explorebigbearlake

Big Bear’s Best – Big Bear Lake Jazztrax Summer Festival – June 22-24, 2012

explorebigbearlake — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:07:16 +0000

explorebigbearlake.com is proud to support the 7th annual Big Bear Lake Jazztrax festival and a great weekend of Jazz in the San Bernardino Mountains. Don’t miss this Big Bear Lake Music Festival kicking off the Big Bear Lake Summer Season this coming June!

Make reservations early for this great weekend of Jazz in beautiful Big Bear Lake, So Cal’s Jazz Getaway Destination!

Friday June 22

Canadian Guitarist Rob Tardik

Saturday June 23

Kansas City Bassist Julian Vaughn

Sax in the City Starring Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows and Jessy J

Keyboardist Brian Culbertson

Sunday June 24

Swedish Keyboardist Jonathan Fritzen

Guitarist Jeff Golub and Keyboardist Henry Butler

Saxophonist Mindi Abair

Tickets and show times at the Jazztrax website.

Marina Resort reservations and info. Northwoods Resort reservations and info.

Big Bear Lake Village to Undergo 4 Million Dollar Update in 2012

explorebigbearlake — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:37:13 +0000

Starting in April, 2012 the Village, Big Bear Lake’s Shopping and Dining District on the South Shore of the lake, will begin a rejuvenation project replacing worn sidewalks, curbs and outdated lighting for streets and sidewalks and replacing and extending landscaping throughout the Village. All the scheduled work is within the Village Improvement District and is funded by Big Bear Lake Improvement Agency (IA) Property Tax Increment Funds received by the City’s Improvement Agency in past years. The work will not require any new bonds, taxes or assessments to property owners anywhere in the city. Just recently the California Supreme Court upheld Governor Jerry Brown’s democratically supported abolishment of all Improvement Agencies and the possibility of any community in California funding this type of improvement through existing property tax assessments via Improvement Agencies.

The 2012 Village Improvement Project implements several of the specific desired improvements developed as part of the Village Specific Plan Update process that started in 2009 and made part of the Capital Improvement Projects Plan for the City of Big Bear Lake in 2011.

The only other major work to the Village occurred in 1990-92 which included the first sidewalks, curbs and gutters in the history of the Village. Since then Improvement Agency Projects in the Village have included drainage, parking lots, and the extension of Improvements to Landscape and Lighting with the annexing of properties into the Village Assessment District (VAD) like the Northwoods Resort and The Club. The VAD assesses properties on Village and Pine Knot a Per Lineal Foot assessment collected each year to pay for a share of the cost of maintenance, utilities and replacement of curbs, gutters, landscaping and lighting within the VAD. No increase in the current assessment is anticipated in regard to the 2012 Village Improvement Projects.

The former Improvement Agency Board was made up of incumbant Big Bear Lake City Council Members, the current City Manager and supported by City Staff from Planning, Building and Safety and the City’s Economic Development Director. The Successor Agency charged with completing ongoing projects/commitments and unwinding the former IA has been formed by law per the new California Legislation.

2012 Village Construction hi-lites include the improvement of the former Knickerbocker Creek County Stormdrain Easement with construction of a mixed use trail for bicycle and pedestrian use from Village Dr. to Big Bear Blvd and adding Village Parking on Knickerbocker with a foot bridge over the drainage canal and a lighted path to Pine Knot Av. Construction features for the trail include various styles of fencing, lighting and landscaping elements. This portion of the construction is the beginning of an extensive trail system that will encourage pedestrian and bicycle use anc connect various neighborhoods in the city to the Lake, Village and Forest. More on the details of the various phases and segments of the 2012 Construction Project in the City of Big Bear Lake Presentation.

Big Bear Lake Marinas and Boat Ramps Open April 1

explorebigbearlake — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:35:48 +0000

Big Bear Lake Boat Ramps open for 2012 season on April 1, 2012. Check the links below for all Marina and Boat Ramp information, Hours and Boat License Fees.

Boat Docks and Slips, the Miss Liberty Paddlewheel Boat Tour, Boat Rentals and Wave Runner Rentals.

400 Pine Knot Ave. Big Bear Lake, CA 909-866-6463

Launch Ramp and Lake Info

http://pineknotmarina.com/

http://bigbearboating.com/

May Gray wearing you down? Big Bear Lake Offers Visitors Shopping, Dining & Entertainment – So Cal’s Getaway Destination! – Memorial Day Weekend May 26-28, 2012

explorebigbearlake — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:39:53 +0000

Big Bear Lake Bridge under Full Moon Photo by Greg Zook 2012

Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors of the San Bernardino Mountains,or the warmth of a toasty fire and a good bottle of wine, Big Bear Lake is a great choice for your next vacation, day-trip or special event destination. Spring-Like Weather has been in full force so far this year and the roads are in great shape! If you’re visiting for the first time in a while, your trip coming up the 330 from Running Springs will take you over the new 40 million dollar Caltrans Bridge into the Big Bear Lake area that spans Bear Creek just west of the dam. Travel safe and we’ll see you in the Village! Shopping has never been better than today in Pine Knot Village, the center of the Big Bear Lake Experience! A truly unique shopping destination that will inspire and reward with incomparable holiday shopping memories for the entire family. Find what you’re looking for at explorebigbearlake.com. All the best Lodging, Activities, Dining and Entertainment are all listed here! Have a great time on your Big Bear Lake visit and we do look forward to seeing you in the Village! Need to minimize Holiday Stress? You can make reservations at some pretty great places like Northwoods Resort or Knickerbocker Mansion Inn for a great Big Bear Lake Stay and a terrific dining experience without driving around town and looking for parking. Bonus… you won’t have to cook either!

Boulder Bay Park-Lakeside in Big Bear Lake, boasts lots of amenities

explorebigbearlake — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:12:31 +0000

Just over ten years it took, from conception and a generous private donation of land and money, to complete Boulder Bay Park in the City of Big Bear Lake, CA.

Recently re-opened in 2010, the public park boasts a limited amount of free parking, restrooms, a covered pavilion, seating and picnic benches, landscaping, fencing and a fishing dock.

Early plans for a walk in ramp for launching kayaks was abandoned on complaints from local marinas and lake management that this new permanent launch ramp would somehow pose a quagga mussel threat that doesn’t already exist along the 17 miles of unrestricted shoreline.

The park is located on the south shore of Big Bear Lake, adjacent to Boulder Bay Market, about 1 mile west of the Village, Big Bear Lake’s destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Boulder Bay Park is publicly owned, operated and maintained by the City of Big Bear Lake and welcomes your suggestions and comments on the facilities, use and maintenance of the park.

You can reach the Public Works Department at 909-866-7521 or online at bblpw@citybigbearlake.com

Big Bear’s Best – Black Diamond Tavern – Big Bear Lake’s Newest Dining Experience

explorebigbearlake — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:44:58 +0000

Big Bear Lake’s Newest Restaurant and Bar is The Black Diamond Tavern. Lunch and Dinner menu is hearty comfort food from Burgers to Braised Short-Ribs, Salads, Soups and Deserts. I am confidant you will find something on the menu you are craving.

Drinks before dinner? Black Diamond has a great Bar & Lounge area with a separate menu for light dining or snacks, Beer, Wine and Cocktails at your table or at the long, fully stocked bar Just the ticket for Après Ski, Après Work or any occasion. Be sure to try them for Happy Hour and get Special Pricing on selected items off the Bar Menu and Happy Hour Drinks.

Service in the large Dining Room or in the Bar is un-matched on the mountain and with a casual and comfortable ambiance, The Black Diamond Tavern is a must dine experience for visitors and locals alike. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.

Black Diamond Tavern

42172 Moonridge Rd. 909-366-0871

http://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondTavern

Big Bear’s Best – Dining at Big Bear Lake’s Knickerbocker Mansion

explorebigbearlake — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:52:12 +0000

One of Big Bear Lake’s best kept secrets for dining is the Knickerbocker Mansion Inn. Open for seating on Friday and Saturday evenings only, the Mansion’s dining room is supported by one of the best staffed kitchens in town.

Give the Knickerbocker a call to make your reservations and you will surely be surprised at the quality service, great food and the extensive wine list Stanley and Thomas have to offer you and your guests.

Cheers!
869 Knickerbocker Rd
PO Box 1907
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone: 909-878-9190
FAX: 909-878-4248
e-mail: knickmail@knickerbockermansion.com
Toll Free 800-388-4179
http://www.knickerbockermansion.com

Big Bear Lake’s Lagonita Lodge

explorebigbearlake — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:55:48 +0000

My new year’s resolution is to post more articles on the “Best of Big Bear Lake” in 2012 than in past years.

I’ll make my start here with Lagonita Lodge. Located between Mallard Bay and Big Bear Lake just a couple of minutes by car from the Village, Big Bear’s Shopping and Dining District.

Lagonita Lodge has been on my list for a couple of years now, mostly because I personally get so many positive comments from our customers on there Lagonita stay and how they repeatedly choose Lagonita Lodge for their annual getaway to the Southern California mountains.

So if you’re looking for a change in Big Bear Lodging, check out the video and visitor comments from sites like TripAdvisor and Hotels.com and give ‘em a try!

Lagonita Lodge

183 Lagonita Ln, Big Bear Lake, CA, 92315 United States

866-539-0036

The Lagonita Lodge is managed by the Alderwood Group

Pine Knot Village ArtWalk – July 7-8, 2012

explorebigbearlake — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 02:05:28 +0000

The 9th Annual Pine Knot Village Artwalk is scheduled for July 7-8, 2012. More than 30 artists will exhibit work for sale on the village sidewalks. Stroll, shop, dine and unwind this all American Holiday Weekend in beautiful Big Bear Lake. Pine Knot Village is the place to get away and enjoy the arts in the San Bernardino Mountains.

New and returning artists include pottery, fine wood working, jewelery, leaded art glass, metal sculpture, painting, drawing photography, and more. Space is limited and assigned first come basis and by invitation only so, new and returning artists, get your application in as early as you can. Applications and set up instructions are available at www.bigbearlakeartwalk.com.

All weekend long Big Bear lake visitors and local residents are invited to enjoy the art and live art demonstrations plus everything else the Village in Big Bear Lake has to offer visitors in the way of dining, shopping and entertainment.

Plan on visiting the Village this July and enjoying the Arts, the Alpine Climate and meeting some of the regions best artists and artisans at this ever popular annual event.

Our Lodging Partners: Bear Creek Resort, Fireside Lodge, Frontier Lodge, Alpine Suites in the Village, Knickerbocker Mansion Inn, Timber Haven Lodge, Wolf Creek Resort and Northwoods Resort.

www.twitter.com/pineknotvillage

BigBearLakeArtwalk.com

Le Dolce Vita Wine Tasting Room – Wine by the Flight, Glass or Bottle Thursday through Monday in the Village

explorebigbearlake — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:25:23 +0000

Le Dolce Vita Wine Tasting Room, the newly opened Wine Bar and Tasting Room, is located across from Northwoods Resort at 40645 Village Dr. in the Village, Big Bear Lake, CA.

Le Dolce Vita Wine Tasting Room 909-866-1538

www.ldvtastingroom.com

http://www.facebook.com/LDVtastingroom