WELCOME TO MADERA COUNTY . . . California's Gateway to Yosemite
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Us
Check out the many holiday menus and special activities listed below. There's something for everyone here . . . in all seasons.
Four Reasons to Visit Yosemite in Fall & Winter
1. Less crowded roads and facilities, fewer visitors
Park visitation slows down after Labor Day, so you can see more, do more. In fact, sometimes it's like having the park all to yourself. Yes, some areas are closed in winter, but there's still so much to do that you have to work hard to be bored.
2. Unparalleled scenery
Consider yourself among the chosen few if you are able to glimpse Yosemite Valley after a snowfall. And did you know that Yosemite gets fall colors? From the non-native Sugar Maple in front of the Yosemite Chapel to the yellows, reds, browns and purples of Big-Leaf Maples, Dogwoods, Quaking Aspen throughout the valley, the colors are spectacular--but they don't last long!
3. Waterfalls, snow cones and frazil ice
Summer visitors to Yosemite are often disappointed to find that the waterfalls they've longed to see are non-existent. All but a couple of them dry up by late July. Come January through April there's a good chance not only for waterfalls but also the snow cone at the foot of Yosemite Falls and frazil ice in Yosemite Creek. You won't see those phenomena at any other time of year.
4. Winter sports
Breathtaking views await ice skaters at the Curry Village ice rink, scheduled to open on November 21, weather permitting. Snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing are seasonally available at Badger Pass, as well. Outside Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge offers a host of indoor and outdoor winter activities, available to guests and non-guests alike.
4th Annual Pomegranate Festival
November 1 at Madera Airport In Madera, the heart of Pomegranate Country, the fourth annual Madera Pomegranate Festival takes place Saturday, November 1, 2014, at Madera Municipal Airport. The event is organized by the Madera Tourism Alliance, a committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce.
"On behalf of the Madera Chamber, I would like to invite everyone to come out and join us for this fun-filled event," Eugene Bell, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated. "The Tourism Alliance Committee and Chamber staff are working hard to bring another great event to our community this year."
A favorite part of the lineup is the Pomegranate Grenade Launch, a massive slingshot that launches pomegranates at a target some distance away.
Returning this year is a display of various aircraft as well as skydivers from Madera Parachute Center. New this year is a children's stage featuring local dance, karate and other talents from our young Maderans, a Jelly Belly attraction with samples and games and a Fossil Dig hosted by the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County. Other attractions include a presentation from the Fresno Chaffee Zoomobile, art classes from the Madera County Arts Council, kids' games from the Madera Parks Department, numerous cooking demos from local chefs, live music by the Marie Wilson Band, plus everything pomegranate.
"We'll have vendors selling the fruit itself, plus pomegranate trees, pomegranate-scented candles, jellies and anything else you could think of involving pomegranate, and probably some things you didn't know could incorporate the fruit," Bray mentions.
To learn more about the Pomegranate Festival, please call the Madera Chamber of Commerce at (559)673-3563. Entry to the event is free.
Westbrook Wine Farm Offers new Point Noir, Perfect for Holiday Entertaining
Have you ever poured a particular wine for your guests where the most often heard comment was a resounding, "wow?"
Westbrook Wine Farm has, and they'd like to share it with you and your wine-centric friends. After months of direct positive response from discerning consumers in their tasting room, they're confident that you'll have the same experience with ther new Farview Farm Vineyard label 2010 Point Noir, Rhone style Syrah/Grenache blend.
The warm drought years began in 2010, and the sturdy fruit from the fabled Love Ranch Vineyard developed perfectly. The unmistakable perfume of the Grenache Noir grapes exceeds the fact that they are but 25 percent of this blend. Flavors of crisp cranberries, black flesh plums and Bing cherries are layered with vanilla spice and cedar cigar box aromas refined over 48 months in French and American oak barrels. Yes, 48 months. There was no hurrying this wine to the bottle.
Westbrook Wine Farm would love to schedule an opportunity to taste this assertive and unapologetic, yet highly civilized, co-fermented field blend with you? Why not introduce the Point Noir "wow" factor into your holiday gift-giving this year, too? Contact them at www.westbrookwinefarm.com or call for an appointment at (559)868-3499.
Bass Lake is the place to be for the holidays!
THEPINES RESORT
Let's start the season off right with the 23rd Annual Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Raffle with prizes, float parade, golf cart drags, holiday music, followed by photos with Santa. Hot Cocoa and cookies available for purchase, and all proceeds will support local charities.
Holiday Bazaar and Arts & Craft Fair is open the entire Thanksgiving Weekend from Friday 11/28 - Sunday 11/30. Free admission. For more information, contact (559) 642-3121 or www.BassLake.com.
Join us on Thursday, November 27, 2014 for a festive Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet, presented by the Executive Chef Johnathan Frabotta and Ducey's on the Lake Team. The Buffet will include a bountiful array of salads, entrées, sides and dessert selection. Carving Station will feature a Roast Turkey in Cranberry-Orange Relish and Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish.
Don't forget that Ducey's on the Lake can host your family or company Holiday Party. Relax and enjoy this special time of the year with your loved ones while we do all the cooking ... and cleaning for you!
An Elegant Thanksgiving at Erna's Elderberry House
Celebrate Thanksgiving in grand European style at Erna's Elderberry House, the area's only five-star restaurant. Thanksgiving Dinner will be served from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. The cost is $108 per person, and reservations are required.
View menu details here. For reservations, contact Erna's Elderberry House at (559)683-6800 or visit www.chateausureau.com.
Valley Pistachio Country Store Offers Fall Baking Needs, Special Autumn Recipe
Fall is a great time of year to come visit Valley Pistachio Country Store! We have all of your fall baking needs, nuts, dried fruits, honey, seeds and many, many more! Stop by on your way to Yosemite for some road snacks or some healthy trail mix for your hike. We also have gift baskets and custom gifts for that special person in your life. Need to pick up a houswarming gift on your way to the party? Valley Pistachio has what you are looking for! Custom corporate gifts are also available.
Maple Walnut Blondie
For the Blondies:
1 cup flour of your choice
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cane sugar (or try coconut sugar, rapadura, or sucanat)
2 Tbs. maple syrup
1 egg,
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut butter
For the Maple Butter Sauce:
1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup butter
3 Tbs. cream cheese
For the Blondie, place all of the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
Add the wet ingredients and mix just until well combined. Overstirring will cause this to become gummy.
Pour the batter into a well greased pie plate or 8×8 square dish. Use a rubber spatula to gently push the dough to the edge of the pan.
Bake at 350 for 17-20 minutes
Valley Pistachio Country Store is located at 20865 Avenue 20, Madera. Contact them for further information at (800)694-0030 or visit them at their website.
The Madera Wine Trail hosts HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEEKEND, featuring wine tasting, food, music and gift shopping
On November 8 and 9, the Madera Wine Trail hosts its 12th Annual Holiday Spirit Weekend. Visitors can travel to ten wineries and taste a wide variety of award-winning wines, enjoy live music, holiday gift shopping and indulge in gourmet food from local restaurants. Wine Trail Weekend is the perfect time for visitors to experience Madera's rich wine heritage and unique family wineries! Whether you're new to wine or a connoisseur, there is something for everyone on the Wine Trail.
Wine is always a special gift for family and friends. Plan to taste and take home award-winning wines! Participating wineries will have a large selection of excellent wines to choose from and many will have special pricing on Holiday Spirit Weekend.
Participating Wineries:
Birdstone Winery
Idle Hour Winery
Sumner Peck Ranch Winery
Chateau Lasgoity Winery
Papagni Wines
Westbrook Wine Farm
Fasi Estate Winery
Quady Winery
Ficklin Vineyards
San Joaquin Wine Co.
Ticket Information:
Tickets are available for $25 in advance through November 7 and $30 the weekend of the event. A ticket includes a keepsake wine glass and is your pass to wine-tasting on the Trail all weekend long! Tickets can be purchased online at www.MaderaWineTrail.com or at Trelio Restaurant in Clovis, SpringHill Suites in Madera or at participating wineries.
To enhance the wine tasting experience of our guests, no large-capacity tour buses (30+ person capacity) will be allowed at any participating winery for this event. The Madera Wine Trail encourages safe driving through the use of designated drivers, limousines and shuttles. Designated Drivers are free of charge and can pick up a VIP kit at their first stop on the Trail.
Offers from our Tourism Partners:
Springhill Suites by Marriott, Madera
- A hotel blending style and color. Airy Spaces. An ALL suite property. Complimentary hot breakfast every morning. Fresh amenities and little luxuries. Perfect for a last minute getaway. Ask for our Madera Wine Trail promotional rate of $94.00. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fatmd-springhill-suites-madera.
The Vineyard Restaurant
in Madera will be open for lunch and dinner, Saturday November 8th & Sunday November 9th from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free corkage will be offered on Madera Wine Trail wines. Contact the Vineyard at www.vineyardrestaurant.com 559-674-0923.
Valley Pistachio Country Store
Visit Valley Pistachio Country Store during Holiday Spirit Weekend and enjoy nut tasting and earn 10% off of your early Holiday gift shopping. We specialize in custom and corporate gifting. Located on Avenue 20 just west of Hwy 99. Also visit us online at www.valleypistachio.com 1-800-694-0030.
For more information about Holiday Spirit Weekend contact Wendy Eachus, Executive Administrator, at 559-706-8216, wendy@maderavintners.com or visit our website at www.maderawinetrail.com for information on participating wineries and a downloadable map, as well as activities available at each winery.
Holiday Events at Tenaya Lodge
This year, bring the family and join our family traditions here at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Kick things up a notch with Gingerbread House workshops (with a little friendly competition in the mix), horse-drawn sleigh rides and outdoor ice-skating. Making your holidays memorable Tenaya-style is all so easier than ever. For details on all the festive activities listed below, please visit Tenaya Lodge's holiday event website.
November 28, 29 & December 20 $60 for one Gingerbread House
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, with winners announced in lobby at 5:00 pm, followed by live entertainment and complimentary hot holiday beverages in lobby
Saturday November 29
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Live Lobby Entertainment
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Complimentary Hot Beverages-Chef's Creation & Holiday Cookies
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Lobby
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. | Live Lobby Entertainment
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Photos with Santa in the Lobby
7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Sugar Pine Trio
Yosemite Sustainability Conference at Curry Village
December 8-10, 2014
For further information, please visit the conference website, or call (209)962-7990.
November Calendar of Events
in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite
We are pleased to offer the following special case pricing through December 2014.
Case of 12, $300 includes tax and shipping in California only. Farview Farm Vineyard Point Noir 2010, winery retail $30 the bottle.
We will welcome a limited number of wine-centric guests BY PRE-ARRANGED APPOINTMENT ONLY during Holiday SpiritWeekend November 8th and 9th. Premiering will be the 2010 Museum, red Meritage/Bordeaux style field blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (8 clones), Malbec 595, and Gros Verdot. Novices and experts alike will also enjoy the new vintage of our heady, assertive and unapologetic, Point Noir, Rhone-style blend. Rounding out your organoleptic journey will be Savvy, our white Bordeaux blend, Faux Fait, a spicy one-time Cabernet blend, Rosato Romantico dry rosé, and Uber Rhenish dry Riesling. We are all about sustainable wine growing, minimalist winemaking and personal interaction, with you. Call early for your confirmed reservation and come join us in experiencing the results.
Westbrook Wine Farm is located at 49610 House Ranch Road, O'Neals. Call them at (559)868-3499 or visit them at www.westbrookwinefarm.com.
The Pines Resort is the place to be for your holiday parties and family gatherings.
Fall Special 3rd Night FREE!
*Stay inside Yosemite National Park in a cozy cabin or a spacious vacation home between Monday and Thursday this Fall and get your 3rd night FREE!
*Offer is not valid on existing reservations or with any other discount. Not valid during holiday periods. Book soon, space is limited. Call (855) 923-7725 for your 3rd night FREE! Offer expires November 13, 2014.
For further information, please visit their website.
The Naked Nut - From the grower to you.
We feature local gourmet finds and nuts of all kinds. Freshest quality products from the California sun to your table. One stop shopping for everything
Fall Deal at Holiday Inn Express Madera-Yosemite Park
Just for you for the month of November we are offering a Fall Deal--20% off our best flexible rate any day you choose. Our rooms include a delicious full hot breakfast buffet, high speed wifi and parking. We are right off Highway 99 with very easy freeway access plus Starbuck's is directly across the street. Guests must call the hotel directly and mention the Fall Deal to receive this discount. (559) 661-7400 or visit our website .
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites -
Affordable Luxury in the heart of Oakhurst
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites, located just miles from the south entrance of Yosemite National Park on Highway 41. We are one of the highest-rated hotels in Oakhurst, offering modernized well appointed, spacious rooms, modern amenities, and eco-friendly accommodations in a one of a kind location with truly affordable rates. Our warm and friendly staff looks forward to making your stay here memorable.
Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites offers free wifi, fitness center, heated pool, steam & dry heat sauna, a delicious complimentary continental breakfast and 24 hour coffee bar to start you off energized.
Book your accommodations now through December 16th to take advantage of our Pizza Factory Special and enjoy 10% on your entire meal from the Pizza Factory restaurant in Oakhurst, CA.Guests must present room key at Pizza Factory to receive this promotion.
Enjoy the beauty and natural splendor 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. Contact Apple Blossom Inn at
appleblossombb.com or call them at (559)642-2001 for further information.
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.
Planning on visiting? You can book your stay right on our website! Visit 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.
year.
friends. After months of direct positive response from discerning consumers in their tasting room, they're confident that you'll have the same experience with ther new Farview Farm Vineyard label 2010 Point Noir, Rhone style Syrah/Grenache blend.
We are pleased to offer the following special case pricing through December 2014.
