Shop California Culture Tours - High Sierra

Valid until: Jan 31, 2010

This package includes the following:
Step back in time with this escape in the Sierras. Start your leisurely tour at the Hilmar Cheese Factory Visitor Center and sample some of the best cheese in California. Then "All Aboard" the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad. Strike gold at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum and Mariposa Museum and History Center.

Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad - All Aboard! Narrow gauge steam trains recreate an era of California's rich history on excursions through the majestic Sierra Forest just south Yosemite National Park. A must-see for all train and railroad enthusiasts, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. Vintage Shay locomotives provide the motive power for the one hour narrated excursion over tracks once used for logging trains at the turn of the century. Or take a ride on the quaint "Model A" powered Jenny railcars. These were once used to provide transportation for logging and track repair crews. Antique Model A Ford gas engines power the trolley-like cars over the same route as the Logger Steam Train - a 30 minute narrated trip. Package includes your choice of the Steam Train ride or the Jenney Railcar ride. Also at the station are the Thornberry museum, gold panning and gift stores. Open daily from 9:30AM. Call for schedules and seasonal closing times. 56001 Hwy 41, Fish Camp. 559-683-7273.

The Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center - Tour, taste, shop and eat at the world's largest single-site cheese manufacturer. Visit a beautiful Visitor Center with unique gift items, gourmet foods and cheeses. Visit the Caf?, Starbucks espresso bar, ice cream counter and more. Your self-guided tour and tasting is complimentary. 2 for 1 offer! FREE single scoop ice cream cone with every purchase of the same. Simply present your tour voucher at the ice cream counter. Open daily from 7AM - 7 PM. Closed major holidays. 9001 N. Lander Avenue/Highway 165, Hilmar.

BONUS: California State Mining and Mineral Museum - There is still gold in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, in historic Mariposa. This is where explorers John C. Fremont and Kit Carson found the rich Mariposa Vein and opened the first mill to crush ore and extract gold in California. Discover for yourself California's mineral wealth, colorful history and geologic diversity as you view the official mineral collection of the state of California. The collection, which began in 1880, contains over 13,000 objects including mining artifacts, rare specimens of crystalline gold in its many forms, as well as beautiful gem and mineral specimens from California and around the world. The collection was moved to Mariposa in 1983 after residing in San Francisco, for over 100 years. The museum became a state park in 1999. Enjoy a 10% gift shop discount with paid adult admission. Located at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, 1.8 miles south of Mariposa on historic Highway 49. Turn left into fairgrounds.

BONUS: Mariposa Museum and History Center - The Smithsonian Museum calls this the best small museum in America! A true representation of Native American and Spanish history in Mariposa County, enjoy exhibits portraying California's Gold Rush era as well. Take an optional gold-panning lesson outdoors or admire the basket making skills of the Miwok Indian indoors, there's plenty see plus a FREE GIFT with paid adult admission in the gift shop! 5119 Jessie Street, Mariposa.

Valid until: Jan 31, 2010

Squaw Valley opened in 1949 with one chair lift, a rope tow, and a lodge. Today, Squaw Valley USA is one of the world's premier destination resorts with year-round recreation and first-class accommodations. One of Squaw Valley's most notable achievements, and a turning point in the development of California skiing, was Squaw Valley's hosting of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Squaw Valley USA - Admission Ride the Cable Car to High Camp, elevation 8200 feet for sightseeing, swimming in the Lagoon and Spa, ice skating at the Olympic Ice Pavilion and the Olympic Museum. A ride in the scenic Cable Car is a spectacular and leisurely ride 2,000 vertical feet to the High Camp Bath & Tennis Club. The Cable Car is one of Squaw Valley's most popular year-round attractions and is open to all guests, skiers, snowboarders and walkers. Once you reach the top, the upper mountain facility features panoramic views as well as access to numerous activities and five restaurants. The Cable Car building itself is a landmark. Erected in 1968, it is one of the resort's most prominent buildings and it is the lower mountain terminal for the Cable Car.

The building won an architectural award for excellence and is highlighted by its bold design and huge windows, allowing visitors to view the massive counterweights that support the cable car. Take a walk around and marvel at the amazing technology of this unique transportation system.

Then take a trip back in time and learn about the 1960 Winter Olympics that took place at Squaw Valley USA. The Olympic Museum, located at High Camp showcases our unique collection of memorabilia, news articles, and video presentations detailing the many magical moments that took place at Squaw Valley USA. The museum is open daily at High Camp. Hours: June 16-September 17, 2007. 1960 Squaw Valley Road. Olympic Valley, CA. Tel. 530 583-6985 for cable car schedules.

First Street Leather - Gift with purchase. Elegant and luxurious fashion shopping and fine dining located at Squaw Valley USA, North Lake Tahoe, site of the first televised winter Olympics. First Street Leather offers fine handbags, coats, accessories, hats and shoes with unmatched customer service and great prices. Your gift certificate represents a value of 20% of the pre-tax value of item purchased, maximum to $600. (Certificate good for up to 18 months from date of purchase) Hours: Open 7 days, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Open till 7:00 PM on weekends and till 8:00 PM during summer and winter high seasons.

Bonus Tip 1: Truckee Historic Town - Named after a Paiute Indian guide, Truckee has always been at the crossroads of California's best known industries; gold and lumber.Take a walking tour of this quaint western town. The Old Jail museum is truly the gem in the crown of Truckee's historic district and should not be missed by anyone with a love of history. You can even bring a picnic lunch to enjoy recently dedicated memorial garden behind the jail. The always friendly and often entertaining volunteer docents are always happy to answer any questions you might have. The Museum is open each weekend from 11am to 4pm all summer, until Labor Day. Stop by and see for yourself what a jail from the old west is really like.