Yosemite, Tahoe and Mammoth
Yosemite
(FAST FACT: Yosemite National Park boasts the tallest waterfall in North America: Yosemite Falls at 2,426 feet.)
Just because you go to Yosemite for the great outdoors, doesn’t mean you should give up fine dining. Reserve your spot now for January or February, during Chefs’ Holidays at The Ahwahnee. During the annual two-month celebration, some of our country’s most prestigious chefs host sessions complete with a chef’s reception, cooking demos, and a final five-course Gala Chef’s Dinner. ($155 per person), 801.559.4949, www.yosemitepark.com.
For those wanting to do more rejuvenating than roughing it, choose destination Spa du Sureau, located at the AAA five-diamond and Mobil five-star bed and breakfast, Chateau du Sureau. The Chateau, which boasts European stylings, offers luxurious amenities and estate hospitality like butler service. 559.683.6860, www.chateausureau.com.
Tahoe
(FAST FACT: Lake Tahoe is about 22 miles long and 12 miles wide.)
Tahoe is known for its lake and outdoor recreation, and while that’s unlikely to change, what will change is the resort scene: The Ritz-Carlton Highlands opens in fall 2009. www.ritzcarlton.com.
On the restaurant scene, Mikuni, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar which expanded operations to Tahoe from its five locations in the Sacramento area, has become the newest attraction. The upscale Southwestern spot Caliente is also attracting crowds, www.mikunisushi.com, www.calientetahoe.com.
While in Tahoe, don’t miss the Shakespeare Festival—the event of the summer in the area—which runs July 9 through Aug. 17. (This summer you can also catch the original musical production “Cambio,” a modern retelling of The Hunchback of Notre Dame story.) www.laketahoeshakespeare.com.
Mammoth
Mammoth Marvel Late last year, visitors to Mammoth Lakes encountered a brand-new high-end accommodation option within easy reach of the town’s ski slopes and translucent lakes: The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth. As the first full-service hotel in the area, The Westin sits in a prime spot near the Village Gondola, which connects to Mammoth’s superior slopes. To fuel those days of battling moguls and black diamonds, guests can savor the American fare offered at the hotel’s on-site eatery, Whitebark Restaurant, Bar and Lounge. Try to grab a seat around the open kitchen and make sure to take a close look at the wallpaper, which isn’t just an eye-catching design—it actually features topographic maps. www.westin.com/mammoth.
Summer or winter, ride the gondola to the new Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center, California’s highest facility of its kind. After taking in the lofty viewpoint and interactive exhibits, grab a bite to eat at 11,000-plus feet. www.mammothmountain.com.
Dig into the family-style fare at Restaurant LuLu, which sits in Village at Mammoth. And trust us, you’ll want to end your meal with the cookie plate. www.restaurantlulu.com.
