Memorial Day Weekend Activities & Events

Saturday, May 18, 2013

As Memorial Day Weekend approaches, many people are planning to get out into the wilds of the San Bernardino National Forest for their three days weekends of adventure or relaxation.

As such, I thought it would only be a fair public service to you, my esteemed readers, to let you know about some of the fun and exciting things to do in the beautiful Big Bear Valley and with a (shhhhh, it’s a secret) Memorial Weekend 50% off flash sale, you can make it affordable and fun!

Memorial Day Weekend ActivitiesA great place to start this Memorial Day Weekend would be the Discovery Zone at the Big Bear Discovery Center (opening May, 25), where families can learn about the great outdoors hands on. The Discovery Zone has been constructed to be a fully interactive classroom focused on the fun side of learning about how thinks work in the our own corner of the National Forest. Points of interest in the Discovery Zone include arts and crafts with materials harvested directly from our local forest, as well as a very web-like climbing area, accessible stage for music, and creative ways to learn to be stewards of our environment. While much of this is ideal for ages 2-7, I think most parents will find it to be a great way to unplug and really focus on learning about nature and participating with their kids… And I wouldn’t be surprised if a few parents find their inner child taking root in such a whimsical atmosphere.

After you’ve gotten in touch with the playful side of nature, I suggest heading to the south side of the lake to check out what Snow Summit will have to offer on May 25.

Scenic Sky Chair at Snow SummitSnow Summit will be opening two attractions that Saturday.

The Scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit runs from Memorial Day Weekend through most of the fall season on East Mountain Xpress, better known as chair 1 by the locals. My family and I take this ride at least once a year, and I’ll tell you…this is an amazing way to get a beautiful view of our community, which will take you about 15 minutes both up and down the lift. Once at the top of the mountain, consider stopping by the View Haus, for a tasty burger!

Once you’ve gotten a great natural high, You could either head over to Bear Mountain Golf Course for nine relaxing holes at 7, 000 feet.

Or…Why not be a bit more daring?

Try taking a stab at Snow Summit’s newly developed Adventure Park. A perfect way to get your adrenaline fix, the Adventure Park opens on Memorial Day Weekend Saturday, May 25th. So why not get a major rush, and then head over the Skychair to relax after?

Flyboarding Action Aqua FlightsFrom there, you can keep the fun going by heading over to Big Bear Marina, where Action Aqua Flight is having the ribbon cutting and grand opening at 10:30 AM. There will be live music and food until three, as well as raffles every 15 minutes or so!

What’s that? You’ve never heard of flyboarding? Well, imagine jetting through the air over the placid waters of Big Bear Lake, whipping and whirling around like some kind of wild superhero from the movies…then you’re off to a great start. Once you’ve had some fun with Action Aqua Flight, stay on the water and head back to the North side of our lake to North Shore Landing where they’ve got jet skiing, wake boarding, waterskiing, and boats for rental at reasonable rates!

If that isn’t enough water sports fun for you, then I suggest taking the family or friends over to Alpine Slide. They have go carts, toboggans, mini-golf, and of course water slides! They’re also offering a punch card special on their website, so head over to the Alpine Slide’s website, and submit your punch card order before June 9th to qualify for the special.

Old Miners Day Chuck Wagon ConcertIn the evening, there is a great opportunity to unwind at the Old Miner’s Association’s Chuck Wagon Benefit Concert. This benefit concert will be the evening of Saturday, May 25 with wonderful chuck wagon-style food and libations. The silent auction and chuck wagon dinner will begin at 6:30 pm and Brent takes the stage at 7:30 pm.

Tickets can be booked online or call 800-424-4232 to speak with a friendly getaway specialist about tickets.
The following morning you can find fun for the car enthusiast, at the Antique Car Club Show & Shine and Pinewood Derby. This show is being held in the Big Bear Snowplay parking lot at no charge to both spectators and show cars. The Pinewood Derby features Big Bear’s own 5th graders, so come on by and show your support for our little motor-heads!

Antique Car Club Show

That morning will also be the first annual Big Bear Memorial 5K Fun Run. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Wounded Warrior Project, and all registrants will receive a finishing “dog tag.”

Now, I know this seems like a ton of things to try and cram into two days. So, my advice to you friends it to cram it into three days! Big Bear is a beautiful community, and we love our visitors. So stay the entire holiday weekend and have a great time exploring with your friends and family.

I will give you one warning though, while it seems like I’ve told you about a lot of different thing…there is even more to do here. So if you can’t fit it all into a single weekend, come back the following weekend and pick up where you left off.

Off again another journey,
Matt McCabe

Have you had a great Memorial Day adventure in Big Bear? Well, I want to hear about it! Share it with us and make everyone’s travels even better.

Posted in Events & Entertainment, Family Fun, Hiking - Nature - Outdoors, Lake Activities, Leisure Activities, Vacation Deals
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Nature Discovery Zone Combines Interactive Fun with Nature

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Southern California Mountains Foundation will soon introduce a brand new feature at the Big Bear Discovery Center called Nature Discovery Zone.

Dig this; the Nature Discovery Zone at the Big Bear Discovery Center is the first nature-style exploration classroom in the National Forest network and opens on Friday, May 24, 2013. Families that want to get closer to nature learn about the what makes things tick in the woods, get creative with art and music and perhaps get your hands a little dirty, then the new Nature Discovery Zone is just up your alley.
Nature Discovery Zone Interactive ExhibitThis new interactive outdoor feature is designed with two things in mind. The first is to learn about nature and art, but best of all it is designed to play together as a family and have lots of fun! The Nature Discovery Zone will have multiple areas where kids and parents alike can explore the props on site and create things together while reconnecting the entire family to nature! It’s a place where you can put the hand held devise in the car and really discover Mother Earth and the real human spirit that we all have deep inside.

There are nine different sections to engage in good times at the open-air arena that lies between the Big Bear Discovery Center’s main building and its outdoor amphitheater. The main focus of the Nature Discovery Zone is to inspire imagination, connectivity and stewardship to the natural environment for children two to seven years of age. However, you will see every age group taking part of the playful atmosphere.

The first section to the right of the entry or gateway is the building zone, which has some interactive items to build things that give good reason to be proud, and most of the materials are straight from the forest.

Going counterclockwise from the building zone is a the messy materials section with a variety of supplies to keep one’s mind engaged stimulating ways to have fun with things that are considered messy! The kids will love it!

Just across the path is a place designed to get dirty. It’s an area where you can dig in the dirt and find some interesting surprises and of course get a hands-on course about what the earth is made of. You might get a bit dirty, but that will only make it that much enjoyable!

Heading north a bit is the area I expect to enjoy the most, which is a place to make some music and get into a groove. There will be a variety of instruments in this area including percussion, bongos, drums, flutes and other fun instruments. There is nothing like playing an instrument to the rhythmic chants of chipmunks and chirping birds in the background along with the whistling mountain breeze. Of course, the music is bound to get people moving around so expect to see some dancing in this section.

Go a little to the left to get physical with climbing and crawling features such as a low cargo net, stump and stone steppers and a natural balance beam. This is an engaging area that will get a lot of quality playtime.

Continue to explore and you will find the nature art zone with a nature art table to create crafts from materials from the forest. One of the greatest things a child can learn is the magic of growing plants. The path through plantings shows native plants in Big Bear and the surrounding mountain region. It is a great learning area that shows how plants grow, and encourages kids to grow plants and start a garden at their home.

There is even a quiet area great for parents or grandparents that just want to hang out and chill as the little tykes have at it. To top it off there is a large open floor made of wood chips and decomposed granite that is designed for free play. I could see a game of pinecone football or something along those lines on this small playing field.

The Nature Discovery Zone is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers that are helpful, full life and ready to get in the action with the kids. This new feature at the Big Bear Discovery Center is definitely a place to take the kids to get in touch with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. The greatest part is that there is no cost to explore the Nature Discovery Zone, it is absolutely free. Donations are always appreciated. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for Nature Discovery Center is Friday, May 24, 2013. To learn more go to MountainsFoundation.org.

Daniel Pea

Posted in Adventure, Family Fun, Hiking - Nature - Outdoors

Why I Love Camping In Big Bear?

Friday, May 10, 2013

I love camping in Big Bear! Cuddling up in my blanket; gazing up at the many stars I take for granted most nights; and, enjoying the quietness are great ways to spend a weekend or any night in my opinion.

It is so nice to live in a place where I can go to a local campground in Big Bear, just minutes from my home, and feel secluded and untroubled. I can only imagine the way visitors must feel when they leave behind their concrete jungles to experience what I encounter every day. Growing up in Big Bear, it has granted me many nights under the beautiful twinkling stars of these skies. Many  camping trips were planned last minute and involved me running home from work, throwing everything in the truck, and meeting my friends at our favorite spot.

Yellow post sites in the San Bernardino National Forest area are the best places to camp because they are located out in the middle of nowhere but for a local “Big Bearian” such as myself, I’m not sure how “in the middle of nowhere” I have ever felt. I do find that sense of escape and peacefulness when I camp, but I always know where I am

and how to get back to civilization. I’ve had plenty of time to venture around and get to know the area, as they say, “like the back of my hand.” I also carry a GPS so that helps. Some of my favorite yellow post spots are off Mill Creek Rd, on 2N10 where there are views of the Inland Empire at night to brighten the sky. I also like camping out in Holcomb Valley off 3N16 or at Holcomb Valley campground and discovering historical spots like a dam or a mining cave. I’ve stayed at Serrano and Pine Knot campgrounds, as well, which are just as relaxing and secluded. My family and I camped at Serrano recently over Easter weekend and, basically, had the campground to ourselves. It was definitely convenient to take a hike on a forest trail or walk down to Big Bear Lake in the morning with the dog and go fishing.

Camping in Big Bear has always been a great way for my friends and me to connect and enjoy the company of each other without any other distractions. During the cooler evenings, the cold that surrounds the campfire keeps everyone close enough to enjoy conversations and stories of life’s latest ventures. Campfires are one of my favorite parts about camping. I love watching it crackle and smolder and am often mesmerized while I glare at it twisting and sparkling. Of course, the s’mores are a ritual to the camping experience, if I remember to bring the wire hangers.

After a good night enjoying s’mores and campfire talk, there is nothing better than waking up in the morning to that crisp air on my face and the smell of breakfast cooking over an open campfire. For the coffee lover like me, don’t forget the percolator! The food is always the first exciting thing that comes to my mind when I think of camping trips because for some reason, the smell of bacon just lingering in the brisk morning air makes me forget my backache after a night of sleeping on the ground in my tent.

I tend to notice a change in people’s voice pitch that only happens in the middle of the woods for some reason. A braver, bolder voice comes out of people when there is nothing to hide from or nothing else to hear. Sometimes I have to remind them that the sound of nature is enough to listen to. Cuddled in my blanket; gazing up at the many stars that I take for granted most nights; and, just enjoying the quietness is such a great way to spend a weekend or any night in my opinion.

Sometimes when I am at home and I have the TV on in the back ground while I do the dishes, the washer is running, the dog is barking, and the phone is ringing I forget what quiet actually sounds like. The tranquil sounds of a campfire crackling, the scent of pine trees, birds chirping, and leaves rustling are the perfect ingredients to clear the mind. It brings me to a state where I can organize my thoughts and clear my head of all the chaos; and, instead, appreciate being alive and healthy and experience the world as I live in it. I recommend camping in Big Bear for anyone who needs a break (which is everyone), loves the outdoors, and who is not afraid to get a little dirty. I promise the food will make up for it. You’ll see what I mean.

Alisha Wisniewski

Posted in Adventure, Family Fun, Hiking - Nature - Outdoors

An Adventure Exploring The Big Bear Village

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Big Bear’s historic and scenic Village is an entertaining and enjoyable way to start an adventure any day of the year.

Big Bear Lake’s Village offers various boutiques, dining experiences, art galleries and plenty of shopping for every price range. Looking at an overview, the Village encompasses two to three streets packed with major offerings.
Shopping in Big Bear Village
I started my day in the early morning; typically the stores open around 10 AM during the summer and spring seasons. Immediately I was struck – fresh eggs, smoked meats and a bevy of scents from fresh cooked meals attack your senses and kick your gut into hunger mode. There are various restaurant selections in Big Bear Village; breakfast at the local diners, Italian and Indian food, BBQ at the smokehouses, sandwiches at the corner shops and fresh coffee with homemade pastries at several privately owned locations. I decided upon a cute, historic restaurant on Pine Knot Ave that was busy but not too busy for fine service. After a nice chat with the friendly waitress, I was served a generous portion of French Toast heaped with syrup and butter. Enjoying my coffee, I stepped out into the streets to explore one of the best unique shopping destinations in California.

Walking along the quaint Village cobblestone sidewalks, you’ll encounter lush flowerbeds and plants. It’s obvious the City of Big Bear Lake takes pride in their wild life and presentation. The sky is a perfect blue and picture perfect with white clouds as far as the eye can see. It should be noted that the City is currently renovating the sidewalks and streets of the Village – it looks like an attempt to make an amazing place even better! All businesses and dining establishments remain open and your time walking through the construction is well worth the wonderful items found in the Village.

I was looking for new summer clothing, something light and fun. I wandered into Paisley Boutique situated in the Village Mall on Pine Knot Ave. Decorated with inviting displays, I found plenty of colorful shirts and summer scarves for the occasion. The store associate greeted me and helped me decide on various options before I walked away with a winning blouse. Shopping there was definitely a great experience and has clothing selections for various fashion styles. The same can be said of Del Lago and O Koo Ran. Friendly staff and various styles and brands of clothing and accessories are nicely presented and packaged for the best shopping experience any time of year.

If you are a fan of the Wild West or Native American culture, you definitely want to check out The Black Fox Trading Company in the Village. They offer a treasure trove of jewelry, period-style hats, home décor, toys and art. The interior of the store is entertaining for the kids, and has several unique toys and gifts you won’t find elsewhere. The back of the store has been converted into a long last art – old time photography. The gentleman, Richard Millener, is a popular figure among town, usually taking his photography skills to local events. For a reasonable fee, he will allow you to pick from a selection of time period outfits and take your photo in lush sepia or black and white prints. My friends had a blast doing this and fawned over the multiple unique jewelry selections the store offered.

Down the street, we wandered into the art galleries – striking photographs, pottery and art prints are a feast for the eyes.  If you’re visiting Big Bear, you’ll definitely want to check out The Gallery of the American Landscape. The stunning works of art reflect the native outdoors of Big Bear Lake and beyond; soaring pine trees, epic waterways and stunning mountain canyons. Situated in a small shop on the main road, you’ll also find Big Bear’s only music shop. What a treat! Extensive volumes of records, posters and music memorabilia is a rare find in this mountain top community. Directly across the street, you’ll find the local Big Bear theater. Distinct and privately owned, they offer three screens showing popular current movie releases and daily deals on popcorn and treats for your selected show time.

After our extensive shopping, we stopped off at The Coffee and Tea Exchange for a refreshing beverage and browsed the selection of numerous teas and sandwiches. For lunch, we dined at The Himalayan, an authentic and charming Indian restaurant with cuisine as rich as the history. By afternoon the sky was still gorgeous and the breeze coming off the Lake was refreshing. We stumbled upon several candy stores, one on each street; offering everything from ice cream, jelly beans, homemade candy and chocolate dipped bananas to satisfy our sweet cravings.

Located in the convenient parking areas, you’ll find the Big Bear Lake Visitor’s Center. We stopped by and picked up several maps, brochures and guides from the informative staff and had several of our questions answered about various areas of town. The free wifi in the parking lot came in handy!

We weren’t done shopping yet and we found several amazing stores with bathing salts, kitchen décor and unique household items you won’t find elsewhere. We truly felt The Village offered everything we needed and items we didn’t even know were available became apparent on our exploration of each boutique. Big Bear Lake’s Village is a perfect and relaxing trip just a short drive away from Los Angeles or San Diego; if you need a special gift or just an excuse to go explore, come spend the day in one of California’s most popular and scenic destinations!

Off on my next shopping adventure,

Kelly Garfield

Posted in Dining, Leisure Activities
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My Big Bear Farmers Market Experience

Friday, April 26, 2013

Big Bear Farmers Market Now Open on Tuesdays

The Big Bear Farmers Market arrives just in time, as spring rolls into Big Bear and the snow finally melts away, to save me from some dreaded illness caused by lack fresh air and the fresh fruits and vegetables I crave during my winter hibernation. So I pack away my parka, break out my sandals and come out of hibernation to see what this year’s farmer’s market at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center has to offer.

The Big Bear Farmers Market is open on Tuesday’s from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. so I use my lunch hour to enjoy the sunshine and search for produce and hunt for the often elusive heirloom tomato I’ve been longing for all winter.


Typical for spring in Big Bear, the sky is beautiful and crystal clear.  So I am unprepared for the cold that gripped the day.   Spring weather in Big Bear can be unpredictable, and Mother Nature did not consult with me when she dropped the temperature to a bone-chilling 41 degrees.  Perhaps I put away my parka a bit prematurely!  I am grateful for the vendors that braved the cold today, giving me plenty of options to satisfy my needs.

As I make my way into the market area the first thing I notice are the carved wooden bears.  I am a fairly new homeowner in Big Bear and I am still charmed by bears.  Many people may shy away from the classic bear theme for decorating their home, but for me it is “quintessential Big Bear” so I stop to inspect.  I do need one or two (or maybe three or five) more bears.  These are priced well.  But today is not for bears.  I am on a mission and the lunch hour slips away.

This farmers market offers a wide variety of other merchandise In addition to bears and produce.  The produce is located at the back of the market so I take a bit of time wandering through the myriad of other booths from jewelry, to kites, to massage oils, antiques, and more.

Before getting to the back of the farmers market where I am sure my heirloom tomatoes are awaiting me, I must stop at a unique display of shabby chic items for the home.  So much of it is in shades of aqua that is so popular right now and the beautiful colors draw me in.  The prices seem reasonable, but I only stop a few moments to admire the pieces before I spot Maui onions and gorgeous red strawberries.


Because of the cold, the number of produce vendors is limited, but their selections are ample.  What is also noticeable is the quality of the produce.  I have been to many farmer’s markets and been disappointed by size, quality, color or freshness, but not this time.   The asparagus is young and being sold at the bargain price of 3 bundles for $5.  For asparagus lovers, these young stalks are sure to please without the inedible fibers of their older siblings.  Artichokes beckon at 3 for $5.  Leeks, chard, cilantro, beets and kale are all enticing, but I am still on the lookout for my heirloom tomatoes.

If you have never heard of an heirloom tomato, let me be the first to recommend them.  They come in many shapes, sizes and colors.  First impressions of their appearance may cause some discomfort.  They are imperfect and fairly deformed in appearance. Talk yourself out of that reaction and pick up a couple to try.  You won’t be disappointed.  Their taste is most often superior to the tomatoes that have been bred to glisten with perfectly uniform skin.

I find the Grains from Nature’s Harvest booth displaying all kinds of nuts and dried fruit.  I tend to like spicy so I sample the Hot Chili Mango and the Chili Lemon Peanuts.  Both were delicious, but the mango is addictive!

Samples of many different hummus varieties are available for tasting at Majestic Garlic.  Tasting the cilantro jalapeno hummus hooks me on the perfect blend of flavors.  The hummus and fresh pita bread made it into my bag after sampling several other delicious flavors.  For my health-conscious friends, all their hummus products are vegan, organic, gluten-free and dairy-free.

The Old Town Baking Company’s booth at the farmers market displays stacks of fresh baked breads and cookies.  These are baked fresh every morning, and all are preservative free.  I have hopes of bringing home some of their Miner’s Sourdough.  This is their best-selling bread and surprisingly contains only four ingredients: water, salt, wheat flour and a 25 year old starter to leaven and flavor the bread.  By the time I arrive it is sold out.  Be sure to get there early if you want to try this delicious bread!

It is lunch time and I head straight to where my nose was leading me, the Mexican food vendor.  The food smelled delicious and it did not disappoint.  The usual fare of Mexican food is offered at reasonable prices.  I opt for the $2 tacos, one each of chicken, pork and carne asada.

I am served 3 good-sized street tacos reminiscent of the days when I dared cross the Mexican border for authentic dining and shopping.  The pork flavor is nothing short of brilliant.  It is coated in a red sauce that integrates a flawless balance of spices, with just the right heat.  The carne asada is dry and bland, but the chicken is moist and full of traditional Mexican flavors.  Adding the optional cilantro, onions and guacamole make these a great value.  With the exception of the carne asada, they are better than most tacos I’ve eaten throughout Southern California.

Lunch hour is over and I am about to give up on my quest and head back to work when I see it.  The sign reads Heirloom Tomatoes.  As I approach the table I realize it is just the sign.  The tomatoes are already gone!

I’ll be back when the weather warms up, and I’ll be sure to get there early.  I have until the end of September when the Big Bear Farmers market closes, though I certainly won’t wait that long.   I plan to be enjoying the sunshine and heirloom tomatoes all summer-long.

Dawn Elig

Posted in Dining, Events & Entertainment, Leisure Activities
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Fishing Tournament Awards $50,000

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Big Bear’s Fishing Tournament “Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby” Awards $50,000 plus Other Cash Prizes

Tax season is now behind us, whew! Whether you got a refund or had to pay taxes this year, it’s good to know there is still a decent outlet to win some money that you can stuff into your pockets. I’m talking about Big Bear’s annual fishing tournament “Fishin’ for $50K Trout Derby.”

Where else can you go and throw your fishing line in a body of water and reel in $50,000. This is not a typo either, it’s absolutely true! The good folks of Big Bear Lake are giving anglers a chance to cast their rods and catch a tagged trout that has a bounty on its head for $50,000 at their annual fishing tournament. WOW!


Imagine that for a moment….Fifty thousand smackaroos cold hard cash. What would you do with that kind of cash? Maybe buy a new sports car. Perhaps you could put a down payment on a cabin in Big Bear. It would be your money, so you could do whatever you wanted.

The great thing about the Fishin’ for $50K fishing tournament is the odds of winning are greater than the Powerball Lottery. There is a limit of 750 anglers. So right off the bat you the numbers are already in your favor. There are 15 tagged trout, and only one of the 15 tagged trout is worth the big bucks!

The $50,000 cash prize is not the only prize either. In fact, there are cash prizes for the remaining tagged fish caught too. This year at the fishing tournament there is a drawing for all tagged fish caught during the trout derby where you can win up to $500 cash. Of course they are bringing back the biggest trout contest with cash prizes and a bonus prize of $500 for the biggest trout caught on Pautzke Fire Bait.

All it takes is for you to sign up for the annual trout derby and pay the low-cost entry fee of $55 for adults and $30 for kids 16 and under. Or you can get free entry into this awesome fishing event by either booking lodging for one night during the fishing tournament or renting a boat at one of Big Bear Lake’s marinas. It sounds like it’s all too good to be true, but the facts are there. Check it out for yourself on the on the Fishin’ for $50K page.

Catch Some Money,

Daniel Pea

Posted in Events & Entertainment, Family Fun, Fishing, Lake Activities
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Helicopter Tours and Airplane Flights Get Above It All

Friday, April 12, 2013

The spring season is great to experience on the ground, but have you ever wondered what Big Bear might look like from a bird’s eye view?

Well, it is easy now with a helicopter tour or single wing airplane flight that will take you high above the Big Bear Valley floor.


Helicopter Video from Big Bear Lake on Vimeo.

Helicopter Big Bear tours and the more recent Fly Big Bear Today Airplane flights (same owner and operator) offer various tours ranging from approximately 20 miles (15 minutes) to 60 miles (45 minutes). Get ready to see popular landmarks in the San Bernardino Mountains from Big Bear Lake to Lake Arrowhead all from a completely different view.

Some of the obvious sites you will see are both ski resorts (Snow Summit & Bear Mountains), the Big Bear Village, Big Bear Discovery Center, The Solar Observatory, and a grand view scale of Big Bear Lake. In fact, now that the marinas are open, it gives a more spectacular ambiance with colorful boat docks that etch into the shimmering water. And you will see fishing boats below cruising around and searching for rainbow trout.

Some of the helicopter tours and airplane flights will show the wow factor of Mount San Gorgonio, which still has a solid snow pack, or you could choose to go further east to see magnificent display of the Johnson Valley and other desert locations in the Mojave region.

Big Bear helicopter tours and Airplane flightsThe main thing is to get above it all to see these spectacular sites. You will get to see miles upon miles of 360 degrees of gorgeous mountain scenery. The pilot of the helicopter tours and airplane flights is quite the character too, and he is very professional and courteous! It is well worth it.

Springtime in Big Bear offers spectacular weather to enjoy. That is of course if you like clear blue skies, a brisk nip in the air, and the fresh scent of pine trees. The surrounding environment is starting to shine in more ways than one. The lake is sparkling like a blue jewel, the evergreens are showing vibrant greens, belly flowers are blossoming near Baldwin Lake, the wildlife is coming to life after a long winter’s rest, and people are walking around the Village in bright spring attire.

The one thing you want to do during your helicopter tour or airplane flight is to take pictures. These pics will give you bragging rights on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Your friends will be astounded by the scenic wonders that you share on your social media sites!

Get above it all,
Daniel Pea

Posted in Adventure
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Fish are Waking Up to Beautiful Spring Weather

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The weather has changed to clear and sunny spring weather in Big Bear. The temperatures are getting up into the 60s and it feels great! The water surface temps are in the high 40s and low 50s.

Spring fishing for rainbow troutGuess what this means? The fish in Big Bear Lake are getting excited is what this means! The rainbow trout especially are waking up from a long winter’s rest to fill their bellies. Fish are fair weather creatures, and now is the time to start reeling them in. In the next couple of months it only makes sense if you like to fish to bring up your tackle box, rod and reel to get them while they are hungry.

The north shore is a hot spot right now with plenty of limits being caught. The trout are near the shoreline which is making it even an easier catch. They are chomping at various colors of PowerBait and inflated night crawlers are doing well too. Be sure to poke around to find the open creeks running into the lake. These are great feeding zones, and you are for certain to find some nice rainbow trout in these areas.

Big Bear Lake is now open for boating too. On Monday, April 1 the East Public Boat Launch opened to the public. So if you have a fishing boat that you want to bring up, it’s now wide open to do so. The marinas of Big Bear Lake are also open. If you do not own a boat, but want to get out on the lake to do some trolling or cover more ground then the answer is at the marinas. Here you can rent a boat. They offer both fishing and pontoon boat rentals. Fishing from a boat Big Bear Lake is relaxing and rewarding. There are so many different ways to catch fish from a boat, an it’s a great way to track down the pink-meat holdovers that have made Big Bear a famous freshwater lake.

If you are an angler make plans to come up and enjoy your favorite past time at one of Southern California’s most beautiful lakes. And don’t be surprised if you catch your limit. The fish are hungry, and they will be attacking everything you throw at them.

Reel em in,

Daniel Pea

Posted in Fishing, Lake Activities
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This spring, don’t forget the snow!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

We are enjoying spring conditions in Southern California, and I fear that those living down the mountain may allow the warm weather to take them out of their winter spirits.

Snowboarding in spring weather at Bear Mountain

Photo Credit: Bear Mountain Ski Resort

I have never lived on the beach, so I can’t predict the typical spring time emotions in such a place. I can try to convince as many people as possible to follow suit, after a couple of years of living in Big Bear.

It’s no secret that the winter season is a little shorter in Southern California, even in the mountains. As a lover of winter, this can be a tough thing to swallow. I pride myself in maintaining a colored lens, which gets peeled out of my goggles and replaced for the dark, mirrored version during the spring season; and in the last few moments of doing so, I prefer to focus on the pros rather than the cons. Nothing should be more apparent this time of year than the overwhelming presence of sunshine and warmth.

Come March, sunshine is a regular occurrence in Big Bear. With it’s beaming rays, come a number of chores I always hurriedly complete before heading out the door for the slopes on that first sunny day. The winter jacket gets retired to the closet, where it will likely remain until the start of next season. The insulated gloves get packed away, opting for the simple pipe glove or dollar store stretchy kind. I apply a quick lacquer of Windex to the bottom of my board, sunscreen to my face, grab a sweatshirt and a cap, locate the car keys, grab some candy bar money, wink to myself in the mirror on my way out the door and hightail it to Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain learn to ski or snowboard

Photo Credit: Bear Mountain Ski Resort

If the springtime dress code alone doesn’t do it for you, let me remind you of this. Whether you’re a beginner on your first day or a seasoned pro, there is no snow more forgiving on the body than some buttery soft, March-issue Bear Mountain snow (barring, of course, two to three feet of fresh powder, but let’s be realistic). Spring is the perfect time of year to get out and learn to ski or snowboard for the first time, or to try that backside-lipslide that you’ve been scared to attempt all February. This is the time of winter to get out there and try new things, while the snow is soft enough that it won’t make you regret it.

Typically, from now to the end of the season, the weather in Big Bear is sunny and in the 60s. To be able to ski or snowboard in weather like that where I grew up was unheard of. Because of that, I try to never take it for granted. When you take a look around Bear Mountain this time of year, you’ll see people in t-shirts and sunglasses, having a blast. If it wasn’t for all the snow, you’d probably think you were at the beach.

So, please come enjoy the spring weather conditions on the Big Bear ski slopes.

The Cleveland Hero

Posted in Family Fun, Skiing - Alpine/Downhill, Snowboarding, Winter Activities
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LIVE IT. UP. In Big Bear All Year Round

Monday, March 18, 2013

It’s been two years since Big Bear Lake changed its slogan from a Breath of Fresh Air to LIVE IT. UP.

These three words really sum it up well. The motto of course has a double meaning. Big Bear is a place where one can get away to a higher climate and literally live it up at 7000′ altitude. LIVE IT. UP. also molds the feeling one can get when taking part in any of the recreational opportunities the mountain community offers.


All types of outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Big Bear all at your level or pace. The LIVE IT. UP. slogan fits all walks of life, whether it’s a mild hike on the Woodland Trail or fishing from the shore in Grout Bay to a jam-packed day on jibs and jumps at Bear Mountain or flying through the trees with Action Zipline Tours.

Big Bear is a large playground that is suited for all ages! Just thumb through Big Bear’s Visitors Guide or click through BigBear.com, and you will see dozens upon dozens of ways to enjoy life to its fullest. Big Bear truly is the one place in Southern California where you can live it up all four seasons. It snows in the winter, it’s full of bright colors in the spring, in summer it provides cool, mild temperatures, and the fall colors absolutely pop in autumn. Each season has a plethora of activities to choose from too, so each trip to the mountains is another opportunity to live it up.

There are so many different ways one can live it up in Big Bear. In fact, if you just want to just put your feet up and take a snooze lakeside or watch the ducks swim about on the lake’s surface. Big Bear is a great place to relax, and because it is a world far away from the city the relaxation aspect is indeed a great way to LIVE IT. UP.

Big Bear also offers many ways to customize the way you live it up. Check out the variety of packages online, then book your trip and you’ll be on your way to vacation or getaway where you can live it up your way!

LIVE IT. UP.
Daniel Pea

Posted in Family Fun, Fishing, Hiking - Nature - Outdoors, Lake Activities, Mountain Biking, Skiing - Alpine/Downhill, Snowboarding, Winter Activities
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