Visit Yosemite | Madera County supports the Responsible Travel Code launched by Visit California, which asks visitors to travel with RESPECT by committing to seven best practices when exploring the southern Yosemite region:
Roam Responsibly
Educate Myself
Safety First
Preserve California
Embrace Community
Celebrate Culture
Teach Others
As a Californian myself, and a lover of travel, I am respecting the health and safety of my friends, neighbors and family. Though we are not getting out much, when we do, we must respect the environment, local culture and especially the local safety rules put into place. Respect is the key to keeping each other safe while we do the things we love, so we can continue to travel and enjoy what the state has to offer.
“Visit California’s Responsible Travel Code is really about creating a respectful environment for all. In this part of the state it’s about wearing a mask, respecting social distancing guidelines and preserving natural outdoor spaces,” says Rhonda Salisbury, CEO of Visit Yosemite | Madera County. “The core value of ‘pack it in — pack it out’ has never been more critical. Services in the area are limited and it is going to take everyone working together to keep our forests, lakes and mountains clean and open to visitors.”
“The tenets of our Responsible Travel Code speak to both preserving California and the safety of our communities and visitors,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “We hope this code can serve as a quick resource for travelers on how to stay safe and be respectful of others and the environment when visiting the state.”
The code is part of the Responsible Travel Hub, found at visitcalifornia.com/respect. This resource demonstrates ways visitors can travel safely and responsibly and shares what businesses and communities across the state are doing to ensure the safety of their employees and guests. Content includes tips and strategies for those ready to travel and covers what travelers need to know about experiencing the golden state this year.
Visitors have always loved picnicking in the Sierra National Forest and around Bass Lake. Now ordering takeout for those picnics is easier than ever. Local wineries and breweries have also embraced the to-go spirit, making dining al fresco — bellissimo! However, preserving California means packing up every container, every paper napkin and ensuring even the smallest scraps of food are removed and disposed of securely.
“Due to COVID-19, trash removal services are reduced in remote areas. Litter and overflowing bins are not only an eyesore, but these conditions are unhealthy for the environment and wild animals as well. ‘Leave No Trace’ means leaving the outdoors pristine, as good, or cleaner than you found it.” said Brooke Smith, spokesperson for Visit Yosemite | Madera County. “Foxes, Bears, Raccoons and Bald Eagles live in Madera County, if garbage doesn’t fit securely into a trash receptacle, please take it home or the local critters will have a midnight snack scattering litter everywhere in these beautiful places, creating a dangerous situation for the health of the animals and the people.”
A big part of that involves preparation. California’s recovery is unfolding at different rates in different communities, and the advisories in place vary by county and region. If you are planning to venture out, please familiarize yourself with local guidelines and regulations in your destination.
Gingerbread House Workshops
Outdoor Ice-Skating and More
Two miles from Yosemite National Park’s south entrance on Highway 41, 
Lucky enough to be asked to visit on a media trip, even luckier to be able to enjoy it with my best friend my husband, the getaway was magical. When entering the lobby, you feel right at home with the fireplace burning, comfortable couches waiting for you to relax, and a fabulous bar just steps away offering your favorite spirit! My husband’s words were something along the lines of “let’s move in, I’m quitting!” and were were there 5 minutes. It’s amazing how a special location can immediately take all your worries away!
Although we were enjoying a couples’ getaway, I noticed right away how family-friendly the resort was by the kid-sized registration port by the front desk. Kids walk right up and “check-in” to start their vacation that includes things like kid’s camp, adventure club, and much more! I look forward to the chance to bring the kids back with us!
Relaxed and still time before our itinerary beckoned us, we headed to our room. Currently undergoing multi-million dollar renovations, Tenaya Lodge combines traditional alpine decor with Four Diamond refinement in their guestrooms, suites, and cottages. We enjoyed a 350 sq. ft Premium room with a king bed that melted beneath our backs and we fell back onto it. The upgraded bathrooms are gorgeous with granite countertops and rustic-style sliding {barn} doors that we took photos of! We even measured because they’re something we’d replicate in our own home! 
Robes met us on the bed which is always a cozy, welcoming touch that inspires you to shower, relax, and unwind. A large,overstuffed chair and work desk also fill the room. The last thing you want to do is work while at Tenaya, but if you have to get something done there’s ample space. We were on the first floor, so just outside our sliding glass door was a grassy area that leads to the parking lot. 
Due to the construction nearby, we didn’t spend any time on the patio, but would have in different circumstances with a cup of coffee in the fresh air mornings. If you’re really wanting to get away from it all or possibly you’re hosting a bachelor/bachelorette getaway, the Garden and Contemporary Suites are available for guests 18 and older and located on a adult-only floor with a private, ground-floor entrance.
Dinner consisted of Filet of Oscar, topped with artichoke bottom Dungeness Crab and an Organic Breast of Chicken, white corn polenta and spinach. 
My husband and I shared each plate, took bites of each simultaneously, then switched! Flavors were out of this world delicious. Dessert was a show for sure when Bananas Diablo is ordered. Made completely table side, this set the bar {and the flames} high!
Not to be outdone, when you light Bacardi 151 the beautiful blue flame is awe-inspiring and makes for a tasty dessert you prefer to drink.
Embers asks for adults-only dining, with the minimum age for children of 12. Mornings call for breakfast at Sierra Restaurant that offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a terrific buffet.
The rain decided to come down so it scared away a few of the group members and they chose the steam train. I did have one other person with me as well as the guide. I loved doing archery in high school and it’s the perfectionist in me to mark it as my go-to activity when I can. After a few stray arrows I think I ended up doing pretty well! 
After dinner one night, we used all our senses with limited sight and did a flashlight hike. This activity is cool, especially if there’s a clear sky and bright moon and it’s perfect for kids too!
Fun, and a welcome challenge, ice-skating during the winter is fun in the rink adjacent to the lodge. Skate to music at night under the twinkling lights and make s’mores at the large firepit nearby. I’m proud to say I didn’t bail, so yes I was a bit competitive with my husband, but my legs and feet sure did feel it the next day. Those muscles used were a bit dormant.
Speaking of muscles, whether you are coming in from a skate or bike ride or just yearning for tranquility, Ascent Spa is a must visit! You can book a package with your lodging or order a la carte but there is so many options for your mind, body, and soul to choose from. I never do enough for myself, it’s the nature of being a mother of three. Each time I visit the spa I tell myself, no I VOW to myself that I do it more often. Couples massages would be ultimately romantic, but I opted this trip for a Tenaya River Stone Massage. My calves and back loved it so much and my masseuse was extremely attentive. My husband received a custom massage for the very first time. He was sensitive near his neck where he has disc problems, but otherwise thought it was an interesting experience. 
Amongst the twelve treatment rooms, dry saunas, steam rooms, and fitness facilities you’re destined to find relaxation and rejuvenation around Ascent Spa. 
Traveling with little ones is easy when you’re offered two indoor pools and three outdoor pools featuring private cabanas, the Bearfoot Bar, a zero-entry kid’s splash pool with mushroom water features, and new adult-only wading pool! There’s also a spot for you in one of the five hot tubs across the property, two of these are also for the enjoyment of adults only. Yes, this is simply nirvana.
