April 2014
 
Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau 
40637 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA  93644
559/683-4636 * Fax 559/683-5657
WELCOME TO MADERA COUNTY . . . California's Gateway to Yosemite
                                           
 Spring  has Sprung ! The mountain sides are painted purple and orange with lupine and California poppies. 
 
The advent of spring also signals the opening of Millers Landing and The Forks Resort at Bass Lake.  Can't wait to taste those burgers! Before you know it, we will usher in the jet skis and boats for the summer season. 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!

 Celebrate Spring in Yosemite with Holiday Brunch and Earth Day

Yosemite reawakens in spring as snow melt creates thunderous waterfalls and meadows bloom with colorful wildflowers.  Each year The Ahwahnee and Wawona Hotel host a lovely Sunday brunch for visiting families at Easter and Mother's Day. A leisurely brunch in the dining room of Yosemite's historic hotels is the start to a perfect spring day in the park.  Brunch at The Ahwahnee is $45 per person and you can find more information, including menus, at Yosemite Park Holiday Dining 

  

                                              

Where better to celebrate Earth Day than in Yosemite National Park?  Yosemite National Park celebrates Earth Day with numerous 

events, activities, and projects. 

 

On Saturday, April 19, park visitors can bike around Yosemite Valley by joining the Earth Day Bike Ride. This three-hour ride makes frequent stops along the way as Yosemite park partners share information about sustainable projects, activities, and research occurring in Yosemite. After the bike ride, visitors can visit Yosemite Lodge at the Falls for a fun-filled Earth Day Family Night hosted by park partner NatureBridge. 

 

On Tuesday, April 22, the central Yosemite Earth Day Celebration will take place on National Earth Day. Young visitors will have an opportunity to participate in the second annual Children's Stage Events, including the Wee Wild Ones program from DNC Interpretive Services, a Junior Ranger Walk from the National Park Service, Face painting and Children's Yoga & Nature Journaling from Balanced Rock Yoga. A free Sustainable Salad Bar, sponsored by The Ahwahnee and DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, will be served on Tuesday. Several salads with local, organic, and sustainable ingredients will be available for sampling. Visitors can also explore sustainable products available in the park by connecting with the companies who create them at the Vendor Fair.
Erna's Elderberry House dining room
High Tea with Riverpark Travel at Erna's Elderberry House
Sunday , March 30th  & Sunday, April 13th Riverpark Travel (based out of Fresno) will be holding a high tea to showcase 4 Virtuoso properties, to share infomration and lend travel advise. A tour of  Erna's Elderberry House Chateau du Sureau is included as well. Price is $32.00 per person. 
 
   For more events at Erna's Elderberry House  Events
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. Can't wait to eat those burgers! 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.

150th Anniversary Special from Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite 

Summer, winter, spring, or fall - it doesn't matter what the temperature is outside, you'll find hot deals for your next Yosemite vacation at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite no matter when you want to visit!

 

Take a family vacation to see Yosemite during spring break, check out the fall foliage on a nature hike, go whitewater rafting on the Merced River this summer, or spend your holidays cross-country skiing along Glacier Point. Tenaya Lodge has Yosemite vacation packages to help you plan a memorable visit, any time of year.

 

View our current Yosemite specials and hot deals at Tenaya Lodge. These special rates and packages won't last forever, so book your trip today! 

www.tenayalodge.com/Specials-And-Hot-Deals.aspx

 
Stone Cabin at Great Sierra Mines, Gaylor Lake
Tony Krizan's Discover Yosemite's Forgotten Trails Series
This 6-event series will feature wilderness hiking trails within the mountains surrounding Yosemite. Tony Krizan, local adventurer, author & photographer will share his 30 plus years of hiking experiences and photos. 

This exhibition lecture series will run monthly from April through September 2014, in honor of the Yosemite Grant 150th Anniversary. The presentation will be in the lobby of the Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites located on Highway 41 in Oakhurst from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the dates listed below. The presentation is open to the public and is free of charge.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Saturday, April 5th - Great Sierra Mines and trails along Tioga Pass Road
Saturday, May 10th - Minaret Mountain Adventure
Saturday, June 21st - Wawona Old Stagecoach Road
Saturday, July 19th - Lost in Kings Canyon, Curtis Wright P40 Aircraft
Saturday, August 16th - Minaret Mountain Adventure
Saturday, September 13th - Wawona Old Stagecoach Road

For more information go to yosemitethisyear.com
Sierra Art Trails logo
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 
Madera Wine Trail
Madera Wine Trail

The Madera Vintners Association's family wineries will host the Madera Wine Trail's "Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration" on May 3 and 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proudly honoring the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite National Park grant, this NEW event is a celebration not to miss! Enjoy wine tasting at each participating winery, live music, delicious food and Yosemite themed activities, art and gift shopping! Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the weekend of the event. Click here for tickets and more information or visit www.MaderaWineTrail.com

 

 
Join Quady Winery for the Dessert Wine Showcase Day Saturday, April 5th~
Visit Quady for a special tasting of our sweet dessert wines. Our Orange Muscat dessert wine Essensia astonished the wine world in the 1980s. 

Essensia is incredible by itself or paired with chocolate, almond, peach, apricot and apple desserts. Dip in biscotti, moisten cakes, and add to truffles. Quady will be pouring a variety of our sweet wines with a few treats on this wine showcase day! Saturday, April 5th, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. For more information on participating wineries please visit  

www.maderawinetrail.com/wineshowcase.htm.

Quady Winery breaks out the Electra wine slushy machine!
Come by Quady Winery on Saturday, April 19th, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and be the first to have an Electra wine slushy in our tasting room this season. Visitors will receive one free Electra wine slushy on Saturday, April 19th as our Easter gift to you! Quady Winery will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20th. Bring your friends and relatives out before Easter to pick up some great wines for your holiday dinner. Whether you have a picnic, bbq or a formal dinner on Easter you will be able to find the perfect wine at Quady. Pair Essensia with a delicious Carrot Cake, Elysium with some delectable chocolate and Electra with our Easter Ham!

~ Quady Wine Dinner at the Elbow Room ~

Enjoy an evening of cocktails, wine, appetizers, and a four course meal! Wednesday, April 30th at 7:00 p.m. owners Andrew & Laurel Quady will be on hand discussing their wines and the incredible food pairings prepared by the Elbow Room. Seating is limited for this event; please call the Elbow Room to secure your seat at 559-227-1234.

 

Yosemite Anniversaries

Save the date for the upcoming Réveiller Art Show & Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration

May 3rd & 4th from 10 - 5pm
Quady Winery invites you to our 13th Annual Exhibit of Regional Artists "Réveiller". Réveiller, a French term meaning to "wake up" was created in 2001 to highlight the wealth of local art in the Central Valley and Mountain areas. The goal of the event is to adorn the walls of our winery in an aesthetic manner for the artist and public to enjoy. Local artists can submit entries online at www.quadywinery.com/reveiller.html. The deadline for submissions is April 6th. Réveiller is held in conjunction with the Madera Wine Trail's "Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration." Proudly honoring the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite National Park grant, this NEW event is a celebration not to miss! Enjoy wine-tasting at each participating winery, live music, delicious food and Yosemite-themed activities, art and gift shopping! There is no charge to come to the winery and view the artwork. If you would like to participate in the Yosemite Grant Wine Celebration wine-tasting event please visit  maderawinetrail.com/may.htm for details.

 

 
April Calendar of Events in Madera County:
California's Gateway to Yosemite
  • 4/4-6, 11- 13, 18-19         'The Miracle Worker'  performed at Golden Chain Theatre
  • 4/4                                      LoanMart Madera Speedway Rusty Wallace Driving Experience
  • 4/5                                      Great Sierra Mines and trails along Tioga Pass Road Exhibition                                                         Lecture Series
  • 4/5-30                                Valley View - Yosemite Trails, Currents, and Visions - Artist Exhibit
  • 4/6-12                                 7th Annual Woodcarvers' Rendezvous
  • 4/11-13                                Fresno Flats Ragtime & Vintage Music Festival
  • 4/11-14                               Opera at Oakhurst: Carmen and the Consequences
  • 4/13                                    Coolwater Concerts - Antsy McClain
  • 4/19                                    29th Annual Raymond Parade and Family Fun Days
  • 4/19                                    Ca State Museum Gem and Mineral Show
  • 4/19, 20                             Free Entry into Yosemite National Park
  • 4/19, 20                             Yosemite Junior Ranger Exploration Fair, Earth Day Bike Ride, &                                                      Earth Day Family Fun Night     
  • 4/20                                    Ducey's Easter Brunch at Bass Lake
  • 4/20                                    Easter Sunday Brunch at Erna's Elderberry House
  • 4/20,22                              Earth Day Celebration in Yosemite National Park
  • 4/20                                    Easter Brunch at The Ahwahnee and Wawona
  • 4/22                                    Earth Day Celebration at Oakhurst Feed and Pet Supply
  • 4/22                                    Earth Day Honors the 150th Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant
  • 4/26                                    Stage Route Tour
  • 4/27                                    Free Bridal Fair at Paradise Springs, Oakhurst
For Further Information, see our Calendar of Events at www.yosemitethisyear.com/events
                                                 Recipe of the Month

Quady's Easter Ham:

1 bone-in ham, scored

2 tbsp. whole cloves

1 bottle 750ml Vya Sweet

1 bottle 750ml water

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup rough chopped ginger

 

Combine all ingredients in a large stainless steel stock pot. Heat ingredients to combine and dissolve sugar. Let ham soak in marinade over night (in refrigerator). Pat dry, insert cloves in score cuts on the ham. Cook according to directions on packaging. Accompany with Quady's Electra.

 
APRIL TRAVEL INCENTIVES

A VERY special offer! With love from The Estate by the Elderberries,  

Hotel CHATAEU du SUREAU, at the Gateway to Yosemite National Park, requests the pleasure of your visit with this seasonal opportunity. Stay midweek-February thru April for the exceptional room rate of $250 - $450 (reg. $445 - $585) all inclusive of a European breakfast and amenities. (subject to availability) 

 

But wait, there is more! While you are visiting, Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant will welcome you with a glass of Sparkling Sureau before the start of a delicious 3-Course dinner - specially priced at $48.00. www.chateausureau.com.

 

 

Tour de Yosemite Crossroads Tours & Limo

We are offering $10.00 off per person on daily tours to Yosemite when the guest book on line www.tourdeyosemite.com This offer will be valid all summer until fall October 31,2014. 

Type "VIP" in coupon code to get the $10.00 discount .

 

Another offer is a, $50.00 per-person Wine Tour 4 hours 4 Wineries Includes Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter in Private Groups of any size above 6. These tours will be conducted throughout the summer all days. Offer expires October 31, 2014.

 

 

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. 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. Berries or a seasonal fruit basket and rose petals on the bed.       

  

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 
 Easter Weekend is just a month away. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway for your family, call to make your reservation today and take advantage of our limited time special. $40 off per night with a minimum of two night stay over the Easter Weekend April 18 - 20, 2014. That's $80 savings! This offer is good for bookings before April 1st, 2014.  

For more information and reservations call (800) 350-7463 or (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 www.basslake.com/resort-dining.  

  

 

ApApple Blossom Inn, Yosemite Area Bed and Breakfastple 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.

   

 

 

Coarsegold Historical Society Presents Historic Tours
 History buffs, here's your chance to take an up-close-and-personal guided look at the areasthat 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.  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. 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 or visit our Facebook page.
Events
Keep up-to-date with community activities. Check our YSVB Calendar of Events often.  
Yosemite Anniversaries
Events
Go to the Yosemite 150th Anniversary schedule of events
to see the many ways our Gateway communities are celebrating this momentous occasion.Here is a list of upcoming local events. 

Majestic Mountain Loop
Events
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.
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Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
559-683-4636
christi@yosemitethisyear.com
www.yosemitethisyear.com
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