Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau Newsletter
January, 2014
Welcome to 2014! We're looking forward with anticipation to the blessings of the new year.

As the mountains become snow-capped and  waterfalls spring back to life, we have some great celebrations coming up, along with travel incentives to entice you to visit Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite. Hope to see you soon!

Dan, Judi, Rhonda, Janice & Julie
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau

Restaurants Open for Christmas Dinner
An array of restaurants open their doors for your Christmas festivities in case you need to make last-minute plans. Check out the list  here.

By the way, If you're looking for something to do on Monday, December 23, Crab Cakes offers caroling from 5 to 6 pm along with their fine cuisine.

New Year's Eve Celebrations Galore
Outstanding venues throughout Madera
Bass Lake Fireworks
Photo by Pat Althizer 
County: California's Gateway to Yosemite, are making preparations to ring in the New Year.

There's something for everyone here. 

 

Celebrate John Muir and the Yosemite Grant 150thAnniversary at South Gate Brewing Co., delight in fireworks at Bass Lake, or take part in the New Year's activities at Tenaya Lodge, just for starters.  Read more. 
Local B&B Goes Solar
Yosemite Sierra View Bed & Breakfast, perched on the slopes of Deadwood Mountain in Oakhurst, is in process of going solar.


Lori and Bruce Howard, owners of Yosemite Sierra View, made the decision based both on wanting to cut costs and to provide more comfort and convenience for their guests.            
The spectacular dining room view at Yosemite Sierra View 
 

When the system is up-and-running, targeted for the end of January at present,
the Howards expect to go from roughly $200 a month to $20 (summer) down to $0 when there's less usage. Read more.   

Do You Want to Know About WHISKEY?
Come to Roman's Bar at Crab Cakes on Tuesday, January 21 to learn about the history and different styles of Whiskies from the US., Canada
and Europe. Seating is limited and this event WILL sell out. Call Crab Cakes at 559-641-7667 for reservations or further information.
Recipe Corner
Many of the inns, hotels and B & B's in California's Gateway to Yosemite stand out
because of their distinctive and delectable cuisine.

Candy Arthur of Ahwahnee's Apple Blossom Inn is noted for her "everything-apple" style and her delicious Apple Blossom Pancakes. At our request she's
shared the recipe. 

Yosemite 150th Anniversary Schedule  

Celebrate the Yosemite Grant 150th Yosemite AnniversariesAnniversary by participating in the many scheduled events  commemorating this significant time in our National Parks' history.   

 

Upcoming Events

For events occurring in California's Gateway to Yosemite go to our Calendar of Events


   

Chains Required? "What Do I Do?"  Easy!  Leave the Driving to Us 

Winter in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada may be the most awesome time of year to visit, but it can come with challenges.  

 

The most common questions heard are, "do I need chains?" and "My car is 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive. I don't need chains, do I?" The answer to both of those questions: "Yes, you do."  

 

There is a solution if you don't want to or can't chain up. Take advantage of our transportation companies. They provide everything from basic shuttle service to fully-guided tours. They know the area, and they are equipped and knowledgeable about winter driving conditions in the mountains.Read more.
Madera County Celebrates California Restaurant Month
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau once again teams up with Visit California to showcase Yosemite area restaurants during California Restaurant Month.
 

The celebration is an annual event each January where  Visit California works with local destination marketing organizations, like Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, to highlight the state's many eateries. Five restaurants in California's Gateway to Yosemite are participating this year, offering discounts and special dishes:

 

Ducey's on the Lake, Bass Lake

Crab Cakes Restaurant, Oakhurst

Blue Heron Restaurant, Coarsegold

Yosemite Gateway Restaurant, Oakhurst

The Vineyard Restaurant, Madera  

 

Read more. 

Erna's Debuts New Cocktail on "Bar Bites" Menu    
Would you like a 5-Star Experience without a 5-Star price? Want a taste of European elegance right here in Oakhurst?

Y
ou can do both at Erna's Elderberry House (one of only 52 five-star-rated properties in the U S), during their nightly "Bar Bites" from 5 pm to 8 pm in the  
Cellar Bar.     

Take that opportunity to sample their     newest offering: the Sophie Royal Cocktail--Grey Goose Vodka, fresh grapefruit juice, Chambord and Champagne served in a martini glass.     

Yosemite Conducts "Youth in Yosemite" Short Film Contest

A contest is open to anyone 25 years of age or younger who is motivated to create a video about their connection to Yosemite National Park.  The deadline to submit the short films is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014. Read more 

 
What's Happening on the Majestic Mountain Loop?   
There's always something exciting going on in the three parks that make up the Majestic Mountain Loop:  Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. To keep up with MML activities, watch for the quarterly newsletter to appear in your mailbox. Sign up here if you don't already receive it.
Majestic Mountain Loop

 

January Travel Incentives
 

 Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites - Bass Pass Ski Packages & Discount Lift Tickets 

Discount Lift Tickets - 25% off midweek, non holiday all area lift tickets - 25% off $48.50 = $36.50 (adult), 25% off $42 = $31.50 (youth 13-17), 25% off $25 = $18.75 (child 7-12), Kids 6 and under ski FREE with a paying adult. See our website for all the details.

 

Happy Holidays from the Quady Crew! Looking for last minute gift ideas? We have our popular Electra Moscato half bottle (375ml) for only $4.99 this holiday season! Electra is a great alternative to Champagne for your New Y ear's Eve celebration. Soft bubbles tickle the tongue, floating over flavors of sweet citrus, peach and meloQuady Wineryn. Visit our tasting room for a guided wine tasting of our signature sweet wines.  Quady Winery will close at noon on December 24th and remain closed on December 25th. Our tasting room will have special holiday hours from December 26th - December 31st from 12 - 4:30pm. Quady Winery will be closed on January 1st and resume normal business hours on January 2nd. Cheers and Happy Holidays! Call Quady at 559-673-8068 for additional information. 

 

Stay & Play Package at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino - $99 plus tax now through March 31, 2014 Sunday - Thursday. PACKAGE INCLUDES:Chuckchansi Gold Resort and Casino

      · $40 in eCASH

      · One-night stay

      · Fitness Center

      · FREE WIFI

      · Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pool

 

For reservations, information and to view the terms and conditions of offer, call 1.866.7.WIN.WIN (946.946) or visit www.chukchansigold.com

  

Romantic Retreat at Narrow Gauge Inn 

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 (Fri/Sat) $269. Subject to availability. Rates subject to change during holiday periods.   Call 559-683-7720 or visit www.narrowgaugeinn.com



Rewoods in Yosemite
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  never 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 "rent 3 nights, get the 4th night free" or take 20 percent off a full week's rental on applicable properties.
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. Call our office today to take advantage of our midweek rentals and discounts. For more information click here or call (866) 914-3888 toll-free.  
 

Give Your Loved Ones The Pines Resort 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. 

         


D
ucey'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 or visit basslake.com/resort-dining

 

Create Your Own Photo Safari Yosemite Winter Postcards with Photo Safari as Your Guide
Professional photographer 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 today.

   
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.    

 

Winter Savings Spectacular!

Yosemite West Book now with Yosemite West Reservations at 559/642-2211 (weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or YosemiteWestReservations.com 24/7 and SAVE BIG on stays to begin the new year!  Super savings are available in January, February, and March 2014 during non-holiday time periods, with even greater savings for Sunday-Thursday nights.  Closest lodging for Badger Pass Ski Area, too!


 AppleApple Blossom Inn, Yosemite Area Bed and Breakfast 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.     
 

 

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.