All Village Businesses will remain open during construction, which started on April 8, 2013 and will continue, non-stop, through the summer and fall.

The contractor for the project, Matich Corp,  has promised all the merchants in the project area, that pedestrian access as well as access from public parking to business entrances is maintained at all times during the construction .

Any merchants who have  access issues are instructed to contact Matich at their Village Construction office located at 571 Pine Knot Ave., in the Mountain Lake Reality center, behind Big Bear Tattoo.

Parking will always be available in the public lots, Bartlett Parking lot, Indian Village Parking lot on Village Dr. or on one side of Pine Knot Ave and Village Dr. for the duration of construction estimated to be ongoing through September of 2013.

The Project is being funded with money from the County of San Bernardino’s SANBAG transportation projects grants and dollars from the City’s measure YY funds, set aside specifically for such capital improvement projects, as  they are designated and approved by the City Council. In March, 2013 the City Council voted unanimously to use the County and Measure YY funds to complete the Village construction project. The project was originally approved as it was planned in 2011, when it was part of the Village Specific Plan update and re-visioning process spearheaded by the City’s former Development and Housing Director, Lyle Haynes. At that time, it was to be funded entirely by the City of Big Bear Lake Redevelopment Agency. Both Mr. Haynes’ position and the agency itself has since been dissolved as the by-product of legislation introduced by California’s Democratic Governor, Jerry Brown and ultimately approved into law by State legislators.

With the funding lost for construction in April of 2012, the City of Big Bear Lake, Village Merchants, Restaurants and Lodges were left holding the proverbial bag along with nearly 1 million dollars worth of plans and specifications for the project, that took nearly 3 years to assemble. And no way to build it.

Village businesses, for the most part, are looking forward to the major improvements to drainage and lighting and the new sidewalks and additions to landscaping will be a great improvement to the overall look and feel of the Village and will surely elevate the visitor experience beginning later this summer.

Still to be addressed, are several of the concepts and projects developed by the Village re-visioning process. The process was led by the City’s Redevelopment Director, Lyle Haynes and documented by the City’s consultant and Land Planner RRM Design Group through a long series of meetings between City Staff, the Consultant and a committee of community stakeholders, property owners and citizens at large (Village Specific Plan Update Committee 2009-2010). These projects would include landscaping and underground utilities on Bartlett Rd., additional public restrooms, tour bus parking and loading area, and additional public parking to support more and larger events in the Village.

With plans either complete or in development and construction  awaiting a funding source and approval by the city Council, are the other projects aimed at creating additional use and improving parking and circulation in the Village. The Knickerbocker Trail improvements and the creation of a Village Events Complex with an outdoor amphitheater and its own parking element adjacent to the Bartlett Parking. Some of this could start in the spring, 2014.

The 10th Annual Pine Knot Village Artwalk  is scheduled for July 6-7, 2013. More than 60 artists will exhibit work for sale at the event held this year in the Bartlett Events Area adjacent to the City of Big Bear Lake Information Center, 630 Bartlett Rd. in the Village. Stroll, shop, dine and have fun 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. Enjoy Life, Enjoy the Arts! Big Bear Lake, SoCal’s Leisure Travel and Getaway Destination!

New and returning artists will exhibit work for sale during the event including Pottery, Fine Wood Working, Jewelery, Glass, Metal, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Photography, Mixed Media and more. Space is limited and assigned on a  first come basis.

 To apply  to exhibit, Artists can get an application and review the Festival Map and Set-Up instructions 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. To stay informed about the Artwalk dates and featured Artists, you are invited to sign up for the Festival Newsletters at: Newsletter Sign Up

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 always popular annual event.

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

https://twitter.com/BigBearArtwalk

BigBearLakeArtwalk.com

Want to help out during the Big Bear Lake Summer Arts Events?

Whether your a full time Big Bear Lake resident or just want to make more of your time in the summer, enjoy the great Big Bear weather and alpine climate. Being part of the Summer Arts Events is a great experience.

The Village is a vibrant and exciting place to be during the Summer Arts Events Season and volunteers are needed to help with everything from food service in the wine garden to parking, security, information booth staffing, and even later in the season with the volunteer appreciation dinner and awards. To find out how you can help or to join the Arts Council of Big Bear Valley, plan to attend the Annual Meeting for the Arts Council in May. To sign up as a volunteer at the Artwalk Festival, email director@artsmda.org.

explorebigbearlake.com

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

Friday, June 21, 2013

GUITARIST STEVE OLIVER

SoCal’s Own Guitarist and Scatter Extraordinaire, Steve Oliver is booked to perform Unplugged onboard the Miss Liberty Sternwheeler on Big Bear Lake Opening Night. Cast off with Steve and the crew of the Miss Liberty at either 5:30 or 7:30PM and enjoy the lake from on the water and under the spell of the incredible and dynamic guitar stylings of Steve Oliver.

Co-hosted by Nick Colionne

 
Tickets will also be available at the door.

Big Bear Lake’s Black Diamond Tavern’s 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  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.  

Black Diamond Tavern

42172 Moonridge Rd. Big Bear Lake, CA

Info & Reservations: www.blackdiamondtavern.com and via phone 909-366-0871

Now Open, Wolf Creek Resort’s latest addition, Wolf Creek Wine Room, located in Big Bear Lake at 40210 Big Bear Blvd next door to the new Big 5 sporting goods store. The tasting room is on the south side of the property adjacent to the resort’s grape vineyard.

Join our entertainment Director, Jazz Pianist Mike Cross, at the keys of the Wine Room’s brand new Yamaha Grand Piano. Mike’s band, The Real Jazz Trio, will be kicking off the new venue’s Winter Jazz Series. Wolf Creek Wine Room will feature more than 100 different wines from around the world by the glass, tasting flights, and by the bottle. Regular Hours at the Tasting Room will be 5:00 PM till 10:00 PM Fridays and Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons from 2PM till 8PM.

For food offerings, the kitchen will be preparing traditional pairings with appetizers, cheese and meat plates, fruit and seasonal small plates.

If it’s beer your craving, enjoy the selection of domestic and imported bottles or one of the proprietor’s own draught brews. Always on tap are the Stone Summit Blonde, IPA and Hefeweizen.

Friday - April 4, 2013

Mike Cross Jazz Pianist

6:30 -10:00 PM

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Saturday - April 6, 2013

The Real Jazz Trio

6:30 -10:00 PM

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Sunday - April 7, 2013

The Real Jazz Trio

3:30 – 8:00 PM

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Thursday & Friday - April 11-12, 2013

Singer/songwriter Luke Stevenson

6:30 -10:00 PM

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Saturday - April 13, 2013

The Real Jazz Trio

6:30 -10:00 PM

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Sunday - April 14, 2013

The Real Jazz Trio featuring saxophonist John Bolivar

3:30 – 8:00 PM

For information about the Tasting Room or to make a reservation, contact Wolf Creek Resort at 909-878-0220

Wolf Creek Resort and Spa
40210 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
877-428-9335 Toll Free
909-878-0220 Local

Wolf Creek Resort

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/

Wolf Creek Resort, Big Bear Lake, CA

The weekend event is open to the public and starts on Friday evening, March 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 PM. An evening of jazz will follow featuring pianist, Mike Cross and the Real Jazz Trio from 5 – 10 PM. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. A wide selection of wines from around the world will be available for tasting and purchase. Soft drinks and beer, including, Stone Summit Beer, a private label brewed by the resort’s owner will also be available.

Saturday, March 9, from 6 to 10 PM and Sunday, March 10, from 3 to 8 PM listen to John Bolivar, as he joins the Real Jazz Trio. Bolivar is an accomplished saxophonist, having played with Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and Lou Rawls, among others. Hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks and beer will be available for purchase and wine will also be available for tasting and purchase.

 “It’s exciting to see the incredible result of all of the work that we’ve put into the wine room, and to finally celebrate its opening. With the incredible line-up of musicians we have booked, the amazing wines from around the world and the relaxing atmosphere in Big Bear, I fully anticipate this becoming a premiere weekend jazz destination in Southern California,” said David Stone, owner of Wolf Creek Resort, Big Bear Resort and Fireside Lodge.

 There is no cover charge; no one under 21 will be admitted to the wine room.

Wolf Creek Resort and Spa
40210 Big Bear Boulevard
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
877-428-9335 Toll Free
909-878-0220 Local

Wolf Creek Resort

Have a great time on your Big Bear Lake visit and we will look forward to seeing you in the Village!

Memorial Day Weekend is May 25-27, 2013

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.

So while the kids are on the Ski Slopes, you can get out  and do some Snowshoeing on the many accessible trails in the Big Bear Lake area. For Trails Information on all Big Bear Lake area trails, check out the Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation website.

Purchase Lift Tickets at either Big Bear Lake Ski Resort at the link below.

Big Bear Resort Lift Tickets

The Village shopping district in Big Bear Lake CA is about 100 miles east of Newport Beach and about one hour from anywhere in the Inland Empire.At nearly 6800 feet in elevation in an alpine forest landscape, the quaint village sits next to Big Bear Lake, in the San Bernardino Mountains and has dozens of shops to browse and find your every shopping need. 

Getting to Big Bear Lake by car is awe-inspiring using any of the three highways that lead in and out of the Big Bear Valley. Always check road conditions with Caltrans of the CHP before traveling in the winter months.

 If hiking and biking is your thing, add some to your day on the many miles of off-road trails or stay on the dedicated bike routes through the mountain community. Always plenty of free parking in the Village at the  Bartlett Ave Public Parking lot or on Village Dr, at the Indian Village Parking lot behind the former Mandolin Bistro. Bike Trail Maps are available at http://www.goboguides.com/  and Bear Valley Bikes. 

With more than 60 shops and restaurants to browse and enjoy, you can definitely find what your looking for in the Village!

Art  Gifts  Clothing  Dining