The average price for roundtrip airfare to New England from LAX this fall is $490. That is quite a price to pay to see fall colors during economic hardships. Southern California and Southern Nevada residents can save money by staying close to home to see spectacular displays of autumn hues in Big Bear Lake. In addition to saving on airfare this fall, overnight guests who stay at one of Big Bear’s participating lodges can receive up to $100 in free gas (restrictions may apply).
“During these economic times, it makes more sense to stay close to home to enjoy nature,” said Ken Brengle, CEO for Big Bear Lake Resort Association. “Sure New Hampshire and Maine have awesome fall colors, but Big Bear offers a great alternative for people who want to save money on airfare and still see a great display of fall colors.”
Evening temperatures are already dipping into the 30’s and 40’s, which provide perfect conditions for leaves to turn. From October to November, Mother Nature transforms Big Bear Lake into a sea of gold, crimson, amber and yellow. Big Bear’s fall season is ideal for those who want to escape for a day or take a mini-vacation to experience the splendor of Big Bear’s autumn hues. These remarkable fall colors appear only once a year and are expected to peak the end of October.
Thousands of evergreen trees help bring out the brilliance of fall colors of other trees like aspens, cottonwoods, and oaks. The ground is covered with rust-colored ferns, and Big Bear Village is brilliant with vibrant red maples. Some of the best spots include Mill Creek Road, The Pine Knot Trail and Castle Rock Trail. Amateur and professional photographers alike visit Big Bear Lake to capture these spectacular autumn hues.
Big Bear is only a two hour drive from most Southland communities making it easy access to see the mountain resort’s autumn spectacular. The refreshing, clean air adds true pleasure to brisk walks along the lake. Mountain breezes help the oak trees shed their red and golden leaves. For the romantics, it is a great time to snuggle up with a warm blanket next to a fireplace, and wake the next morning to a fresh alpine landscape. For the more adventurous-at-heart, autumn is ideal for hiking and mountain biking on the alpine trails.
October in Big Bear is a time for celebration, too. Most notable is the annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest - the highest-altitude Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. For 38 years, this event has attracted thousands of visitors to enjoy German food, imported brews, Bavarian bands, traditional dances and competitions, such as Queen Stein Carrying Contest. Go online at www.bigbear.com.

CATALINA ISLAND VACATION

The best time of the year to visit Catalina is most definitely October... the crowds are gone... kids are back in school... hotel rates are low and temperature is perfect.
Hour for hour, a Catalina Island vacation delivers one of the most relaxing getaways anywhere. Despite its location just twenty-some miles west of super-crowded Los Angeles, it is relatively unknown and uncrowded.
The most popular Catalina Island vacation spot, the town of Avalon seems almost enchanted. Things don’t work the same way here as they do on the mainland. Fish fly. The grocery store delivers but the post office doesn’t. The tower controller at the Airport-in-the Sky goes out in his pickup truck to chase bison off the runway. There’s a casino with no gambling and a bell tower without a church. As if the air were full of a mysterious relaxation potion, you begin to relax as soon as you arrive.
Santa Catalina is small—21 miles long and less than a mile wide a its narrowest point. Elevations range from sea level to 2,000 feet. Coastal cliffs fall precipitously into the ocean and an encircling undersea ledge provides a rich habitat for marine life.
There are only two towns here: Avalon, with a population of about 3,000, and Two Harbors, where a few hardy souls live at the island’s narrowest point. The rest is preserved in its natural state, thanks to a conservancy established by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, the island’s former owner.
Many visitors travel by boat using the Catalina Express Line. One can expect to arrive in an hour from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point. If you wish to leave from Newport Beach, catch the Catalina Ferry Express—it arrives about the same time.
With a 10-year waiting list to bring a gasoline-powered vehicle onto the island, golf carts of all descriptions are the primary mode of transportation for residents and tourists alike.
If you’re up to it, Avalon is also a great walking town. If you’re not, try the trolley service that runs from Pebbly Beach and the Casino up to the Botanical Garden.
Catalina offers all sorts of tempting activities, but it includes a lot of simple relaxation. Be sure to do one more thing while you’re there—take time to talk with an Avalon resident. Their lifestyle is very different and most of them love their home passionately.
Right now, hotel rates are lower off-season (mid September through April). Weekends are more crowded than weekdays, and Mondays are especially quiet. For more information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and activities, see Catalina Island California on Google.
For business meetings and get-a-ways close to home, it will be hard to beat Catalina and Big Bear.