ADVENTURE, REFINED
  • Home
    • Eat
    • Drink
    • Adventure
    • All Rentals
    • Articles
  • Covid
  • Rentals
    • All Rentals
    • Apogee Mammoth
    • Sonenalp at Canyon Lodge >
      • The Mammoth Moose
      • The Noble Nest
      • The Refined Rustic Retreat
      • The Charming Chalet
      • First Floor Combo
      • Second Floor Combo
    • Westin Monache Village >
      • Mammoth Mosaic Westin Village
      • PIlots' Peak Westin Village
  • FAQ
  • Guest Guides
    • Apogee Mammoth
    • The Mammoth Moose
    • The Noble Nest
    • The Refined Rustic Retreat
    • The Charming Chalet
    • Westin Mammoth Mosaic
    • Westin Pilots' Peak
  • About

Adventure refined Articles

Mammoth Mountain Mask Requirement Ain't No Joke

11/23/2020

0 Comments

 
We all know that masks are required pretty much everywhere in California these days.

And that includes Mammoth Mountain. Yes, even though its outdoors. You're still going to need a mask.

But some guests still ask, "What are they gonna do if I don't wear my mask, kick me off the mountain?" The short answer is yes, yes they will.

We've posted the MMSA mask policy below. Check it out for all the details.
Picture
Mask Violation Policy
In an effort to keep all guests and employees safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic we have implemented a strict mask violation policy with clear expectations and policies. Masks or face coverings must be a minimum of two layers.
Perforated, ventilated, and thin, single-layer neck gaiter style face coverings will not be allowed.
First documented warning:
·         You will receive a verbal education on our mask policy and are encouraged to "Stay Safe to Stay Open." This is your only warning and will be documented in your pass or ticket profile.
·         If you fail to comply with our mask policy the employee on site has the authority to revoke your riding privileges.
Second documented warning:
·         Repeat offenders or those who offer resistance to education will have their riding privileges suspended.
·         Ikon Pass holders will have their pass suspended for a minimum of 7 days. 
·         Multi day ticket holders will receive a minimum 24-hour suspension.
·         Single day ticket holders will have their ticket revoked.
Third documented warning:
·         Ikon Pass holders will have their pass suspended for the remainder of the season.
·         Single and multi-day ticket holders will lose their riding privileges for the remainder of the season.
These policies have been implemented for the safety of all those enjoying the resort and are an important part of our pledge to "Stay Safe to Stay Open."
0 Comments

Thanksgiving in Mammoth

11/16/2020

0 Comments

 
Like everything in 2020, Thanksgiving in Mammoth looks a little bit different this year.

Traditional activities, like the Turkey Trot, will be virtual to ensure social distancing. 

Restaurants are focusing on take-out, so that guests can dine more safely at home. 

To ensure social distancing, the mountain is limiting lift tickets, and for that reason has already sold out of day passes for Thanksgiving week. Need passes? We have a couple of solution for you here.

We've got lots of Top Tips below, to help you make the most of your Adventure, Refined.
Picture

plan ahead

With Covid making a comeback and Covid-safer policies in place at restaurants, markets, and on the mountain, this Thanksgiving you may want to consider:
  1. order your meals from a local restaurant to enjoy at "home."
  2. have your meals delivered by our local delivery service Doorstep Deliveries.
  3. make a family event of cooking in!
  4. bring most of your groceries from home
  5. have the fridge stocked prior to check in by our local delivery service.
  6. plan for Von's and Grocery Outlet to limit foot traffic to ensure safer social distancing and to adhere to Red Tier protocols.
  7. if you must shop in town, designate one person per store. Please do not shop in a group.
  8. buy tickets or make reservations for any "must do" activities well in advance.
  9. relax and enjoy. I don't know about you, but the silver lining of 2020 is that I'm learning to let go just a little bit. ... Cuz there's not much else we can do.
  10. If you need help arranging any of this, please call or text Mary Beth at 760-965-4123.

carry out & dine in

Whether you plan to dine in or carry out, we recommend that you make reservations well in advance. Some restaurants are already reporting that they are sold out. 

Here are some of our top suggestions for Turkey Day:
Picture
The Mogul
Local favorite steak house with carry out or dine in starting at 5PM.
760-934-3039

Picture
 Mountainside Bar & Grill 
Dine in with traditional Thanksgiving with all the fixin’s. 2:30, 5:00, or 7:30PM
Call 800.MAMMOTH

Picture
Dos Alas CubaRican: Traditional turkey, ham, and vegetarian options for dine in or carry out.
760-965-0345​

Picture
The Whitebark Restaurant
Westin's restuarants offers turkey dinner --seatings offered at 2:30, 5 pm, 7:30PM
​760-934-0460
Picture
53 Kitchen & Cocktails:
​Carry out only, 3 course, prix fix menu of traditional favorites.

​760-934-0707

Picture
Lakefront Restaurant
Tamarack Lodge's four-course holiday menu with seatings at 3 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm 760.934.2442 x5

thanksgiving specials

Picture
Distant Brewing
​
Get a free 32 oz. crowler with purchase of two crowlers on Turkey Day -- 10 am till 2 pm
Picture
Dessert’d 
​Your classic favs and some creative pies, too. Order three pies & get a copy of the book, “Cookies for Everyone”
Picture
Summit Specials
Fav local places offering specials for only $11.53 throughou the month of November
​

things to do

Picture
Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl 
One-stop-shop for indoor fun. Reserve a lane for bowling or check out the golf simulator, ping pong and video games.

Picture
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot  in a Covid-safe virtual format. Register online, print your bib number, and start your Turkey Day with a two mile run. Costumes are encouraged!
Picture
 Eleven 53 Interpretive Center
Take the scenic gondola to 11,053 for amazing views and interpretive exhibits on the the wonders of the Sierra

Picture
Bodie State Historic Park 
a genuine California gold-mining ghost town, preserved in a state of “arrested decay.”
Check road conditions. Winter driving can be tough!

Picture
​Yosemite Axe Throwing
Check out Mammoth's newest activity ... indoor axe throwing. Make reservations early to make sure you'll get in.

Picture
Mono Lake
Walk to the iconic and extra-terrestrial-seeming tufa towers, wander the paths, and scout for nesting sites for predatory Osprey,.
Need more suggestions? Reach out to Mary Beth by text, voice, or email. 760-965-4123
0 Comments

Mammoth Mountain Operations 2020-2021

11/12/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture

Know before you go .... 

Picture
  • Visitation levels will be controlled to avoid overcrowding and ensure social distancing.
  • Mountain access will be prioritized for season and Session pass holders. Click for season pass info.
  • The number of daily lift tickets will be monitored and available by advance purchase only. 
  • Daily tickets must be purchased in advance and are not guaranteed. Click for daily ticket info.
  • If your dates sell out, consider a Session Ikon pass, a season pass, or contact 800-MAMMOTH to ask about afternoon only tickets,
  • COVID-safer protocols will be in place such as required masks, social distancing on shuttles, in lift lines, in lodges, etc. (see details below)
  • The health, safety, and wellbeing of employees, guests, and community will be the utmost priority.

Covid-safer requirements .... 

​Here are a few important rules and updates for your trip to Mammoth Mountain  . . .​
  • Stay home if you are feeling sick or are exhibiting symptoms of illness. 
  • Wear a mask (not perforated, ventilated, or thin, single-layer neck gaiter style face coverings) indoors, in lift lines and on lifts, in gondolas, shuttles, and when social distancing with others outside your travel group is not possible.  
  • Wash hands thoroughly and often. Sanitizing stations are also available around the resort when hand washing is not feasible.  
  • Respect capacity limits for indoor spaces, including stores and restaurants. Mammoth has created many new outdoor spaces for dining, and expect that much of the food and beverage service will be grab and go.
  • Practice social distancing, allowing six feet of space between yourself and others outside of your travel group. 
  • Please adhere to all signage and guidelines while visiting, including those directing walking patterns and one-way entries and exits. 
  • Please avoid congregating in common areas whenever possible. 
  • Please respect employees at all times, including while enforcing COVID-19-related regulations. 
  • The Mountain is disinfecting high-touch points (railings, bathrooms, door handles, tables, chairs, etc.) and high-trafficked areas (gondolas, ticket windows, elevators, doors, guest rooms, etc.) throughout the destination more frequently.
  • Instruction is available, but will be limited to private lessons for groups traveling together. Its a good idea to schedule as far in advance as feasible to insure availability.

Get Your Grub On

Like most everything in 2020, on mountain dining will look a little different this ski season. Indoor dining will be severely limited, but Mammoth has invested a whole heap of time and energy in building new dining venues and new outdoor areas. There will be a new focus on grab-and-go meals and drinks to reduce in-lodge crowding.


Picture
​Consider ordering your food in advance using the Mammoth App. Click here or on the photo to go to Mammoth Mountain's app info.

Picture
​For a full list of on-mountain and mountain-operating dining options, click here or on the photo to go to Mammoth Mountain's dining site.

Thanksgiving Week Update

Picture
​Update Nov 16, 2020: Ski passes for Mammoth Mountain are SOLD OUT for the week of Thanksgiving, from Sat, Nov 21 to Sunday, Nov 29.

The Good News: Ikon Pass holders do not need a reservation and won't be limited from the mountain.

The Hidden Possibilities: 
  1. If you plan to ski for 4 days, consider buying an Ikon Session Pass. This pass gives you the same priority benefit as an Ikon pass, but is less expensive since it's limited to 4 consecutive days this season. Click on the Ikon Pass image to go to Ikon's sale page for the Session Pass.
  2. Call (800) 800.MAMMOTH to find out if afternoon passes are available. These are usually more avaiable than full day passes. The mountain urges you to call as soon as possible to make afternoon ticket reservations. It is very likely that these passes will sell out for Thanksgiving week (if they haven't already).


 


Update Nov 16, 2020: Ski passes for Mammoth Mountain are SOLD OUT for the week of Thanksgiving, from Sat, Nov 21 to Sunday, Nov 29.

The Good News:  Ikon Pass holders do not need a reservation and won't be limited from the mountain.

The Hidden Possibilities: 
  1. If you plan to ski for 4 days, consider buying an Ikon Session Pass. This pass gives you the same priority benefit as an Ikon pass, but is less expensive since it's limited to 4 consecutive days this season. Click on the Ikon Pass image to go to Ikon's sale page for the Session Pass.
  2. Call (800) 800.MAMMOTH to find out if afternoon passes are available. These are usually more avaiable than full day passes. The mountain urges you to call as soon as possible to make afternoon ticket reservations. It is very likely that these passes will sell out.



Update: Nov 13 -- Mammoth Opens EARLY! Against all 2020 kinds of odd, Mammoth will open early this year, thanks to an decent storm last weekend and some of the best snow-making conditions in years. 
​Lifts open on Friday, Nov 13 at 8:30AM
Lifts planned to open include: Broadway Express (1), Panorama Gondola to McCoy Station, Stump Alley Express (2), Face Lift Express (3), Unbound Express (6), and Discovery Chair (11) giving access to 10 trails, 12 jibs and one 30’ jump.

If you're going, get in line early for a chance to grab this year's beanie. Staff will be handing some out when lifts open at 8:30AM.

The Good News:  Ikon Pass holders can head direct to the lift, or stop by the ticket office to pick up your pass.

​The Bad News: Lift tickets are sold out for the weekend. 

The Hidden Possibility: If you plan to ski for 4 days, consider buying an Ikon Session Pass. This pass gives you the same priority benefit as an Ikon pass, but is less expensive since it's limited to 4 consecutive days this season. Click on the Ikon Pass image to go to Ikon's sale page for the Session Pass.

0 Comments

Summit Specials Make Dining Easy

10/16/2020

0 Comments

 
In honor of California's highest lift-served peak – Mammoth Mountain at 11,053 feet – some of Mammoth's favorite restaurants are offering specials for only $11.53 through November. Dine in, carry-out, or get your food delivered. No matter what, you'll be filling your belly with delicious eats and enjoying (and supporting) some of Mammoth's local businesses. That's a win-win!
Picture
Doorstep Deliveries & Concierge
Get your food delivered from some of the best restaurants and establishments in Mammoth Lakes. Doorstop Deliveries will also bring the goodies to you – from appetizers to entrees and dessert, beverages and even pre-arrival grocery delivery to your accommodations. 

SUMMIT SPECIAL: 
If the group can't agree on location for food, Doorstop Deliveries will stop at two locations for a $11.53 delivery fee (typically $13). One stop is only $8.

Picture
Distant Brewing
Stop by my personal favorite (and Mammoth Lake's first) true nano-brewery. Enjoy a round of tasters or a pint or two, or fill up a growler or crowler to-go. It also now serves delicious eats from its kitchen until 8 pm daily. 
​
SUMMIT SPECIAL: Enjoy a Caprese panini with your choice of house-brewed beer. The panini includes mozzarella cheese with sliced Roma tomatoes, basil balsamic glaze and pesto sauce on a ciabatta roll. Also comes come with a dill pickle spear and bag of chips. ​

Picture
Mammoth Rock 'N' Bowl
State-of-the-art indoor entertainment hub with tons of family fun, as well as a lounge area offering awesome lane-side grub and a full bar. 

SUMMIT SPECIAL: Sink your teeth into the delicious BarBwire Grass Fed Local 1/3 Pound Beef Burger that includes your choice of fries or a side salad (normally $15).

​Brasserie located upstairs features a creative, eclectic menu by Chef Frederic Pierrel. 

SUMMIT SPECIAL: Accompany your decadent meal with either a glass of Maestro Scheidt Cabernet Sauvignon or a glass of Maison Champy Chardonnay.

Picture
Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe
An epic day in the beautiful Sierra starts here with a good cup of organic brew, maybe some freshly squeezed juice and a home-cooked breakfast from a kitchen stocked with the most natural ingredients.

​SUMMIT SPECIAL: Grab a burrito, 16 oz coffee, and a chocolate chip cookie.

Picture
Shelter Distilling

Located in The Village at Mammoth, Shelter offers cocktails, beer (all brewed/distilled in house) and delicious small and entree dishes. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

SUMMIT SPECIAL: Grub down a pepperoni pizza and any draft beer of your choice.

Picture
Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe
Located in The Village at Mammoth, Side Door features a European savory and sweet fare, including crepes, paninis and tapas. It also offers a wine shoppe and bar offering a library of over 300 fine wines, imported and micro-brewed beers, cocktails and fresh coffee roasted in Mammoth Lakes – all in a relaxing and classy atmosphere.

SUMMIT SPECIAL: Sink your teeth into a 1/2 Broadway Panini with ham or turkey and swiss or provolone that comes with a bag of chips and your choice of a glass of Cabernet or Chardonnay wine or a draft beer.

Picture
The Warming Hut
If you love fresh, real food made from scratch, then this is your stop. You'll find only real maple syrup on their tables (straight from a tree in Vermont and bottled here in Mammoth Lakes--thanks Jake's Family!), as welll as house-made ketchup with zero added sugar to complete your favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes.
​

SUMMIT SPECIAL – BRUNCH: Start your day with the Pancake Mountain – two fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with Jake's Family real maple syrup, two eggs your style, and two pieces of applewood smoked bacon. 
SUMMIT SPECIAL – DINNER: Enjoy this classic pairing of wings and a beer with a full pound of Buffalo or dry-rub wings, plus a local draft beer of your choice. ​​

Picture
Mammoth Brewing & The Eatery
With Mammoth Brewing serving award-winning beer since 1995, The Eatery adding in beer-centric food with big, bold flavors, you'll see why these co-located businesses are popular for locals and visitors alike. Don't miss the home-brewed root beer. My kids love it. There's lots of  indoor seating upstairs if you want to eat "out" without being out in the cold.
​
SUMMIT SPECIAL – Mammoth Brewing: Get your growler filled with Epic IPA.
SUMMIT SPECIAL – The Eastery: Savor the Smoke Stack sandwich – BBQ-smoked pulled pork, smoked cheddar, house-made BBQ sauce on a toasted Kaiser roll with Sierra Slaw.
0 Comments

What's Open in the Eastern Sierra

10/2/2020

0 Comments

 
Over the last few weeks, many national forests and activities have been closed due to the extreme wild-fire situation in California.

Although there has not been any direct risk to Mammoth Lakes, and the town has not had any evacuations or evac warnings, forests were closed to preserve fire fighting resources and to prevent additional fires.

We have just learned that as of tomorrow, Inyo National Forest will open many areas, which is great news for guests and local businesses alike.

And just in time for fall foliage . . .

We've collected the info we can from a ton of sources and posted them below for your info. We will continue to update this info as more info comes available.

​Scroll down, past the breathtaking photo of June Lake Loop (courtesy of Dakota Snider for Mammoth Lakes Tourism) for more 'what's open' info.
Picture

*ALL FIRES ARE PROHIBITIED*

Open Hiking and Forest Areas (Courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Tourism)

  • Hiking Trails that are open as of 10/3/2020: McLeod, Horseshoe, Crystal, TJ, Barrett, Sherwin, Laurel, Convict, Inyo Craters.  (see the closed list below for trails that are not accessible)
  • Tioga Pass: Yosemite is currently open with reservations available on Recreation.gov.  Hiking trails outside of the eastern entrance are only open to the wilderness boundary - please refer to the Forest Closure order for more information.
    • For Current Yosemite Road Conditions call (209) 372 - 0200 (press 1, then 1 again for roads) This phone message is regularly updated.
  • Crowley Lake - Open; Restricted fishing season: Only barbless & artificial lures or flies can be used and you can only keep two trout, and they must be a minimum of 18 inches in length.
  • Town Multi-use paths: Open; The portion leading to the Lakes Basin opens 10/3/2020
  • Convict Lake: Open as of 10/3/2020
  • Rock Creek: Open to the wilderness boundaries; fishing allowed
  • Bodie State Park - The following is open at the park:
    • The park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to active recreation with restrictions in place to encourage social distancing.
    • Day-use parking is now available to the public
    • Outdoor restrooms will be available.
    • Historic town core accessible for outdoor self-guided tour only.
  • Lundy Canyon/Lake: Open as of 10/3/2020
  • Mono Lake, excluding the South Tufa closures below and the Visitor’s Center.
  • As of Tuesday, September 15, the Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest will reopen.This includes the areas of Virginia Lakes and north to Topaz Lake.
    • All permitted businesses are open
    • All waters are open
    • The Fall colors are already changing in areas like Virginia Lakes and the higher elevations.
    • For specific information on camping and wilderness permits, please call the Bridgeport Ranger Station at 760-932-7070
Additional amenity information:
  • Sierra Star Golf Course – open - Reservation Required
  • Snowcreek Golf Course – open - Reservation Required
  • Snowcreek Driving Range – open 
  • Shady Rest Disc Golf Park – Open as of 10/3/2020
  • Shady Rest Park - Open as of 10/3/2020
  • Whitmore Recreation Area - Open, group activities not currently permitted (please note the pool is closed)
  • Mammoth Creek Park - Playgrounds are open as of 10/2/2020
  • Volcom Brothers SkatePark/Trails End Park - Open, including playground as of 10/2/2020
  • Community Center Playground - Open as of 10/2/2020
  • Mammoth Rock N Bowl –  open 
  • Minaret Cinemas - Open 

What does this really mean? (courtesy Mammoth Times FB page)

Starting tomorrow, day hike, fish, walk, camp, dog walk, boat, etc., all the Inyo National Forest places we call the 'front country,' i.e. areas that are not official federal Wilderness areas, meaning places like June Lake and Silver and Gull and Convict lakes and.... on and on.

Where it gets complicated is when you get on a trail headed into the Sierra range. That is because every trail headed in the Sierra range starts out in a parking lot or non-Wilderness and then eventually, if you are hiking uphill into the high Sierra range, you hit officially designated Wilderness boundaries and those boundaries are always marked by a big wooden sign. What makes is more complicated is that the Wilderness boundaries start at different distances up every single trail. For example, you could hike up McGee Creek canyon for about a half mile before hitting Wilderness; other trails, the boundary is closer, or further.

Also, we have two other area in the Inyo that don't get a lot of use; the White Mountains and the Inyo Mountains and they each have official Wildernesses in them. Those official Wilderness areas will reopen.

So, the bottom line is you need a good map or you just need to walk up a trail until you hit the marked Wilderness boundary. ... We hike this country all the time and even we cannot tell you right now exactly where every Wilderness boundary is!

The Inyo recommends going online to the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association at https://sierraforever.org. They have a phone number as well and can help you get the specific info you need. Otherwise, just day hike until you hit the signed Wilderness boundary. If you go past it, you are in a closed area.

Inyo Closure Area Maps (Click to enlarge. From Inyo Nat'l Forest)


What's Still Closed (Courtesy of Mammoth Lakes Tourism)

​What is still closed?
The Inyo portions of the South Sierra, Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Owens River Headwaters, and Hoover Wilderness Areas remain closed through December 1, 2020.This closure may be rescinded or extended as needed. Many of the Inyo’s trail networks lead into active fire areas  that are closed and that are managing complex and difficult fires.
  • Hiking Trails that are closed: Heart Lake, Emerald Lake, Consolidated Mine, Duck Pass, Rock Creek trails, McGee Creek trails, Parker Lake trail,
  • Reds Meadow (Devil’s Postpile, Rainbow Falls, etc.) - Closed
Other closures in affect include:
  • South Tufa at Mono Lake - Closed
  • Navy Beach (Mono Lake) - Closed
Additional amenity information:
  • Mammoth Mountain –ski and snowboard access closed - reopening November 14th.
  • Mammoth Mountain Bike Park – closed for the season
  • Mammoth Adventure Center – closed for the season
  • Scenic Gondola – closed 
  • Via Ferrata – closed for the season
  • Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit – closed until further notice
  • Whitmore Pool – closed for the season
  • Hot Creek Fish Hatchery - Closed
0 Comments

Museum of Western Film History

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 
So you've parked the Tesla at the SuperCharger and you need to hit the loo. Or you just want to stretch your legs. Or you are driving through town and your kids need a break. Or you are headed to the Alabama Hills and you want to pre-load some historical context around the film sets you'll see there. Regardless, the unimposing Museum of Western Film History is a 10/10 stop in Lone Pine -- a hidden gem for all audienes that should not be missed.
Picture

This small, but visually intense museum offers plenty of entertainment to fill an hour or two, including a movie overview of the history of film in the area, introductions to legends of film from silent to modern, immersive displays, and meaningful memorabilia.

The docents are have a wealth of local info about the film and general history of the area, and they offer pamphlets and self-guided tour books for those headed on to the 'back lot' of the Alamaba Hills. You can access some of this info through the museum website.

​If you're backpacking in the area, the museum offers long-term parking.

Wondering where to eat or what else there is to do around Lone Pine? Check out our article Lone Pine Top Stops.

Temporary Hours:
Thurs -Monday 10AM-4PM 
Closed on Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years

Admission: $5 donation for people over 12 years
Free for active military, museum members and children under 12.


The Museum of Western Film History
701 S. Main Street
(P.O. Box 111)
Lone Pine, CA 93545
760-876-9909
info@museumofwesternfilmhistory.org
0 Comments

Lone Pine Top Stops

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Need a Tesla charge and wondering what to do while you wait? Need a snack? Wanna stretch your legs before you press on down the loneliest road in America? (Let's face it, there are parts of 395 that are as desolate as they come). Lone Pine is a quintessential western town where you never know what you'll see. It is a great stop for food, Tesla charging, sightseeing, and more.
Picture

Restaurants

Click on the photo for more info about our favorite food stops in town: Frosty Chalet, Subway, the Grill, and Lone Pine Smokehouse

Thing to do in and around town

Whether you want to spend an afternoon or a few days, Lone Pine has plenty to do to keep you busy. Click on the photo to read more.
0 Comments

Manzanar -- Hauntingly Beautiful

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Like many kids of my generation, I spent most of my youth oblivious to the injustice done to Japanese Americans during World War II. And when I did learn of it as a college student, I remember my shock to learn that the US government could detain citizens in remote, isolated, relocation camps. When I moved to California and learned about Manzanar's Visitor's Center and exhibits, I was anxious to take my kids to visit.
Picture
Plunked down and fenced in just off a lonely stretch of 395, Manzanar is a bleak place, and it is not hard to imagine the loss and desolation these Americans must have felt on arrival. Almost nothing of the original camp remains, but a committed group of descendants and goverment organizations are working to recreate and restore the camp and museum. Barracks have been rebuilt to paintakingly reanimate the experience of the people interned and the museum includes interactive, immersive, engaging educational activites.

The museum contains many interactive displays and activities, including the movie, Remembering Manzanar, which you can watch here. 

Because this was a fairly large town, though, the grounds are expansive and many areas can be accessed by driving through the camp and stopping occasionally to explore. There are relics of the Japanese's people's everday lives including enchanting gardens that are a testiment to the gracious spirit, competitive drive, and love of beauty they enjoyed. 

If you're thinking this sounds like a drag, and not something you want to experience while you're on vacation, you're so wrong. While we were there, my family hiked, explored, imagined, listened, watched, discussed and engaged. And when we left, we were filled with pride and compassion for the resilient, passionate, gracious people we felt we had come to know through their stories.


I'm not usually one for grand speeches, but .... this stop along the 395 gives you a great opportunity to engage your kids about the Constitution, fear, war time decisions, the world as it is now. As terrible as Japanese interment was, my family coud not help but be impressed by the stories of the residents, their gardening competitions, the "fishing club," their many churches and activities, and their weeks long trips into the Sierras fishing for trout. There is a lot to admire about the indomitable spirit of the people who endured internment.
Hours & Location
​Drive Through Tour -- open daily dawn to dusk

Visitor's Center 9AM- 4:30PM, closed on some Federal holidays

Manzanar National Historic Site
(760)878-2194 x3310
5001 Highway 395

Independence, CA 93526
0 Comments

Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Looking for a perfect stop to get the wiggles out or to have a picnic? Check out the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery. Located just a few hundred yards off 395, the hatchery offers leg-stretching activity for kids and kids at heart.
Picture
As you turn from the stark, desolate 395 to climb a few hundred yards to the hatchery, the access road opens to reveal classical architecture and a lush, wild-life-filled pond of the The Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery.

For nearly a a hundred, the hatchery provided fresh trout to the Eastern Sierra. But after environmental setbacks in the early 21st century, the hatchery shifted its focus to education and preservation of the areas natural resources.

Now it provides the perfect place for families or couples to relax in the shade, even on the warmest Sierra summer day. Take a tour, feed the fish, check out the exhibits. Or simply relax under a shade tree and soak in the architecture and natural beauty, framed by the snow-capped mountains in the distance. 
For more info, check out the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery Website.

Phone:  (760) 279-1592
Hours of Operation
April - December, depending on weather
Monday, Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Address
1 Golden Trout Circle, Independence, CA 93526
0 Comments

Mojave -- Plane Crazy

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Sure, let's be honest. Mojave seems like just a little crossroads town with a prominent display of lycra leggings (and now masks), billboards you don't want your kids to read, and tons of questionably-safe options for cheap gas.

But Mojave is also home to an international test pilot school, some of the most exciting space and aviation test going on, an eerie airplane boneyard, a bank of Tesla superchargers, and a fantastic Thai restaurant. It also happens to be where, in 2017 and 16 years old, my son did his first solo in an airplane built by his grandfather in the 1970s.

Driving through Mojave can be tricky ... traffic is usually pretty heavy with tired travelers, dusty trucks, and impatient aviation employees. It is also a well-known speed trap. So slow down and take a minute to look around at the interesting and somewhat bizarre sights along the way. 

The airport is open to traffic, but most aerospace hangars and offices are not accessible and not open to visitors. You can see the boneyard from the 14 as you pass to the north of the airport.

There are a couple of decent options for dining in Mojave. Mojave Thai Cuisine is a favorite of the test community who work in the area, and the airport also has a traditional diner called the Voyager, which is fun for adults and kids alike and offers a ring side seat for the flightline.

0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Author

    Mary Beth is the owner of Adventure Refined, where she offers true luxury Mammoth Lakes homes to guests. In her spare time she runs a ranch, loves a test pilot, and raises 4 boys & a Rhodie rescue.

    Archives

    November 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017

    Categories

    All
    Adventure
    Around Town
    Day Trips
    Drink
    Eat
    Fishing
    Getting Around
    Rental Management
    Rental Policies
    Safety

    RSS Feed

Home

Eat

DRINK

adventure

Rentals

Copyright © 2020 Adventure Refined, a CA Corp
  • Home
    • Eat
    • Drink
    • Adventure
    • All Rentals
    • Articles
  • Covid
  • Rentals
    • All Rentals
    • Apogee Mammoth
    • Sonenalp at Canyon Lodge >
      • The Mammoth Moose
      • The Noble Nest
      • The Refined Rustic Retreat
      • The Charming Chalet
      • First Floor Combo
      • Second Floor Combo
    • Westin Monache Village >
      • Mammoth Mosaic Westin Village
      • PIlots' Peak Westin Village
  • FAQ
  • Guest Guides
    • Apogee Mammoth
    • The Mammoth Moose
    • The Noble Nest
    • The Refined Rustic Retreat
    • The Charming Chalet
    • Westin Mammoth Mosaic
    • Westin Pilots' Peak
  • About