Notes from the host
Starryoaks
The entrance to Sequoia National Park is the Grant Grove/Big Stump entrance on Highway 180. It is approximately 35 minutes from the home.
Built in 2005, this charming home is located on 5 acres in the Dunlap foothills, amongst a beautiful oak woodland. Skylights in the kitchen and living room give you a bright, cheerful atmosphere. The master bedroom has a queen bed and a soothing, romantic rose and green garden décor. The second bedroom, the Woodland room, has a full bed, and the third bedroom, the Bluebird room, has a full bed.
Linens and towels are provided. The kitchen is fully equipped. The picture windows in the living room, frame a vista view of the Central Valley cities, the coastal mountains at sunset and a breathtaking sight at night, of the stars and Milky Way with the city lights twinkling below. On the fourth of July, we watch the fireworks from afar, in over 5 different cities! This is the place to sit and bring your binoculars or telescope, to view the night stars.
In your front yard, a picnic table with umbrella gives you a vista view for breakfast. Along the side of the house there is a shade shelter with a large picnic table and a charcoal barbeque under the oaks, redbuds and elderberries overlooking the deer trail.
Trails meander amongst the 5 acres, revealing lovely, shady spots with granite boulders, to sit upon, in restful contemplation.
Foothill bird watching offers a host of different species not found in the city, these include California quail, turkey vultures, red-tail hawks, acorn woodpeckers and various towhees, are just a few of the daily visitors. Deer and rabbits usually stop by to nibble the flowers.
Close by is Sierra Peaks Winery (1 street away) and Riffelhoff Vineyard about 15 minutes. Contact them for tastings, events and wine!
Located 15 minutes away on Hwy 180, in the town of Squaw Valley: coffee shop with pastries and great coffee, Bear Mountain Pizza, two small mini food marts; two gas stations, a library, hardware store, Dollar General and Bear Mountain car repair garage.
Gina’s Sierra Inn restaurant is on Hwy 180 as you head for the park. Squaw Valley hosts a variety of small, country events such as a Mule Show in May, Garden Tours in the summer, a rodeo in May and various other festivals such as the Turkey Testicle festival and a Crafts and Art Fair in October.
The Project Survival Cat Haven, houses and breeds endangered wild cats and they offer unusual tours in this unique foothill habitat. We're also 8 miles from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Ranch
There are 2 National Parks in our area: Sequoia National Park/Forest and Kings Canyon National Park
Located 45 minutes away is the Sequoia National Forest entrance Big Stump/General Grant. In the summer, you can continue to travel through this park using the Generals Hwy. In the winter you have to go around through Visalia and Three Rivers, to reach the more of the Sequoia Park via Hwy 198.
From the Big Stump entrance Hwy 180 continues on to Kings Canyon National Park, check the park website for Opening/Closure dates. Waterfalls are the highlight for this area.
Heading west on Hwy 180 is the turnoff for Wonder Valley and Pine Flat Dam. Located 40 minutes away for water lovers, Pine Flat Dam with water-skiing, fishing, boating and swimming is a refreshing stop. We have even enjoyed sailing on the lake in our small 19 feet O’Day sailboat.
Avocado Lake, near Pine Flat, is a small lake, perfect for children to wade in and practice their swimming. The Kings River flows in this same area and offers more fishing holes and picnicking along its banks. Spend the afternoon golfing at the Sherwood Forest Golf Club. There are wine tasting tours and a fruit trail along the Blossom Trail as well.
Cities nearby include Visalia, Fresno, and Tulare, all with their own special spots and events to explore. I will fill you in on those special restaurants, antique shops, a great zoo, parks and many other fun events in these cities.
It is my pleasure to offer this unique foothill experience for you. I love and care about this area and look forward to providing a restful, memorable vacation. Come and see for yourself why this area is so dear to me.
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Hosted byElaine Roberts
