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Greetings!
Fall is here, and that means crisp mornings, fun special events and beautiful fall foliage. Included in this issue is some information on some intimate inns that can help you enjoy this magical time of year.
Fall also means Halloween is on the way. We also included some great events and attractions that fit in perfectly with this time of year.
We hope to see you soon in California's Gateway to Yosemite.
Sincerely,
Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Bed and Breakfasts offer a memorable stay
An Intimate Setting
As visitors come through California's Gateway to Yosemite,
many are looking to reconnect with America, to experience a piece of history
and an icon of the country. One way to experience this is to stay at one of the
many Bed and Breakfasts in Madera County.
Candy "Apple" Arthur with the Yosemite Sierra Bed and
Breakfast Association said B&Bs offer guests a more authentic experience.
"It's like our slogan says, 'When you're looking for more than just a room,'"
she said.
Arthur, who is also the proprietor of the Apple Blossom Inn
in Ahwahnee, said guests can really get the feel of the area they are visiting
by staying in a bed and breakfast. "You get more interaction, local stories,
history, flavor," she said. "It's more of a social experience when you go on
vacation and stay at a B&B."
The region is home to several bed and breakfasts, all of
whom offer unique experiences that will add a special element to a vacation.
A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast is a warm, inviting home away from home. Located minutes south
of Yosemite in Oakhurst, all guest rooms have a private bathroom, some
with Jacuzzi tubs and skylights.
A Haven of Rest in
Oakhurst is situated amidst towering pine and oak trees and a beautiful fruit
orchard. This bed and breakfast offers modern conveniences such as
satellite television with the beauty of the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.
Big Creek Inn Bed and Breakfast is located just below the entrance to Yosemite in Fish Camp.
Located on a tranquil bank of Big Creek, each guest room offers
unobstructed views, privacy and the peaceful sound of the year-round
creek.
Chateau du Sureau has been
rated Five DIamond by AAA and is a romantic haven wherein the classic
traditions of old Europe live today. Located within the Chateau is Erna's
Elderberry House, the region's only Five Star gourmet restaurant. Homestead Cottages located
in Ahwahnee lies on 160 wooded acres and offers luxurious cottages made of
adobe, stone and cedar. Homestead is the perfect place for someone looking
to get away from it all and find nature. Lyn Mar Pond Guest Ranch
is in the middle of it all, located in California's "exact center," North
Fork. The beautiful ranch is located minutes away from the region's
favorite attractions. The Hounds Tooth Inn is a
two-story Victorian style home located just north of Oakhurst, and bounded
by towering pines and oak trees. Enjoy the walks along the seasonal creeks
or relax in the private garden. Oak Cottage Bed and Breakfast is nestled amidst verdant oak trees and overlooks Oakhurst. The
English style cottage, heralding the proprietor's homeland, offers three
individually decorated rooms, each with their own bathroom and private
entrance Ravensbrook Bed and Breakfast in Coarsegold is a beautiful, three story home privately located
on four acres surrounded by 100 acres of Federal Forest. A large pond
located just outside the door adds to the relaxing ambiance of this
mountain getaway.
The Sierra Mountain Lodge
in Ahwahnee boasts panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, spacious, private
lodging, combined with the modern amenities such as complimentary wi-fi.
The suites include private entries, king or queen beds,
bathrooms, living quarters and kitchenettes. Tin Lizzie Inn B&B and Model T in Fish Camp has a unique name and a unique attraction. This
Victorian styled bed and breakfast has a charm that harkens back to
yesteryear and a romantic setting. The hotel also offers a chance to tour
Yosemite in an authentic Ford Model T or A, a unique experience not to be
missed. Yosemite Sierra View Bed and Breakfast in Oakhurst is located on 10 mountain acres affording
serenity and stunning views. This Tuscan style bed and breakfast offers
guest accommodations on the first floor with private bathrooms and patios.
Yosemite Vulture's View
prides itself on the spectacular sunsets and breathtaking mountain views. Located
in Oakhurst, each room has antique accents with modern conveniences, such
as LCD TVs and wireless internet.
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Coarsegold Tarantula Festival
Creepy-crawlies are a hit at this event 
While
some people tend to run away from tarantulas, one small town in California's
gold country celebrates them, and some people even embrace them. Literally.
Coarsegold
originally started as a mining town in 1849, when large nuggets were found in a
nearby stream. Since then, the city has made its living by ranching and, thanks
to the numerous tourists that come through the area on Highway 41 on their way
to Yosemite, tourism. Coarsegold holds its own for attracting tourists each
October, however, as the small town pays homage to tarantulas.
The
annual Coarsegold Tarantula Festival, set this year for October 24, is a favorite
event among locals and visitors alike, as they take part in numerous events all
honoring this eight-legged denizen of the region.
"When
we first moved here, I accidentally ran over a tarantula and was severely
admonished by a neighbor," said Diane Boland, the founder of the event, now
running strong in its 11th year. That incident inspired her to learn
more about this misunderstood creature. The more she learned, the more she
wanted to celebrate it. "I wanted to make people aware of how interesting they
are, how they really are good for the environment and unique to the mountains
up here and really a lot of fun," she said.
It's
true that the city has built a cottage industry around the tarantula. A massive
sculpture of one sits atop the city's Historic Village. Residents go out of
their way to protect the creatures, as killing one is definitely considered a
faux paux.
The
festival has helped to increase the lifespan of area tarantulas as well,
according to Boland. "I've had hundreds of people who say they spared the life
of a tarantula because of the festival," she said. People are reporting they
now gently move them from places they're not wanted, instead of resorting to a
shoe or bug spray.
Numerous
events take place as part of the festival, from a cheesecake contest, to a
hairiest leg contest, with men and women's categories. "The girls at the Yosemite
Bank who are our sponsors, it's their favorite thing. They can't wait to come
down and see the thick, hairy legged men running around. To top it off, we have
thick, hairy legged women too," Boland said with a laugh.
The
highlight, however, are the Tarantula races. Locals come with what they hope is
the fastest tarantula for the race. "It is amazing. We are very careful with
them. You can bring your pet, but we ask if someone found one in the wild to
take it back where they found it once the race is over," Boland said.
The
races consist of heats of ten tarantulas making their way through a dryer tube,
with a handler at each end. "People get really excited with the $50 gift
certificate and trophy up for grabs," said Boland.
Other
competitions and events include a pizza eating contest, a Trick or Treat parade
for kids, poetry contest and a "scream off" where vociferous competitors, or
perhaps horror movie victim wannabees, can see who has the most blood curdling
scream. "It's all a lot of fun for the whole family," said Boland.
For
more information, visit www.yosemitethisyear.com
and click on the calendar of events, or go to www.coarsegoldhistoricvillage.com, or email Boland at DianeLBoland@aol.com.
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Haunted History
Attractions of a supernatural nature
 Halloween is just around the corner, meaning little ghosts and goblins will be roaming the streets in search of candy. In these attractions, however, some claim real ghosts can be found.
"The
Madera County region is steeped in rich history as settlers first started
making their way during the gold rush of 1849," said Dan Cunning, CEO of the
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau (www.yosemitethisyear.com)
which promotes the region. "The result is numerous sites of historical
significance, and many that are considered by paranormal researchers to be
haunted."
Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park recaptures the flavor of 19th Century life in
the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains of Central California. According
to researchers with the Central Valley Seekers, the first group to actually
investigate the reports of ghost activity at Fresno Flats, some of the
structures are also home to spirits still attached to the historic buildings.
"When
we first started investigating we didn't get too much evidence because of the
type of spirits. It's family oriented and we got the feeling they thought we
were invading their space. When they got familiar with us, with Laura (Huddleson,
facility caretaker) telling them we were there to get to know them, they started
communicating with us," said Peggy Armer. She said the spirits now have really
started opening up, and as a result they have captured numerous EVPs or
electronic voice phenomenon.
Huddleson
echoed Armer's statements that the spirits are family oriented and friendly, as
she said guests are left with a positive feeling. "We've talked to several
people here that say based off of EVPs and other equipment that it's a happy,
contented place. You don't get weird feelings, nothing mean or angry. Just
happy, positive spirits."
Armer's
group works with the historical society to take people interested in learning
more about the history and the spirits on tours during the normally closed
evening hours. To book a tour or to learn more, contact Armer at (559) 779-9400.
One
popular attraction in Oakhurst is the Golden Chain Theater, known for its production
of plays melodramas and other shows for the past 42 years. Theater owner Mary Lou Finley says in
addition to the memorable stage experiences, some guests come away with more supernatural experiences.
"We have a huge cast of people who were
in shows for 42 years who on occasion want to visit. The way in which they
visit is both exciting and positive," said Finley. She went on to say that many
of the experiences are ones normally associated with spirits. "Cold spots,
lights turning off or on," she said.
Finley
said while some people have been there for years and never had anything out of
the ordinary happen to them, others have some great tales. "I personally have
had strange things that I can't explain that are exciting."
Another
popular stop with deep rooted history is the Sierra Sky Ranch Resort. Built in
1875, the resort was once the largest cattle ranch in California, a
tuberculosis hospital for children in the early 1900's and a military hospital
during World War II. This diverse history has made it an active location for
paranormal activity. "We've made believers out of a lot of nonbelievers," said
Ted Roache, the general manager of the property.
"The
most common story we get is guests saying they hear kids running up and down
the upstairs hallway all night long, and we're a single story building, plus we
have no kids on property at the time," said Roache.
Roache
said another common tale is of people saying they felt a push while in bed as
if their spouse were nudging them over, despite being alone.
The
kitchen is also another center of activity. "There are stories of two chefs at
the property who weren't friends in life. Apparently that dislike has carried
over into the afterlife, as people would experience things like items in the
kitchen moving or being thrown, or things falling from the shelf that shouldn't
have," Roache said.
While
unnerving, Roache said the happenings have never proven too much for someone.
"We've never had someone leave scared. They just leave with some good stories,"
he said.
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Become a fan on Facebook
If you'd like to follow more of what's going on in the region, become a fan on Facebook. You can find us at www.facebook.com/yosemitesierra.
41969 Highway 41
Oakhurst, California 93644
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
559-683-4636
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