Big Bear Today October 2018

Volume 30, No. 4 October 2018 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com 

All Smiles at 

Oktoberfest! 

48th Annual Oktoberfest 

• Cave's Country Weekend, Retro 80s, Bee Gees Gold 

• Flashlight Safaris After Dark Zoo Adventure 

• Halloween in Season with Hoots, Haunts 

• Fall Colors Showing Along Pine Knot Trail

Page 2—October 2018 

From the Publisher 

Haunts, horror 

show Big Bear has 

Halloween `spirit’ 

alloween has never been my favorite 

holiday. Maybe it stems back 

to the time I was egged as a young Hchild while trick-or-treating. 

Mom had made by hand a really 

clever devil costume, complete with bright 

red horns, but it was the older kids gathering 

candy at the door who were the sinners. 

I heard them whispering “devil” but 

didn’t know what they were planning...till 

I left the doorway, walked toward the sidewalk, 

and was pelted by eggs in a snowball-like 

attack. 

All that runny egg and yolk ruined the 

costume and my night, sending me home 

in tears. I have sympathy for frying pans 

because I can assure you that when eggs 

crack against you, it hurts. More hurtful 

was Mom’s reaction when she saw what 

had been done to her handiwork. One and 

only year for that costume! 

Since then I’ve had little use for Halloween. 

Not to say I haven’t gone to costume 

parties because I have or don’t pass 

out candy to trick-or-treaters because I do. 

But for the most part wife Sandy and I 

abstain on the parties and never dress up. 

Well, not exactly never. Once every 

few years circumstances conspire against 

us and we feel obligated/compelled/pressured 

(choose your verb) to attend a Halloween 

party. Typically it’s a Rotary bash 

where I’m not likely to get egged though 

I’m sure some have thought about it. 

Always, we’re in the same costumes, 

me a doctor, Sandy a nurse. How imaginative. 

Mom hooked me up with this outfit 

as well, scoring some hospital scrubs 

and accessories during her working days 

as a nurse. Sandy dons one of her old uniforms. 

When Mom gave me an old stethoscope 

she didn’t need anymore, bingo! 

Instant Halloween! And about as much 

effort as I cared to put into a costume. 

Alas, at our last Rotary party a few 

years ago several couples came decked out 

just like us (probably stole the idea from 

us too), so we may have to get creative 

and since Mom passed away I’ll be on my 

own for a costume for the first time ever. 

Sandy and I could live without another 

Halloween quite happily but we’re 

obviously in the distinct minority. In our 

youth Halloween was a night kids foraged 

for candy and that was about it, a mere 

blip on the radar before the Thanksgiving, 

Christmas and New Year’s holidays. 

At the point hospitals started X-raying 

candy because a few kooks had put razor 

blades in some it looked like Halloween’s 

demise was imminent. 

Instead now it’s a celebration unto itself 

with several chain stores devoted to 

the holiday, some year-round and others 

seasonal, opening a couple months before. 

It’s adults who love to dress up and party 

who have sparked Halloween’s resurgence 

with so many good ways to dress up like 

someone or something you’re not just to 

get scared senseless. 

Case in point is Big Bear. Village 

merchants for years have put on the most 

awesome Halloween celebration by passing 

out candy to thousands of trick-ortreating 

children on Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. 

The streets are closed making for two long 

blocks of trick-or-treating paradise. But 

now there’s a “Big Bear Scare” campaign 

to lure guests by frightening them. 

In the pages of this issue we have covered 

more of the Halloween season than 

you could shake a Dracula stake at. And 

we still couldn’t fit in every haunt, hoot 

or horror happening in October! 

Mystery Maze for instance is presented 

by the Loyal Order of Moose Fridays 

and Saturdays from Oct. 12-27. Get 

lost in Fawnskin (39211 N. Shore Dr.) in 

a dizzying maze from 4-9 p.m. and 2-9 

p.m. on Oct. 31 for $5, kids $3. 

And the parties! Nottingham’s hosts 

its famous bash on Oct. 27 with costumes 

and great prizes plus live music and drink 

specials starting at 7 p.m. Miss Liberty has 

a party on the water from 5-6:30 p.m. on 

Oct. 26 with $10 cover for costume contest, 

music and half-price drinks. 

Big Bear Oktoberfest hosts one of the 

biggest parties with its German 

Spooktacular on Oct. 27. The $1,200 or 

more cash purse attracts people who take 

costumes much more seriously than I do. 

There’s been some pretty amazing ones 

through the years including a giant robot 

with lights powered by large battery. 

There’s hoots during Flashlight Safaris 

at the zoo on page 6 with owls and 

wolves and haunt at Bear Valley Farms, 

where the people responsible for scares at 

Universal and the Queen Mary have designed 

real terror on page 12. See still 

more of those props at Gold Rush Mining 

Adventures, with a western town-full of 

graves and ghosts on page 11. 

Learn why not to fear bats with the 

story on page 7 and yes, Rocky Horror 

Picture Show is showing at The Cave Big 

Bear on Oct. 26. 

That’s enough Halloween for now. 

Next up are the Christmas commercials! 

Have a good one. 

Marcus 

ON THE COVER: They’re all smiles on the dance floor at Big Bear Oktoberfest, which 

continues through Nov. 3. You’ll smile too with the coupon on page 11. 

Volume 30, Number 4 

4 

6 

8 

9 

16 

Publisher 

Marcus G. Dietz 

Associate Publisher 

Sandra L. Dietz 

Publishing Consultant 

Bret Colson 

Technical Consultant 

Charles Dietz 

Photography 

Steve Dietz 

John Daskam 

Mark Gauger 

In This Issue... 

Big Bear Today 

October2018 

Oktoberfest in Full Swing and Polka 

Four weekends, two German Bands, Local’s Night, Unplugged 

and Spooktacular are all on tap at Oktoberfest this month. 

Plus outside entertainment on the Wyatt’s Stage including the 

Doo Wah Riders. Everything that is Oktoberfest on pages 4 

and 5 plus coupon for free adult Sunday admission on page 

11. Yeah, we’ve got you covered. 

Zoo Howling Good Times, Flashlight Safaris 

Explore Big Bear Alpine Zoo after dark during flashlight 

safaris, where a few bloodcurdling howls are sure to get you 

in the Halloween spirit. Is 2018 the last year these popular 

outings will be held? Wolf Awareness Day and Boo in the Zoo 

are combined on Oct. 27 to create one spirited event. 

Country Weekend, 80’s, Bee Gees Music 

One weekend sees two top country stars when Phil Vassar 

and Mark Wills appear at The Cave Big Bear Oct. 12-13. Next 

weekend it’s Retro 80s night followed by Bee Gees Gold and 

along the way there’s Oingo Boingo tribute, Desperado’s 

night of Eagle music, even Rocky Horror Picture Show! 

Sweet Kraut, Dessert Cabbage at Barnstorm 

German food is a year-round specialty at Barnstorm 

Restaurant at the airport. Owner Renee Wagner was born in 

Germany and these are her recipes to prepare kraut that’s 

sweet, not sour, delicious red cabbage, schnitzel and more. 

Don’t forget the homemade potato pancakes either...yum! 

Fall for Fall on Pine Knot Trail 

Aspen Grove is still closed for its aspen show, but for fall 

colors there’s always Pine Knot Trail. There the focus is on 

oaks which turn bright yellow and orange and at press time 

the show was underway and about to get better. See the 

season’s colors on this trail...or on The Back Page. 

Snow Summit Scenic Skychair is open 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday. See page 15 

DEPARTMENTS 

2 

3 

13 

14 

From the Publisher 

Potpourri 

New! Area Map/ 

Calendar of Events 

The Almanac 

Big Bear's most complete 

listings for recreation, 

dining, and more. 

Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation, 

dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any 

material, without the express written consent of the Publisher, 

is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909) 

585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA, 

92314. Fax: (909) 585-9359. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. 

Member, Big Bear Visitor Bureau and Big Bear Chamber of 

Commerce. Internet Address: bigbeartodaymag.com 

Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc. 

Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio. 

Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big 

Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited 

manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned. 

© Copyright 2018 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today October 2018—Page 3


Oktoberfest in full swing—and polka 

Four October weekends, 2 German bands, 

1 Local’s Night and German Spooktacular on `tap’ 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

T○ here’s two German bands to go and 

always popular Local’s Night where 

everyone is welcome. Contest finals 

are still on tap—pun intended—along with 

dance groups, Unplugged evening and 

German Spooktacular with costume contest 

and huge cash purse. 

Big Bear Oktoberfest is in full 

swing—and polka—as the event’s namesake 

month arrives. There’s an entire 

month of oompa music inside still to go 

plus the November 3 Oktoberfest encore 

and a party outside that rivals the one indoors. 

No wonder AOL, Ski Magazine, 

LowerFares.com and AskMen.com have 

all listed Big Bear Oktoberfest #1 in Southern 

California and in the Top 10 best festivals 

in the country. 

2018 sees three direct-from-Germany 

bands at Oktoberfest and the first, 

Frankenrebellon in September, was outstanding. 

Mats’s Infinity is second one up, 

continuing through Oct. 5-7, then is followed 

by three weekends with Die 

Free shuttle way to ride 

Leave the driving to others with expanded 

shuttle service to and from Big 

Bear Oktoberfest. 

There’s always a free ride home from 

Big Bear Oktoberfest each Saturday night 

for those who want one to any lodge or 

residence in the Valley courtesy of the 

CoorsNA Shuttle. Now there’s complimentary 

rides to Oktoberfest Saturdays as well, 

departing from the Bartlett Parking Lot in 

the Village approximately every 30 minutes 

beginning at 2 p.m. 

Shuttles to Oktoberfest continue till 6 

p.m. and then evening ride returns to the 

Village till closing. Catch it out in front of 

the Convention Center. Leave your car in 

the parking lot and the driving to somebody 

else...lots of people do, enjoying 

themselves to the fullest while not having 

to worry about driving. Oktoberfest also 

has a designated driver program. Visit any 

inside food concession where the one doing 

the driving gets a wristband for free 

sodas, tea and coffee. 

Bohmische Strassemusikanten, which 

translates into “Bohemian Street Musicians.” 

The group sports 12 players —half 

an orchestra—making it one of the largest 

to ever take Oktoberfest’s stage on Oct. 13- 

14, 20-21 and 27-28. 

Matt’s Infinity is led by Matthias 

Kremer of Aalbachtal Express and for two 

years running has brought his own band 

to Big Bear. This time it’s an expanded 

nine-member version that includes members 

of the German band The Beat Boys. 

In 2017 Matt’s Infinity was one of the 

most popular bands at Ein Prosit, even 

writing a hit song “Big Bear Lake 

Oktoberfest” for the occasion to go with 

traditional favorites like “In Heaven There 

is No Beer,” “Roll Out the Barrell” and 

many more. The band plays the big Oct. 

5-7 weekend that features the only Friday 

Local’s Night from 6 p.m.-midnight. 

The third German band playing the 

month’s other three weekends is Die 

Bohmische Strassemusikanten, which 

formed in 2001 though many performers 

played together for years before that. Touring 

throughout Bavaria along with Belgium 

and Norway has made the band one 

of theregion’s most recognizeable, mixing 

upper Bavarian brass music with modern 

tunes. Die Bohmische Strassemusikanten, 

previously toured the United States but this 

is its first visit to Big Bear. 

The outdoor stage has become such a 

hit outside, with live music under the pines, 

that it has been renamed and completely 

redesigned with larger stage lined by hay 

bales and concert-quality lighting and 

sound. Two bands play each Saturday on 

the Wyatt’s stage from 2-11 p.m. with some 

top groups, the biggest being nationally renowned 

Doo Wah Riders on Oct. 27 during 

the German Spooktacular, preceded 

earlier in the day by its alter ego the Craw- 

Daddy-O’s. 

The German Spooktacular is the perfect 

way to celebrate Halloween. Wear 

your best costume—the contest features 

expanded $1,200 cash purse—and with 

that kind of money at stake designs get very 

Direct-from-Germany Matt’s Infinity band at Oktoberfest 

elaborate to say the least. Children’s dance 

group Kleine Bar Tanzers also perform. 

With expanded nine weekend run 

Oktoberfest closes for 2018 on Nov. 3 with 

its first ever Encore performance. Contest 

winners return for championship competition 

in log sawing and stein holding and 

there’s lots of discounts and surprises in 

store. Longtime favorites The Express 

Band return and hot group The Rippers are 

on the Wyatt’s Stage. 

Join the Oktoberfest family for an intimate 

evening of fine German foods and 

spirits on Friday, October 19. 

In just three short years Oktoberfest 

Unplugged has become one of the most 

anticipated events of the season, attracting 

guests from as far as Texas who came 

specifically to enjoy the intimate affair. 

Unplugged features a gourmet five-course 

German dinner paired with a variety of 

German beers and spirits, storytelling 

from Oktoberfest’s colorful 46 year history, 

take-home goodies like one liter 

commemorative stein and more. 

The menu is as unique as the evening, 

with gourmet delicacies specially-prepared 

for the event. Like German cold cuts 

and sausages served upon arrival paired 

with honey bourbon Barenjaeger. Luscious 

beer cheese soup, such a favorite it 

has since been added to the regular 

Oktoberfest menu. 


Big Bear Oktoberfest is on Saturdays 

from noon-midnight (peak admission 

$22.99, $17.49 seniors, $9.99 child). Sundays 

are family days from noon-5:30 p.m. 

with children 12 and under free and adults 

$10, $8 seniors. Clip the coupon for FREE 

Sunday adult admission on page 11. 

Prepurchase tickets include priority entry. 

Prepurchase tickets online at 

www.bigbearevents.com or call the Convention 

Center at (909) 585-3000. 

Intimate Oktoberfest with fine food, spirits 

Entrees can include jager schnitzel, 

sauerbraten or spatzle, and dessert such 

Jaeger brownies topped with baronjaeger 

walnut brittle and marinated walnuts. 

Each course is paired with German-generous 

servings of select Bavarian beers 

and spirits and if that’s not enough libations 

for you, no-host bar is available with 

complimentary shuttle service home. 

During the served, sit-down repast 

guests are regaled with an inside look into 

the history and beginnings of Oktoberfest 

by uber-Burgermeister and founder of the 

Big Bear event Hans Bandows, and other 

key Oktoberfest personalities. 

Unplugged is from 6 p.m.-midnight 

on October 19. Oktoberfest Unplugged 

with collectible liter stein is $122 per person 

or for $157 includesOktoberfest admission 

both Saturday and Sunday. 

Visit www,bigbearevents.com or call 

(909) 585-3000. 

Live music that isn’t Bavarian on the outdoor Wyatt’s Stage; log sawing is one of Oktoberfest’s most popular contests with the championships set for Nov. 3

Big Bear Today October 2018—Page 5 

Fun Zone, bull, booths outside 

Outside there’s Fun Zon with oversized 

inflatable slide and castle, bounce 

houses and a bucking bull to ride. Live 

music under the pine trees and shopping 

treasures. 

In fact there’s enough happening outside 

the Convention Center during Big 

Bear Oktoberfest that guests would still get 

their money’s worth even if they never 

stepped inside. Sports Garten with all the 

big games on big screen TVs, food court 

featuring street tacos, gourmet sausages 

and flatbread pizza, and more spots to soak 

up suds than you can shake a stein at combine 

for festival fun beyond the German 

celebration indoors. Multiple heaters ensure 

the outdoors stays popular even on 

October’s chilly nights. 

The new outdoor Fun Zone is big news 

with giant inflatable castle with multiple 

rooms to climb on and 25-foot high slide 

with marshmallow-like cushions to land 

on. Kids young and old delight in the new 

expanded area, where there’s other 

inflatables too including huge train engine 

bounce house that kids love and challenging 

Connect 3 basketball game. 

“It’s a bounce house party on steroids,” 

Oktoberfest’s Monica Marini noted. 

Children get unlimited play in the Fun 

Zone, coming and going as they choose, 

for $10. Adults pay $3 for three slide rides 

and $5 for Connect 3. 

There’s also a new mechanical bull in 

Serene Green shows off leggings available in her booth 

Fun Zone but the real bucking experience 

and $5 price are still the same. So are the 

results: all riders eventually get tossed as 

the bull always comes out on top. 

The expanded outdoor Wyatt’s Stage 

has become wildly popular, with two bands 

every Saturday playing music that isn’t Bavarian. 

With concert-quality lighting and 

sound system and dance floor guests enjoy 

a variety of music that ranges from rock 

to blues to western. There’s even music 

outdoors on Sunday too with popular entertainer 

Terry McRaven. 

The highlight is on Saturday, Oct. 27 

when the nationally renowned Doo Wah 

Riders return. Enjoy this heavy-hitting 

band from just a few feet away for a truly 

unique music experience as the Doo Wah 

Riders from 7-11 p.m. 

The Doo Wah Riders have toured with 

the biggest names in country music. The 

band appeared in the movie “Basic Instinct,” 

playing their original song “Glowing 

in the Ashes.” A medley of classic 

western songs is a Doo Wah Riders staple. 

The Craw Daddy-O’s, the Cajun incarnation 

of the Doo Wah Riders at Disneyland, 

take the Wyatt’s Stage from 2-6 p.m. 

Wyatt’s Stage hosts several great 

bands in October. Big Bear favorites Street 

Music Band play Oct. 6 from 2-6 p.m. followed 

by Southern Spirit. Other bands include 

Solo Flight West and Born Country 

on Oct. 13, Sean Wiggins and Lone Goat 

on Oct. 20; 

pick up official 

Big Bear 

Oktoberfest 

Magazine 

for full 

schedule. 

Shopping 

along 

t h e 

Budenstrasse 

“Avenue of 

the Booths” 

is always a 

treat, a 

chance to get 

a head start 

on holiday 

gift buying 

with items 

not found in 

New bull, same end result on the popular ride at Oktoberfest’s new Fun Zone 

any mall. There’s jewelry, clothing, woodworking, 

cigars, funnel cake, old time photos 

by Richard Millener, fortune telling, 

you name it. 

Serene Green “The Leggings Girl” is 

back with stretch leg wear that fits all, just 

$10 a pair or three for $25. “There’s two 

Continued on page 7 

HORSEBACK RIDING 

Baldwin Lake Stables 

Open Year Round•Rates by the Hour 

1, 2, 3 & 4 Hour Rides•Reservations Suggested 

Pony Rides & Petting Zoo 

909-585-6482 • Big Bear City 

Big Bear Blvd. east through stop sign at Hwy. 38, 

veer left on Shay Rd. and follow the signs 

46475 Pioneertown Rd. 

www.baldwinlakestables.com 

Specialty Rides 

•Majestic Sunset Ride 

•1/2 Day Ride along the 

famous Pacific Crest Trail 

Please Make Reservations 

for Specialty Rides 

Under Permit USDA Forest Service


Safaris, wolves after dark thrills, chills 

Walking through the darkness, 

guests can’t see anything save 

for the flickering shadows created 

by the billion twinkling points of star 

light from above. They reach the end of 

the path, click on their flashlights, and are 

immediately staring at... 

A grizzly bear or three, each several 

hundred pounds of pure ferociousness in 

a cuddly package. Mountain lions that 

knew you arrived long before you did. 

Wolves on the prowl, easily goaded into 

letting out spine-chilling howls that bring 

the whole park to life in an outstanding pre- 

Halloween scare. 

When Big Bear Alpine Zoo hosts what 

might be the last Flashlight Safaris ever 

on Fridays and Saturdays in October, 

guests see the zoo at its best. Sure daytime 

visits are great when there’s lots of light 

for viewing, but 

it’s after dark 

when the show really 

gets going, 

long after the park 

is usually closed. 

When the sun sets 

and shadows 

form, many of the 

animals that are 

hard to see by day 

come alive with 

the sights and 

sounds of nature, 

like snow leopards 

and bobcats. 

Full Hot & Cold Deli 

Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto 

Try Our Famous 

Rotisserie Chicken 

& Kabobs! 

The wolves assure guests a howling 

good Halloween season after dark with 

bloodcurdling howls cries that send 

goosebumps up and down the arms. Which 

in turn gets the coyotes going, creating a 

spooky starlight serenade. Sure the beasts 

are in their cages, but even so the heart 

skips a beat! When the predators become 

active so too do prey, fueled by natural instincts. 

The park sports one of the largest timber 

wolf populations in captivity with 

nearly a dozen animals in distinct 

packs.That’s because they were bottlefed 

from birth by keepers Debbie Richardson 

and Christy McGiveron after their mother 

rejected them. 

As the wolves grew the heirarchy for 

which the animals are known developed 

and as some assumed dominance, others 

Wolves assure a howling good 

Halloween at Big Bear Alpine Zoo 

Award 

Winners: 

1st 

Liquor 

2nd 


After dark Flashlight Safaris at the zoo are a hoot, each Friday and Saturday 

were squeezed out and had to be moved. 

So now the magnificent animals, who often 

treat guests to their spine-tingling howls 

even during the day, are found in four different 

locations. 

Watching the big cats prowl back and 

forth is worth the $12 admission ($9 seniors 

and ages 3-10, under 3 free) in itself. 

Yet the entire park seemingly stirs and becomes 

more active after dark; beavers that 

typically are in their den by day come out 

at night.Foxes, raccoons, skunks and owls 

are other creatures of the night. Ravens and 

crows are also part of Halloween. 

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with safaris 

promptly at 7. Bring a flashlight and dress 

for cool autumn Big Bear nights. 

After the zoo moves to its new 6.5 

acres home that’s nearly three times the size 

of its current 2.5 acres, probably in early 

spring 2019, Flashlight Safaris may become 

extinct. “We’re hoping to be open 

after dark on a regular basis anyway, so 

Safaris won’t be necessary,” curator Bob 

Cisneros said. 

In addition more howling good time 

can be enjoyed at the zoo on Saturday, Oct. 

27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The zoo is combining 

two popular events—Wolf Awareness 

Day and Boo at the Zoo—into one to 

create “Howl-oween.” Celebrate the park’s 

Now 

Re-Opened! 

distinct wolf packs and see how the 

heirarchy of power develops. Plus there’s 

a variety of activities and games to boot. 

Of course the zoo,open daily from 10 

a.m.-4 p.m. is a popular destination by day 

as well, with over 150 animals representing 

a variety of species, many native to the 

San Bernardino Mountains. There’s daily 

animal presentations along with the Raccoon 

Saloon, Raven Haven, and more. 

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with tours 

promptly at 7. Bring a flashlight and dress 

warmly. Call (909) 584-1299 or 878-4200. 

See stars with group 

Join Big Bear Valley Astronomical 

Society for a full day—and—night—of 

peering into the sky on October 13. 

The group is celebrating National Astronomy 

Day with two skywatching events 

on the corner of Pine Knot and Village Dr. 

Telescopes will be trained on everyone’s 

favorite star, the Sun, from noon-7 p.m. 

Then at 7 p.m. the scopes will focus 

on the night sky to view the Moon, Mars 

and Saturn. Come see the Moon’s craters 

up-close along with Saturn’s rings and 

much more! Both viewings are free and 

open to the public. 

www.bearvalleyastronomers.org 

Your Wild Bird & Squirrel Headquarters 

Groceries 

We cut the highest 

Quality Meats 

Daily 

2017 

Chamber of 

Commerce 

Excellence 

in Business! 

Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip, 

Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too! 

(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days 

Community Market 

100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City 

1 mile east of The Convention Center 

Bird Info Here! 

Birdwalks, Too 

• Fine Oregon Pine Furnishings 

• Seed 

• Suet 

• Nuts 

• Gift Items 

• Feeders 

• Nectar 

(909) 281-4548 • 42656 Moonridge Rd. 

Big Bear Lake, California 

(Across from the New Zoo, On the Way to Bear Mountain)


Go batty over bats at Discovery Center 

Bats fly into people’s hair. Suck their 

blood. Always carry rabies. Turn into 

Dracula on Halloween night! 

These are but a few of the myths about 

nature’s misunderstood mammals that will 

be dispelled when longtime Big Bear bat 

girl and Forest Service biologist Linda 

Stamer holds her popular pre-Halloween 

talk at Big Bear Discovery Center on Friday, 

October 26. The free Nature Night 

program “What’s Your Bat-itude?” is fun 

for the whole family with real bat specimens 

and slide show about these fascinating 

creatures of the night. Kids are encouraged 

to dress in Halloween costumes and 

there’s bat cookies to decorate. 

Learn the truth about these remarkable 

and beneficial creatures of the night, like... 

*Bats can consume up to twice their 

body weight in one night in mosquitoes, 

scarfing down some 1,200 per hour. So if 

you hate the true bloodsuckers of the forest, 

then you should be bats about bats. 

*While all mammals can contract rabies, 

the less than half of one percent of 

bats that do get the disease normally bite 

only in self-defense and pose little threat 

to people who don’t handle them. 

*Seed production of agave plants, 

from which tequila is produced, drops to 

1/3,000th of normal without bat pollinators. 

Imagine how expensive margaritas 

would be without bats! 

*Vampire bat saliva features an anticoagulant 

that may soon be used to treat 

human heart patients. 

There are about 45 bat species in the 

United States and at least 20 are found in 

this forest, which has so many different 

types of habitats, from the desert side’s 

chaparral to pine forest canopy, meadows 

and the lake. One species Big Bear doesn’t 

have is the infamous vampire bat, found 

primarily in South American though it has 

been known to occasionally migrate as far 

north as Mexico. 

Free Nature Walks around Discovery 

Center’s forested grounds are also ongoing 

Saturdays at 1 and 2 p.m. and Sundays 

at 11 a.m. Join a naturalist for 30- 

minute adventures perfect for the entire 

family in search of forest flora and fauna. 

Call Big Bear Discovery Center (909) 

866-3437. 

Oktoberfest shopping, Fun Zone... 

Continued from page 5 

different sizes, one that fits most 0-14 sizes 

and the other plus sizes 14-24,” she said. 

“Tons of new stuff too since last year since 

I get new patterns in every week.” 

Ultra-plus sizes in 3X to 5X are also 

available for $10 each. Leggings are 92% 

polyester, 8% spandex and don’t ball up 

or peel away and are machine washable. 

Green also has jewelry, all pieces $5 or less. 

Only at Oktoberfest can you support 

an African village at a German event! “Da 

African Village” returns with handmade 

Masai sandals, unique macrame footwear. 

“They’re so comfortable even when they 

get wet they feel like you’re barefoot,” said 

Mara Diakhate, whose family members 

craft the sandals, priced at $35. 

There’s also intricately-decorated coin 

purses for ten bucks plus makeup, shoulder 

and beach bags, musical instruments 

including drums and much more, all handmade 

in Africa. Da African Village is nonprofit 

and seeks to spread the history, culture 

and language of West Africa. 

Get into Oktoberfest spirit with “Instant 

German.” Don these unique shirts in 

all sizes at Oktoberfest Shoppe and you’re 

instantly attired out in a realistic 3D dirndl 

or lederhosen. The shirts are high-quality 

and just $30 each, a far cry from what real 

lederhosen costs. There’s also hats for the 

party plus steins in all shapes and sizes, 

from stoneware to souvenir glass mugs. 


Go batty over bats during free program at the Discovery Center Oct. 26 

Home Tour decked for fall, holidays 

See four distinct Big Bear homes in 

their beautiful fall splendor with a hint of 

the holidays when the 39th annual 

Soroptimists Hearth and Home Tour is held 

in autumn on Saturday, October 6. 

Guests can soak up Big Bear’s fall foliage 

as they delight in viewing extraordinary 

homes decorated with inspiration 

from the colors, sights, sounds and aromas 

of autumn. Big Bear is recognized as one 

of the few places in Southern California to 

see the season as oaks and aspens change 

color and combine to create a sea of gold, 

crimson, amber and yellow visuals 

throughout town and the surrounding hillsides. 

Guests will discover unique Big Bear 

architecture while touring a collection of 

amazing homes from historic log cabins 

to modern, rustic mansions. Hosts guide 

FREE WIFI 

CLOSE TO 

VILLAGE, 

LAKE & 

DINING 

guests through each residence pointing out 

interested facts and features of each. 

At each stop on the tour guests are 

treated to a delight array of homemade 

breads such as pumpkin, zucchini, apple 

spice and banana along with hot apple cider 

and coffee. In addition to the traditional 

home tour, guests can enjoy wine and 

cheese tasting at 2018 “Excellence in Business” 

award winner Alpenhorn Bed and 

Breakfast for an additional charge $15. 

Ticket books for the tour, held 9 a.m.- 

3 p.m., are $30 and can be purchased at 

SIBBV.clubexpress.com. Tickets ares 

available at Big Bear Visitors Center,. Participants 

are given directions to the four 

homes and go at their own pace. Call (949) 

633-5544. 


Big Bear’s 

Largest Pool 

(Offer Good Sunday-Thursday / non-holiday) 

Motel Rooms $65 

with Fireplace & Queen Bed 

Spa Rooms $85 

with Cozy Fireplace 

Spa Cabins $95 

with Fireplace, private deck 

and Outdoor Spa (800) 255-4378 

local (909) 866-2166 

41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315 

www.BlackForestLodge.com


Country stars, Retro 80s, Rocky Horror! 


Amazing country headliners one 

weekend, Retro 80’s Night and 

top Bee Gees tribute another. 

Even the Rocky Horror Picture Show and 

a night of Oingo Boingo music! 

Top shelf performers and a touch of 

Halloween mark October at The Cave Big 

Bear, the mountain’s club-style venue with 

concert-quality sound and lighting systems 

plus special effects like lasers, fog, even 

“snow” that falls on the dance floor. Plus 

full cocktail service including local beers 

from Big Bear Lake Brewing Co. 

DEAD MAN’S PARTY on Oct. 6 

gets the month off to a great start with its 

top tribute to OINGO BOINGO, just in 

time for Halloween! With its highly-touted 

reproduction of the original band’s classics, 

eight-piece Dead Man’s Party has 

been fashioned after Oingo Boingo’s origi- 

nal lineup and features three-piece horn 

section, guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. 

Plus a frontman who makes a convincing 

Danny Elfman. 

Dead Man’s Party has been together 

for over 15 years and is the original tribute 

band, “Elfo-Approved” by Oingo Boingo 

founder Richard Elfman. Through the 

years the band has been joined on stage by 

former original members like John Avila, 

Steve Bartek and Johnny “Vatos” 

Hernandez. Fans hear all the Boingo hits. 

Obviously “Dead Man’s Party” but other 

favorites like “Weird Science,” “No One 

Lives Forever,” “Just Another Day” and 

more. Tickets start at just $18. 

REBEL SOULJAHZ makes its first 

Cave visit on Oct. 7. The band comes from 

the urban streets of Waipahu, Hawaii. Since 

forming in 2006 the band has arranged, 

Country weekend at The Cave with (L-R) Phil Vassar Oct. 12, Mark Wills Oct. 13 

written and performed several top hits including 

“Nothing to Hide,’ “The One,” 

“Play Me Like a Fool” and “Ms. Beautiful. 

Tickets start at $25. 

PHIL VASSAR kicks off Country 

Weekend on Oct. 12, one of only a handful 

of musicians to have multiples hits as 

both a songwriter and artist. He has ten 

Number One hits, 15 Top 10’s, and 26 Top 

40’s with favorites like “Just Another Day 

in Paradise,” “Carlene,” “Six Pack Summer,” 

“American Child” and more. 

He’s a superb songwriter and has written 

hits for Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, 

Jo Dee Messina and others, songs like “My 

Next 30 Years,” “Right on the Money” and 

“Bye Bye.” Tickets $40-$55. 

Bee Gees Gold tribute Oct. 20 

MARK WILLS is next night on Oct. 

13 and he too has had a lengthy career 

packed with hit music. He charted an incredible 

16 Top 40 songs from 1996-2003 

alone, when he released five studio albums. 

“Wish You Were Here” remains his top 

selling album, with platinum certification. 

His hit roster includes “Jacob’s Ladder,” 

“19 Somethin,” “Places I’ve Never 

Been,” “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “She’s in 

Love” and many more. Tickets start at $30. 

See both Vassar and Wills with weekend 

package prices $50 for two great shows! 

RETRO 80’S NIGHT on Oct. 19 is 

a different kind of weekend. Enjoy the music 

of the decade with Grove Kitty, which 


Dead Man’s Party Oingo Boingo tribute on Oct. 6 

Year-Round 

Christmas Room! 

Our rooms are 

filled with gifts 

and treasures 

from nearly 

20 artists! 

Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel 

• Bear-ly Used 

Books 

• Jerky 

• Pottery 

• Aprons 

• Sports 

Memorabilia 

• Everything 

Bears & More 

Open 7 Days 

a week 

Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m. 

Shopping Experience 

There is not “Anything” we do not have! 

Village Faire 

40794 Village Dr. 

(909) 866-8220 

Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village 

"Fly, Drive or Walk to the Barnstorm Restaurant" 

Breakfast • Lunch 

Dinner 

18 

Airport Terminal 

X 

Valley Blvd. 

W. Big Bear Blvd. 

International Menu 

The Best Homemade Food in Big Bear 

Big Tree Dr. 

Open Daily from 7 am to 3 pm 

Dinner: Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 5 to 9 pm 

with live Entertainment 

and Weekly Specials! 

Live Music 

Saturday 

Night 

10% OFF* 

for BB Locals 

(beer & wine 

not Included) 

(909) 585-9339 

Mike Cross 

plays at the Barnstorm 

“Enjoy the Piano Artistry 

of Mike Cross. 

Celebrating 50 Years 

on the piano. 

Every style and genre 

in his own unique style.” 

Music with your meal 

Hot Lunch Specials from $8.99 

Monday thru Friday, except Thursday 

*non-Holiday prices 

• Fine Selections 

of Beer and Wine 

• Authentic 

German 

Specialties 

The Barnstorm Restaurant — Inside the Airport Terminal 

501 W. Valley Blvd. • Big Bear City • CA 92314


Sweet kraut, cabbage at Barnstorm 

S 

auerkraut that’s sweet, not sour. Red 

cabbage people actually eat, not 

something to just add color to the 

plate and then sent back to the kitchen. 

Barnstorm Restaurant sees German 

food differently. It’s not just something to 

slap on the menu during Oktoberfest when 

people have brats and beer on their minds. 

Rather, sausages and schnitzel are on the 

lunch and dinner menus all year long, often 

appearing as specials. 

Owner Renee Wagner was born and 

raised in Germany, coming to the United 

States when she was 16, and all of the German 

specialties served at the Barnstorm 

harken back directly to her mom’s recipes. 

Whether’s it’s schnitzel pounded out by 

hand or luscious potato pancakes offered 

traditional-style with sour cream and apple 

sauce on the side, these are not run-of-themill 

German dishes to be sure. 

Case in point: sauerkraut. Cooked 

eight hours with a hammock, apple, onions 

and caraway seeds, it’s not the bitter 

stuff straight from a can that many people 

associate with sauerkraut and immediately 

pass on. This is more like sweetkraut, exploding 

with flavor. without the tart taste 

And when was the last time you actually 

ate the red cabbage that came with a 

German entree? Don’t make a similar mistake 

by passing on Barnstorm’s, which is 

combined with onion, a touch of lemon and 

bacon and even sugar to create a sweet taste 

sensation that’s almost dessert-like. 

“It’s important to start with fresh red 

cabbage,” Wagner said. 

Jaeger schnitzel is a favorite, starring 

a generous sauteed pork cutlet smothered 

with creamy mushroom sauce featuring 

ham pieces and spices. Emphasis on the 

mushrooms—there is a garden’s worth on 

every plate. The sauce is especially savory 

and teams well with the tender cutlet. 

Knusper schnitzel is also on the menu, 

breaded pork cutlet sauted and topped with 

a cooked-to-order egg. 

For an authentic Oktoberfest experience, 

enjoy the German sausage platter. 

Not one but two links—a bratwurst and 

knockwurst—are grilled to perfection, sear 

marks to prove it, and served with spicy 

mustard. Presented with sweetkraut and 

red cabbage it’s a real festival feast. Homemade 

potato pancakes, thick and dessertlike 

accompany the plate with applesauce 

and sour cream to round out a tasty German 

dinner that’s in season any time of 

year, not just when they’re doing the polka 

at Oktoberfest. 

Barnstorm does a lot of things well besides 

German. Dinner menu alone served 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday is two full 

pages long, from appetizer start featuring 

German sausage plate with huge wursts, sweet kraut, tasty potato pancakes 

baked brie, spinach artichoke dip with 

homemade chips to Maryland blue crab 

cakes, moist and full of flavor, to chocolate 

thunder dessert finish. In between 

there’s numerous steak, seafood, chicken 

and Italian specialties crafted by wellknown 

chef Robert, amazing selection for 

a restaurant this quaint size. 

Signature green beans are to-die-for, 

exquisitely seasoned. Each dinner begins 

with fresh veggies along with Barnstorm’s 

baguettes served with seasoned butter. Saturdays 

there’s live music, including October 

6 when guitarist Duke Michaels and 

his violinist wife Peggy Baldwin, who has 

played with ELO’s Jeff Lynne and even 

the great Yanni, perform. Other Saturday 

night entertainers include Robert Parlee 

Oct. 13 and 20 with longtime Big Bear favorite 

Art Harriman returning Oct. 27. 

Barnstorm is open daily for breakfast 

and lunch from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. with another 

four pages of menu. Blintzes and crepes, 

omelettes, Mexican specialties, half-pound 

Angus burgers, famous homemade soups 

and chili, and deli sandwiches make Barnstorm 

one of Big Bear’s most popular restaurants, 

whether it’s Oktoberfest or not. 

Belgian waffles are my personal favorite, 

best found anywhere. 

—by Marcus Dietz 

Barnstorm Restaurant is in the airport 

terminal at 501 W. Valley Blvd. in Big Bear 

City. Call (909) 585-9339. 


.com 

Savory jaeger schnitzel at Barnstorm Restaurant topped with creamy gravy 

What Will You Discover? 

Pan for Gemstones, 

Gold, Fossils, Shells 

and AiReal’s Pearls 

& find unique gifts 

Special Event 

Activities 

begin at 

just $4.99 + 

(800) 363-8303 

Sept. 10- Nov. 3 

WARNING: Ghost Sightings and other 

Supernatural Events are Common! 

FREE ADMISSION 

to the Ghost Town 

Experience our 

Fall-O-Ween 

Festivities 

Visit the website 

for more 

info. 

Get Slimy with our Slime Science 

Make your own! 

COVERED 

MAGIC CARPET 

RIDE UPHILL! 

New! Night Glow Tubing! 

Fridays, Saturdays, Holidays 5-9 pm 

SNOW 

Coming 

Soon! 

Heated Base Lodge • Snack Bar • Family Fun! 

Winter Hours – Daily 10am – 4pm 

Come to BIG Bear’s only Ghost Town 

and Cemetery for unlimited FREE selfies 

40016 Big Bear Boulevard • Big Bear Lake, CA. 

www.GoldRushMiningAdventures.com


HOMESTYLE 

QUALITY... 

Reel in a $20,000 

boat, cash at 

WON Troutfest 


Steaks 

East 

Seafood 

Valley's 

Pasta 

Only 

Chicken 

Bakery! 

Voted Big Bear's 

Best Breakfast! 

DAILY Breakfast Special! 

Every Saturday Night 

All-You-Can-Eat 

Beef Ribs $20.95! 

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS 

WED—PRIME RIB $17.95 

THURS—NEW YORK STEAK $17.95 

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES $14.25 

OR SURF & TURF $18.95 

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS 

$20.95...POT PIES $14.25 IF AVAILABLE 

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB $18.95 

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT 

After lunch or dinner... 

treat yourself from our 

Bakery! 

Caramel-topped apple 

dumplings...cheesecakes... 

apple streudel...fresh-baked pies 

of the season! 

Also Available to Go! 

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ 

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy 

Fireplaces or Under Trees on 

Our Outdoor Patio! 

337 W. Big Bear Blvd. 

(2 miles east of the Convention 

Center in Big Bear City) 

(909) 585-7005 

...FAMILY 

PRICES! 

Thousands of dollars in cash and 

prizes are on the “line” when the 14th annual 

Western Outdoor News Big Bear Lake 

Troutfest is held on October 6-7. 

Co-sponsored by Holloway’s and Big 

Bear Marinas, the event has become one 

of the premier fishing tournaments in the 

region and for good reason: everyone who 

enters gets goodie bag stuffed with line, 

hooks, sinkers and more, and someone is 

going to take home a boat and trailer valued 

at almost $20,000. 

The lake is stocked in advance of the 

event to make sure anglers enjoy heavyhitting 

action. Every entry has a chance to 

take home the grand raffle prize: a Klamath 

15ft. Advantage boat package with 

trailer and 20 hp Suzuki Marine tiller, valued 

at $19,500. There’s also a Sea Eagle 

Fish SUP valued at $1,300. 

All participants receive one raffle 

ticket—no others are sold—for prizes like 

exotic fishing trips, getaways, fishing gear 

and more. Tens of thousands of dollars in 

cash and prizes are up for grabs during the 

Gold Mountain, Aspen Grove hikes set 

See forest fire recovery firsthand on 

Sierra Club Big Bear Group outings. Including 

a rare chance to see Aspen Grove! 

GOLD MOUNTAIN HIKE on October 

6 at 8 a.m. enters the Doble section 

of Pacific Crest Trail which has been 

closed for a year after the 2017 Holcomb 

fire. See the moon-like landscape of 

charred tree trunks and ash mixed with 

regrowth that lasts less than a mile, then 

gives way to forest hiking as before. 

The 7-mile (roundtrip) hike is rated 

moderate with 1,300 ft. of climbing. 

Trailhead is on Holcomb Valley Rd. off 

Hwy. 18. (760) 333-3103. 

ASPEN GROVE has mostly been 

Fish for cash and prizes at Western Outdoor News Big Bear Lake Troutfest 

closed since the Lake Fire three years ago 

but the rare grove of trees is open again— 

but the road is closed. Hike there at 8:30 

a.m. on Oct. 13 during a 5-mile trek with 

up to a thousand feet of climbing. Call 

(909) 289-1932 for meeting location. 

FORSEE CREEK TRAIL on Oct. 

28 at 8:30 a.m. is a great hike as it winds 

into the San Gorgonio Wilderness under 

pines, firs and oaks and crosses several 

wet areas. The 7 mile hike crosses Forsee 

Creek and ends at John’s Meadow, a beautiful 

lunch spot. The mountain range 

views are spectacular. Meet at the 

trailhead off Jenks Lake Rd. West and 

Hwy. 38. Call (909) 289-1932. 

18 

cludes event hat and Sunday barbecue, 

blind bogey contest and raffle ticket. Registration 

is limited to 1,000 anglers and the 

first 600 to sign up receive the free wellstocked 

goodie. To register call (949) 366- 

0248. 

Cave shows, `Horror’ 

event and there’s also a special raffle for 

juniors with separate grand prize. 

All anglers are eligible for the $5,000 

blind bogey contest, in which $20 from 

each entry fee is put into a pool with 25% 

of the proceeds going to fishermen whose 

catches come closest to predetermined 

weights. A $15,000 trout plant is done advance 

of the event plus trout raised in 

MWD’s own pens are released. 

Fishing gets underway each day at 

6:30 a.m. and continues till 4 p.m. Saturday, 

2 p.m. on Sunday. The $75 entry in- 


brings 80’s music with power and enthusiasm. 

Atomic Kitty also plays and tickets 

are just ten bucks! 

BEE GEES GOLD follows on Oct. 

20 featuring the look and sound of the disco 

giants with the great John Acosta as Barry 

Gibb. From early songs like “Massachusetts” 

and “I Started a Joke” to later hits 

“Stayin’ Alive” and “You Should Be Dancing” 

Acosta backed by live band captures 

the look and sound of the Bee Gees, even 

the unique falsettos. $20-$40. 

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE 

SHOW on Oct. 26 is a cult classic— 

remember the famous midnight showings 

at the Balboa Theater? Tongue-in-cheek 

terror, rock music, elaborate dances and a 

creepy butler make for a fun, eerie night 

of theater after sweethearts stuck with a 

flat tire during a storm discover the mansion 

of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Save the rice 

but get ready for a great time! Tickets $10 

with doors opening at 8 p.m. 

DESPERADO returns with its ultimate 

tribute to The Eagles on Oct. 27. Five 

talented lead vocalists and instrumentalists 

have honed their musical skills in a variety 

of professional projects and then focused 

their efforts on the music of one of 

the most popular bands of the 70’s. It’s an 

all-live presentation with no backing tracks 

or samples of any kind. 

Desperado members have worked 

with Eagles Don Felder, J.D. Souther and 

Timothy B. Schmit (who also comes to The 

Cave Dec. 1) so they have a head start on 

the music. Not that they needed it; there’s 

guys who have traveled the world performing 

with the Beach Boys, Dick Dale, David 

Ruffin of the Temptations, Sam Moore of 

Sam & Dave and others. 

None of which is news to people who 

have seen Desperado at Big Bear shows 

or on Fremont Street Experience, Spotlight 

29 casino, and at performances throughout 

the Southwest. Tickets start at $15. 

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. 

The Cave; 40789 Village Dr. (909) 

878-0204 or thecavebigbear.com.


Goo, ghouls, gold adventures await! 

Gold, goo, geodes and ghouls. All 

are part of Halloween at Gold Rush 

Mining Adventures. 

Strike it rich with gold unveiled in the 

real working sluice out back, or in your 

bathroom after a few showers. Discover 

the science of slime (hint: key ingredients 

include eye contact solution) or unlock 

crystal treasures inside special rocks called 

geodes. Then capture amazing selfies in the 

historic ghost town where spirits may still 

linger in the cemetery! 

It’s all at Gold Rush, where a treasure 

trove of gemstones, pearls, fossils and yes, 

even gold nuggets are waiting to be discovered. 

Gold Rush is part emporium, 

museum and adventure land with real mining 

experiences. Guests can explore for 

their treasures during interactive adventures 

that are both fun and informational, 

or just purchase gemstones, minerals and 

fossils dating back to the dinosaurs. 

Whether it’s panning for gold and precious 

stones or cracking open rocks called 

geodes to reveal treasures within, guests 

experience the ultimate treasure hunt at 

Gold Rush with hands-on adventure kids 

love. Seasonal activities start at just $4.99. 

Or select sacks of pay dirt for $24.99, 

prepackaged in Alaska and guaranteed to 

Free selfies in the ghost town and graveyard at Gold Rush 

contain real gold. Then head to the sluice 

to swish it around and reveal your find. 

“There’s four to six pieces of gold in 

every bag,” said Rudi Aguilera. “We show 

how to clean and swirl the water every step 

of the way. For $35 guests can also pan for 

real rubies and emeralds.” 

If that sounds like too much work, buy 

a bar of Halloween soap priced from $8.99- 

$12.99—one in ten bars has real gold inside! 

Same odds with fizzies. And if there’s 

no gold inside both will have various gemstones. 

Buy a vial of Brazilian gold flakes 

for $10. Kids are just as happy sloshing 

water and dirt around in their pans in search 

of pyrite which costs just $6.49. 

What would Halloween be without 

slime? Learn the intricacies of ghoulish 

goo with a selection of slimes like Vampire 

Kiss Slobber, Monster Mucous, 

Witch’s Brew and more. Each is priced at 

$20 and includes a goblin geode. 

“Geodes are volcanic bubbles that 

haven’t popped yet,” “Aguilera said. “You 

break them open to see the crystals inside.” 

The uniquely designed geode cracker 

nicknamed the “Krack-en” allows prospective 

prospectors to break open their geode 

rocks from Mexico and Africa, revealing 

treasures inside that took millions of years 

to develop. Geodes 

are everywhere 

at Gold 

Rush and start at 

just three bucks, 

going up to three 

foot high cathedral 

geodes from 

a volcano in Brazil, 

lined with 

amethyst inside, 

$4,500 for a pair. 

Kids love 

dinosaurs and the 

Jurassic period is 

well represented 

at Gold Rush 

SEEK ... 

and Ye Shall Find!! 

Crack the orange ones to reveal crystal inside, or make your own “Ghost Goo” 

where there’s 500 million year old tribbite 

along with coprolite, or authentic dinosaur 

poop, fossilized of course. The dino dung 

costs just $15! If you prefer there’s also 

dino bone too. Like Megalodon, a prehistoric 

precursor to great white sharks only 

much bigger—larger, in fact than a T-Rex. 

For just $18 guests can pop open a can 

with an oyster inside containing a real pearl 


Follow Us 

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Use the Search Feature on our website to learn 

about previous events, discover exciting new ones, 

and general Big Bear information! 

• 4-Day Weather Forcasts! 

• Read Print Magazines Online! 

• Calendar of Events 

... and Much More! 

www.BigBearTodayMag.com 

Monthly • Summer • Oktoberfest • Winter


Haunt a scream with pro design 

Gold, ghouls... 

Experience a Halloween Haunt built 

by the designers of those at the Queen 

Mary and Universal Studios on weekends 

at Bear Valley Farms in the east valley. 

The 30-acre Farm is converted into 

“Scare Valley Farms,” a truly terrifying 

place as guests travel back to the early 

1900s through a haunted ghost town, 

mineshaft and cemetery, creepy carnival, 

skin-crawling hillbilly haytride, slaughterhouse, 

undead swamp and more. Not to 

mention live executions. The entire property 

is decorated with frightful decor including 

the hayride and there’s professional 

actors whose task is to scare guests. 

The Haunt is appropriate only for ages 

12 and up except during twilight hours 

when there’s daylight and actors don’t try 

to frighten guests. Otherwise it’s open sea- 


that pairs nicely with necklaces available 

for just $12, so for a thirty dollar investment 

guests take home a piece of jewelry. 

Countless guests have been entertained 

by the working sluice and wooden 

water wheel out front where they pan for 

minerals and gemstones, like ammonite, 

obsidian, quartz in a range of colors, opal, 

amethyst and more. The Emporium is filled 

with gifts just not found elsewhere, like 

Magic Volcanoes and Crystal Gardens for 

the kids lamps made of amethyst that cast 

a dazzling glow for $65. 

Halloween treats abound at Gold Rush 

909.878.4FUN 

at North Shore Landing 

& Holloway’s Marina 

Pirate Ship Lake Tours Aboard ‘Time Bandit’ 

Narrated lake tours aboard 

1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon 

seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’ 

• Pirate Booty for the Kids 

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours 

son. “Everything that we’re creating is 

meant to be the stuff of nightmares,” said 

Mike Carter of Bear Valley Farms. “There 

will not be refunds and we will not stop or 

turn around due to frightened guests.” 

Last year’s haunted hayride was a big 

success and the partnership with RWB, 

with years of experience designing high 

level haunts in addition to Queen Mary and 

Universal, is huge. “It enables us to produce 

something truly incredible that will 

put Big Bear and Scare Valley Farms on 

the map for haunt seekers.” 

Visit Scare Valley Farms Fridays and 

Saturdays through Nov. 2. Tickets are sold 

in half-hour increments from 6:30-10:30 

p.m. and range from $20-$35, available at 

scarevalleyfarms.eventbrite.com. 

Bear Valley Farms, located at 1601 E. 

including candy and suckers from 59¢ to 

$2.99. Don’t miss Gold Rush’s own homemade 

fudge from a 100-year-old recipe, 

“creamy not gritty” said the store’s Bre 

Fisher. There’s edible rocks and drinks like 

sarsaparilla, huckleberry and sassafras. 

The ghost town is cool and free to enjoy. 

Facades depicting a real 1860’s western 

town make great selfie spots, especially 

the jail, assay office and graveyard with 

tombstones, augmented with props from 

the same people that designed the Scare 

Valley Farms haunt. 

Gold Rush is at 40016 Big Bear Blvd. 

Call (909) 866-5678. 

• Waverunners • Jet Skis 

• Sea Doos! • Kayaks, SUP 

• Wakeboard/Water Ski Rides 

• Poontoon Boats 

and Fishing Boats! 

www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com 

COZY CHALETS WITH FIREPLACES & GREAT VIEWS... 

LOCATED AT SNOW SUMMIT'S BASE AREA... 

JUST STEPS TO THE SKI LIFTS! 

Also Available 

Lakeside RV Park 

with 

Full Hookups! 

Remodeled Bathrooms and Store 

www.800BigBear.com 

This cast of characters in a cornfield at Scare Valley Farms 

Scarecrow Festival 

There’s skiers and snowboarders, 

shoppers and strollers. Chances are, none 

of these scarecrows have never been spotted 

protecting a cornfield and most are cute, 

not scary. 

But they can be seen lining the streets 

of Big Bear Village during the fifth annual 

Scarecrow Festival continuing through 

November 4. Dozens of hay-stuffed designs, 

many augmented by accessories like 

hay bales, colorful leaves and pumpkins 

and all sporting a Big Bear theme, make 

for a unique fall display. 

Participating Village merchants, along 

with nonprofits, service clubs and other 

organizations, display homemade scarecrow 

creations outside shops, boutiques 

and restaurants creating a festival autumn 

feel. Entries are judged in six different categories, 

including most traditional, spookiest, 

use of recycled material, most reflective 

of business or organization, most humorous 

and use of natural materials. 

Big Bear's 

Best Coffee House! 

(909) 281-4546 

Open 7 Days! • 7 am-6 pm 

Free Wireless Internet! TVs Too! 


Moonridge Coffee Co. 

Finest Coffee & 

Freshest Beans 

Direct from 

Sisters, Oregon 

Big Bear Blvd. off Hwy. 38 in Shay 

Meadow area, is a real working farm with 

horse and pony rides and activities for the 

whole family. The Farm has a fall pumpkin 

patch as guests pick their own pumpkins. 

There’s also a petting zoo and play 

area. Call (909) 547-5424. 

The public votes on the winners with 

ballots and free maps available at Village 

stores and the Visitors Center at 630 

Bartlett Rd. Winners are announced 

Wednesday, October 31 during the annual 

“Halloween in the Village”. 

New Owners! New Management! 

• Espresso • Lattes • Cappuccinos 

• Teas 

• Hot and cold specialty drinks 

• Pastries • Baked fresh daily 

• Sandwiches 

• Homemade ham & cheese croissants 

Fine brew served in relaxed mountain lodge setting 

Best Grinders and Espresso Machines on the hill! 

42646 Moonridge Rd. 

next to Wild Wings by Bear Mtn.'s lower lot


GET WET 

With Us! 

SEA DOOS 

JET SKIS 

WAVERUNNER 

Rentals 

To To Los Angeles 

and Orange County 

Captain John’s 

S 

CAPT. Marina 

JOHN’S GROUT BAY 

MARINA 

West Boat Ramp 

WINDY POINT 

W E 

North Shore 

Landing 

Castle Rock 

Trail 

Holcomb 

Valley 

BOULDER 

BAY 

1989 25 YEARS 2014 

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine 

GILNER POINT 

METCALF 

Holloway 

BAY Marina 

Big Bear and Vicinity 

Pleasure 

Point 

Performing Arts 

Center (PAC) 

Polique Canyon 

Trail 

Solar Observatory 

BIG BEAR LAKE 

Mill Creek 

Mill Creek 

Alpine Slide 

at Magic Mtn. 

Pine Knot 

Trail 

Cougar Crest 

Trail 

Woodland 

Trail 

Discovery Center 

Serranno 

Campground 

East Boat 

Ramp 

EAGLE POINT 

Swim 

Beach 


Pine Knot 

Marina 

Marina 

Meadow Park 

Town Trail 

Walk 

Board 

October 2018—Page 13 

CC 

Club View Drive 

Big Bear City 

Moonridge 

Big Bear Mountain 

To Victorville, Barstow 

& Las Vegas 

Museum 


Alpine Zoo 

To Angelus Oaks 

and Redlands 

WAKEBOARD 

RIDES 

Free ree Lessons! 

SKI DOCK 

Edgemoor 

Rd. 

Holloway's 

Marina 

Log Cabin 

Rest. 

To 

Village 

Big Bear Blvd. 

Also on the North Shore at 

North Shore Landing! 

GET WET WATER 

SPORTS CENTER 

878-4FUN 

866-5706 

Big Bear. 

Blvd. 

Alpine 

Slide 

All Phone Numbers are area code 

(909) unless otherwise noted 

October 

5-7 

48th Oktoberfest at Convention 

Center with Matt’s Infinity 

Band from Germany, Kleinen Bar 

Tanzers daily; Saturday Queen 

finals. Friday Local’s Night (6 

p.m.-midnight, $6), Saturday 

(noon-midnight, $22.99, 

$17.49 senior, $10 child), Sunday 

(noon-5:30, $10, $8 senior, 

kids free). 585-3000. 

6 

39th Annual Soroptimist Hearth 

& Home Tour visits fall-decorated 

residences 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 

refreshments. $25. 585-7037. 

6 

Big Bear Yoga Festival with 

classes, music and vendors at 

Performing Arts Center. Register 

at 8:30 a.m., free admission. 

bigbearyogafestival.com. 

6 

Occupy Big Bear Car Show at 

the airport 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $10. 

FB/OccupyBigBear.com 

6 

Deadman’s Party Oingo Boingo 

tribute 7:30 p.m. at The Cave. 

Tickets $18-$28. 878-0204. 

6-7 

14th Annual Troutfest; compete 

for thousands in cash and prizes. 

$75 entry includes goodie bag, 

hat. (949) 366-0030. 

10-14 

Peak to Peak Pedal bike ride 

from Big Bear to Mammoth, benefitting 

USARC. 584-0269. 

12-13 

Country Weekend at The Cave 

with Phil Vasser Friday ($40), 

Mark Wills Saturday ($30), see 

both for $50. 878-0204. 

13 

National Astronomy Day corner 

Pine Knot/Village Dr. with 

BearValleyAstronomers.org; Sun 

viewing noon-2 p.m., Moon, 

Mars, Saturn at 7. 

13-14 


Center with Die Bohmische 

Strassemusikanten from Germany, 

Kleinen Bar Tanzer daily. 

Saturday 

(noon-midnight, 

$22.99, $17.49 senior, $10 

child), Sunday (noon-5:30, $10, 

$8 senior, kids free). 585-3000. 

19 

Oktoberfest Unplugged at Convention 

Center 6 p.m.-midnight, 

5-course German food and beer 

pairing, music. $122 includes 

liter stein, $157 with weekend 

admission, more. 585-3000. 

20-21 



Strassemusikanten, Cripple 

Creek Cloggers . Saturday (noonmidnight, 

$22.99, $17.49 senior, 

$10 child), Sunday (noon- 

5:30, $10, $8 senior, kids free). 

585-3000. 

26 

Miss Liberty Halloween Costume 

Party on the lake with half-price 

drinks, prizes, more 5-6:30 p.m. 

$10 admission. 866-8129. 

26 

Nature Night—Bats! explores 

myths of these creatures of the 

night 6-7 p.m. at Discovery Center. 

Free. 866-3437. 

26 

Rocky Horror Picture Show 

shown at The Cave, doors open 

8 p.m. $10. 878-0204. 

27 

“Starry Starry Night” DOVES 

fundraiser at Community Church 

(40946 Big Bear Blvd.) 5-9 p.m. 

$65. 866-1546. 

27 

Boo in the Zoo/Wolf Awareness 

Day from 11 a.m.--3 p.m. with 

trick or treating, storytelling, 

crafts. $12, $9 senior/ages 3- 

10. 584-1299. 

27-28 



Strassemusikanten from Germany, 

Kleinen Bar Tanzer daily, 

Saturday German Spookacular 

with adult and children’s Halloween 

costume contests (noonmidnight, 

$22.99, $17.49 senior, 

$10 child), Sunday (noon- 

5:30, $10, $8 senior, kids free). 

585-3000. 

31 

Halloween in the Village sees 

merchants passing out candy 

from 5-8 p.m. 866-4607. 

November 

2-3 

Big Bear Comedy Festival at 

four Village locations; 8 shows, 

21 professional comedians. Tickets 

$15 per show ($20 at door), 

all-event weekend pass $69. 

bigbearcomedyfestival.com. 

3 

48th Annual Oktoberfest Encore 

at the Convention Center 

noon-midnight featuring The 

Express Band, Kleinen Bar 

Tanzers, contest championships. 

$15.99, $11.99 senior, 

$9 child. 585-3000. 

22 

Big Bear Turkey Trot starts and 

finishes at Meadow Park (41220 

Big Bear Blvd.) with 9-mile race 

at 8:30 a.m,, 6-mile at 9, 3-mile 

at 9:30. 866-8555. 

23-25 

Mountain Christmas Boutique 

at Convention Center has holiday 

shopping 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Fri. and Sat., 10-3 Sun. 585- 

3000. 

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet! 


E 

V 

E 

N 

T 

C 

A 

L 

E 

N 

D 

A 

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Recreation 

Guide 

Action Tours 

Zip through the trees on nine ziplines. 

Segway along Village streets, discovering 

Big Bear history at the same time on a most 

unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing 

skills like rappelling from certified 

instructors or seasonally snowshoe through 

the forest. Action Tours has year-round 

guided mountain adventure for all ability 

levels! (909) 866-0390 or (909) 866-0830. 

Alpine Slide 

Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic 

Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to 

control the speed. After an exhilerating 

THE ALMANAC 

run, ride the chairlift back to the top for 

more fun. $6/ride, 5-ride books $25. There’s 

also a snowplay area with Magic Carpet 

uphill ride, plus miniature golf, Go-Karts, 

family-priced snack bar, video games. Open 

weekends. Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of 

the Village. 866-4626. 

Bear Valley Farms 

Real working farm on 30 acres in the East 

Valley! Petting zoo, horse and hay rides, 

play zone with bounce house and more. 

Enjoy good old fashioned farm fun Saturdays 

and special events. All-inclusive admission 

is $15. The Farm also offers riding 

lessons and horse camps. (909) 547-5424. 

Bike Rentals 

Goldsmiths Pedego Electric Bike Shop 

has a variety of electric bike rentals, 42071 

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-2728. 


Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More 

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD www.ie511.org 

“Haunted” pirate ship Time Bandit sails from Holloway’s Marina. (909) 866-5706 

Bingo 

The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games 

each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome 

ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd. 

west of the Village, across from Lakeview. 

(909) 866-3557. 

Boat Tours 

“Big Bear Queen” sails daily from Big 

Bear Marina including the lake’s most guaranteed 

daily tours and its most experienced 

captain, Chris Bellows. 2 p.m. tour goes 

out regardless of passenger count every 

day and Saturday noon and 4 p.m., Sunday 

at noon are guaranteed too. Adults $22, 

seniors/military $20, 12 and under $15, 3 

and under free. Saturday Sunset cruises 

from July 2 through Sept. 1, light hors 

d’oeuvres provided and bring your favorite 

beverage, $25. (909) 866-3218. 

Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly 

refurbished “Time Bandit,” a one-third 

scale replica of a 1600’s galleon that appeared 

in the movie of the same name, sail 

daily from Holloway’s Marina...complete 

with canon fire! Full bar with beer, wine 

and cocktails. Fares $22, senior $20, $16 

under 12 (2 and under free). (909) 878- 

4040. 

“Miss Liberty” paddlewheeler with enclosed, 

heated deck and snack bar, leaves 

Pine Knot Landing for scenic tours of Big 

Bear Lake. View the homes of celebrities, 

solar observatory, and much more. $22, 

$20 senior/military, $14 ages 3-12, four 

and under free. (909) 866-8129. 

Bowling 

The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with 

automated scoring for bowling enjoyment. 

Also arcade games and full-service cocktail 

lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after 

dark with black lights, sounds. Bowl 3 

games for the price of 2 with coupon in this 

issue. Open daily. 40625 Big Bear Blvd. 

(enter on Bonanza).(909) 878-BOWL. 

Discovery Center 

The Discovery Center on the north shore, 

two miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, is a 

breathtaking facility overlooking the lake 

and offering informational galleries, self 

and naturalist guided tours, Adventure 

passes and wilderness permits, and recreation 

programs. Open daily (closed Tuesdays 

and Wednesdays). (909) 866-3437. 

Fishing 

Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter 

Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable 

boat with afriendly, expert guide 

Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters 

for individuals or groups of all ages. 

All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures, 

drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard 

a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina; 

(909) 866-2240. 

Gold Rush Mining Adv. 

The adventures are real and so are the 

treasures! Pan for gemstones and fossils 

millions of years old in the working sluice 

with water wheel, crack geodes to reveal 

prescious stones within, find real pearls in 

oysters and unearth dinosaur bones and 

poop. Emporium with mining and dinosaur 

theme gifts plus old fashioned fudge, 

candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016 Big 

Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678. 

Golf 

High altitude enhances any game at the 

Bear Mountain Golf Course. A nine-hole 

(par 35) 2,730-yard course, each round is 

accompanied by clear air and spectacular 

mountain views. The full-service 4,000 sq. 

ft. Bear Trap clubhouse and pro shop offers 

putting green, cart and club rentals, restaurant, 

lounge, and great deck overlooking 

the golf course. Driving range too. Across 

from the ski resort on Moonridge Rd. (909) 

585-8002. 

Helicopter Tours 

See Big Bear from above during new aerial 

tours by Helicopter Big Bear. See the lake, 

ski resorts, desert and surrounding mountains 

aboard a climate-controlled Robinson 

R44 helicopter with longtime pilot Roy 

Harding at the controls, departing daily out 

of Big Bear Airport. The helicopter seats 

up to four, pilot plus three passenger. (909) 

585-1200. 

Hiking 

There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to 

enjoy the rugged beauty of the San 

Bernardino National Forest. From easy 

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs 

into the mountains, there are trails for all 

abilities, including families, within a short 

drive of Big Bear. For information on all 

trails in the Valley and the required 

Continued on page 15


Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center 

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west 

of Stanfield Cutoff. 866-3437. 

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile 

(each way) paved trek following the lake 

on the north shore. Popular with hikers, 

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs 

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat 

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano 

campground, Solar Observatory and more. 

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous 

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of 

Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful 

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her 

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft. 

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill, 

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring 

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18 

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on 

the lake side of the road. 

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile 

(each way) hike. As it winds above the 

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views 

of water and the surrounding mountains. 

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two 

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile 

from the Discovery Center where you can 

park without an Adventure Pass. 

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short, 

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation 

gain, located on the north shore near Cougar 

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the 

trailhead or Discovery Center) identify 

markers along the route noting local 

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc. 

Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big 

Bear from Onyx Summit through the East 

Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb 

Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through 

Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638 

mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call 

the Discovery Center to find out where to 

catch this famous international trail. 

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic 

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine 

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr. 

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of 

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another 

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular 

180-degree vistas. 

Holcomb Valley 

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving 

gold country. The last remaining signs of 

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are 

featured in a driving tour through what is 

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6 

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops 

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s Tree, 

Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and more. 

Free maps available at the Big Bear 

Discovery Center on the North Shore— 

call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the 

drive. 

Horseback Riding 

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round 

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour, 

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides 

with longer rides heading along the famous 

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A 

variety of spectacular mountain trails with 

horses for all riding abilities. For little 

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and 

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all 

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at 

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left 

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd., 

Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482. 

Miniature Golf/Go Karts 

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide 

at Magic Mountain, features a landscaped 

18-hole miniature golf course complete 

with water hazards and breaking greens. 

Then there’s an oval-shaped go-kart track 

with high-banked turns, which nine Can 

Am racers—including four two-seaters— 

with Honda 5.5 horsepowers engines and 

an array of safety features zip around. Open 

till 9 p.m. daily. 866-4626. 

Scenic Sky Chair 

Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair to 

the top for incredible views of the Valley, 

lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, and more. Enjoy 

barbecued food, beer and wine at the View 

Haus on top, which has a terrific sundeck, 

while taking in spectacular views that can 

stretch to the Basin. Hike down or ride the 

chair back. Roundtrip ride (no bike) $24, 

$19 senior/youth (save 20% with 72 hour 

After Dark... 

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide 

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow 

Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 

Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday- 

Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl 

3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at 

40625 Big Bear Blvd. Call 878-BOWL. 

AV NIGHTCLUB—DJ every night at 9 p.m. Happy hour daily till 6 p.m. with $1 

beers. 664 Pine Knot. (909) 866-7377. 

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with popular 

entertainer Art Harriman. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909) 585-9339. 

BEST WESTERN CHATEAU—Enjoy Silver Moon in the Tiffany Lounge Saturdays 

from 7-10 p.m. 42200 Moonridge Rd. (909) 866-6666. 

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy 

atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER. 

NOTTINGHAMS—Live music on the patio Thursdays 6-8 p.m. and Sundays 5-8.. 

40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644. 

THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national 

performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert 

venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake 

Brewing Co. (909) 878-0204. 

THE PINES LAKEFRONT—Pianist Mike Cross and Bass Mark Cade live Thursdays 

5:30-8:30 p.m., Sundays 4-7 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400. 

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with 

DJ Evan. Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. 

at Division. (909) 585-3000. 

advance online or phone purchase). Open 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday through October 

28. (909) 866-5766. 

Snow Playing 

Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, which 

makes snow when it’s cold enough, offers 

great inner tubing, and there’s a Magic 

Carpet to take riders to the top too. $35 

buys an all-day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) pass in the 

winter wonderland, which includes tube 

rental and Magic Carpet use. Night tubing 

too. The area also has the Southland’s only 

Alpine Slide and a great outdoor deck, plus 

the Putt ‘N Around go-karts and miniature 

golf course. 1/4 mile west of the Village on 

Big Bear Blvd. 866-4626. 

Big Bear Snow Play has Southern 

California’s longest tubing runs and will 

make snow when it’s cold enough. Two 

Magic Carpet lifts mean guests never have 

to walk back to the top and snowmaking 

lets the area build features to enhance the 

experience. Heated base lodge and paved 

parking. Next.to Motel 6 on the boulevard 

one mile east of the supermarkets.Sessions 

daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $35 all day pass 

includes tube rental. Glow Tubing sessions 

Fridays, Saturdays, holiday periods 5-9 

p.m. (909) 585-0075. 

Zoo 

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes, 

mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other 

animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many 

of which are native to the San Bernardino 

Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10- 

5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal 

presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m. 

“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to 

Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain, 

and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages 

over 60 and children 3-10, under two free. 

(909) 584-1299. 

Click Us Up! 

www.bigbeartodaymag.com


THE BACK PAGE 

Instead of aspens, see oaks on Pine Knot 

Aspen Grove, one of only two natural 

occurring aspen stands south of the Sierras, 

is open but the road to it is not, making 

for difficult access. The other aspen 

stand at Arrastre Creek is smaller and remote, 

even harder to get to. 

So for fall colors in Big Bear, shift 

gears and head to Pine Knot Trail where 

there’s plenty of easy parking. The seasonal 

show unfolds with brilliant hues of gold 

and yellow as abundant oaks change color, 

interspersed between all the pine trees. And 

as autumn progresses hikers and bikers 

even see acorns at select points along the 

trail in a further reminder of the season. 

Hike far enough along Pine Knot Trail and 

you’ll reach the ultimate sight, Grandview 

Point, with sprawling 270-degree vistas of 

11,502 ft. Mt. San Gorgonio and surrounding 

Wilderness area. 

The show begins at Aspen Glen picnic 

area—be sure to have an Adventure 

Pass if you park—where a few well placed 

and spaced oaks serve notice that there’s 

more where they came from. A developed 

trailhead with picnic tables, pit restrooms 

and signage make for a great starting point. 

The trail was recently rerouted up the 

picnic area’s southern ridge, a great improvement 

from the previous barren, dusty 

death march over rocks and stones to the 

east, and on a recent outing many oaks already 

sported nice color with still more 

changing. Even the parking lot is stunning. 

• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! 

Snow Play Area! 

Magic Carpet 

Uphill Lift 

CARPET COVERED 

for your Comfort! 

A little over a half-mile of trail was 

rebuilt, done entirely by Southern California 

Mountains Foundation’s Urban Conservation 

Crew. While the reroute was to 

protect the endangered Ash Grey Paint 

Brush associated with Pebble Plain terrain 

at the beginning, it’s also a welcome addition 

to the trail. The project cost $6,000- 

$8,000 and took three weeks to complete. 

As hikers climb the new portal they 

traverse with more gentle, gradual climbing, 

punctuated by steeper sections. Along 

the way Pine Knot joins with mountain 

biker favorite Cabin 89 trail at a wellmarked 

junction. One of the so-called “illegal” 

trails lining the south shore network, 

Cabin 89 also has seen rehabilitation as the 

Forest Service seeks to bring such routes 

up to its standards. Usually there’s piles of 

acorns under the oaks, which were a major 

food source for native Serrano Indians 

in Big Bear Valley. 

Pine Knot continues across the ridge 

to seamlessly connect with the old trail 

above the seasonal stream. The trail is wellpacked 

with seasonal stream and water 

seept, and skirts neat places, like Alpine 

Slide and runs at now-closed Snow Forest 

ski area with occasional lake views. 

After a couple miles the trail crosses 

forest road 1N01, then continues up the 

ridge another mile past Deer group camp— 

great spot for a break with beautiful 

meadow views underneath tall pine trees— 

to Skyline Dr. 

and new 

worldclass 

singletrack 

trail of the 

same name 

open to hikers, 

bikers and 

equestrians. 

Three 

miles each 

way plus a 

half-mile spur 

to Grandview 

Point, Pine 

Knot Trail is practically sacred ground for 

mountain bikers. The site of many Team 

Big Bear races through the years, going 

up it has a nice sustainable climb and coming 

down serves up top notch singletrack. 


Not to mention it’s accessed by Snow 

Summit’s Scenic Skychair, which operates 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday in fall 

through October 28. 

Call Discovery Center 909-866-3437. 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • 

Your Alpine Slide experience begins with 

a scenic chairlift ride above the beautiful 

Big Bear Lake. Then, with you controlling 

the speed, your toboggan plummets back 

down the mountain creating a thrill you’ll 

want to relive again and again! 

Winter is Great 

at Alpine Slide! 

Parents!... Sun On Our Spacious Deck While The Kids Play! 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •

Big Bear Today October 2018

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