We have the most reasonable rates. Our service and our knowledge of the area cant be beat.

Big Bear Resort Rentals are a smart choice for any family getaway!

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Though no mention was made of her, Santa Claus’ wife made her debut in 1899 in Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride, one of a set of thirty-two books by Katharine Lee Bates, composer of “America the Beautiful. In 1908, another story encouraged children to start leaving a little food for Santa Claus because he would be tired after his hard work. Carrots and other treats were later added for his reindeer. Of course, Santa always left a note thanking the children for their kindness. A 1910 advertisement for Ivory Soap showed a child sitting in front of the fireplace with a bowl of water, a towel and a bar of Ivory soap so that Santa could wash up after coming down the chimney. Following the ad to the letter, soiled wash clothes and dirty water was often found on Christmas morning.

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Here is a great chance to see a section of the beautiful Pacific Crest Trail.

The PCT as it’s called by enthusiasts is a 2, 650mile trail stretching from Mexico through three western states all the way to Canada!  

On this hike, led by a naturalist from the valley, you will learn about the natural history of the area.

The hike is suitable for beginning hikers all the way to experts. So bring the whole family. Starting at 9 and continuing through 2pm, there is a gourmet lunch included and they’ll even get you there.

Just show up to the Discovery Center about 8:45 and you will be on your way to the natural beauty of the PCT that has been enjoyed by many!

The hike is limited to only 12 people and costs $30 for each person ages 10 and up. Reservations are required just call (909) 382-2790 or (909) 866-3437 for reservations.

Thousands of hikers and equestrians take on this quest each year. Some will only travel a few miles, while others complete the entire 2,650 miles in just one season!

The route was first explored in the late 1930s by teams of young men from the YMCA. Once proven usable, trail pioneers Clinton Clarke and Warren Rogers asked the federal government to secure a border-to-border trail passage.

They were unable to get the entire trail linked and had to settle for several disconnected trails along the crest of each state.

Mostly through the efforts of hikers and equestrians, the PCT was eventually designated one of the first scenic trails in the National Trails System authorized by Congress in 1968, and was dedicated in 1993.

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The first historical dam of Big Bear was constructed by Frank E. Brown and E.G. Judson. They were looking for a new water source for their newly developed agricultural community: the town of Redlands.

In 1879, they looked toward the mountains for this additional water. 4 years later in 1883 he organized the Bear Valley Land and Water Company, purchased the necessary land, and in the summer of 1883 began construction of an ashlar rock dam.

This dam was completed in December of 1884. It was 60 feet high and 300 feet wide and contained 3304 yards of rockwork and 1600 barrels of cement. The total cost for labor and materials was $68,000.

At that time, the Bear Valley Dam created the largest man-made lake in the world, and was also considered the Eighth Wonder of the World because it held!
In 1911, J.S. Eastwood built the present multiple-arch dam, which tripled the capacity of the lake to 73,000 acre-feet. This dam was twenty feet higher and cost $138,000 to construct. This 1911 dam was reinforced in 1988 to comply with increased earthquake safety standards at a cost of nearly $13,000,000!

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The skipper of the Big Bear Queen, Chris,  has lived in Big Bear his entire life. His Grandfather moved to Big Bear in 1924.

When you take a tour on the Big Bear Queen you get the history of Big Bear all the way prior to the developement of the man made lake through to the present day.

The history of the cattle ranching days before the first dam was built then proceeds to tell the story of the people and purposes they had in making Big Bear Valley into what it is today.

The history includes the early pioneer gold mining operations, the first dam placement to make the lake for irrigation in Redlands, the speak-easy days, early cabins and vacation spots of the lake’s builders, etc.

Many celebrities have lived and vacationed around the lake, part of the tour points many of their properties out. New lakefront construction goes on to this day, the information is so detailed that they even tell you how much they cost as well as the square footage of each. In short, this is the best history lesson you will ever receive for a mere $15 price tag.

The 2pm tour is guaranteed to run each day during the summer. This is the only tour in Big Bear to do this. Other tours at 12pm and 4pm may be available.

The Big Bear Queen is a smaller boat and can get much closer to the shoreline, not to mention the tour is also $5 cheaper.

We recommend wearing long pants and a wind breaker, even on sunny days, the wind from the lake can make for a chilly experience at times. Layer your clothes for optimum comfort.

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As of today, we have discounted our remaining homes for the Fourth of July Holiday, we only have a few remaining homes to choose from but they’re all beautiful and well maintained.

So, if you’re looking to get away, enjoy the great weather, our spectacular firework show, and get in a little R&R give me a call toll free at 1 (800) 363-8303…Bre

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Wellllll, actually June 26, 1925 the Charlie Chaplin movie, “Gold Rush” was released!  Couldn’t let THAT movie go by with out mentioning it! 

Did you know that here in the Big Bear Valley numerous movies and TV shows have been filmed, many to do with the beauty and splendor of the mountains!  Quite a few of these movies helped establish a place for Hollywood Notables to come to, to escape the city!

Why don’t you come up the hill and escape the city heat and hustle!  I would love to find a place for you!

Susan

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This Sunday  June 14, 2009 is Flag Day in the United States of America! 

 Flag Day  was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. Some state and local communitites celebrated Flag Day – the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777, but it wasn’t an organized effort. 

While Flag Day was celebrated after Wilson’s proclamation, It was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Most Americans let this day pass as any other day!  Let’s get those flags flying everyday and display them correctly!  We are a proud and mighty nation and we need to keep those flags flying!

I hope you have a great weekend, and if I can assist you in making it great in Big Bear, please give me a call!

Susan

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Visitors to Big Bear should consider making a stop at the Big BearValley Historical Museum. The museum showcases numerous exhibits from Native American’s to the Gold Rush, Early Cattle Ranching including an Authentic Chuck Wagon, Working Blacksmiths. The kids can even pan for pyrite in the gold panning area.

An 1875 cabin that is the oldest standing structure in the valley is on display. The Doble Schoolhouse built in 1906 is also on display. A fully restored working stamp mill, buggies, local pioneer artifacts, glassware and countless items are exhibited for all who wish to look into the past.

All the cabins are authentic period artifacts with docents happy to inform you about their history.

The Museum is owned and operated by the Big Bear Valley Historical Society, manned by an all volunteer staff and is a nonprofit organization.

The Museum doors opened in 1982, there have been many renewals and historical donations in the past few years.

Open from Memorial Day in May to the first Sunday in October, located at 800 Greenway in Big Bear City, across from the east end of the airport runway.

Days open are Weds, Sat, Sundays & Holiday Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. There is a $3.00 donation required for Adults over 14 years. Kids 14 and under are free with paying adult admission.

Phone (909) 585-8100

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Today Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s most popular mountain resort, providing all season recreation for millions of people annually. Surrounded by a vast pine forest, this spectacular mountain top valley is often called an Island in the Sky, and many have chosen to make their permanent homes in this special place.

The wonder of this high country has been known for ages, as the Serrono Indians came here some 2,500 yrs.  ago. Serranos are the Shoshone tribe and are thought to have come from Wind River area of Wyoming. Their original name for Big Bear was Yuhaviat, meaning “pine place”.

The Spanish called these Shoshone, “Serranos”, meaning mountaineer. For centuries, Bear Valley was a favorite hunting and food gathering source for these peace loving people. 

After the Indians, there have been trappers, prospectors, miners, road contractors, cattlemen, lumbermen, dam builders, resort developers, foxfarmers, movie makers, sub-dividers, and ski area creators.

Modern History began on a warm day in mid-July of 1845, when Benjamen D. Wilson led a party of 22 hard riding Californians down through the pines into a lush meadow ringed by mountains. They were the first civilized men to ever visit this beautiful valley which seemed alive with bear. Wilson was quick to name it and a nearby lake after the giant Grizzlies that were so profuse. 

Hope you enjoyed some of the historyon Big Bear.

Good Day to all

Sally:)

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