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Two powerful reasons to travel – legendary cultural heritage and awesome outdoor recreation – become one in Yosemite Mariposa County. Many of California's most historic places are here, dating from the original Mono and Miwuk nations through the golden spike of the California Gold Rush and birth of national park lodging. Today's visitors can experience the treasured past, behold monumental Sierra majesty, and stay in some of the most historic hotels in California. The River Rock Inn Tucked just off main street in the heart of downtown Mariposa, the historic River Rock Inn checks all the boxes with nine rooms and suites, a verdant garden patio and adorable onsite coffee shop, Sticks Coffee. The original structure at River Rock Inn was built in 1891 and became a hotel in 1941. As with most Mariposa hotels, it's steps away from shopping, dining, drinks and the YARTS bus bound for Yosemite day trips. Mariposa Hotel The Mariposa Hotel Inn stands on the original site of a rollicking hotel/bar that flourished during the California Gold Rush. The current building dates to 1901 with wonderful indoor/outdoor spaces like the Garden Veranda (great for bird watching) overlooking the Mariposa Creek Parkway. Bring your own bottle and apps to enjoy the veranda before heading out to dinner. Six rooms with persona and style; Marguerite's Room features an original 1901 claw-foot tub! The Vacation Station Coulterville's cabin and vacation rentals are golden options. Book the Vacation Station for one-of-a-kind California dreaming. This 1964 boxcar and caboose has been lovingly reappointed as a comfy studio with deck and raised seating in its cupola. While we're talking trains, a time- honored Coulterville attraction is Whistling Billy — the little steam locomotive that once hauled ore from the Mary Harrison Mine just up the road. Perfect for rail buffs and those who want to have an only-in-Coulterville experience where photo ops abound. Hotel Jeffrey The Hotel Jeffrey is a centerpiece of the history that infuses so much of the gold-rush town of Coulterville. Temporarily closed for renovation, the hotel will open again in 2024, along with the adjacent Magnolia Saloon, the oldest operating watering hole in California. Look for contemporary touches include sustainable, eco-responsible design and operations, EV charging stations, lightning-fast WiFi and chic Western décor. The Ahwahnee The Ahwahnee was the vision of Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. When the Ahwahnee opened its doors in the summer of 1927, it instantly became one of the crown jewels of national park lodges and a must-visit destination within Yosemite Valley for its dining, décor and architecture. The hotel is hewn from steel, stone, concrete, wood, and glass, and is a premier example of the National Park Service's rustic style. Curry Village Curry Village is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley and still known for the trademark hospitality of its founders, David and Jennie "Mother" Curry. "Camp Curry" was founded in 1899 and originally comprised of a dozen tents. Today, this National Historic District is still a prized place to stay. Curry Village features standard hotel rooms, wood cabins and wood- framed canvas tent cabins (some available with heating over the winter months), and numerous dining options and activities are available year-round. Wawona Hotel Victorian elegance abounds at the Wawona Hotel with welcoming verandahs and historic charm. Located near Yosemite's South Entrance, Wawona Hotel serves as one of Yosemite National Park's keynote lodges. A National Historic Landmark and one of California's original mountain resort hotels, the property was originally established in 1856 with the main building opening in 1879. The hotel hosted President Theodore Roosevelt and was the summer home of artist Thomas Hill between 1886 and 1908. Hill was famed for his Yosemite landscape paintings as well as his 1881 classic, The Driving of the Last Spike. Beginning in March and running through early summer, the Merced River in Mariposa County offers a range of rafting experiences. Winding through the flatter, smoother waters of Yosemite Valley, rafters can admire what Ansel Adams deemed "a vast edifice of stone and space" as they bounce down river. For a more challenging whitewater rafting trip, the Merced gets attitudinal during peak snowmelt as it leaves Yosemite Park and drops dramatically through the narrow canyons near the town of El Portal. Thrill-seekers thirst for the haystacks, funnels and hairy drops of Yosemite whitewater rafting. Located just outside the Park in the steep Merced River Canyon, a Merced River rafting trip is the ultimate choice for edge-of-the-raft excitement. In spring these Class II to Class IV rapids are all the rage with names such as Nightmare Alley, Stark Reality and Corner Pocket. As the summer heats up and the flow decreases, much of the river becomes easy Class I ripples perfect for sun-bathing on calm backwaters and chilling with friends. The fun starts in El Portal along all-season Highway 140, and features nearly 30 miles of navigable river all the way down to Lake McClure. Another popular put-in is the Briceburg Suspension Bridge, where the nearby campgrounds and beaches of the Wild & Scenic Merced River Recreation Area provide their own picnic-worthy destinations. Check out these whitewater rafting guides to help get a feel for the flow. Whitewater Excitement Since 1978, Whitewater Excitement has been all about stress relief. Founder Norm Schoenhofff believes "it is about more than the rivers, white water rafting, and wild rapids (however, these are the paths we use), it is about sharing ourselves and sharing experiences with people we do not yet know, but who we will know after a very short time." This philosophy is evident in their single-day trips down the Merced River. The 16-mile run begins at Red Bud Picnic site with 3.5 miles of non- stop rapids such as Nightmare Island and Grand Slam (Class IV). Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions Since its inception in 1973, Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions has gone from Levi cutoffs and military surplus boats to hi-tech sandals and self-bailing rafts. As the largest whitewater outfitter in the Yosemite area, Zephyr has remained committed over the years to helping guests experience the magic of paddling the twists, turns and drops of the Merced River. With full day (16 miles/7 hours) and half- day (11 miles/4 hours) options beginning in April, trips include wetsuits/paddle jackets, helmets, life jackets and a "river gourmet" lunch (full day only). Zephyr also has in-house photographers to capture your wild ride. Sierra Mac River Trips The closest rafting company to Yosemite National Park, Sierra Mac is also the oldest. Founded in 1965, Sierra Mac fought to have the Merced River bestowed with "Wild and Scenic" status by the US Congress for its outstanding whitewater and superb scenery. Their respect for Yosemite's natural splendor infuses their whitewater catalogue. One-day trips meet at the Midpines staging area where guests are outfitted then shuttled to the river put-in for a 16-mile delight hitting such rapids as Gauge Hole (Class III) and Corner Pocket (Class IV). OARS Founded by river pioneer and conservationist George Wendt in 1969, OARS continues to be a family-run business offering day trips down the Merced River. The 18-mile run slices through challenging rapids such as Ned's Gulch (Class IV) and Split Rock (Class IV), stopping for a deli- style lunch (provided) on a sandy beach. The perfect complement to your Yosemite mountain getaway. Yosemite Valley Rafting While spring snowmelt can bring some serious flow, Yosemite river rafting during the summer months is typically a calmer — and warmer — experience. Surrounded by the granite grandeur of such massive rocks as El Capitan and Half Dome, not to mention the arcing mist of Bridalveil, Sentinel, and Yosemite Falls, the Merced River follows a meandering path through the flat, wooded majesty of Yosemite Valley. For self-guided floats, Curry Village Raft Rentals provides life jackets and raft rentals (2-4 people). The 3-mile trip winds through the heart of Yosemite Valley requiring only the ability to paddle and a love for the surrounding nature. The rafting season in the Valley depends on snowmelt and river depth so call ahead. Reservations required. A shuttle bus is available to bring you back to your starting point. Historic Hotels of Yosemite Mariposa County Yosemite Valley & Merced River Rafting Fun: Top Drops Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions OARS Sierra Mac River Trips. The Wawona Hotel brings to life the charm and elegance of the Victorian era. The Jeffrey Hotel has dominated Coulterville's downtown since 1851. Renovations are underway and reopening is planned for 2024. Located just steps away from shopping and dining in historic Mariposa, River Rock Inn is an affordable, but charming, motel experience. SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2023 Advertising Section 001 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP S5