“Green” Gifts from The Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park

###articles###Yosemite National Park, CA – December 2007 – Several fashionable, environmentally sustainable gifts from The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park’s National Historic Landmark hotel, are being offered online this holiday season by global hospitality provider Delaware North Companies.Delaware North’s online store, www.ShopDelawareNorth.com, serves as an extension of the retail stores at many of its locations across the United States, including Yosemite National Park.

Built in 1927, The Ahwahnee has long been a luxurious destination high in the Sierra Mountains providing guests with every urban comfort in an incredible natural setting. Located near California’s signature wine region, The Ahwahnee and its acclaimed dining room play host to a number of wine-related events throughout the year, including the acclaimed Vintners’ Holidays each November and December.

For wine enthusiasts, Delaware North is offering attractive wine stave serving trays ($72.95) and wine stave baskets (small: $72.95 and large: $200.00). They are carefully crafted from recycled white oak wine barrel components, many of which are embossed with The Ahwahnee’s signature logo.

Also available are the same luxurious olive oil soaps ($3.95 each) that The Ahwahnee provides its guests. Available in nine different scents, these all-natural, handcrafted soaps are enriched with jojoba, sweet almond, aloe vera and vitamin E oils to soothe and moisturize the skin. The soaps are biodegradable and produced without animal testing.

An ideal way to commemorate a visit to The Ahwahnee is with a piece of the hotel’s original slate roof, replaced several years ago as part of a rehabilitation project by Delaware North. The pieces have been carefully engraved with memorable Yosemite scenes and made into plaques. Four different scenes are available. Each plaque costs $35.95 and can be personalized with a family surname or caption of up to 12 characters.

From Delaware North’s Yosemite retail sites, an Earthpak Transcension bag made from 98 percent recycled materials is available. The fully padded bag is large enough to hold books or clothing and beautifully contoured with ‘‘Earthgrip’’ shoulder strap technology so that it stays in place.