Debbie Croft: As wildflowers bloom, foothills come alive with activities
Winter’s frost has disappeared in the foothills, and spring’s wildflowers are in bloom. From music to minerals, from Easter celebrations to outdoor adventures, visitors will find much to enjoy this month in the Sierra Nevada communities:
In Yosemite the Ahwahnee, the Wawona Hotel and Tenaya Lodge will offer a special holiday menu featuring garden produce and select recipes from their kitchens.
Times, prices and menus vary. Visit the following websites for further information: http://www.yosemitepark.com/easter-brunch.aspx or http://www.tenayalodge.com/Experience-Special-Events.aspx.
Reservations are recommended and park entrance is free this weekend.
An Easter Buffet will be served at the Historic National Hotel and Restaurant in Jamestown. See www.national-hotel.com, or call (800) 894-3446 for details.
And the Cellar Door Restaurant at the Groveland Hotel will hold an Easter Brunch and an Easter Dinner. Reservations are being accepted by email at guestservices@groveland.com, or by phone, (800) 273-3314 or (209) 962-4000.
Two days before Easter, Nelson’s Candy Kitchen boils 2,000 eggs in large copper kettles. After cooling in water, a few local kids color the eggs. Volunteers hide them early Sunday morning for the egg hunts taking place that afternoon. Bring your Easter baskets, and watch for Thaddeus E. Hare (aka the Easter Bunny) walking through town.
There’s more to experience year-round in the Gold Rush town of Columbia. For details and a list of events see www.visitcolumbiacalifornia.com, or call (209) 536-1672.
The show will be held at the California State Mineral and Mining Museum, located at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Admission is $3 and parking is free. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more information, or call (209) 742-7625.
The concert takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. in the college Dogwood Theater. Popular Northern California musicians will play mambo, tango, bossa nova, samba and salsa music. Reserved seating tickets are $15 each and available at the college bookstore and Sonora’s Mountain Bookshop. Call (209) 588-5211 for more information.
Storytelling, nature hikes, a bike ride, a photo walk and class, movies and a Junior Ranger Exploration Fair are just a few items on the schedule. Visit the National Park Service website for details: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm.
This event lasts until 3 p.m., and arriving early is encouraged. Admission for adults is only $2; children 10 and younger are free with an adult. Parking is also free. Food and craft vendors will be on site.
The fair will take place at the Mariposa Airport at 5020 Macready Way, located along State Highway 49 North, four miles outside of Mariposa.
During this annual event art studios across Madera and Mariposa counties will be open to visitors, allowing a personal glimpse into the lives and work of Yosemite region artists. Details are available at the website: www.sierraarttrails.org.
This story was originally published April 17, 2014 at 8:49 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: As wildflowers bloom, foothills come alive with activities."