Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Nov. 2009
Promotion
In This Issue
When the leaves fall, so do the rates
Upcoming Events
in Madera County

November
Nov. 7 - Rooftop Follies
Golden Chain Theatre

Nov. 14-15 - Holiday Spirit Wine Trail Weekend
Madera Wine Trail

Nov. 21 - Annual Bass Lake
Christmas Tree Lighting
Bass Lake

Nov. 27-28 - Holiday Craft Faire
Oakhurst (559) 683-7071

Nov. 27-29 - Bass Lake Arts
And Crafts Fair
The Craft Fair



December

Dec. 3 - Tractor Parade of Lights
Madera - (559)673-5951

Dec. 4-6 Christmas Spectacular
Golden Chain Theatre

Dec. 4 - Annual Christmas
Tree Lighting
Madera Ranchos - (559)645-4001

Dec. 4-5 Christmas in the Mountains
Oakhurst - (559)642-4329

Dec. 5 - Christmas Tree Lighting
Oakhurst - (559)683-7653

Dec. 5 - 41st Annual
Christmas Tree Lighting
Chowchilla - (559)665-8640

Dec. 5- Coffee Cats & Chowchilla Art Guild Christmas
Boutique
Chowchilla/Parkview Palms (559)665-3135

Dec. 6 - Christmas at Fresno Flats
Oakhurst - (559)683-6570

Dec. 11-12 Christmas in the
Mountains
Oakhurst - (559)642-4329
Greetings!

Fall is a wonderful time in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite. The leaves change colors, the temperatures are bright and brisk, and the fun is plentiful.

We hope to see you soon!
 
Sincerely,
 
Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
 
When the leaves fall, so do the rates
Great deals abound during the fall and winter months Tin Lizzie Inn
Summer may seem like a distant memory as the kids have been back at school for some time now and the rest of the family is deeply entrenched in the daily routine. Sounds like a perfect time to take a trip to Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite.
 
Budget concerns are nothing to worry about, as amazing deals are being offered by hotels, restaurants and more throughout Madera County. For instance, Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst is offering the Winter's Romance Package, where guests can receive 30% off the room rate December 1 through 19.
 
The Chateau, rated by AAA as a Five Diamond Property, is also offering a special dining schedule for the Holiday season at Erna's Elderberry House, the region's only five star restaurant. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve special events promise amazing meals.
 
The Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst, or ECCO, is planning a Thanksgiving special as well. ECCO is offering various packages Nov. 25-27 including lodging, meals and a full Thanksgiving Dinner which choice of ham, turkey or prime rib. Menu options and pricing can be found here.

ECCO is also hosting an Artists Weekend Nov. 25-27 as well that can be combined with the Thanksgiving celebration. Artists are invited to be inspired amidst the pines surrounding ECCO and focus on their creative outlets while letting the staff provide the lodging and meals. More information can be found here.

If you feel like taking a trip to Bass Lake, both Miller's Landing and The Pines are offering specials that will delight those looking for a getaway in the West's Best Lake. You can enjoy the scenery of Bass Lake and the region's attractions at Miller's Landing, which is offering 20% discounts on all cabin rentals through this year until May 15.

The Pines Resort has numerous specials for lodging and dining throughout the Holiday season. From additional day stays for $50, bed and breakfast packages for $99 to holiday party specials, The Pines Resort has options for anyone looking to getaway in the next two months.

The Holiday Inn Express in Chowchilla is also offering substantial incentives for winter travelers. Visitors can stay for two nights and receive a third night free now through January 30. The promotion can be booked in advance through the hotel. Be sure to mention promo code "Winter." For more information, visit their website.

For those looking for an intimate getaway, A Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast is offering any room for $99 including a continental breakfast. While excluding holidays, the special is good now through March 31. 
 
The Sugar Pine Cabin at Yosemite is also making it even more affordable for a winter trip. Guests will receive $100 off the cabin for up to 8 people.
 
If you feel the need to unwind on your trip, Bodycentre Wellness Spa in Oakhurst is offering your choice of chair massage, head and face, legs and feet or special work for carpal tunnel for only $15.
Madera Wine Trail Holiday Spirit Weekend

The family wineries of the Madera Wine Trail will host "Holiday Spirit Weekend" on Nov. 14 and 15 from 10 am to 5 pm. Wine lovers may purchase a Passport Glass for $25 at any of the participating wineries both days of the event, or pre-purchase tickets online for $20 at www.myticketportal.com. 

"It's a great chance to sample our fabulous local wines complemented by indulgent food pairings, local art and live music," said K.C. Pommering, executive director of the Madera Vintners Association. 

The Madera County Arts Council will host a two day art show & exhibit at their Circle Arts Gallery at Cleveland & Schnoor in Madera.  Agajanian Vineyards will be at the Gallery pouring their award-winning local wines both days.  The Agajanian wine tasting & the Art Show are included with the Madera Wine Trail Passport Glass.

Many businesses will also be taking part in the festivities. The Vineyard Restaurant in Madera will open for dinner Saturday and will waive corkage fees for bottles purchased on the Madera Wine Trail. For reservations or more information, contact The Vineyard at (559) 674-0923.

For those who don't wish to drive, Touch of Class Limousine Service will be offering special travel packages for Holiday Spirit Weekend. 888.575.4667 

Participating wineries include: Birdstone Winery, Chateau Lasgoity, Ficklin Vineyards, Idle Hour Winery, Mariposa Wine Company, Quady Winery, San Joaquin Wine Company and Westbrook Wine Farm by appointment.
 
Get in to the holiday spirit
Madera County celebrates Christmas Tin Lizzie Inn From the valley floor to the mountain communities, Madera County shows off the Holiday Spirit.

One of the biggest events is the Tractor Parade of Lights December 5 in Madera. The Tractor Parade, which is now open to nearly any type of vehicle as long as it is adorned with at least 100 Christmas Lights, is a fun way to usher in the Holiday season. 

"They get really creative," said event coordinator Jerry Noblett, speaking about the entrants. "We have farmers who have decorated tomato harvesters and have them in there," he said. "They were huge."

Noblett said the entries range from tractors and other farm vehicles to classic cars and even children's electric cars. "It gets pretty wild in terms of what they can do with the lights," he said.

In addition to the Tractor Parade, adults can enjoy the Wine Stroll. Local businesses in the downtown area sell wine glasses for $10, and those glasses are good for samples from regional wineries that will be on hand at the participating businesses. For those who would prefer something warmer, hot beverage mugs are available for $6.

If you're a fan of Christmas Trees, then Madera County is the place for you this December, as numerous lightings take place throughout the month.  The Chowchilla Lions Club has a long history for theirs, as they celebrate the 42nd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting with numerous activities for the family, including an appearance by Santa Claus December 5. When combined with the Coffee Cats & Chowchilla Art Guild Christmas Boutique, one can make a whole day of the Holiday fun.

The community of Madera Ranchos will also hold a Christmas Tree Lighting. The festivities there are planned for December 4. (559) 645-4001

In the mountains, Oakhurst will set their tree aglow Dec. 5. For specifics, call (559) 683-7653. 

You can celebrate a historical Christmas at the Fresno Flats Museum. More information can be found by calling (559)683-6570 or by visiting Fresno Flats Museum.

With numerous events, beautiful weather and that special feeling in the air, Madera County is the perfect place to spend the Holidays.