 |
|
|
WELCOME TO MADERA COUNTY . . . California's Gateway to Yosemite
|
There's lots going on, no matter the season, no matter the reason. Skiing is currently available at Badger Pass, inside Yosemite. Due to unseasonably mild temps this winter, the road into the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias has remained open. The advent of spring also signals the opening of Millers Landing and The Forks Resort at Bass Lake. This year, the Yosemite Gateway communities celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act with lots of fun activities for all ages. Come celebrate with us!
|
 
Badger Pass is OPEN for Downhill, Cross-Country
With challenging winter conditions in Yosemite National Park, the lack of snow contributed to a late opening of Badger Pass Ski Area on February 8, 2014. Originally scheduled to open in December 2013, Badger Pass became fully operational in February with the exception of snow tubing.
Even with an abbreviated season, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite is dedicated to operating the Badger Pass Ski Area to provide winter activities in Yosemite National Park. Further Information
|
Head 'Em Up . . . Move 'Em Out!
Chowchilla Western Stampede Begins Friday, March 14
It's a stampede, but in name only. The cattle ambling down Robertson Boulevard in Chowchilla are carefully controlled by the cowboys and cowgirls of the annual Chowchilla Western Stampede rodeo. This event has taken place in this city at the junction of Southern and Northern California for more than 50 years and draws some of the country's top competitors. They will participate in various roping events, as well as barrel racing and gymkhana events for kids from March 14 through March 16. Further Information
|
Erna's Winemakers Series presents Calera Wine Company
Thursday, March 6 marks the date of the next edition of the Erna's Elderberry House Wi nemaker Series, which features Josh Jensen, of Calera Wine Company.
Josh will talk about the four wines Erna's is presenting with Chef Jonathon's four-course dinner.There is one seating at 7:00pm and dinner with the wine is $115 per person. The full menu can be viewed here.
|
 Nothing says "Spring" at Bass Lake
Like The Forks Resort, Millers Landing
and Yosemite MountainSugar Pine Railroad
Whether you're a "local" or a visitor, the start of spring is marked by the opening of two Bass Lake institutions: The Forks Resort and Miller's Landing. The time to start your personal competition for "Best Hamburger in the Mountains" is fast approaching. The Forks opens this year on Friday, March 28; Miller's Landing is right behind, on Friday, April 4. Start those diets now! The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp opens for the season on March 15 with Jenny Cars. The forest echoes with the sound of locomotives starting April 2 when the Shay steam engines take to the track. |
Learn Whole Living March 28-30 at Tenaya Lodge
This March 28-30, you're invited to experience the new Yosemite Healthy Living Retreat at Tenaya Lodge. Elevate your level of rejuvenation to reveal a new degree of wellness, where world-class spa treatments are only the beginning. Enjoy guest speakers, guided outdoor activities, nutritional breaks, a hands-on culinary class and dinner with Executive Chef Frederick Clabaugh, CEC, signature gifts, and spa treatments.
Weekend retreat packages start at just $999 for two guests/double occupancy or $699 for a single guest/single occupancy. View amenities and other special promotions at www.tenayalodge.com. Further Information
|
Sierra Art Trails Celebrates Yosemite with
"Valley View--Yosemite Trails, Currents and Visions"
"Valley View - Yosemite Trails, Currents and Visions" is a juried exhibit focused on Yosemite National Park, in particular Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the regions designated as protected by the Yosemite Grant in 1864. The Sierra Art Trails show features works that address the history, present state, and possibly the future of Yosemite National Park. Works will address historical subjects, current issues, and predictions or speculations on the future of the Park, including folklore or mythology. "Valley View" is a juried exhibit with $1,200 in cash awards. Further Information
|
 Coarsegold Historical Society Presents Historic Tours History buffs, here's your chance to take an up-close-and-personal guided look at the areas that formed the early Madera County/Yosemite area. The Coarsegold Historical Society is now accepting reservations for two local historical tours.
The annual STAGE ROUTE TOUR takes place on Saturday, April 26. This six-hour bus tour explores areas west of Hwy 41: Knowles, Raymond, historic Road 600, the Wassama Roundhouse, the old town of Fresno Flats and Coarsegold. The WILLOW CREEK TOUR, scheduled for Saturday, May 17, is new this year. Based on Marcia Penner Freedman's book Willow Creek History; Tales of Cow Camps, Shake Makers & Basket Weavers, this six-hour bus tour explores areas east of Hwy 41: Road 200, North Fork and areas north to Bass Lake.
Each tour is $40 and includes lunch and a special dessert "tea" in the afternoon. The bus departs from the Coarsegold Historic Museum, 31899 Hwy 41 (just south of Lucky Lane) at 9 a.m. Reservations are required: Call Karen Morris, 559-683-8877. |
Yosemite Sierra View B & B Awarded TripAdvisor GREENLEADERS™ Status
Yosemite Sierra View Bed & Breakfast has been accepted as a Gold Level GreenLeader into the new TripAdvisor®GreenLeaders™ program, which helps travelers plan greener trips by identifying environmentally-friendly accommodations across the U.S.
TripAdvisor GreenLeaders have met a set of environmental standards developed for TripAdvisor by a leading environmental consulting firm, with input from expert partners. The more green practices a hotel has in place, the higher its GreenLeader level, which is shown on the property's listing on the TripAdvisor site. |
 March Calendar of Events in Madera County:
California's Gateway to Yosemite
3/1 Rose Wine Showcase Day at Madera Wine Trail 3/1 Coolwater Concerts presents Tony Furtado 3/1 Chowchilla Rotary Crab Feed 3/2 Kiwanis Breakfast at Oakhurst Community Center 3/5 Erna's Elderberry House Three-Day Cooking School (through 3/8) 3/6 "Meet the Winemaker Dinner" at Erna's Elderberry House with Calera Wine Company 3/7 Friday at Fresno Flats 3/8 Yosemite "Rocks" at Gallery Row with Zyg Zee "How to See a Story" 3/8 German Fest Dinner presented by Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce 3/12 Chowchilla Western Stampede (through 3/16) 3/20 Soroptimist Soup/Salad Luncheon 3/28 Yosemite Healthy Living Retreat at Tenaya Lodge (through 3/30) For Further Information, see our Calendar of Events at www.yosemitethisyear.com/events |
|
 |
MARCH TRAVEL INCENTIVES
Create Your Own Photo Safari -Yosemite 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 tour today. Contact Pat at 559/760-6124, www.photosafariyosemite.com.
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 que en 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.  The Pines Resort Bed & Breakfast Package is back at the
The Pines Resort in March. Come and enjoy one of our cozy, two-story mountain chalets with breakfast at Ducey's on the Lake in the morning. Choose between one king bed or two queen beds for as little as $99 weekdays and $139 on Friday and Saturday, including $20 toward breakfast. For more information call (559) 642-3121 or visit our web site: www.BassLake.com.
At Ducey's on the Lake, come and sign up for our VIP discount card. Enjoy year-round discounts at Ducey's on the Lake and Ducey's Bar & Grill, earn free entrées and  sandwiches when you dine with us frequently. Don't forget about Taco Tuesdays at Ducey's Bar & Grill with $2 Tacos and Thirsty Thursdays with $2 Draft Beer in Bar & Grill and 50% wine at Ducey's. We are open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (559) 642-3131. Visit us at http://www.basslake.com/resort-dining.
Stay & Play Package at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
$99 plus tax now through March 31, 2014 Sunday - Thursday. PACKAGE INCLUDES:
· $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.
Luck of The Redwoods!
Stay at The Redwoods in March 2014 and receive a 20% discount PLUS be entered to win a  2-night stay gift certificate at The Redwoods in Yosemite!
Three LUCKY winners will be chosen on March 31, 2014!
*Not valid on existing reservations or with any other discount. A two night minimum stay is required. Call 888-816-9862 and ask about our Luck of The Redwoods March to receive this special offer!
Super Savings Spectacular at 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! Super savings are available in February, and March 2014 during non-holiday time periods, with even greater savings for Sunday-Thursday nights. It's a great park location between Yosemite Valley and Wawona.
Ap ple 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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
