|
|
| Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter |
June, 2013
| |
 | | Photo courtesy Sherry Colgate |
It seems like only yesterday we were welcoming in the new year, yet here we are now entering the half-way point for 2013. That's just fine though, because summer is here, and there is plenty of fun to be had throughout California's Gateway to Yosemite Read on for some fun events, new attractions and of course, our always enticing deals and other travel incentives.
Sincerely, Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
|
|
New brewery on the block
 | | From left, owners Lindsay and Casey Hawkins and Brewmaster Rick Boucke. |
Fans of craft beers have a new place to enjoy a good brew as the Southgate Brewing Company opened in Oakhurst in late May.
Located just off of Highway 49, the new microbrewery and restaurant has been earning rave reviews for both their brews and their foods.
Specialty beers with names relating to local attractions and landmarks such as the Deadwood Porter and Glacier Point Pale Ale are on tap while friendly service greets guests at every turn. The philosophy is made clear on their website, where large letters proclaim:
"We love the laid-back mountain way of life, but when it comes to great food and excellent craft beer, we take our work very seriously."
To see their full menu, visit them online.
|
DUCK!
New tours offer a fun look at Bass Lake
A new tour  company has opened, offering a unique way to tour Bass Lake.
Bass Lake Duck Tours takes utilizes old DUKW, commonly called a "duck", amphibious craft that first gained use as landing craft during WWII. Now this craft takes guests on a scenic tour, both on and off the water, of Bass Lake.
Tours depart daily at 10, 12, 2 and 4 between now and through the second week of September. Each tour lasts about 90 minutes. Private tours and parties are available by appointment.
|
|
Fossil Discovery Center Dinner on June 22
The Fossil Discovery Center hosts their annual fundraising dinner, the Mammoth BBQ, on June 22.
Guests will be able to enjoy drinks around the "watering hole" at the museum, as well as a silent auction inside the museum, delicious food and a mock dig for those brave enough to enter the sand.
The Fossil Discovery Center showcases the remains of Colombian Mammoths, Saber Toothed Cats, Dire Wolves and many more, all of which were found adjacent to the museum site. The area is the largest Pleistocene Era fossil bed in the western United States.
Learn more about the Fossil Discovery Center at www.MaderaMammoths.org. See their flyer here.
|
|
Bass Lake Classic Triathlon
 The Third Annual Bass Lake Classic Triathlon takes place June 1. Bass Lake hosted the first-ever national championships in the sport of triathlon in 1983 and again in 1984. The event ran until the mid 1990's. The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau brought it back in 2011 to high praise. The number of attendees quickly grew from a little over 200 that first year to an expected sell-out of 750 this year. Athletes can register right up until the starting gun at 7:30, but if you're not interested in participating, spectators are more than welcome. The event promises to be a lot of fun on and off the course. An accompanying 5K raises money for the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, Children's Museum of the Sierra and Yosemite High School Athletics. Head on down to The Pines Village Saturday, June 1, or go to www.BassLakeTri.com for more information. |
|
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau releases mobile apps
The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau announced the release of a mobile app for both iPhone and Android phones to help guests plan their vacations.
The new app allows travelers to have access to all the information available on their website, such as lodging, dining and activities in Yosemite National Park and surrounding southern gateway of Madera County, even if they are in an area with limited to no data service.The apps can be found by going to the Apple App Store or on Google Play by searching "Visit Yosemite National Park by MobiManage".
|
|
Boat races in Chowchilla
The popular boat  races at Berenda Slough in Chowchilla are back on June 22.
The races bring in some truly impressive speed boats putting on incredible displays of water racing.
The annual event is a long-time favorite for Chowchilla residents and visitors alike, and this year's high-speed action is sponsored by the Chowchilla Lion's Club.
The public is invited to attend the races, which start at 9:30 am and run until 4 pm. Concessions will be available, sold by the Lions.
For more information, call 559-479-2862.
|
New gallery features Yosemite art
It's often said that the Oakhurst region is home to more artists per-capita than anywhere else in the country, much of which is compliments of the draw of Yosemite. Numerous galleries take advantage of the high volume of artists, and a new one has opened that showcases the work focusing on the iconic Yosemite National Park.
Gallery Yosemite just held their open house on May 4 and despite being new is already making a splash with the art community and visitors alike.
The gallery has between 60-80 works of art from 22 different artists, representing a wide array of media, including photography, painting, sculpture and more.
Located in Gallery Row in Oakhurst, Gallery Yosemite is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Learn more about Gallery Yosemite online.
|
Idle Hour summer release party
 Wine enthusiasts have the chance to try four new wines from Idle Hour Winery in Oakhurst, as well as their gold-medal winning Tempranillo and Cabernet Franc. Idle Hour's summer release party takes place June 8 from noon to 5 pm at the winery, located at 41139 Highway 41. As if the wines weren't enough, there will be two private chefs on hand creating six dishes specially planned to pair perfectly with the Idle Hour Wines. Popular band Moon In Leo will be performing live as well, adding to the perfect afternoon. The cost is only $25 per person, and wine club members get in for free. If you would like to attend, RSVP's are requested by filling out this form. |
|
Music in the Meadow
 | | Coarsegold Historic Museum - Photo by Nancy Robbins |
The 2013 Music and Art in the Meadow will be held Saturday, June 1, at the Coarsegold Historical Museum.
This year's event will feature "all music, all the time" with two bands playing throughout the afternoon. Featured performers are the returning "String Bandits" who play lively bluegrass music, and the "Morgan Canyon Band" who perform "mellow rock" from the 50's, 60's, and '70's. Also featured will be local artists displaying their works.
This fundraising event will run from 1:00 to 5:00. Admission is only $10. Food and beverage (including beer and wine) will be available for your enjoyment--not included in ticket price. In addition, there will be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Docents will be available for museum tours. Bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a lovely afternoon bathed in fun music and surrounded by history.
|
|
South Shore Car and Boat Show
Numerous classic cars and fast boats gather once again at Miller's Landing, located at the south end of Bass Lake for the third annual South Shore Car and Boat Show on Sunday, June 2.
There will be 50 cars and at least 20 boats in the water. In addition to the cars and boats, there will be music, a 50-50 drawing, "cackle-fest", kids activities and of course, plenty of good food including the famous Miller's Burger for purchase.
Miller's Landing is located at the southern end of Bass Lake.
Attendance is free for spectators. Anyone interested in entering a car or boat can contact Michelle at 642-3633. It costs $25 to enter, with proceeds going to the Children's Museum of the Sierra in Oakhurst.
|
|
|
|
June's deals and discounts
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.
Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst holds fundraiser events 
The Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst have a whole host of fun events meant to raise funds coming up this summer. June 15 is the Rummage and Back Sale from 8 am to 4 pm at the club site. June 21 is the Blues, Brews and BBQ's at Sierra Sky Ranch. June 27 is a special showing of Wreck-It Ralph at The Met, followed by a Family BBQ On The Green at Rivercreek Golf Course. To learn more, visit www.Facebook.com/oakhurstmayor.
Bass Lake Vacation Rental special rates 
Century 21 Ditton Realty Vacation Rentals in Bass Lake offers homes ranging between cute-and-cozy to large-and-luxurious!
We will be hosting PONY RIDES and/or a PETTING ZOO Every Saturday from 12 - 5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Stop by and see the amazing deals we have on homes for RENT or SALE!
Children's Museum putting
puts the FUN in FUNdraising 
The Children's Museum of the Sierra has a slew of events coming up this summer. The annual Open House takes place on June 11, followed by a free concert at Yosemite Lakes Park on June 21. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is holding the Ride The Rails for Kids benefit on June 23, and then the museum teams up with the Boys and Girls Club for the showing of Wreck-It Ralph at The Met on June 27.
Holiday Inn Express Madera offers savings 
Only 45 miles to the South Gate of Yosemite National Park stay with us and receive a Summer Special 15% discount off any room you choose. Enjoy the complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, wireless high speed internet and parking, 37-inch flat- screen HD TV. Just mention this Ad to receive a discount, but you must call hotel direct (559) 661-7400.
Fourth of July BBQ at The Pines Resort The Pines Resort and Ducey's on the Lake are getting ready for the 4th of July Celebration. Don't miss our festive BBQ Buffet on the deck with spectacular lake views of Bass Lake and the best spot to watch the firework show at dusk. The gate opens at 5:30pm and dinner starts at 6:30pm. Live music. Free ice cream. Party favors! Reservations are required: (559) 692-8814.Adult $59.95; Senior $49.95; Children (4-12) $34.99; under 4 years old FREE.$3 from each ticket will be donated to Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce towards the fireworks show. Redwoods in Yosemite - buy two, get one free  Stay 3 Nights and get the 3rd Night FREE (33% Savings) at The Redwoods in Yosemite. *Offer is not valid on existing reservations or with any other discount. Not valid during holiday periods. Offer expires June 14, 2013. Save $20 at Sierra Mountain Lodge 
Stay at the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence-winning Sierra Mountain Lodge in Ahwahnee for three nights or longer and get 10% off your stay.
Summerdale BBQ's at the Tenaya Lodge
This summer Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite extends its popular Summerdale BBQ to five nights a week. Starting mid-June every Tuesday through Saturday, this truly special family-friendly event harks back to the caravan days of in the Old West - complete with a hearty menu of BBQ classics, down-home entertainment, and S'mores over an open fire. For more information, visit www.tenayalodge.com
Moonlight Specials resume at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 
The popular Moonlight Specials have started back up at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner in the depot yard at Sugar Pine, then hop aboard the century-old Shay Locomotive for a ride beneath the stars. Stop at the midway point and enjoy songs around a roaring campfire before loading up for a return trip. It's an experience you won't soon forget.
|
|
|
Sincerely,
Julie W. Fullmer
Director of Sales
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau |
|
|
|
|
