Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter
January, 2012
Photo courtesy Tenaya Lodge
Photo Courtesy Tenaya Lodge
 Greetings!

It's time to welcome 2012!

Read on for an array of fun ways to ring in the New Year or visit California's Gateway to Yosemite afterwards.

No matter what you choose to do, we'll have the prefect place for you to stay and plenty for you to do.

And of course, Happy New Year from everyone at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau!


                                                                  
                                                                   Sincerely,

                                                                   Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
In this issue
:: Ring in the New Year
:: Idle Hour Winter Release Party
:: 2012 Visitors Guide
:: Celebrate California Restaurant Month
:: Winetrail Weekend coming in Feb.
:: January Events
Ring in the New Year
Welcome 2012 in style 


Champagne at Tenaya Lodge
Ring in the New Year in California's Gateway to Yosemite. Photo courtesy The Tenaya Lodge

Many of our partners throughout California's Gateway to Yosemite are offering fun ways to ring in 2012.

 

Bass Lake   

For adults looking to ring in the New Year, the Pines Bar at Bass Lake is hosting a party featuring live entertainment by Stone River. There will be a balloon drop, party favors, food and more for only $15 per person. To learn more, call 559-642-3121.

 

Ducey's Bar and Grill, located at The Pines Resort in Bass Lake, is hosting a family-friendly New Year's celebration. There will be two family dinner-shows, featuring magic from Winston the Magician, a Fresno area favorite known for his skill and entertainment value.  

 

The first seating is at 5 pm and the second at 8 pm. Call 559-642-3131 for reservations or click for the full menu

 

On the fine-dining side, Ducey's on the Lake has a special four-course dinner planned from 4 until 9 pm on New Year's Eve. Choose from starters like beet and goat cheese tartlet or Ducey's sushi roll or jumbo shrimp cocktail, and winter salad or butternut squash soup for the second course. Main course options include prime rib, steak and lobster with Ficklin Port Au Jus, or a pan seared Ahi, among others. Desert will feature a chocolate flourless torte or raspberry crème charlotte. Dinner is $72 per person. For reservations, call 559-642-3131. Click for full menu

 

Fish Camp

The Tenaya Lodge, located just outside of the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, is pulling out all the stops this New Year's Eve.

"If the ski slopes of Badger Pass and Four-Diamond Luxury weren't enough of a reason to come play this winter, we're pulling out all the Corks for our New Year's Eve Bash," said Kathrin Poetter with Tenaya Lodge.

 

Tenaya's California New Year's Party includes a reception, gourmet dinner, live entertainment and party favors, as well as a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight. The theme  this year is "It's a Jungle Out There".

 

Kids aged 4-12 have an opportunity to celebrate the New Year as well. Children will enjoy a night full of adventure and excitement as they explore the wild jungle. The New Year's fun includes entertainment, a kid's favorites dinner, activities, party favors & crafts.

 

To learn more, click here.  

 

Oakhurst

World-renowned Erna's Elderberry House, central California's only 5-star dining establishment, has a festive evening planned with their usual eye toward sumptuous food matched with European hospitality.

There are two seatings; the first begins at 5 pm for those with parties to attend after. The second is from 9 pm until midnight, where there will be a live soft jazz trio and many surprises.  

 

The menu includes a shrimp bisque, Ballotine of San Joaquin Valley Guinea Hen, roasted filet of Kobe beef and white chocolate bombe.

A full menu is available here. The first seating is $110, and the second $200.  

 

The Evergreen Conference Center, Oakhurst, known as ECCO, is hosting a New Year's Eve event as well. Welcome in the New Year with an evening of good food, music, dancing, games, and the comfort of knowing you don't have to drive home. Enjoy a fun-filled evening, including overnight lodging and a farewell brunch in the morning. The event begins with a 6:30 with social hour followed by a Prime Rib dinner at 7:30. A New York Midnight Toast will be held at 9 pm. The event costs are $154 per couple (double occupancy) and $99 single occupancy.  

 

On New Year's Day Bishop Eric Menees celebrates Holy Eucharist at 9 am followed by a Brunch at 10 am. For those wishing to come only for the Brunch, the cost is $10 per person with advance reservations or $12 at the door.  

 

All reservations can be made by calling ECCO at 559-683-8162 or online at www://ECCOyosemite.org.

 

Yosemite Lakes Park

The popular Blue Heron Restaurant is ringing in the New Year seafood- style. Chef Christian Mueller has planned a delicious menu featuring their Lobster Special for $23.95 from 5 to 9 pm New Year's Eve.  

 

The Blue Heron Lounge will help you celebrate the coming New Year with live music from the Brad Wilson Band from 9 pm to 1 am. They will be serving bar food until 11 pm, all with free admission.  

 

To learn more call 559-658-7466 x 104.  

 

Madera

If you're looking for a nice place to spend the weekend or just a quick getaway to welcome 2012, the Hampton Inn and Suites in Madera has a special that will help you keep your New Year's Resolution to save money.

 

"We have a New Year Special from Dec. 30 to Jan 2 where you can stay in a Jacuzzi Suite, with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a special touch of rose petals on the bed for only $125 a night," said Deanna Alexander with the hotel.  

 

To reserve your room, call 559-661-0910.

Idle Hour Winter Release Party
Winery celebrates new varieties

Idle Hour Winery

Idle Hour Winery is holding their Winter Release Party Jan 21 from noon until 5 pm.

 

Attached to the eight-room Queen's Inn, Idle Hour Winery specializes in small-lot wines using sustainably-grown grapes, native yeasts, gravity flow and other gentle methods. The result is wines that have earned numerous accolades and awards throughout the industry.

 

"We have put together a great new selection of wines for people to taste. It will be a great start to the new year," said Anna Marie dos Remedios, who owns Idle Hour Winery along with her partner Deb Payne. For more information, call 559-683-8040. 

 

Entry is just $20 per person and includes wine/food tastings and a commemorative Idle Hour wine glass. Wine club members receive complimentary tickets for two.

RSVP's are appreciated. To reserve your tickets, click the link.  

  

In addition to the Queen's Inn, Sierra Sky Ranch Resort is offering a discounted rate of $89 to out-of-town guests who come for the release party that weekend.

 

YSVB debuts 2012 Visitor Guide
New guide to come out Jan 1

2012 Visitors Guide
Our new Visitors Guide will be debuting after the new year.

The 2012 publication will be available on our website in its full form as well, where you can download it and read up on the latest things to see and do in Madera County.

We're always excited when our new guide comes out, and this year is no different. From the beautiful cover, pictured above (pixelated, of course, until the official unveiling) to the personal stories inside, this guide is a masterpiece.

Be sure to get yours! 
 
California Restaurant Month
Join in the celebration

Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting
Some of Madera County's most popular eateries are joining in with Visit California's annual celebration of the state's food culture.

California is known for being on the cutting edge of cuisine... and our restaurants lead those trends. Read below to see some of the restaurants that are taking part in the celebration.

The Blue Heron - Yosemite Lakes Park
Located on the water in scenic Yosemite Lakes Park, The Blue Heron offers a wide array of fare prepared by renowned international chef Christian Mueller. To celebrate California Restaurant Month, The Blue Heron will feature the dish made popular at the Madera Pomegranate Festival: A smoked pulled pork sandwich with pomegranate barbecue sauce.

Ducey's on the Lake - Bass Lake
A staple for those who visit beautiful Bass Lake, Ducey's on the Lake, located in The Pines Resort, offers exceptional fare with an unbeatable view overlooking Bass Lake. Ducey's talented chef and staff are also joining in to celebrate California Restaurant Month, offering a great deal: Buy one entree (breakfast, lunch or dinner) and receive the second entree of equal or lesser value for 50% OFF throughout the month of January. Other discounts and coupons not applicable. Mention California Restaurant Month promotion.

The Vineyard Restaurant - Madera
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.

 

Join The Vineyard Restaurant as they reintroduce their popular dish from the Madera Pomegranate Celebration: A filo cup with cream cheese, crushed pistachios and pomegranate arils with pomegranate molasses throughout January.

 

As an added bonus, receive a glass of Madera County wine with your dinner when you mention California Restaurant Month.

 
  

 

Winetrail Weekend in Feb.
Wine and Chocolate Weekend 

Photo Courtesy Nancy Robbins
Photo by Nancy Robbins
The Madera Vintners Association's family of wineries are proud to present the Madera Wine Trail's "Wine and Chocolate Weekend" on February 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with your loved one and friends as you taste the award-winning wines of the Madera Wine Trail.

Tickets include a keepsake Madera Wine Trail glass, good for wine-tasting all weekend, chocolates, live music and local art.

Delicious food will be available at several locations. Tickets are $25 in advance online or at participating locations.

Tickets are also available that weekend of at the wineries for $35. Visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com or call 800-613-0709 for more information.
 
Events in Madera County
January fun 
 

 


Photo by Nancy Robbins
Photo by Nancy Robbins

 

Stay and Play for Less in Madera County
Businesses offer discounts and other travel incentives

Appellation California celebrates first birthdayAppellation California
The popular wine-tasting room in Madera that features central valley wines celebrates their first anniversary January 14. Enjoy some of the most amazing wines California has to offer-- all from our region--while celebrating one of the most popular event venues in all of the Southern Yosemite region. Visit www.ApCalWine.com for more information.

Vacation Special at Bass Lake Realty Vacation RentalsBass lake Realty  

Bass Lake Realty Vacation Rentals Winter Special: Enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2 on select properties!   Call or visit our website today to make your weekend getaway a reality! www.basslakerealty.com 559-642-3600

 

Live Music at the Blue Heron Lounge in JanuaryThe Blue Heron at Yosemite Lakes Park
The Blue Heron Lounge in Yosemite Lakes Park has a full calendar this January with live music and more every weekend, including a New Year's Eve party Dec. 31. A/C Myles performs January 7. Rocky Rocks entertainsn on January 13. January 21 will be a Rock and Blues evening, Tri-tip and Booze. Food and music start at 6 pm and go until 8 pm, with more music continuing to 1 am. The tri-tip dinner buffet is only $12, and beer pitcher specials run throughout the night.

Century 21 Ditton Realty Bass Lake vacation specialsCentury 21 Ditton Realty Bass Lake vacation rentals

Take a winter break in a Bass Lake home!  Spoil yourself in the lap of luxury or cozy up next to the fireplace in a comfy home.  Our winter rates make it an affordable getaway.  Visit our website at www.basslakevacations.com or call us at 866-914-3888.

  

Receive gift cards when staying at the Madera Valley InnMadera Valley Inn
If you stay at the Madera Valley Inn any 3 nights in January,you will  receive a $25 gift card good at restaurants, retailers and more. Nothing better than a late Christmas present! Or use it to fill up your gas tank, saving you even more money off of Madera Valley Inn's already budget-friendly rates.

River Creek Cafe to hold a Fajita Fiesta Jan. 14
River Creek Golf Course and Cafe
The public is invited to a Fajita Fiesta at the River Creek Cafe, at River Creek Golf  Course in Ahwahnee on January 14 at 5 pm. Enjoy beef and chicken fajitas with all the fixins' and a cheesecake chimichanga for dessert. Only $12.95 per person. Call 559-683-5600 for more information or to reserve your seat.

Sierra Mountain Lodge offers low winter ratesYosemite's Sierra Mountain Lodge

Yosemite's Sierra Mountain Lodge is offering "lodging only" (no breakfast) rates between just $65 and $95 dollars per night. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of a private one- or two- room suite located in the Sierra Nevada foothills just a few miles away from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. 

   

                              

Tenaya Lodge Ice Skating rink is openTenaya Lodge
The popular winter attraction at the Tenaya Lodge is up and running, and they're offering discounts.

1.  All locals receive 20% discount when they present current ID at the Ice Rink (cannot be combined with any other offer).

2.  *Season Passes for Ice Rink: Adults = $49; Children 4-12 = $39

3.  *Student rate = $7.00 with school ID

*Blackout dates include 12/23/11 - 12/31/11 and 2/17/12 - 2/25/12

Click here for more holiday events.   

   

Yosemite South KOA to hold parking lot sale   KOA 

The popular Yosemite South KOA campground just south of Coarsegold is holding their first Trash to Treasures Parking Lot Sale Jan 21 from 8 am until 4 pm. There will be numerous items available for sale from vendors and residents alike. Come and browse for deals, or showcase your own treasures you would like to share. Booth space is just $15. Call 559-683-7855 for more information.  

 

 

Planning on visiting? You can book your stay right on our website! Visit http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/where-to-stay, browse our properties and book your stay right there on the site!

You can also book your room on our Facebook page now as well.

Finally, stay tuned for an exciting contest with great prizes we'll be running starting next month! Hope to see you soon.

 

Sincerely,

 


Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau