The Moon is Waxing Gibbous (59% of Full)
Re: Day Trip - Must Sees?
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April 21, 2011 01:23PM |
April 21, 2011 05:15PM |
April 21, 2011 05:40PM |
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Re: Day Trip - Must Sees? April 21, 2011 07:17PM |
You might also want to take one of the tram tours around the Valley floor (it'll finish by taking you up to the famous Tunnel View which, these days, is probably the single most recognizable shot of the Valley). It's a "touristy" thing to do, yes, but I was glad I did it on my first visit...a great way to see a bunch of the most famous sites and, depending on the guide, get a few or a lot of nice details pointed out.
A slight food warning which I wish I'd been given the first time I visited many years ago. If you park near the Village Store, the first food stand you'll see is the Yosemite Grill, right behind the store. Unless you're a big fan of fried food and hot dogs, this is probably one of the worst places in the Park to eat (IMO). Degnan's Deli and Pizza Loft (about halfway between the Store and the Visitor Center) is much better if you're looking for speed. If you're taking time for a restaurant meal, you'd want either the Ahwahnee or the Mountain Room (over by the Yosemite Lodge). If you're in the southern part of the park, I'm a big fan of the dining room at the Wawona Hotel.
--David
P.S. You should start planning your return trip now...you WILL want to come back!
A slight food warning which I wish I'd been given the first time I visited many years ago. If you park near the Village Store, the first food stand you'll see is the Yosemite Grill, right behind the store. Unless you're a big fan of fried food and hot dogs, this is probably one of the worst places in the Park to eat (IMO). Degnan's Deli and Pizza Loft (about halfway between the Store and the Visitor Center) is much better if you're looking for speed. If you're taking time for a restaurant meal, you'd want either the Ahwahnee or the Mountain Room (over by the Yosemite Lodge). If you're in the southern part of the park, I'm a big fan of the dining room at the Wawona Hotel.
--David
P.S. You should start planning your return trip now...you WILL want to come back!
April 22, 2011 12:19PM |
April 22, 2011 09:43PM |
April 22, 2011 10:00PM |
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Re: Day Trip - Must Sees? April 23, 2011 06:08AM |
FWIW, I'd second everything plawrence says (I haven't eaten at the Curry Village sites but his assessments are consistent with what I've heard others say).
There's also the Mountain View Lounge (or do they call it something else...I can never remember) which is in a separate building right next to Mountain Room. It's mostly a bar but, on a cold, rainy night, there's a nice big open-on-all-sides fireplace in the middle of the room and you can get a fairly typical bar menu along with your drinks (only ate in there once about 5 years ago but I seem to remember it was pretty good).
As an aside, it seems like Degnan's has done away with the cutesy names on their sandwiches. As I recall, the choice of sandwiches is still pretty much the same but I kind of miss being able to get a Tuolumne or a San Joaquin instead of a Turkey & Cheese (must be something to do with my "inner tourist!"
)
There's also the Mountain View Lounge (or do they call it something else...I can never remember) which is in a separate building right next to Mountain Room. It's mostly a bar but, on a cold, rainy night, there's a nice big open-on-all-sides fireplace in the middle of the room and you can get a fairly typical bar menu along with your drinks (only ate in there once about 5 years ago but I seem to remember it was pretty good).
As an aside, it seems like Degnan's has done away with the cutesy names on their sandwiches. As I recall, the choice of sandwiches is still pretty much the same but I kind of miss being able to get a Tuolumne or a San Joaquin instead of a Turkey & Cheese (must be something to do with my "inner tourist!"
)April 23, 2011 08:54AM |
April 23, 2011 09:24AM |
April 24, 2011 01:03AM |
April 24, 2011 01:58AM |
If it's still light outside, ask if you can get a table with a view of Yosemite Falls. They have a floor to ceiling picture window with an amazing view!Quote
plawrence
. . . snip . . .
(And if you want to have an upscale fine dining dinner in Yosemite Valley without having to dress up, the Mountain Room at the Yosemite Lodge would be your option.)
April 23, 2011 09:15AM |
First trip there with limited time available then the valley is a must. Even though that's where all the rude, loud people are it's also the most stunning experience for a first-time visitor. I agree with going on the Happy Isles trailhead and going up the Mist Trail to Nevada and Vernal Falls. If you still have time after the hike is finished, drive up (or take the shuttle if it's available, which I think it is) to Glacier Point. No matter what your time limit is, try to be in one of the valley meadows for sunset, in my opinion . The red/orange colors reflecting off the granite walls in contrast with the (hopefully) pink/blue skies and green grass is one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. If you've never seen Giant Sequoias then it might be worth trying to allocate more time and seeing one of the Yosemite groves while you're there. It's surreal the first time you see a tree as wide as a cabin.
. The red/orange colors reflecting off the granite walls in contrast with the (hopefully) pink/blue skies and green grass is one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen. If you've never seen Giant Sequoias then it might be worth trying to allocate more time and seeing one of the Yosemite groves while you're there. It's surreal the first time you see a tree as wide as a cabin.April 23, 2011 09:03PM |
Another must see: As you enter the valley, you will see this rare breed that is native to Yosemite. You will be able to identify them because of their necks - they will sticking out sideways of the windows of their cars gawking at the valley. They also are known to stop in the middle of the road to take in the full splendor that surrounds them. Keep a close watch out for them, as you don't want to hit one with your car! (I think we are all descendants of this breed....)
I think I might try to take a picture of the phenomenon when I visit again in July. It really is quite spectacular!
I think I might try to take a picture of the phenomenon when I visit again in July. It really is quite spectacular!
April 23, 2011 09:21PM |
Quote
robinjayp
Another must see: As you enter the valley, you will see this rare breed that is native to Yosemite. You will be able to identify them because of their necks - they will sticking out sideways of the windows of their cars gawking at the valley. They also are known to stop in the middle of the road to take in the full splendor that surrounds them. Keep a close watch out for them, as you don't want to hit one with your car! (I think we are all descendants of this breed....)
I think I might try to take a picture of the phenomenon when I visit again in July. It really is quite spectacular!
April 24, 2011 09:53PM |
Quote
eeek
Ah, the view of the Tunnel View vista point before its "landscaping" makeover.
May 09, 2011 12:05PM |
April 24, 2011 07:10PM |
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