ngoldman

Romantic Yosemite and Madera County California



Posted: Tuesday, July 18, 2006

by ngoldman
Norm Goldman


Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of sketchandtravel.com is pleased to have as our guest, Dan Carter, Executive Director of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau.



Good day Dan and thanks for participating in our interview.



Norm:



Dan, please tell us something about yourself and what you do as the Executive Director of the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau.



Dan:


My job is to promote the attractions, activities and lodging venues of the southern Yosemite region and Madera County in California. We provide marketing, education and advocacy services for the tourism industry in this area just outside the south gate to Yosemite National Park.


Norm:



Where exactly is Madera County in California?


Dan:

Madera County is the exact geographic center of California. We are three and a half hours east of San Francisco, five hours north of Los Angeles and three hours south of Sacramento.


Norm:



If you had to choose six unique and romantic venues in and around the southern Yosemite area, which ones would you choose and why?


Dan:


This is a tough one. Our setting is so conducive to romantic venues it is hard to pick just six. I'll start with:





*** Five Diamond / Five Star resort, Estate by the Elderberries. The nine acre estate is in the foothill town of Oakhurst. The Chateau du Sureau looks like a European castle and is truly a dream for anniversaries and romantic getaways. A private Villa is also on the grounds as is the famous Elderberry House Restaurant. The estate by the Elderberries has been featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and in numerous magazines. Here is the Web Site.


***Next I would suggest the Pines Resort at Bass Lake. Bass Lake was chosen by Sunset Magazine as one of the West's Best Lakes. The lakeside location of the Pines Resort with views of the Sierra Nevada makes it one of our most sought after getaway spots. The lake is busy with family activities during the peak summer months but Ducey's on the Lake (part of the Pines Resort) has suites with large spa tubs and views of the lake. The restaurant is exceptional and features comfortable booth seating overlooking the lake and marina. Here is the Web Site.


***The Narrow Gauge Inn is nestled among the trees of the Sierra National Forest just minutes from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. Rooms look out over the Lewis Creek Canyon at majestic Mt. Raymond. The Narrow Gauge Restaurant is outfitted like a mountain lodge complete with large stone fireplaces, a large wooden bar and old snowshoes and skis adorning the walls. Summer is great but the cozy rooms are a treat in the spring or fall. Here is the Web Site


***Now for some of our romantic Bed and Breakfast Inns: The Hounds Tooth Inn is a large Victorian style inn with twelve distinctively different rooms. People come back just so they can try every room. Some rooms have fireplaces and some have spa tubs. Wine is served on the patio each evening and a substantial breakfast is served every morning. A walking trail leads guests along a creek with benches for relaxing along the way. Here is the Web Site.


***The Homestead Cottages is on 160 wooded acres in the small community of Ahwahnee. Cottages are luxurious and made of adobe brick and stone. Stable facilities are available for those who would like to bring their equine friends for a romantic ride in Yosemite or the Sierra National Forest. Here is the Web Site.


***Big Creek Inn is the closest B&B to Yosemite National Park and is in the village of Fish Camp. Private, Romantic, Peaceful it says on the brochure and I have to agree. An outdoor spa and deck reveal views of Big Creek as it flows lazily through Fish Camp into Yosemite. The innkeeper here takes personal pride in providing the best for her guests. Here is the Web Site.




Norm:



As a follow up to the last question, if you had to choose six of the most romantic wedding destinations in and around Yosemite, which ones would you choose and why? eg. parks, etc.


Dan:


Well, there is no substitute for Yosemite as a wedding venue. Permits are required, however, and booking a time is sometimes difficult. The Chateau du Sureau is a great venue and even has a small chapel. Many weddings are held on the grounds of the Estate each year. The Pines Resorts has a complete wedding planning package as well as staff to help with the planning. Some couples even have their weddings out in the Sierra National Forest.


Norm:



I understand your bureau assists in helping individuals arrange their weddings. Please elaborate.


Dan:


We have a Wedding Planner packet at our Visitors Bureau for those that want to plan on their own. It can be requested at www.YosemiteThisyear.com or they can call us at 559-683-4636.



Norm:



Which are your favorite romantic restaurants in and around the southern Yosemite area? Why?


Dan:


***The Elderberry House is probably my favorite. The cuisine is outstanding and Chef James Overbaugh uses fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. The fixed menu varies nightly and I have never been disappointed by the food or the service. It is pricey but worth it. The wine list is outstanding and will satisfy the most discerning wine aficionado.

From here on it is hard to say which is my favorite but I will list three more


***The Narrow Gauge Inn, as I mentioned before, has an outstanding ambiance. A table by the windows at sundown can't be beat. The menu has a wild side with items like farm raised venison, ostrich and other changes of pace. Guests should try the local Madera wines.


***Three Sisters Restaurant is another one-of-a-kind venue. It is under new ownership and the food is outstanding. The atmosphere is close and intimate. Chef /Owner Richard Beryel will often come out of the kitchen to visit with his guests. He explains the dishes if asked and makes the dining experience most enjoyable. Several Members of Trip Advisor have given Three Sisters very high marks.


***La Cabana Restaurant in the community of North Fork is authentic Mexican food and atmosphere. The Arces travel each winter to their home town in Mexico to get the latest recipes for inclusion in La Cabana as menu. Small tables with candles make a most romantic venue.



Norm:



Can you tell us something about cultural activities in and around the southern Yosemite area?


Dan:


This area is home to three American Indian tribes. The culture is celebrated through Pow Wows and gatherings. It is truly a different experience to watch the Dancers and listen to the Singer/Drummers. Each ceremony has deep meaning and to be a part of them as an observer is very touching. The calendar of events on our web site list all of them.


Norm:



If you don't have a car, how easy or difficult is it to get around the Yosemite area?


Dan:


Rental cars are available as are bus tours. Several companies give guided tours and will provide pick-up service at most hotels in the area. The nearest airport and Amtrak station are about 45 minutes away in Fresno. You can rent a car there or arrange pick-up service through one of the companies listed at www.YosemiteThisYear.com.


Norm:



How would you compare the southern Yosemite region to other vacation destinations from the point of view of costs as it pertains to hotels and restaurants?


Dan:


We have pretty much every type of accommodation and restaurant for every price range here. The Chateau du Sureau starts at $350 per night while the Oakhurst Lodge is $70 per night. We have Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Best Western, and more. Restaurants range from the Elderberry House at $89 per person to the value meals at Mc Donalds.


Norm:



When is the best time to visit Yosemite?


Dan:


The best time to visit is right now. I know that sounds trite, but the truth is that the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite are great any time. If you want solitude then summer may not be for you. But between Memorial Day and Labor Day we can almost guarantee that all areas will be free of snow and accessible. Fall brings color and the sought after solitude. Winter is amazing as everyday is different with changing weather patterns. Spring is the peak of water fall season and we have had tremendous water displays the last two years.



Norm:



Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?


Dan:


Our staff and volunteers at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau are ready anytime to help travelers with their questions. A free Visitors Guide can be downloaded at our Site or trip planners can call 559-683-INFO to order one.


Thanks once again.








Norm Goldman practiced law for over 35 years and this enabled him to transfer and apply to book reviewing his many skills that he had perfected during his career in the legal profession and as a result he has become a prolific free lance book reviewer & author interviewer.

He is the Editor, Publisher and Reviewer for his own site, Bookpleasures.com (http://www.bookpleasures.com) that he created in 2002.

The site is composed of an international community of book reviewers that come from all walks of life that review all genres of fiction and non-fiction.

In addition to the complimentary reviews bookpleasures.com offers, Norm personally offers his own Priority Book Review service that you can find out more about by clicking on:

http://www.bookpleasures.com/websitepublisher/categories/Do-You-Need-A-Quick-Review-Of-Your-Book%3F/

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