Yosemite: You Don't Have to Rough it When You Visit
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Yosemite National Park, California -- In the early twentieth century, U.S. Geological Survey official Robert B. Marshall said, "I want each of you to know and to love our national playgrounds as I do, to feel their inspiration, to have worlds of friends in the old storm-seared peaks, the trees, the birds, the flowers, the streams, the animals, all beckoning, calling you to come and live among them. And when you can rush away from the busy life and go to them they will greet you smiling and laughing . . . ,"
Today, his words seem even more poignant. Our world moves entirely too quickly, our lives are constantly crammed with details and events. The parks still beckon to us, calling us to come and rejuvenate ourselves in their quiet beauty.
Many people believe that they have to "rough it" when visiting our national parks. Of course the parks offer campgrounds, for all the happy campers, and rustic lodging, but many western parks offer first class, 5-star accommodations, so you can relax in the lap of luxury while enjoying the natural beauty of our parks. And they say you can't have it all! Who are "they," anyway? Read on, for an introduction to luxury in Yosemite, one of the most famous national parks in the world.
Yosemite - The Ahwahnee
The Ahwahnee Hotel is only a 4-hour drive from San Francisco and if you've never been, you're in for a real treat. The hotel opened in 1927, and is built of native granite and woods. The beamed ceilings throughout the building are exquisite, and show off the Native American decor very well. The main hotel contains only 99 rooms, so the staff is able to provide very personalized service. There are also 24 cottage rooms and 4 parlor rooms. All rooms come "with either a king-size or two double beds, upholstered chairs, television, guest bathrobes, iron and ironing board and hair dryer." Views from the main building can include Yosemite Falls, or Glacier Point and Half Dome.
The hotel is beautiful and classic, and the Ahwahnee dining room is legendary. The sugar-pine beamed ceiling and massive stone fireplaces offer a rustic elegance that may have you thinking the food may be a little rustic, too. Don't believe it. The food is world-class American cuisine, as is the wine list. One of the best dinners I've ever enjoyed was a "Skier's Buffet" at the Ahwahnee. The dining room is known worldwide for the legendary Bracebridge Dinner, held during the Christmas holidays. Bracebridge a recreation of a 17th century dinner, complete with roasted boar, and costumed hosts and hostesses. Only five seatings of 100 each are held over the holidays, and they are so popular the seats are given out via a lottery.
The Ahwahnee also hosts "Vintner's Holidays," and "Chef's Holidays," where you can meet wine vintners and master chefs, and attend lectures and classes by them, too. The Ahwahnee is one of the most beautiful historic lodges in our national parks, and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Reservations for all overnight lodging in Yosemite may be made by calling (559) 252-4848, You can also visit their Web site.