Last day before Christmas

It's the last day before Christmas and my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree a grove full of big trees.

There has been little snow in the high country this winter, and that means hidden gems like the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoia are still accessible. The Nelder Grove is just off the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, and a great place to see some of the most impressive examples of these stately giants. Take the Shadow of the Giants hike, an easy walk that takes you by towering trees overlooking this beautiful grove.

Natural beauty is one of the best gifts one can give or receive, and you'll find that in Nelder Grove.

To start planning your Yosemite area vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

2 days until Christmas...

With just two days until Christmas, my true love gave to me: Two turtle doves bald eagles at Bass Lake.

Bass Lake is home to a pair of the most iconic creatures in our country, bald eagles. Rent a boat from one of the rental companies on the lake and head out across the lake from Miller's Landing for a glimpse of these mighty creatures.

Then, finish up your Christmas shopping at the Pines Village. You can find everything from art, jewelry and other gifts for everyone on your list.

For more ideas, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

3 days until Christmas...

With just 3 days until Christmas my true love gave to me not french hens, but European cuisine at Erna's Elderberry House.

Erna's Elderberry House is central California's only five-star restaurant, a truly magnificent dining experience that combines the elegance of Europe's finest traditions and hospitality with the culinary genius of Chef Gunnar Thompson. An evening at Erna's is a memorable experience, as the flavors of expertly prepared dishes, matched perfectly to an amazing wine, makes you feel like royalty.

Dinner at Erna's is perhaps the best Christmas gift one could give for a lover of fine food.

To see everything that California's Gateway to Yosemite has to offer, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com.

4 days until Christmas

Only four days till Christmas and my true love gave to me ... 4 calling birds..on phones from Sierra Tel.

Our partners over at Sierra Tel aren't just providers of phone service, they also have a great selection of telephones, great gifts for Christmas. Be it a picture phone, cordless phone with all the latest features, or even a decorative telephone, they've got something for everyone.

Check out Sierra Tel today for a Christmas present that will let you keep in touch with those you love.

To plan your southern Yosemite vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com.

5 Days before Christmas

Five days before Christmas and my true love gave to me - 5 Golden rings Chukchings!

Head on over to the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino for all kinds of Holiday fun. Try your luck at the slots, hit the table games, or dine at one of their seven restaurants, each with a fun atmosphere and fantastic menu.

Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino is the largest tribal casino in central California and it shows in the amenities they offer. Turn your luck around this Christmas with a trip to Coarsegold's own Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino!

To see all of the great attractions in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com.

6 days until Christmas...

With just six days until Christmas my true love gave to me: 6 geese a laying....around the lake by the Blue Heron in Yosemite Lakes Park.

Enjoy the views overlooking the lake at The Blue Heron as several large flocks of geese and other waterfowl swim in the calm waters. Watch herds of deer wander through the park as you dine of sumptuous food prepared by internationally known Chef Christian Mueller. Enjoy classic American fare, and even a few dishes from his native Germany - the schnitzel is fantastic - all in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

If you have a special event coming up, or would like to plan a Christmas party, the Fireside Room offers the perfect opportunity. Delicious food, beautiful surroundings and affordable prices make it a winner this Christmas.

To learn more, visit www.theblueherononline.com.
To learn more about all the great dining, shopping and other vacation wonders in Madera County: California's Gateway to Yosemite, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

7th day before Christmas

The seventh day before Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans a swimming the grace of a swan at the Tenaya Lodge ice skating rink, located just outside of Yosemite.

Nothing says The Holidays like a beautiful ice skating rink, and taking to the ice with friends and family. If the stresses of the Holiday season has you feeling like an ugly ducking, regain your inner - and outer- swan at the Ascent Spa at the Tenaya Lodge. You can even purchase gift certificates so your true love can choose the time of their pampering.

8 Days until Christmas . . .

With just eight days until Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . not maids a milking, but eight gallons of fresh pomegranate juice from Home Grown Cellars!

Madera is the Heart of Pomegranate Country, and Home Grown Cellars showcases all that is wonderful about this amazing fruit. From fresh juice grown and squeezed right there on site, to honey created solely from the pollen of pomegranate trees and many many more products, Home Grown Cellars gift shop is stocked with goods that will let you find a gift for everyone on your list.

Nine days till Christmas...

...With nine days till Christmas my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing - At the Golden Chain Theatre!

Check out the Golden Chain Theatre in Oakhurst for the most fun you can have in the mountains.Cheer for the hero, boo the bad guy and "aww" for the heroine in this good old fashioned melodrama theater.

You can even purchase gift certificates for that special someone so they can go see a melodrama when it fits in to their busy schedule.

Check out their website for more information on upcoming plays, melodramas, special events and more.

It'll be the gift that keeps on giving!

10 Days until Christmas...

With ten days until Christmas, my true love gave to me: 10 Lords a leaping 10 Sabre tooth Cats Leaping!

What's more "lordly" in the animal kingdom than the mighty Sabre Toothed Cat? You can see California's Official State Fossil, and many more at the Fossil Discovery Center in Chowchilla. There you will see the animals that once roamed this region hundreds of thousands of years ago: Short Faced Bears, Harlan's Ground Sloth, Camelops and the mighty Colombian Mammoth.

Fun for kids and parents alike, the Fossil Discovery Center takes you on a journey through time by showcasing the fossils of animals that were all found right there on site.

Once you're done exploring pre-history, then check out the gift shop for the perfect Christmas present for your favorite family archaeologist.

For more, visit www.MaderaMammoths.org. To start planning your Yosemite area vacation, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

11 days until Christmas

The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau continues to count down the 12 days before Christmas.

Today we have 11 more days. SO....

11 days before Christmas, my true love gave to me, not 11 pipers piping, but piping hot meals at restaurants throughout Madera County!

Those of us who live here are lucky, the restaurants of California's Gateway to Yosemite  are renowned for their use of fresh, local ingredients and creating stunning dishes. From American to Mexican cuisine, Chinese, Japanese and pretty much anything else you can think of, you'll find it here in Madera County. We're even home to central California's only 5-star restaurant!

So if you have a foodie in your life that is hard to shop for, think dinner at one of our many dining partners! You'll be giving a fantastic gift.

http://www.yosemitethisyear.com/where-to-eat