Thanksgiving Tips

It’s Thanksgiving here at Destination Big Bear, we are prepared for all of our guests who will be arriving to spend the holiday weekend in our cabins. Many visitors are planning on cooking a traditional turkey-day meal and we have some Thanksgiving tips to make your feast a success!

Our cabins come with the basic cookware that you need to make a meal, however Thanksgiving is not your typical dinner. Each cabin is unique and although we guarantee to have the basics, some cabins may include more options. Just in case, here are some items that you may want to bring from your own kitchen.

1. MUST BRING- Roasting Pan- make sure it’s big enough for your bird!
2. Carving Knife (Some cabins may not have this item available.)
3. Baster
4. Gravy Separator
5. Gravy Boat
6. Meat Thermometer
7. Extra Baking Sheets and Baking Pans
8. Hand Mixer or Food Processor
9. Pie Dish
10. Large Serving platters and bowls

Most of our cabins do not come with spices or cooking oils. Big Bear Lake has two main grocery stores: Vons and Stater Brothers; both located in plazas just a short drive from the Destination Big Bear rental office in the village, last minute provisions can also be found at the Bear Cupboards Market across from the office on Village Drive. These stores should meet your Thanksgiving shopping needs, but be prepared for large crowds as Thanksgiving is traditionally one of the most popular weekends at the lake. If you need any other household specialty items, DIY is located in the same shopping center and generally has what you may need. We always want to encourage you to support our local stores, but if there is anything specific that you need for your meal or just out of sheer convenience, you may want to do some of your shopping prior to coming up the mountain.

Leftovers are one of the joys of Thanksgiving! Make sure to bring plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and storage contains to keep your leftovers fresh.

Keep in mind that Big Bear is at a high altitude and that may affecting cooking times. Plan for this and adjust your cooking schedule accordingly. Also beware of over-stuffing the fridge in your rental home, as it may not cool as efficiently.

You’ve created a beautiful dinner, but don’t forget about the presentation. You may want to bring special table linens, napkin ring holders, and other table setting or decorative touches. Perhaps you own turkey-shaped salt and pepper shakers or harvest themed trivets? Our cabins come with enough flatware, cups, and place settings for as many occupants as are coded for the property, but if you have something special for the holiday, don’t forget to pack it!

Maybe you’d rather have someone else do the cooking? Here is a list of Big Bear restaurants that will be open for Thanksgiving. Make sure to call ahead for reservations to avoid disappointment.

1. Santana Mavericks:  41072 Big Bear Blvd. -Offers Variety of Mexican, Asian, American & European dishes, lake side patio seating.
   
2. Nottingham’s Restaurant:  40797 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-4644  = Serving a traditional Thanksgiving Menu from 1pm-7:45pm.
3. Peppercorn Grille:  553 Pine Knot Ave. (909) 866-5405 = Serving a traditional Thanksgiving Menu from 12pm-8pm
4. Murray’s Thanksgiving Feast: 672 Cottage Ln. (909) 866-1444 Family tradition for Thanksgiving Meal on Thanksgiving Day.

Destination Big Bear wishes you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We hope our Thanksgiving Tips help! Whether you decided to create a homemade feast or dine at one of our local restaurants, may your holiday be filled with family, friends and delicious food!