Yosemite Sierra Visitors BureauJanuary, 2011
Yosemite's Valley View
In This Issue
New Year's Celebrations
California Restaurant Month
Wine and Chocolate Weekend
Greetings!

Let us be the first to wish you a Happy New Year!

Yes, we know it's early, but we wanted to give you plenty of time to start planning your new year's adventures in Madera County. As always, there is plenty to see and do. Read on for some fun activities and of course, ways to stay and play for less.

Sincerely,

Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

Ring in the new year, and beyond in
California's Gateway to Yosemite
Fun throughout Madera County

While it may be hard for many to believe that the new year is already upon us, 2011 is just about here. With the arrival of a new year  perhaps it's time to step out and enjoy some new things or rediscover some old favorites.

What better way to ring in the new year with a glass of champagne or wine from Madera County. You can find this at Appellation California Wine Tasting and Visitor Center in Madera. Appellation California wants to celebrate New Year's throughout the month of January. Stop in anytime this month for a free glass of California Champagne.

Bass Lake is a popular summer spot, but it's a great location to ring in the new year as well. Ducey's Bar and Grill and Ducey's on the Lake, located at the famous Pines Resort on Bass Lake both have special evenings planned. Ring in the new year at Ducey's Bar and Grill with live music and dancing, a champagne toast, an after-party pizza party and much more. If you prefer an evening of fine dining, then Ducey's on the Lake is more your style. Enjoy a delicious, elegant four-course meal featuring entrees like Braised Short Ribs or Coconut Lemongrass Chicken.You can attend both as well, enjoy an evening of refined dining followed by all out fun. The choice is yours, at Bass Lake.

Start off New Year's right, as you enjoy the most delicious seafood in the Sierra Nevada. Crab Cakes in Oakhurst is offering numerous dinner specials New Year's Eve to help ring in the holiday in style. Choose from dishes like Lobster Newburg or Creole Soft Shell Crab and more. It will be hard to imagine a more scrumptious way to celebrate the arrival of 2011.


Yosemite is magical in the winter. You can find yourself alone in the park as the sunlight plays off of the snow, creating beautiful effects. Few scenes can compete in terms of sheer beauty than the contrast of recently fallen snow on the ground and crystal blue skies above. You can learn how to capture stunning, postcard-like images like these with Photo Safari Yosemite. You'll come away with the memories of a lifetime, and the photos to prove it.

The world renowned Erna's Elderberry House, central California's only five-star restaurant, has an amazing evening of culinary delights planned. You can start things off early with a 5:00 pm seating, or enjoy the Gala Dinner at 9 pm. Let Executive Chef Gunnar Thompson take your tastebuds on an epicurean adventure on New Year's, and celebrate in luxury and comfort.

Yosemite Skyway is looking forward to the new year in a peaceful and quiet environment relaxing by the fire, or stepping outside in the winter wonderland onto those skis and zipping off for an exploration onto the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway - 50 miles of trails right outside the door.  Or maybe trying your skill at downhill skiing at the historic Badger Pass in Yosemite - they have a great ski program. Then it will be great to get back to Yosemite Skyway, back to the peace, rest, and relaxation. Or maybe just stay here by the fire with a good book.

That's what's up at Yosemite Skyway Vacation Rentals on the Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway, just off the Southern Yosemite Highway. Almost sounds like a song....


The Redwoods In Yosemite is offering "after the holidays" group specials to area businesses who would like to treat their employees to a mountain get-away this January - March!


They are offering a 25% discount on vacation homes for your employees as well as complimentary use of their newly remodeled Clubhouse Meeting Room for groups of 24 to 50. They'll even provide the Linen and a delicious array of desserts to top off your event.


The clubhouse also has complimentary high speed wireless, complimentary long distance, complimentary coffee, tea, and popcorn. They even offer discounts at the nearby Badger Pass Ski Resort, snowshoe rentals, spa and dining discounts and more.


You can save even more by potlucking your event, (all of our vacation homes have fully stocked kitchens), or have your meals catered in by a variety of local caterers.


Space is limited and some restrictions apply so don't delay in booking your company get-a-way today.


Start a company tradition at The Redwoods In Yosemite!

 
The Sierra Mono Museum in North Fork is auctioning off a custom chopper built by Thunderstrike. Proceeds will go for the North Fork Pow Wow August 6 and 7. Tickets are on sale now for only $25. Call (559) 877-2115 for more information.


The Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce will host their 16th Annual Awards Dinner on January 15 with the them of "Celebrating Community." The awards dinner honors residents and business owners who have given back to the community during 2010. Tickets for the Awards Dinner are available through the Chamber Office.


The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce is holding their annual Installation Dinner in January as well. This gala event will be at the Golden Chain Theatre on January 21. Follow this link for more information.

 

Celebrate California Restaurant Month
Madera County restaurants celebrate state's culinary culture Ducey's on the Lake

California is known for many things, one of which is it's culinary culture. The chefs who work in California are on the cutting edge of cuisine, creating new recipes and adding fresh twists to old favorites. To celebrate this, the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau is teaming up with the California Travel and Tourism Commission to celebrate California Restaurant Month. Read on to see how you can celebrate with us!

Ducey's on the Lake:

One of Madera County's best known restaurants located on the shores of beautiful Bass Lake. Ducey's is the signature restaurant of the Pines Resort, and features and extensive menu that appeals to all tastes - welcoming lighter appetites and families as well as sophisticated palates and special occasion dining.

 

Promotion: Buy one entrée (breakfast lunch or dinner) and receive the second entrée of equal or lesser value for 50% off for the month of January when you mention California Restaurant Month.

 

The Vineyard Restaurant

The Vineyard is a fixture in the city of Madera, offering delicious dishes featuring locally grown ingredients. Many times foods will go from field to plate the same day, offering an exciting look at the freshest cuisine for which California is known.

 

Promotion: 15% discount all January long when you mention California Restaurant Month

 

Ernas' Elderberry House

Erna's Elderberry House is central California's only five star restaurant. Choose from an expertly crafted menu with meals cooked by renowned chef Gunnar Thompson paired with a wine from the award winning wine list. Your dinner will be enhanced by the European inspired décor and views of the Sierra Nevada.

 

Promotion: Three course menu for $45 (regularly $55) January 23-30

 

Yosemite Gateway Restaurant

Located at the Yosemite Gateway Inn, a popular hotel in Oakhurst, the Yosemite Gateway Restaurant offers a diverse menu catering to vacationers who still want a good meal to recharge from a busy day of exploring Yosemite and the region. The spacious dining rooms look out on the foothills and forest, adding beautiful views to your delicious dinner.

 

Promotion: $10.95 dinner special, includes one trip through soup and salad bar through the month of January.



February is the time for love...and wine
Wine and Chocolate Weekend on Madera Wine Trail Madera Wine Trail

The family wineries of the Madera Wine Trail will host "Wine and Chocolate Weekend" on February 12 and 13 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Wine lovers may purchase a Passport Wine Glass at any of the participating wineries both days of the event for $25 or in advance for $20.

Sample current and newly released vintages while indulging in delectable chocolate creations, special food pairings, local art and live music.

For more information, call 800-613-0709 or visit www.maderawinetrail.com.