Mike V.'s Profile

I think it's the first Saturday in April, and the First Saturday in November, there is a really unique experience in Yosemite Valley at the Miwok Village. It's at night at the sweat lodge. which is also a trip. but you get the opportunity to share a very rare experience with some very interesting people.

This year, the Bear Dance was attended by dozens and dozens of people, both of and not of Miwok heritage alike, it was a packed house in that sweat lodge (which was good cuz it was damn cold that night!) Ho to the Fire Man indeed!

Regardless of your spiritual upbringing, or if you are registered with the Green Party, you will love this event. And I recommend you not just observe, but talk to people at the pot luck afterwards. You will come away feeling like you've stepped back in history, way WAY back in history.

The Curry Village Ice Rink is open from mid-November until early March. Great for kids or for a romantic afternoon before hitting the bar at the Ahwahnee to warm up. (ranked in the top ten for rinks around the country!?!?!)

But the real fun is during the summer. rent a few rafts. 26 bucks for adults, choose your teams (or combatants) wisely, If the river is high, grab a tall guy. Low, short and stocky to push you over the rocks.

Sure, many people chose to float lazily down the river, gazing at the valley walls and enjoying the adorable ducks, but you can do that when you are too tired or when a winner has been declared.

What's more fun than a 2-3 hour battle royale between rafts when it's like 90-95 degrees?

I'll never forget when my brother cannonballed off Sentinel Bridge to the amazement (and horror) of some Japanese Tourists, or the look on that family's face as my Dad tried to drag me under water while my sister ran at him swinging a paddle.

Ah, memories....

The Pioneer Cemetery is near the Yosemite Museum (also a worthwhile stop) and really is a trip, even if you aren't into grave rubbings. Many of the early pioneers and even some early visitors are buried here or have been moved here. It's really amazing in the fall and in the spring. just off the beaten path for those looking for a different view of the valley.

Who wouldn't want to relax after a hike at a place where the sign reads:

"Kids, we have ice cream. Parents, Two Words: Cold Beer"

And the bears are cheap. like CHEAP (like, less than 7-11 singles prices).

There are many great back-country hikes out of Tuolumne, I highly recommend them if you have the time.

Nearing my 20th time up to Half Dome.  Seen some amazing things (like a 77 year old woman on the cables, or watching the Helicopter land on the top at 10 am)

Just a few tips:

Take John Muir Up.  Mist may be "shorter" but would you rather walk for a mile, or do stairs for a mile?  If you must, and your knees can take it, take Mist down and go for a swim at the bottom (NOT THE TOP, you don't want to be another body recovery like those people sliding over the falls from Emerald Pools each year).

Start early and bring a flashlight (5 am 6 am).  You'll know why when you see those people on your way down, languishing in the heat and sucking up dust.  (plus more animals are out in the early morning).

Don't run down the cables or on the outside.  i don't care if you fall, but when you take a 10 year old with you, you are probably on non-stop flight to the 7th circle of hell.

hit up the curry pizza deck when you are done.  it's mandatory.

the valley store has amazing beers (like Sam Smith, Franzekaner (sp?) etc).  pop one at the top.  (I prefer Guinness myself, it's really refreshing after going up 4800 feet in 8 miles)

This is where you really want to go at the Ahwahnee.

Best Side Car I have ever had.  Period.

Food is great, same if not better view than dinning room, and during the summer you can enjoy your drinks outside gazing up at the valley walls.

The piano man at night is great, very talented, but more classical and opera hits than billy joel.

PS: service is impeccable. Some of the bartenders have been here for 18 years+.  I would have stayed too.

You are going here for the experience. Just know that going in.

It's pricey, and the food is okay, not phenomenal. The service is good, but not great.

but the views are unmatched (so if you go, make sure you get a table reserved near the window and I'd go for brunch in the winter or fall).

I used to always order the Trout (3 times this summer), but last time it was not so great, so I think the steak is a safer bet. Just fyi.

I love that they keep this place open on weekends during the off season.  And that they have that huge fire burning inside the lodge.

Plus, those buzzers they give you work in there.  (oh, and little known fact, there is wifi in the curry visitors lobby nearby).

There is nothing like this.  It's freshly baked pizza, in a national park, outside deck seating, squirrels trying to steal your toppings, and you can pound a beer from the bar while you're waiting.

Maybe it's because you just hiked half dome, or rafted the river, or climbed to the top of Yosemite Falls,  but this place is the ONLY place i eat in the valley (apart from the occasional Awahnee indulgence session).

Go on Karaoke Night during the high season and you won't be disappointed. It's worth the drive from the valley, but don't even THINK about not "designating" a driver.

Not because Ryan will be out there looking for you in his bad ass Ranger SUV, but because the deer WON'T"T be looking for you, nor will the bears at the Merced turnoff (I still don't know why they are ALWAYS in the road right there!)

I've been coming here for years. and probably didn't review it before because it was kinda divey. But god bless the changes they've made.

I've been here probably 10 times this season, and while we all miss Jason (bar mgr) and can't wait for your return next year, this place is phenomenal.

The food is insane. I order off menu sometimes but anything with their buffalo chicken sauce is mouthwatering, and the steaks and game dishes are filling. I've tried just about every dessert too. Hard to go wrong there. They are anything but delicate though, so be warned.

And the drinks....god bless them. Great selection of beers, wonderful specialty drinks to warm you up this winter, shots and drops.

Plus, they have NFL games, soccer, hockey, and WiFi/computers for when you are watching at 9:55 AM and realize that your star Fantasy RB isn't starting.

Oh, and there is a great pool table for a dollar, a change machine so you don't have to bug the bartenders, Foosball and ping pong.

Plus, the rooms are really nice now. a great destination.

And since your navigation on your phone might not work up there, just remember, it's right before the West Entrance to Yosemite Valley, on the left, Evergreen Road. 6 or 7 miles down (and watch out for deer at night!)