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Madera County - California's Gateway to Yosemite
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News from the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
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About the Photo:
Courtesy of Photo Safari Yosemite, this month's image features the beautiful Dogwoods which will begin to bloom in Yosemite April/May.
Photo Safari Yosemite provides personalized guided excursions into and around Yosemite. They offer special private tours and will create a custom itinerary along with a personal photo album.Tips on photographing are offered along the way.
Now accepting images for May and June.
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Spring has come early to Yosemite National Park and
its surrounding areas. Now is the time to enjoy roaring waterfalls at their peak water flow. Wildflowers fill the meadows and the beautiful dogwood trees will soon begin to open their delicate flowers and fill the forests with tree-top blossoms. Be sure not to miss this spectacular display of nature at its finest. Typically, the flowers begin to bloom in May, but we expect they may open a bit earlier this season. Learn more about spring in Yosemite here.
This April brings a variety of fun spring events, from Easter activities, to live music and entertainment, to wine and food pairing. Browse through the items below to learn about all the activities you can enjoy this April in Yosemite Sierra.
Contact the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau to plan your early spring excursion through Madera County to Yosemite today.
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Bass Lake "Springs" Into Action
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Bass Lake is about to burst with activity this weekend as local lake side businesses open for the season.
Chuck & Sharyn Nugent owners of Good Ol' Daze in the Pines Village are excited to have opened a new store, the Bass Lake Corner Store. Be sure to stop in and check them out during your visit! Currently the Bass Lake Corner Store is open Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm , and Sunday from 12:30-4pm. Good Ol Daze is open Thursday -Monday 10am-4pm. Starting May 1st, both stores will be open 7 days a week.
See more fun Bass Lake information below. |
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Miller's Landing Resort Opens for the Season!
March 27
Miller's Landing will fire up the grill March 27th at 11am, but if dinner sounds like a better plan for you, be there at 6pm for live music with Bob Elliott.
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The Forks Resort Opens for the Season!
March 27
The Forks Resort is excited to open for the 2015 season on March 27th! Head over for breakfast at 8am. If you love burgers, head over at 11am. Enjoy your meal indoors or outside on the dog friendly patio over looking Bass Lake. |
The Pines Resort, Open Year Round
All Seasons Don't forget The Pines Resort on Bass Lake, open all year round. You'll find luxury suites to family cabins here along with an amazing dinning opportunity.
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Yosemite Valley Moonlight Tours Begin
Starting in April Enjoy many of Yosemite's most famous landmarks by the light of the moon. See the Valley in an entirely new and magical way during a Moonlight Tour.
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Godspell at the Golden Chain Theatre
Playing Through April 4 Enjoy a dramatic theatrical experience at the Golden Chain Theatre as actors bring you the classic rock musical based on the book of Matthew. Enjoy this and many other exciting shows this season.
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Bunny Scavenger Hunt at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
March 27 - April 5 The kids will love the Bunny Scavenger Hunt at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. See Concierge for details.
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Easter Comes to Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
April 3 & 4 Easter Egg Decorating Workshop April 5 Easter Champagne Brunch Reserve your spot at the Easter Egg Decorating Workshop with the Concierge for April 3rd and 4th. On April 5th, enjoy an Easter Champagne Brunch. For kids, there's a a Petting Zoo on the Terrace and Pony Rides from 9am-3pm. Ages 7-12 Easter Egg Hunt at 10am. Ages 0-8 Easter Egg Hunt at 11am.
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Easter Champagne Brunch Buffet at Ducey's on the Lake
April 5 Turn your Easter Holiday into an Easter Weekend Getaway! Enjoy a Champagne Brunch Buffet, presented by Executive Chef Johnathan Frabotta, featuring a selection of breakfast dishes, sides, entrees, desserts and a carving station with Prime Rib, Roast Turkey and Bone-in Ham. Reservations required. Call Diane at 559-642-2585 ext. 444
Lodging rooms start from $139 with two night minimum or $179 per night.
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Wawona Hotel will re-open in time for Easter!
April 5
The Wawona Hotel will re-open just in time to celebrate the Easter holiday with Easter Brunch in the dining room and an Easter Egg Hunt for young park visitors on April 5th. The hunt commences at 11:30am in front of the hotel lobby and brunch is served from 10:30am to 2pm.
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Tour & Ice Cream Making Fun at Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center
April 6-10 Create (and eat) your own ice cream at Hilmar Cheese. Take the tour followed by the ice cream activity. Join the fun as you "Shake, rattle and roll" to create your own homemade individual frozen dairy dessert. Fun for all ages, especially those "young at heart."
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Oakhurst Rag Time Festival
April 10-12 Enjoy a Ragtime Festival featuring live music in the Sierra Nevada along the road to Yosemite National Park's southern entrance.
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Winemaker Dinner with Idle Hour Winery and Ducey's on the Lake
April 22 Head to Bass Lake for a special Winemaker Dinner with Idle Hour Winery and Ducey's on the Lake Executive Chef, Johnathan Frabotta.
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The Narrow Gauge Inn Restaurant Opens for Season
April 22 Located just outside of the Southern entrance to Yosemite, The Narrow Gauge Inn restaurant offers seasonal fine dining in a lodge atmosphere, highlighted by stone fireplaces, antique oil lamps and works of stained glass.
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8th Annual Woodcarvers Rendezvous & Craft Fair
April 19 - 25 Yosemite has always inspired generations of artists and it continues to today. Don't miss the FREE Woodcarvers Craft Fair on Saturday, April 25th from 10am to 3pm. See all the carvings, meet the artists and more.
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Dragonfly Festival at the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County
April 25 Celebrate one of our favorite pond insects at this spring festival. Browse through insect exhibits, enjoy tours of the Fossil Discovery Center and get involved with some hands-on crafts.
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Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Now Open 7 Days a Week
April The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad opens 7 days a week for your enjoyment starting in April. Trains will run daily at 11am, with an additional train at 12:30pm on weekends and 9:30am on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. They will be closed Easter Sunday.
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Be sure to plan ahead for these great events & activities in and around Yosemite!
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35th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby
May 2-3
Join us for the 35th Annual Fishing Derby on beautiful Bass Lake, CA located just 15 minutes from Yosemite. The derby is a ton of fun for the entire family. In addition, compete to win cash prizes. |
Madera Vintners Sip & Savor
May 9
11am-6pm
Sip your way to Yosemite. Enjoy delicious wines artfully paired with flavorful bites during the Madera Vintners Sip & Savor event. Each participating winery is paired with the best local chefs to bring you an intimate experience and conversation as you discuss each pairing with the winemaker. Learn More |
Bass Lake Classic Triathlon
May 30
The Bass Lake Classic Triathlon is centered at Bass Lake,a picturesque mountain lake in the Sierra Nevada and just 15 minutes from the South Gate of Yosemite National Park.
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Sierra Meadows Golf Course Opens 7 Days a Week
March 30
Starting March 30th, Sierra Meadows Golf Course will be open 7 days a week. Located just south of Yosemite National Park in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, this course is in the perfect location for a golf day or outdoor wedding.
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Electra Wine Slushy at Quady Winery
April 4th
Stop at Quady Winery tasting room starting April 4th to try their Electra wine slushy! While you're there,pick up a bottle of sweet wine and make a special dessert to share for Easter. For a list of tasty dessert recipes, follow the link below. |
Yosemite Gateway Inn Restaurant Now Offeringa Lunch Buffet
April Yosemite Gateway Inn Restaurant will be now be offering a lunch buffet. In addition, look forward to a new menu to be rolled out in April.
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15% Off at Holiday Inn Express Madera-Yosemite PK Area
April
Starting March 30th, Sierra Book your stay April 1-30, 2015 and enjoy 15% off out best flexible rate. Just call and mention this special. Rooms include full hot breakfast and high-speed wifi.
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10% Off at Bass Lake Watersports!
Now - Spring
Guests report excellent fishing off the dock! Kokanee Salmon, bass and trout seem to be abundant and active. Visitors are welcome to fish off the dock for free. California fishing licenses are required for age 16 and older. Fishing poles, bait and licenses are available onsite.
Be sure to ask about private guided fishing tours. Visit the Bass Lake Watersports website and download a coupon for 10% off. |
April Special, 20% Off at The Redwoods in Yosemite
April 12-30 Book your Yosemite Spring stay at The Redwoods between April 12-30, 2015 and receive 20% off your stay of 3 or more nights!
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Yosemite Sierra Dining Venues Open Easter Sunday
Ahwahnee Hotel - Yosemite Valley - Grand Brunch 7 am to 2 pm, adults $45, children $25 - 209/372-1489. Reservations are strongly recommended. Dinner will be their standard menu.
Blue Heron - Coarsegold - Open and serving Easter buffet. Please call 559/658-6969 for times and prices.
Buckhorn Saloon - North Fork - Breakfast 8 am to 11:45 am; Lunch/Dinner 11:45 am to 8 pm - 559/877-8700
Crab Cakes - Oakhurst - Buffet, 10 am to 3 pm - Adults $28.95 Seniors $22.95 and children $16.95 - 559/641-7667
Denny's - Oakhurst - Open regular hours - 559/683-2000
Ducey's on the Lake Restaurant - Bass Lake - 10 am to 3 pm, buffet - adults $32.95; seniors 55+ $26.95, Children 4-12, $16.95. Reservations required. - 559/642-3131
El Cid - Oakhurst - regular hours/regular menu - 559/683-6668
Erna's Elderberry House - Oakhurst - Reservations required - 10 am. - 2 pm. Easter Brunch - $70 per person - 559/683-6800. Reservations required.
Jade Gazebo - Oakhurst - open regular hours 559/683-8600
River Creek Golf Course - Ahwahnee - open regular hours/regular menu - 559/683-5600
Sierra Meadows Golf Course Four Tears Cafe- Ahwahnee - open 10 am to 5 pm for food service, regular menu - 559/642-1343
South Gate Brewing Company - Oakhurst - open regular hours/call for any specials - 559/692-BREW
Sweetwater Steakhouse - Oakhurst - open regular hours. Call 559/658-5252 for any specials.
Tenaya Lodge - Fish Camp- 683-6555 Easter Champagne Brunch - 9 am to 2 pm ($39.95 adults, $31.95 Seniors 55+, $16.95 children 4-12) - 559/692-8974
Wawona Hotel - Wawona (inside Yosemite NP) - Brunch, 11 am to 2 pm, adults, $22.25, children 6 to 12 $10.75, 5 and under $7.50. Reservations are recommended - 209/375-1425
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April's featured recipe is Irish Coddled Pork. This savory dish comes compliments of Chef Ian Cookson from the Vineyard Restaurant.
Irish Coddled Pork (hard cider braised pork shoulder)
Ingredients
3 tablespoons rendered pork fat
4 lbs pork shoulder ( any pork roast will do, preferably bone in)
2 onions roughly chopped
3 celery stalks roughly chopped
5 parsnips cut to 1in pieces
3 cups root vegetables ( whatever is in season)
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons ap flour
2 16oz bottles Irish cider (Magners or local equivalent)
3 cups pork stock ( chicken stock will also work) Process
Preheat oven to 350°. Cut roast into 4 pieces. Using a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan, heat pork fat to med high and add pork roast. Season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook until dark brown. Remove pork and set aside. Now add all of your vegetables. Cook about 10 min or until onion begins to brown. Sprinkle with flour and cook one more min. Now add pork roast back into pan and pour cider and stock over roast. Cover and cook for 2hrs. Serve hot over roasted vegetables and Guinness mustard. 
Guinness Mustard Ingredients
1 12oz Guinness Irish stout1 1/2 cups mustard seed 1 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon all spice Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 24-48 hrs. Put in airtight container. Will keep for at least 2 months. The mustard will be spicy but the flavor will mellow out over time. Be sure to check out the Vineyard Restaurant to see what Chef Ian is cooking up for dinner! Since the Vineyard Restaurant opened in 1977 they have featured a rich variety of foods and wines from Madera and the San Joaquin Valley. Their menu reflects their Italian traditions while being open to modern influences and innovations. |
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Answer the trivia question below correctly to be entered in a drawing to win:
A gift certificate for lunch for 2 as well as a 6 hour paddle board rental for 2 at Miller's Landing on Bass Lake.
Miller's Landing Resort, Bass Lake is a great vacation destination for the entire family. They offer cabin rentals, boat rentals, dinning and much more.
Monthly Trivia This month's topic: Yosemite Geography The highest peak in Yosemite is: a.) Mt. Hoffman b.) Cathedral Peak c.) Mt. Lyell
We will announce the answer in next month's newsletter!
Congratulations to the lucky winner of March's newsletter trivia, Sheri! Sheri won a gift certificate for 2 kids and 2 adults at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
March's trivia answer was three. Three species species disappeared from the park in the early 1900's. The Chinook Salmon, Sierra Bighorn Sheep and the California Grizzly.
NOTE: If you submitted an answer and didn't win, you still have a chance to win. At the end of the year, we will put everyone who answered correctly in a drawing to win a fun prize from the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. |
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