roots are found in our local gold mining history. A sizeable gold discovery was made in 1849 by William Holcomb. While out hunting for bear, he came across gold bearing quartz. His discovery caused “Holcomb’s Valley” to fill with miners, barely missing becoming the seat of the County of San Bernardino (questionable election results). Local gold miners were able to average an income of three dollars a … [Read more...]
Big Bear Lake Events
July 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Big Bear Lake Antique Car Show Most of the roads leading into this mountain community are known for their steep, tight curves. Highway 18 from Lucerne Valley has notorious hair pins. Driving these mountain roads in an antique car can be both challenging and exciting. The Antique Car Club is expected in Big Bear next month. Their event is from August 12th through the 14th. Located in the Village of Big Bear Lake, the event is not to be missed. We suggest that you park in one of the public parking lots to the south … [Read more...]
Big Bear with Huell Howser
June 30, 2011 by Leave a Comment
When Huell Howser came to Big Bear a few years ago to film his “Road Trip” series, the whole town was buzzing with excitement. I never caught that first airing of the Big Bear episode so when I saw that it was going to be shown again last week, I had to watch. I have to admit I’ve always liked Huell’s homespun approach to travel journalism and I was truly impressed with what he did for our little burg. The day started off with a trip to the Discovery Center for some general information and then he got into a jeep … [Read more...]
Our Real Estate is in the San Bernardino National Forest, Big Bear
June 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Mountain Homes are Surrounded by Alpine Forests. Big Bear Lake has the unique distinction of being an incorporated city that’s completely surrounded by National Forest. For over 150 years, people have been coming to our valley to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that only a protected forest can provide. With so much change occurring elsewhere in California, it’s amazing that these lands have remained open to the public. San Bernardino National Forest is a federally-managed forest covering … [Read more...]
