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| Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter |
September, 2012
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 | Fall colors at Madera Wine Trail winery Westbrook Wine Farm in O'Neals
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Fall is right around the corner!
We've all heard the school bells and felt the crisp air in the morning. It all points to one inevitable conclusion: Fall is right around the corner.
That doesn't mean the travel season is over by any means. There are plenty of exciting reasons to travel to California's Gateway to Yosemite.
So read on for some fun events, new attractions and of course our monthly travel deals and incentives that will surely motivate you to hop in the car and head on over.
See you soon!
Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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Madera Wine Trail to showcase Dessert Wines
 | | Photo by Nancy Robbins |
Hit the Madera Wine Trail September 8 between noon and 4 p.m. for a special showcase of the award-winning wines for which Madera County is known.
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New Winery opens along the Madera Wine Trail
The highly-anticipated Fasi Estate Winery tasting room has opened on Highway 41.
The renovations on the tasting room located Located at Highway 41 and Road 208 about 20 minutes from Oakhurst or Madera have finally been completed.
The story of Fäsi Crest Wines goes back to 1999 when the Fäsi Vineyard V2K, located along the San Joaquin River in Madera County, was converted into a certified organic Syrah vineyard. Those high-quality were highly sought after. Their first private-label bottle of wine was produced in 2003 called Fäsi Crest. Today, Fäsi Crest has also developed an Organic Syrah, a Rosé, Sweet Syrah and recently added a locally-grown White Wine called Sierra Gold. |
New owners at Bed and Breakfast
The popular Bed of Roses Bed and  Breakfast in Oakhurst is under new ownership.
Steve and Mary Kay Eicholtz took over operations of the property earlier this year but have only reopened this summer after making some upgrades.
With great views of the Sierra Nevada, an inviting swimming pool, Wi-Fi in the whole house, Direct TV, jetted tubs in 3 of the 4 unique rooms, the property creates a friendly, inviting environment.
To see each of the rooms or to book your stay, visit the Bed of Roses Bed and Breakfast website. |
Quady Winery earns
accolades
 | | Assistant winemaker Darin Peterson accepts the American Treasure Award in Washington DC |
Quady Winery earned several accolades recently for their Vya Vermouth and several of their wines.
Vya Vermouth impressed the people at Made in America so much that Quady Winery was nominated for and received an American Treasures Award.
Not to be outdone, three of Quady's wines received medals at the Lone Star International Wine Competition.
Quady's 2010 Elysium won Best of Show/Grand Star and a Double Gold. The 2011 Red Electra took silver and the Flore de Moscato earned a bronze medal.
To learn more, visit www.QuadyWinery.com.
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Start planning holiday
parties now
It may be hard to believe, but The Holidays will be here before you know it, so businesses are offering incentives to start planning that perfectr Christmas get together, Thanksgiving feast or other event now.
Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino is advertising parties starting at only $20 per person. Call 866-794-6496 to make a reservation.
The Tenaya Lodge, known for their beautiful Christmas Decorations each year, announced numerous packages, such as the S'more Ice Skating Package or Holiday Sugar N' Spice Package.
Erna's Elderberry House in Oakhurst is also preparing for the Christmas season with the expected style and elegance for which the Five Star restaurant is known. A delicious Holiday Menu has already been selected, to help entice you to book your party.
Keep checking back for more great specials as the Holiday Season approaches. |
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Oakhurst Celebrates
Mountain Heritage Days
 | | The parade is one of the favorite aspects of the annual Mountain Heritage Days in Oakhurst. |
Always a big celebration, this year's Mountain Heritage Days is an even bigger event as the town continues to mark its centennial on September 14 and 15.
Events kick off Friday with children's activities, a silent auction and a special melodrama performance from the talented cast at the Golden Chain Theatre.
The fun continues Saturday with the annual Parade, Sluice Box Derby, a wine- and-cheese reception and more.
For a full schedule of events and to find out how to take part, visit the Fresno Flats website. |
13th Annual Classic Car Show in Chowchilla
The Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce announced the 13th Annual Classic Car Show taking place September 15 from 10 am to 4 pm at Veterans Memorial Park.
In addition to numerous cars and trucks on display from 1978 and older on, there will be food, music, vendors, a 50/50 drawing and more.
A portion of the funds raised will go to the 2013 Sober Grad celebration.
For more information, call 559-665-5603. |
Sierra Art Trails Catalogs are on sale
The Sierra Art Trails Open Studio Tour is the most anticipated arts event in the Yosemite Foothills, and tickets are now on sale.
2012 Sierra Art Trials catalogs are now available for an $18 donation. The Sierra Art Trails Catalog is your "ticket for two" for the Open Studio Tour weekend.
The catalog includes a list of participating artists, examples of their work and maps to the locations of artists' studios, galleries, and other viewing locations. Artists are scattered throughout the area. Your catalog and map will guide you.
The Tenth Anniversary catalog includes more than 50 extra pages, with special features and promotions from our advertisers and sponsors.
Visit http://www.sierraarttrails.org/order.html to to order your catalog by mail, or to find a catalog sales location near you.
This year's show is Oct 5-7.
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Popular restaurant relocating
 | | Click for larger image |
The award-winning seafood restaurant Crab Cakes in Oakhurst is moving at the end of the month.
For over a decade the restaurant has delighted food lovers at their current location. However, numerous comments from people hoping to see more parking and the need for more space has prompted a move across the street to the much larger building currently housing Casa Velasco's at 49271 Golden Oak Loop.
Cosmetic changes on the interior and exterior of the building will begin around Sept. 23, with the targeted reopening slated for Oct. 1. An all new bar is planned to open on the second floor on January 1.
On another note of good news, Casa Velasco's will continue to serve the delicious Mexican Food for which they are known at their original Bass Lake location.
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| Pomegranate Festival and Celebration returning
After an immensely successful innaugural Madera Pomegranate Celebration and Festival last year, organizers are looking forward to the second annual event.
Running Oct. 27 through Nov 3., the celebration and festival will include recipe contests, special dinners at Madera restaurants, a 5K run/walk and of course the Pomegranate Festival, featuring vendors, food, music, the world-famous Pomegranate Grenade Launch and much more.
For dates, times and locations, visit www.Pomegranatefestival.com.
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Fun events and travel incentives
Businesses offer discounts and other travel incentives
A Bed of Roses announces fall rates 
The popular B&B, which is under new ownership, has announced new lower rates on all four of their rooms just in time for the fall season. Visit www.abedofrosesyosemite.com for more information.
Apple Blossom Inn offers picnic package Enjoy the beauty and natural splendors of Yosemite National Park for a two-night stay at the award-winning Apple Blossom Inn. Ask for the picnic package to enjoy Yosemite National Park, luxurious accommodations and a delicious picnic lunch for a great price. Discounts on Bass Lake Vacation Rentals  Century 21 Ditton Realty Vacation Rentals in Bass Lake is now offering OFF-SEASON RATES and 2 to 4 night minimums are NOW AVAILABLE on select homes! Take a break from the hustle & bustle of the "Back to School" frenzy. Come on up and enjoy our warm weather, emerald-green waters and everything nature has to offer.
Yosemite Special at Hampton Inn in Madera
Enjoy a luxurious in-room Jacuzzi Suite at Hampton Inn & Suites, Madera, with a nice bottle of wine or cider at a great rate of $109.00 for the month of Sept. Just say "Yosemite Special" when calling.
Holiday Inn Express: Gateway to Yosemite offers Yosemite 
Package
In the package offered by Holiday Inn Express you will receive a map of Yosemite National Park and a guide to Yosemite Valley to plan your trip ahead of time. We will give you a $10 GAS CARD and also a $5-off Coupon to Farnesi's Steakhouse for you to enjoy. Also, you will receive 2 chilled SMART WATERS to help you keep cool on your trip up to the mountains.
Madera Wine Trail Celebrates California Wine Month  The Madera Vintners Association will host "California Wine Month Reception & Wine Tasting" celebrating September as the eighth consecutive California Wine Month. Local wineries and restaurants will join together on September 21, 2012 to pour excellent wines paired with delicious food to benefit the Madera Vintners Association's Scholarship Program. Guests are invited to visit CRU Wine Company in Madera to enjoy wine tasting from over 10 local wineries, appetizers by excellent local restaurants and live music. Guests will have also have the opportunity to participate in the People's Choice Award by voting for their favorite wine as they taste each on this special evening. For tickets and more information visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com
Fall Special at The Redwoods in Yosemite
The Redwoods in Yosemite has announced a new fall special.
Stay 3 nights and get the 3rd night free.*
*Offer is not valid with any other discount or during holiday periods. Offer expires 12-14-2012.
Reserve your stay today, (we have a limited number of cabins still available) Call 888-906-7490
Sierra Telephone to mark Patriot Day
Sierra Telephone is holding their annual Patriot Day event on Tuesday, Sept. 11. The event, which begins at 9:00 am, is intended to recognize and show appreciation to all Veterans, active duty military and Emergency Services Personnel for their dedication to our country and to our communities as well as to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Included will be a special flag-raising ceremony and pledge of allegiance, patriotic music performances, 21 rifle salute and taps. A key note speaker will address attendees and Veterans, active duty military and Emergency Services Personnel will be presented with gifts in recognition of their service.
Final month of free concerts  Yosemite Lakes Park has announced their lineup for the last month of free Friday Night at the Lake concerts. Sept. 7th Brad Wilson Sept. 14th Max Headroom (80's Band) Sept. 21st Square One Sept. 28th Dave Henderson (last one of the season) Friday Nights 6-10 free music from 7-10 Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau offers Made in USA souvenirs  No trip is complete without something to remember it by. The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau gift shop offers numerous items, from books on the area by local authors, to hats, tee-shirts and more. Even better, the YSVB is converting it's gift store to only carry items made in the USA. You can come away with a great gift, and know that gift helped keep someone here employed. Stop by our Visitor Center at 40637 Highway 41 in Oakhurst to see the great selection.
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Sincerely,
Jarrod Lyman
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau |
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