Southern California may not come to mind when you think of fall colors.
However, fall foliage can actually be found just a short drive from the desert.
Big Bear Lake boasts a dazzling display of fall colors in hues of gold, crimson, amber and yellow.
But that’s not the only reason to head up to that picturesque alpine village. Through the month of October, Big Bear celebrates its colorful fall pageant with the 36th Annual Home and Hearth Home Tour on Oct. 3 and the 45th Annual Oktoberfest.
Photo by lydia kremer
The Christmas House is a holiday splendor created by former Disney designer Paul Nuck.
Home & Hearth Home Tour – Oct. 3
Sponsored by Soroptomists International of Big Bear, this annual home tour focuses largely on interior design and décor. Each of the four homes is professionally decorated and has features a holiday theme: Fall Harvest, Thanksgiving, Old-Fashioned Holiday and Christmas.
Not only will tour guests experience a day of visual treats, the Soroptomisits will provide homemade treats — an assortment of tasty breads (pumpkin, zucchini, apple spice and banana) as well as hot apple cider and coffee.
The self-guided home tour runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and benefits the local Soroptomists, who fund various community needs in the Big Bear area.
Visit www.SIofBigBearValley.org or call 909-585-7037.
photo by lydia kremer
Horn blowing is among the fun competitions at Big Bear's Oktoberfest
Big Bear Oktoberfest – Each Weekend Thru Oct. 31
Enjoy a lively Oktoberfest celebration with German food, imported brews, and dancing to authentic Bavarian bands. The Franken Power Express Band direct from Hamburg, Germany, will entertain the thousands of revelers who flock to Big Bear’s annual celebration.
The event is held both indoors and outdoors at the Big Bear Convention Center and features a variety of exhibitor booths with arts, crafts, clothing, food, and local gift items. The outdoor stage features live bands throughout the weekend while the indoor venue hosts games and contests such as log-sawing, beer pong, yodeling, and stein holding (yeah, try carrying 10 steins full of beer!).
Visit www.bigbearevents.com for information and tickets.
photo by lydia kremer
Step into creative autumn decor at the Fall Harvest Home tour.