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Annual Classic Car Show & Fun RunThe 27th Annual Classic Car Show & Fun Run in Big Bear was as big a success as ever! More than 500 beautifully restored classic cars were on display in the Village this past weekend. Thousands of fans and car enthusiasts took to the Village to see the variety of cars all built prior to 1975.

The Fun Run Cruise on Saturday went West from the Village entrance on Highway 18, across the Dam and continued on Highway 38 through Fawnskin. People were lined up along Northshore as the cars made their way to Stanfield Cutoff and back to Big Bear Blvd. returning to the Village.

Sunday was all about the show. The village was blocked off to allow locals and our wonderful visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the cars and their owners. You had the opportunity to either watch from a distance or have a chat with the owner about the time, love and dollars that went in to making their classic beauty what it is today. Many of the car owners have some tie to the Big Bear valley, but others come from across the country to be a part of this wonderful event!

Village Reservations hosts quite a few of the car owners every year since almost the beginning of the show and are happy to do so. If you have a car that you’d like to put in the Annual Classic Car Show & Fun Run, give us a call and we can get you all the information about booking your home and getting the application for next year’s event!

We look forward to seeing you and your car in 2017!

If you want to join the 2017 party, you can send a self-addressed and stamped #10 envelope in January 2017 requesting an application (Big Bear Lake Antique Car Club P.O. Box 6311 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315). They mail all applications in at the same time in mid February so that all have a chance to get a reserved parking space.

Image Courtesy of the Big Bear Grizzly

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Arctic Circle - Highway 18 Road Closure

Arctic Circle – Highway 18 Road Closure. Caltrans works hard: fresh pavement and annual clearing/ maintenance to get ready for the heavy winter.

With the expected heavy winter coming, Caltrans is going to be working hard during the next couple weeks to make sure that the roads coming up the mountain are ready for not only the rough weather ahead, but also the heavy flow of traffic that is expected to hit the highway this winter. Starting this week and going through October 29th, Caltrans is working from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to complete their annual routine maintenance on the Arctic Circle, on Highway 18. The road will be completely closed during those times.

Some of the items that are being worked on are: Turnout clearance; guardrail maintenance, rock scaling, drain cleaning and painting recessed fog lines on the areas of the road that have been recently paved. Caltrans will be working hard to make the roads and surrounding areas as safe as possible for the winter season.

Plan ahead if you will be visiting Big Bear during the time that the Arctic Circle on Highway 18. There will be increased traffic on all of our highways, so please drive safe and be courteous to other drivers. If you will be driving up the mountain during the day Monday through Friday until October 29th, we recommend taking an alternate route:

If you are coming from Los Angeles: Take the 10 Freeway East to the University Exit. Make a left on University at the stop sign. Follow University to Lugonia and make a right. Follow Lugonia East and it will become Highway 38. At the top of the Mountain, take Big Bear Blvd. West (turn left).

If you are coming from the San Diego Area: Take the Interstate 15 North to the 10 Freeway East. From the 10 Freeway East to the University Exit. Make a left on University at the stop sign. Follow University to Lugonia and make a right. Follow Lugonia East and it will become Highway 38. At the top of the Mountain, take Big Bear Blvd. West (turn left).

If you are coming from the Victorville/Hesperia/Lucerne Valley Area: Follow Highway 18 into the Big Bear Valley. Make a left at Stanfield Cutoff and then make a right onto Big Bear Blvd. Stay on Big Bear Blvd. until you reach Pine Knot Avenue (traffic light) and make a left. Go to the top, through the stop sign.

Big Bear is stunningly beautiful in the fall and a great location to spend a weekend, especially during Halloween. There are plenty of events and activities for all ages to enjoy. Be sure to check out some of our favorites:

Scarecrow Festival

Big Bear’s second annual Scarecrow Festival runs until November 8, featuring dozens of different types of scarecrows on display throughout the village. To make things even more interesting, there are ballots and maps located at various participating merchants and at the Big Bear Visitor’s Center so you can vote for your favorite scarecrow.

The final day of voting is October 30, with the awards ceremony occurring during the annual Halloween in the the Village on October 31.

Halloween in the Village

Each Halloween, the streets of Big Bear village are closed down turning the area into a spooky, exciting reconstruction of itself. More than 50 shops in the village transform into a community trick-or-treat area in a safe and fun environment.

Boo in the Zoo

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo transforms into a Halloween themed park and it is not to be missed. From 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on October 31, the zoo will feature The Graveyard, Pumpkin Patch, Electric Dungeon of Doom, Witches Brew, Scarecrow Land, Witches Lair and Goblins. Additionally, all animals will be on display throughout the zoo. Don’t forget to dress up, as prizes will be award for best costumes in multiple categories.

To view more blog posts from Village Reservations, click here.

Looking for some great restaurant recommendations in Big Bear? Look no further! Here are our top 5 restaurants in Big Bear.

big-bear-lake-restaurant-dining-at-knickerbocker-mansion
Knickerbocker Mansion & Bistro
869 Knickerbocker Road
(909) 878-9190

The interior of the Knickerbocker Mansion is warm, cozy and historic. While the feeling is much more elegant than when the Knickerbocker family made it their home, our Big Bear Lake lodge still has the original rustic charm and ambiance of days gone by. The main dining room was converted from part of the first floor original exterior veranda and runs the length of the Mansion. It is a perfect place to lose yourself in a wonderful gourmet breakfast/lunch with views and to enjoy the antics of the Knickerbocker family of woodpeckers that reside in an old tree just outside the glass. New Orleans Style Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch.   The Bistro at the Mansion The menu changes seasonally and is served Thursday-Sunday 9am-2pm beginning May 1st. It is one of the very best fine dining experiences in Big Bear Lake!

 

hacienda-grill

Hacienda Sports Bar & Grill
41787 Big Bear Blvd.
(909) 866-8667

Hacienda Sports Bar & Grill features an impressive bar and many large TVs throughout so you can sit back and enjoy your favorite game or sporting event. They offer a variety of entrees that will please any taste from Mexican staples to American burgers and fries, they have a little bit of everything to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Experience inventive cuisine,  attentive service, and a  friendly atmosphere at one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in town.

 

teddy-bear-restaurant-big-bear-google-search

Teddy Bear Restaurant
583 Pine Knot Ave
(909) 866-5415

Established in 1944, the Teddy Bear Restaurant is one of the most successful in the entire area. Known for their home-style cooking, Teddy Bear features chicken pot pie, country fried steak and delectable homemade pies.

Make sure to come in for their famous breakfast, some which are actually named by or after patron who frequently visit. Finally, make sure to bring cash, as the restaurant does take accept credit or debit.

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Saucy Mama’s Pizza & Beer
618 Pine Knot Ave
(909) 878-0165

Bringing back Great Grandma’s recipes in this pizzeria. Saucy Mama’s Pizza & Beer easily makes our top 5 restaurants in Big Bear. They create all of their sauces and dough from scratch every day and hand toss every pizza. Serving beer and wine with dining either inside in their newly expanded restaurant or outside on patio, it’s really a great spot to enjoy a pie with your friends and family. They have big screen TV’s, play awesome classic music and there is just a great atmosphere all around.

top 5 restaurants in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake Brewing Company
40827 Stone Road (in the Village)
(909)878-0283

Big Bear Lake has beer! And it’s not just at Oktoberfest. Big Bear Lake Brewing Company has been making a name for it’s self up here on the mountain this year as one of the hottest new restaurants and places to be in Big Bear. They pride themselves in making the food fresh, keeping the menu updated and focusing on customer service. The avocado bombs are their most famous menu item and that’s just an appetizer to get your taste buds primed. They also have great burgers and make them unique by serving them on a croissant roll. The fries are made with real potatoes, the pizza is loaded with delicious quality cheeses and you can wash it all down with a house brewed beer. Big Bear Lake Brewing Company will give you a tour as well so you can learn all about the beer making process before you sample each one.

And… As a Bonus!!

This is local establishment has been a tourist attraction for decades… known for their HUGE portions and small town charm… this is a breakfast spot you have to try at least once…

top 5 restaurants in Big Bear
Grizzly Manor Cafe
41268 Big Bear Blvd
(909) 866-6226

Well known for their great breakfast and classic deli, stocked by the popular Boar’s Head meats, the Grizzly Manor Cafe is definitely worth a visit, landing it firmly in our top 5 restaurants in Big Bear. Make sure to arrive early for breakfast and not be in a rush, because there is usually a line to get in. The customer service is excellent, the portions are massive, the pancakes are bigger than the plates and don’t leave without trying the blob (biscuits, gravy, bacon, two eggs and cheese).

 

Next time you’re in the area, make sure to check out some of our top 5 restaurants in Big Bear and let them know we sent you!

More from Village Reservation’s Blog: Five Must Do Activities in Big Bear

Southern California’s #1 Oktoberfest turns 45 and the celebration promises to be one of our best yet!2015-09-12-DSC08379

The 45th Annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is back! Running Saturdays and Sundays from September 12 through October 31 at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center the even is unlike any other in Southern California.

From noon to midnight on Saturday and noon to 5:30 pm on Sundays enjoy German celebration at it’s finest. Listen and dance to live music from the Express Band and The Franken Power Express. Dine on a variety of German foods: Bratwurst, Polish Sausage, Potato Dumplings, Bier Knockers and  so much more.  Compete in the Log Sawing or Stein Holding contests. There is a children’s fun-zone outside to keep your little ones included in the festivities also. Enjoy the dancing shows by the Cripple Creek Cloggers, GTEV D’Oberlander Dancers and Big Bear’s very own Polka Tots. There are plenty of booths and shops to browse outside for a wonderful assortment or handmade arts, crafts and collectibles. And you can’t forget about the beer featuring a large selection of beers from Germany as well as the regular brands that everyone knows and loves.

IMG_2686The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is truly a one-of-a-kind event in the gorgeous Big Bear valley. Located at The Convention Center at the corner of Big Bear Blvd and Division, the Oktoberfest is definitely a celebration  you don’t want to miss! Rain or shine, you’re always welcomed to drink, eat and be merry at what has been described as the best party in town!

So if you are looking for a weekend getaway this fall give us a call at 909-866-8583 or visit our website VillageReservations.net to book your vacation home. Or if you’ve already booked your trip with Village Reservations, this is the best event of the fall to add to your itinerary. Stop by the Big Bear Convention Center and enjoy all our Oktoberfest has to offer!

Five Must Do Winter Activities in Big Bear

It’s close to that time of year again! Christmas and the Holidays are just around the corner and will be upon us before we know it! So let’s get up to Big Bear and enjoy everything it has to offer! There‘s no shortage of exciting activities and events during the winter in Big Bear. Here are our 5 must do winter activities in Big Bear!

Santa’s Grand Entrance and Christmas Tree Lighting

If you can be in Big Bear Lake Village the evening of Friday November 27th then you are in a one of Big Bear Lake Village’s most fun traditions…The Grand Entrance of Santa Claus and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree! It’s a great event that you are the children are sure to love. Entertainment begins at 5pm and Santa arrives at 6pm in his sled to light the Christmas Tree. Be there!

http://www.bigbearlakevillage.com/


Ski…Ski…Ski !!!

Big Bear is of course well known for its two main ski resorts of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit and this is the perfect time to strap on your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes. Hopefully Mother Nature will build us a huge base this year but either way both resorts work hard to produce plenty of snow to keep you shredding!

http://www.snowsummit.com/
http://www.bearmountain.com/

winter activities in Big Bear
The Alpine Slide and Snow Play

It’s not just skiing that you can do in Big Bear however. There are plenty of other fun ways to enjoy the snow and winter weather. How about taking a ride on the magic carpet and then snow tubing? What about a ride on the Alpine Slide, a fast paced ride down toboggan-like experience. Both a ton of fun and excitement!

http://www.alpineslidebigbear.com
http://www.bigbearsnowplay.com/

winter activities in Big Bear
Helicopter Tours

See Big Bear as you’ve never seen it before…Fly with the eagles high above the the lake and mountain on a thrilling and memorable helicopter ride. With trips lasting anywhere from a short “chopper experience” to a long and ranging tour of the San Bernardino mountains there’s no doubt that you’ll have a lasting memory of the experience!

http://www.helicopterbigbear.com/

winter activities in Big Bear
Relax…It’s Massage time!!!

OK you’ve been busy all day and now you’re tired and a little achy! How about indulging yourself with a revitalizing massage and spa. And the best part? They come to you! Mountain Mobile Massage & Spa have a 5 star Yelp rating and will come to your cabin and completely pamper and revitalize you. Afterwards you’ll be completely refreshed for the evening and the next day’s activities!

http://bigbearmassage.com/

Visitors to Big Bear love to explore and have fun in nature. Whether you’re looking for something calm and relaxing or a high octane rush, there’s something for everyone! Here are some of the top fall activities in Big Bear that are sure to offer a great time for everyone!

fall activities in Big Bear
Scenic Sky Chair

The view of Big Bear Lake from the top of the Big Bear mountains is beautiful all year round, but in the Fall the beauty of the changing season is at some of its best. Take the scenic sky chair high up into the mountain for breathtaking vistas that will surely be a lasting memory.

http://www.snowsummit.com/summer/summer-activities/scenic-sky-chair
fall activities in Big Bear
Zip-lines

We couldn’t leave zip-lining off our list of fall activities in Big Bear! How does flying through the trees suspended only by a (strong!) cable grab you?! If you’re up for some fast paced action then this is the activity for you. Experience the tour through the mountains with a variety of heart pumping zip-lines with heights ranging from 100 feet to over 800 feet.

http://actiontoursbigbear.com/
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

Explore the beautiful trails within the National Forest on horseback. There’s a ride for everyone from a one hour quick trip to a custom all day trek! Also don’t miss out on the petting zoo and pony rides for children. The views will be memorable and you and your friends and family love every minute.

http://www.baldwinlakestables.com/

Alpine Zoo
Alpine Zoo

Did you know Big Bear has a zoo?! Well it does and it’s well worth a visit. With a focus on preservation and rehabilitation Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a fascinating and fun day out any time of year. With dozens of animals to see from owls to eagles and mountain lions to grizzly bears you’ll be sure to leave with a favorite new friend!

http://bigbearzoo.org/

 

Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking

How about a little exercise?! There are some fantastic trails in Big Bear so saddle up and go exploring! For equipment Bear Valley Bikes has you covered with rentals, sales  and service available for the complete beginner through to a mountain master! Go visit the owner Derek and the shop dog Bailey for great advice and a guaranteed adventure!

http://bvbikes.com/

 

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