Redding, CA: Shape Up In Shasta Cascade

The breathtaking Shasta Cascade region offers world-class rivers, lakes and trails making it the perfect location to shape up with a plethora of outdoor activities....

Long Beach CA: Hotel Maya

Paying homage to this mysterious culture stands the Hotel Maya along the harbor in Long Beach. Complete with the unique and spectacular architectural style of the stepped pyramids, Hotel Maya welcomes guests into their "village" of modern structures assembled to create this luxurious seaside resort.

Murphys, CA: Murphys Haunted Hotel

When you arrive in the authentic town of Murphys, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas, the locals will ask about where you are staying. If your response is Murphys Historic Hotel, expect the response to be, Haunted! That hotel is haunted!

San Diego, CA: The Keating Hotel

Southern California. Italian design. Ferrari. Stainless steel. Maserati. Bang and Olufsen. Rain showerheads. Just one of these by itself is damn sexy. Put them all together, add a king-sized bed, and you have the uber sexy Keating Hotel.

Arrowhead, CA: Mountain Swimming Hole

Nothing beckons the old days of hiking up the mountains to a nearby waterfall and jumping into the water feet first. Local photographer Sam Katz brings us back to those old memories with a look back.

Showing posts with label High Sierra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High Sierra. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Oakhurst, CA: Children's Museum of the Sierra

childrens museum of the sierra
Located in Oakhurst, California, 24 miles south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park, is the latest "fascination station." The 4,000 square foot museum is packed with a variety of activities to occupy the hands and minds of young people of all ages.

Open year round, the Children's Museum Of The Sierra offers young people (ages 2-12) and their families hands-on exhibits and programs designed to encourage visitors to learn by doing, imagining, creating and making choices.

With a draw of 1,000 visitors monthly, the museum serves local residents and tourists that visit Yosemite National Park.

The museum operates under the auspices of the Educational Enhancement Foundation, a private nonprofit organization (classified as a 501(c) 3 by the IRS.

Funds are generated by private contributions and earned income from membership, admission fees, grants, gift shop sales and special events. The museum development and exhibit design is provided by devoted and generous volunteers who have a passion for our museum and enhancing the lives of children.

Founded in 1995 by a group of parents and individuals interested in bringing specialized programs to young people of the mountain community, the museum teaches scientific principles allowing children to learn about the world around them through dramatic play and artistic expression.

As children interact with exhibit components, there is an opportunity to learn elementary occupational behaviors through imaginative play. This play builds an awareness of potential career opportunities.

Children's Museum of the Sierra
49269 Golden Oak Drive, Suite 104
Oakhurst, CA 93644

Telephone: (559) 658-5656
Website: http://www.childrensmuseumofthesierra.org/

Hours of operation:

Winter Hours: ( Mid-Sept through Mid-June.)
Tuesday through Saturday
10 a.m.- 4p.m.
Sunday
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Summer Hours: ( Mid- June through Mid-Sept.)
Tuesday through Saturday
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sunday-Closed.

Admission:
$4: Per person. Children under 2 admitted FREE.
$3: Seniors 60+
$1: Pre-arranged educational groups of ten children or more.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Sierra NF: Sierra Vista Scenic Byway Opens

sierra vista scenic byway
The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, a 100 mile journey through an area of the Sierra National Forest often referred to as a “secret Yosemite” has opened.

The seasonal road is maintained by the National Forest Service, and opens once all the snow has melted from the upper elevations and any necessary cleanup has been completed.

“We’re very excited that the Byway opened up just in time for the Memorial Day Weekend,” said Jarrod Lyman with the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau. “The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway is an excellent play for people to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in a much more individual setting.”

While Yosemite National Park enjoys high visitation during the summer months, the Byway, which sits adjacent to Yosemite, sees far fewer visitors which affords travelers the opportunity to enjoy similar vistas with far fewer people around.

sierra vista scenic byway
“The Byway has sweeping panoramic vistas of the Sierra Nevada’s granite peaks, it boasts lush meadows with a large array of plant and animal life, unique rock formations, historical attractions, it really is an amazing journey,” said Lyman.

Popular stops include Mile High Vista, which overlooks Mammoth Pools and grants unobstructed views of the high country, Globe Rock which is a massive almost spherical boulder perched atop rock pillar as if it were a golf ball belonging to some long lost giant, the Jones Store which sells renowned hamburgers and pies for over 50 years and the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoia.

Guests taking the byway can start in either North Fork, the exact center of California and a popular jumping off point for the Byway, or from Beasore Road in Bass Lake. Maps and other information can be picked up at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s visitor center at 40637 Highway 41 in Oakhurst.

For road conditions and other information, contact the National Forest Service at 559-877-2218.

Visit Sierra Vista Scenic Byway's website at: http://www.sierravistascenicbyway.org/



View Larger Map

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Yosemite NP: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

yosemite sugar pine railroad
The historic Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad will be resuming their popular “Moonlight Specials” starting May 26, celebrating 40 years of the night time rides.

Located just south of the Highway 41 entrance to Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers rides aboard a pair of nearly century old Shay locomotives through the Sierra National Forest. The popular tours run each day in the spring, summer and fall months. The “Moonlight Special” adds another element to the memorable rides.

“In addition to the train rides, guests enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner outdoors in the cool mountain air,” said YMSPRR owner Max Stauffer. “Popular folk band ‘Sugar Pine’ sings during dinner. Then the train heads out on the tour and stops at the picnic area, where everyone gathers around a roaring campfire for songs. It’s a lot of fun for families who enjoy some good, old-fashioned fun,” said Stauffer.

The Moonlight Specials are every Wednesday and Saturday, starting May 26 through Aug. 29 and on Saturdays through the first Saturday of October. Dinner is at 6:30 and the train leaves at 7:30.
This is the 40th year the specials have been offered, marking yet another milestone for the popular attraction. Next year the railroad’s oldest locomotive, Engine 15, turns 100.

In addition to the trains, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad has the Thornberry Museum which highlights what life was like here around the turn of the century, a well-stocked gift store and book store, as well as gold panning, where guests get to keep what gold they find.

To book your tickets or learn more about the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, visit http://www.YosemiteSteamTrains.com or find them on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/YMSPRR.

Yosemite Mountain
Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 Hwy 41
Fish Camp, CA 93623
(559) 683-7273