The National Park Reservations blog is your source for all the latest information regarding all of America's favorite National Parks.

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April 2007
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April 27, 2007

Resting Your Body While Filling Your Brain

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 2:34 pm

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A national parks vacation is full of fun and excitement as you hike through some of the most beautiful country you will ever see. Yosemite National Park truly offers something for everyone. Waterfalls cascade down the granite peaks while the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias stand as awe inspiring confirmation that we are just a small part of the circle of life.

When the day is over and you’ve traipsed about as far as your feet will carry you while your body says “no more!” your mind may still be up for gentle nourishment. If you feel up to more stimulation of a non physical sort check out the Evening Programs offered by most national parks including Yosemite. Evening Programs are free and include interpretive talks, slide presentations and films that are offered at campgrounds and hotel amphitheaters, as well as fee-based old-fashioned campfire and astronomy programs.

To find out about the Evening Programs during your stay consult onstage signs at amphitheaters and or park publications like Yosemite Today for the current program schedule.

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April 23, 2007

“Celebrate” Arbor Day

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 4:06 pm

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by Astrid Sieger

Since it was first proclaimed as a national holiday in 1970 by President Richard Nixon National Arbor Day, celebrated the last Friday in April, has become a day for replenishing the earth with trees, bushes and shrubs.  The day was inspired by Julius Sterling Morton a Nebraska senator and later national Secretary of Agriculture who in 1885 proposed that a special day be set aside dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. 

Arbor Day is an excellent opportunity to take stock of the trees on your property and plan for the future. Inspect your trees. Note any broken branches or evidence of disease or insect infestation. Think about how planting new trees might improve the look of your property or provide wind or heat protection.  Take a trip to your local nursery to see what’s available and to get new ideas. Walk around your neighborhood.

And don’t forget to plant a tree!

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April 16, 2007

National Park Week

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 8:51 pm

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The National Parks have scheduled many events in the various national parks to celebrate National Park Week.  This special week runs from April 22 – April 29 and coincides with Earth Day (April 22).  During this week many national parks will have Junior Ranger workshops for the kids as well as special hikes, clean up days, and displays highlighting the highs and lows of the park. 

National Park Week is an annual Presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of your National Parks. Since the first Earth Day in 1970, people around the world have been creating their own ways to celebrate Earth, to observe the beauty and vitality of nature—and to renew their commitment to saving our living planet. National Park week is a fantastic opportunity to partake in the natural beauty and vitality offered by Mother Earth. 

Whether you choose to visit Yosemite National Park for a week or spend a couple of days at Mesa Verde a trip to a national park during this week is a unique time to teach your kids about the wonders of nature and recommit yourself to preserving this special gift – a gift that will disappear if not cared for. 

Your National Parks are living examples of the best this Nation has to offer - our magnificent natural landscapes and our varied yet interrelated heritage. Parks can provide recreational experiences, opportunities to learn and grow, and places of quiet refuge.
This year, take a moment, an hour, a day to visit the national parks near you.

To make the most of your national park trip talk to your kids about why you’re going, make it interesting for them.  You may watch DVD about the national park you’ll be visiting or open a book about trees and wild life in the park.  Help kids get to know what they will most likely see during your visit and challenge them to find and point out the various species during your visit. 

For more information on National Park Week at any of the national parks we encourage you to call National Park Reservations at 1-866-877-8456.  Log on at www.nationalparkreservations.com to make lodging reservations.

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April 9, 2007

Mesa Verde Nights

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 7:36 pm

Now that Easter has passed summer vacation plans are in full swing! Accordingly I started to snoop around our site for summer lodging packages. I was tipped off to three marvelous packages at Mesa Verde National Park.

Mesa Verde is located in the southern tip of Colorado. I had the opportunity to visit here several years ago with dear friends of mine. Mesa Verde is rich in history and archeological finds hinting at the ancient inhabitants that built their unique cliff dwellings here. This land is perfect for hiking around and experiencing a culture that is totally different from any other place on earth.

The following packages are now available:

Cities of Sandstone Package
Available May 4 - October 21
Includes 2 nights standard lodging accommodations - double occupancy +
2 tickets for the 1/2 day Chaplin Mesa guided tour + Breakfast for 2 each morning

Out & About in Mesa Verde Package
Available May 5 - October 21
Includes Deluxe 3 day, 2 night offering the best of Mesa Verde + Luxury accommodations at Far View Lodge for 2 nights + Breakfast for 2 each morning, and fine dining for 2 nights at the award winning Metate Room.
Additionally you will receive a guided tour of Mesa Verde’s ancient cliff dwellings and sites which includes Cliff Palace dwelling

Magic Romance Package
Available May 5 - October 21
Includes a romantic night in Mesa Verde with night standard double occupancy lodging accommodations + Bottle of champagne with 2 flutes, Chocolate dipped strawberries
Romantic dinner for 2 at the award winning Metate Room
 

Check our site for pricing information and to make your reservations for these terrific package deals.

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April 3, 2007

Father’s Day Summerdale BBQ at the Ahawahnee

Filed under: Uncategorized — National Park Reservations @ 7:53 pm

When was he last time you enjoyed a memorable Father’s Day?  Whether you are a dad, or love a dad giving that special Father’s Day gift can never adequately define how much dad means to you.  Perhaps the thing dads (and mom’s for that matter!) want most is to spend time with their kids, and grandkids.  The Ahwahnee Hotel Yosemite National Park makes spending quality time with your dad simple this year. 

On June 17, 2007 make plans to come out and enjoy a “Father’s Day Summerdale BBQ” in the special events area complete with Rustic cabin and deck in an open wilderness setting, this outdoor banquet site features an open fire pit used for roasting S’mores. The actual event is from 5:00pm-8:30pm, prices for adults $32.95, Seniors (55& up) $28.95 & Children (4-12) $15.95, includes live entertainment, while the kids pan for gold and roast marshmallows for S’mores over the open fire.

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The Summerdale BBQ is an excellent opportunity to toast the man who gave you the tools to become what are today.  Since you’re at Yosemite you might as well make a vacation of it! Whether you opt to stay a week or a weekend there are sure to be plenty of opportunities to make many memories for years to come.  From fishing to hiking, to enjoying nature walks and sunsets Yosemite is a wonderland of experiences to share with your dad. 

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