Do you have a tradition for New Year’s Eve? Typically Mike and I order some Chinese takeout and have a little movie marathon with the kids. Also, our countdown to midnight is usually at 9:00 pm. Hey, 9:00 is the new midnight! However, last week my husband and I kissed the kids goodbye and hopped in the car. After driving about 3 1/2 hours we arrived at Rush Creek Lodge located just outside of Yosemite National Park. After the stress of the holiday season this little romantic getaway was just what the two of us needed. It truly was the perfect date night and vacation all in one and a great start to the new year. This romantic getaway post is in collaboration with Rush Creek Lodge; they were generous enough to host us for their New Year’s festivities. As always, all opinions are completely my own.
relax in quiet accommodations
During our stay Mike and I were in a king lodge room. There are rooms and suites located in the main lodge at Rush Creek Lodge as well as hillside villas that sleep up to six. All of the rooms throughout the 20 acre property feature a private balcony which was a really nice touch. There was plenty of space out there for relaxing and a table with two chairs. Since we were there in winter Mike and I didn’t get to enjoy it as much as we would have liked. However, I think it’s the perfect place to relax in the morning or unwind in the evening.
spend some quality time together
Something else you might notice when you walk in your room is that there is no television. None of the guest rooms have a television and to be honest, it wasn’t missed. After all, we were there to spend some much-needed quality time with each other, right? Instead you’re encouraged to enjoy the games and books that are provided for you in your room. When you’re done more can be found in the guest lounge if you want to switch things up. If there’s a big game you really need to watch you can head down to the Tavern so you won’t miss it.
thoughtfully planned out
You can rest easy knowing even the things that you can’t see have been carefully and responsibly thought out.
All the water used in guest room sinks, showers, on-site staff housing and our in-house laundry services are recycled with our Grey Water System to irrigate 98% of our landscaping around the property. We partnered with the local business, Sierra Watershed Progressive, to create the largest permitted Grey Water System in the state of California. This was a super important project for us, largely in part of making sure we use our water in the most meaningful way– we’re fortunate enough to be able to operate solely off of delicious mountain well water that travels through hundreds of feet of granite before we’re able to tap into it… We do our best to make the least impact on the environment. We’ve started our sustainable journey with onsite recycling, compostable cups and takeaway boxes, refillable soaps, lotions, conditioners and shampoos in guest rooms, and solar panels to help power heating elements for our year-round hot tubs and pool. This is an area where we’re always looking to do better too. -Megan Gerace
enjoy a delicious and romantic meal
Rush Creek Lodge features sit-down service with both a Restaurant and Tavern. They are located right next to each other and offer the same menu but have different atmospheres. More relaxed and casual, the Tavern is the place to go if you want to watch a game and enjoy more of a “bar” vibe. At either all the food is delicious and features fresh California flavors and unique spins on traditional dishes. There’s even a beautiful private dining room that can be rented out. While we were there it was being used for a rehearsal dinner for a New Year’s Eve wedding the next day!
Reservations are highly recommend if you want to eat in the Restaurant or Tavern. You can make them before your trip or stop by the host stand once you’re on site. You don’t have to have a reservation, however it will help you get your food faster! Have a sweet tooth? The desserts on the menu are mouthwatering and Rush Creek Lodge also offers complimentary s’mores. Seven nights a week. All year round. Um, yes please.
grab a quick bite at the General Store
Rush Creek Lodge also has a General Store on site. Here you can grab a quick sandwich or snack before hitting the trails, or order a white hot cocoa with hazelnut to go. I speak from experience. Not only can you purchase an array of food and hiking necessities at the General Store, but you can also bring home something truly unique and meaningful as a souvenir.
We want to provide an authentic Yosemite experience and we think that includes highlighting local talents and products. When designing the lodge our owners thoughtfully sought out local artists and woodsmiths to create in-room art and furniture, as well as a lot of the main focal pieces found throughout the lodge. And this thought process has carried over into what type of products our Retail team carries in the General Store, with our entry table dedicated to featuring local products ranging from jewelry to cider, local jams, and pickles to one of a kind nature photography with the goal to continue to add and feature new artists. Our culinary team also works closely with local farms for fresh seasonal items to incorporate into our menus. -Megan Gerace
explore and unwind together
Quite honestly, there is so much to do on site that you could have an amazing vacation and never leave the property. However, that would be a shame because Rush Creek offers the closest accommodations to the 120 highway entrance to Yosemite. It’s also a great jumping off point to other parts of the park that are less popular but just as amazing. You can check with the recreation desk or reception for more information on the 34 guided adventures that they have to offer including tours of Hetch Hetchy and the Giant Sequoias.
fun at the lodge
Ready to head back to the lodge after a day of adventures in Yosemite? Your family can participate in an organized craft, get competitive with darts, or head inside for a fierce pinball competition. Mike and I loved being their for our romantic getaway. However, we both loved how much there was to do at Rush Creek Lodge for all ages. With so much to do in such an ideal location we can’t wait to come back with our kids. We know that they would have a blast all over the property!
relax on site
When we were ready to relax Rush Creek Lodge’s saltwater heated pool and two hot tubs were calling our name. If you’re in need of taking your relaxation up a notch you can always book a massage to enjoy on-site as well. One of the great things about Rush Creek Lodge is that you can be as active as you want. Or you can be as relaxed as you want. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy here.
take your holidays to the next level
Our New Year’s Eve is traditionally more low key. However, ringing in 2019 at Rush Creek Lodge is an experience we’ll never forget. Rush Creek Lodge offers many different holiday packages throughout the year that are carefully thought out. For example, our romantic getaway was a two night New Year’s Eve package included a New Year’s three course feast and brunch, an additional breakfast, some souvenirs from the General Store, and some fun and festive New Year’s Eve party must-haves (after all, what is New Year’s Eve without a party hat and noise makers??). There were also fun activities planned throughout the day that went along with the Futuristic New Year’s eve theme. These included a Kids Party with its own countdown (pre-midnight) and a live band leading up to the New Year’s toast for the adults.
add on some fun
In addition to holiday packages, there are other special packages and upgrades available year round. Be sure to check Rush Creek Lodge’s website and see if there’s something that’s the perfect fit for your getaway plans. For couples looking for a romantic getaway for a certain upcoming holiday I recommend the Enhanced Valentine’s Sweetheart package that comes with a Valentine’s welcome basket and two 50 minute massages.
what makes Rush Creek Lodge unique?
If I haven’t convinced you by now that Rush Creek Lodge is one of the best options for accommodations during your Yosemite adventure, let me add a little about the people. The heart of Rush Creek Lodge–what makes it so special–is the people. Not only were the employees friendly and helpful, but the entire mission of Rush Creek Lodge is one that I can get behind. Rush Creek Lodge is owned by the same people that own Evergreen Lodge. Evergreen Lodge was purchased to create a Youth Program to give jobs and teach life skills to under-served Bay Area youth. That program has now expanded to Rush Creek.
it’s the people
Our Youth Program is central to what we do here at Rush Creek, and we’re proud to have a double-bottom line enterprise with both a business and a social mission. With supportive employment, we believe we can help young people build momentum in their lives and realize their fullest potential. And then when you add in the element of the outdoors, and places like Yosemite in particular, continue to connect and build experiences that will benefit them in the future. Between the two properties last year we graduated 40 interns. -Megan Gerace
attention to detail
You can feel the love that has been poured into Rush Creek Lodge through all of the attention to detail. It’s everywhere you look from the art on the walls to the items sold in the General Store. Our experience there for New Year’s was amazing not only because Mike and I were together, but because we were in such an incredible place.
Although Rush Creek Lodge is only a little over two years old I know that big things are ahead for this property. In fact, a little birdie might have told us about a future expansion of those massages I mentioned earlier, hint hint. After only one stay Rush Creek Lodge has become a new favorite near one of our favorite National Parks and we can’t wait to experience it with our kids! Be sure to check out Rush Creek Lodge the next time you’re planning a visit to Yosemite National Park. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family vacation it’s a good choice.
