Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter
December, 2013
Half Dome in the Autumn Snow
Winter is one of the best-kept secrets of California's Gateway to Yosemite. The crowds have departed and
(hopefully) the snows will have arrived, painting glorious scenes of exquisite beauty--a royal feast for the eyes. Take advantage of the opportunity to see Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada in a way most visitors never do.

Hope to  see you soon!

Sincerely,
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

Christmas Arrives Early in the Gateway Communities

The communities of California's Gateway to Yosemite celebrate Christmas with style. Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, the holidays kick into high gear with tours, festivals, auctions and bazaars. Read more

  

Christmas Tree Lightings Abound

Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, the holidays kick into high gear with tree lightings in various communities from the valley to the mountains. It's easy to find a special place to celebrate. From Chowchilla to Coarsegold to Bass Lake to Oakhurst, communities gather to ring in the season. Read more. 

 

Facebook Fan Wins Big

It pays to follow Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. Just ask Mark Teufel, who recently won our Fall Photo Facebook Contest. His winning entry amply demonstrated the majesty of Yosemite's colors in autumn.  
Yosemite in Fall by Mark Teufel 
For his efforts, Mark won the recognition of thousands of Facebook fans as well as an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass that allows him free access to all National Parks and Federal Fee Areas for a year, an $80 value.

It's like getting paid to do what you love
!

To take advantage of future promotions, be sure you've liked us on Facebook and followed us on Twitter and our Blog.
Grab the Holiday Spirit at Madera Wine Trail Wineries

Most of the wineries of Madera Wine Trail will open their doors to residents and visitors during the long Thanksgiving Weekend and beyond as everyone gears up for the holiday season.

What better gift could there be than a Madera Wine Trail Logo bottle of fine Port, Chardonnay, Muscato, Merlot and other vine varietals, crafted locally by dedicated vintners?

 You can travel from the valley to the mountains sampling the wares of our member wineries, gathering gifts for yourself, family and friends. Read more.  

 

Shop Local for Your Pet on Small Business Saturday

On Saturday, November 30, Oakhurst Feed will feature a store wide holiday sale. Receive 10-40% off selected items. Enjoy free refreshments, with raffle prizes every hour as part of Shop Local Saturday. Stop in to save big on everyday supplies and gifts for your best furry friends. 

Santa at Sierra Tel

On Tuesday, December 17, Santa comes to Oakhurst to visit with children at our Sierra Tel Business office from noon to 4 p.m. Parents - don't forget to bring your cameras!

Welcome Back, Oakhurst Lodge!

        
After several months of being closed due to the disastrous fire that consumed one of the property's buildings last May, Oakhurst Lodge has reopened under new ownership with renovated rooms.
Read more.
 
Local Lodging Establishments Win Prestigious Award

More and more, visitors turn to visitor ratings to determine where they'll stay when they travel for pleasure or business. Trip Advisor has become one of the leading travel websites which shares user-generated reviews of hotels, restaurants and local attractions.

At least ten lodging properties in the Oakhurst/Coarsegold/Ahwahnee/Fish Camp area have won the coveted Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for 2013. That certainly speaks to our
communities' commitment to serving guests in the best way possible, offering maximum value for guests'hard-earned dollars. Read more.
 
Breakfast with Santa 

 

Bring the whole family to the Oakhurst Community Center on Saturday, Dec 7, to enjoy Breakfast with Santa!  Prepared by the Oakhurst Kiwanis of the Sierra, the meal includes pancakes, eggs,

bacon or sausage, juice, milk and   

coffee, for just $6 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 12.  Children 5 and under are free. Proceeds benefit the Children's Museum of the Sierra and other local charities.   



Romantic Retreat at Narrow Gauge Inn 

The Narrow Gauge Inn in Fish Camp presents a two-night package, which includes accommodations for two in a queen room, champagne & chocolate-covered strawberries or a seasonal fruit basket and rose petals on the bed.   

 

Wake up each morning to a warm breakfast of fresh made-to-order Belgian waffles, rosemary potatoes, sausage and an array of other delectable treats.  

 

Midweek (Sun-Thurs) $199  

Weekend (F Narrow Gauge Inn ri/Sat) $269. Subject to availability. Rates subject to change during holiday periods.  
Tree-Lighting at FYI 

 

Fresno Yosemite International Airport hosts a tree-lighting ceremony with members of the National Park Service on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. The community is invited to take part in the tree-lighting festivities which will include musical performances and refreshments.   Read more.  

 


 

December Travel Incentives
 

Apple Blossom Inn offers picnic package
Apple Blossom Inn, Yosemite Area Bed and BreakfastEnjoy 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.      

 

Christmas Tree Auctions    

Christmas Tree Auction On Sunday, Boys and Girls Club of OakhurstDecember 8, The Oakhurst Boys and Girls Club and many other charities will once again benefit from the annual Christmas Tree Auction.  

 

Doors open for the silent auction, raffle, hors d'oeuvre and complimentary champagne at 3 p.m. Bidding for the Live Auction begins at 5:30 p.m.  

   

 

 

 

 

  

Please Support Your Madera Chamber Tree...  The Madera District Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a tree for auction at this year's 'Trees for Charity' event. The Board of Directors and Staff are now actively seeking monetary donations to be included as part of the Madera Chamber of Commerce's Tree Donors.  

 

Your donation benefits our business and community programs including our scholarship programs, business education programs, youth programs and economic development.

 

A donation of any amount, will be greatly appreciated. Submit your donation to any of the Madera Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors or Chamber Staff; or donations can be mailed directly to the Madera District Chamber of Commerce, 120 North E Street, Madera CA 93638. Please note your donation for 'Trees for Charity'.     

 

 

  

The Redwoods in Yosemite - Put a Vacation Under Their Tree This Holiday!
Yosemite in winter is pure magic. Treat yourself or your loved ones to a vacation you'll  Rewoods in Yosemitenever forget at The Redwoods in Yosemite.  Get two nights in a vacation home in Yosemite for as low as $365 (plus occupancy tax), plus more. Read more here.




Century 21 Ditton Vacation Rentals in Bass Lake offers year-round homes
.
Century 21 Ditton Realty Bass Lake vacation rentals
Come enjoy the fireplace and the snow-covered hills in beautiful Bass Lake. We have year round rentals ranging from cute and cozy to large and luxurious. Many of our homes owners offer discounts such as stay 3 nights get the 4th night free, or senior and military discount for 10% off. Call our office today to take advantage of our midweek rentals and discounts.
For more information click here.

 Give Your Loved Ones The Pines this Holiday Season!

 Call today to order your Holiday Gift Certificates for a one night stay in one of our Mountain Chalets or Lakefront Suites and $40 dinner credit for Ducey's on the Lake.  Prices start at $109 plus tax. Call for more details (559) 642-3121 or (800) 350-7463 or visit our web site at www.BassLake.com.  

 

   

 

Ducey's on the Lake:  A Perfect Spot for Your Holiday Gathering  

Whether you are hosting a company event or family holiday party, leaveDucey's on the Lake Bass Lake

e the planning to us. Sit back and enjoy this special time of year with your family and friends! Dinner prices start at $36 per person; group lodging rates start at $79. Call our Sales Department for more details (559) 642-3121 or (800) 350-7463. 

 

  
Create Your Own Yosemite Winter Postcards with Photo Safari as Your Guide
Professional phot ographer Pat Althizer knows the best times and the best places to help  you get those postcard-quality photographs during your time in Yosemite. Take advantage of the season and book your Photo Safari today.

 




Westbrook Wine Farm Hosts Special Dinner
Fall colors at Westbrook Wine FarmSelect wines from Westbrook Wine Farm in O'Neals will be featured at a special, multi-course dinner at The Blue Heron Restaurant in Yosemite Lakes Park. The dinner takes place on Saturday, December 7 and will feature classic Christmas dishes perfectly paired with Westbrook wines for $60 per person. Call 559-658-6969 to make reservations.  

   

Three for the price of two at Yosemite's Enchanted Forest Yosemite's Enchanted Forest

Stay at Yosemite's Enchanted Forest for two nights and receive the third night absolutely when you stay November through April. Excludes Holidays.    

 

Fantastic Winter Rates at Yosemite West Cottages
Make a new reservation for non-holiday dates at Yosemite West Cottages between now and Jan. 15, 2014, stay two nights or longer at low, low rates - and receive a $50 credit voucher good on your next sta y, with no date restrictions for credit voucher
use.  Just ask for Double Savings when calling Yosemite West Reservations at 559/642-2211 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or note "Double Savings" when
booking online 24/7 at YosemiteWestReservations.com.  Credit voucher may be used at Yosemite West Cottages, Yosemite West Lodging, Yosemite West Condominium Rentals, and Yosemite West Vacation Homes, when reserved through Yosemite West Reservations.
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.