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Travel Talk
by Francine Brokaw
Tuolumne County California
“Thar’s gold in them thar hills.” That was the cry long ago in Tuolumne County. Yep, this is the center of the California Gold Rush! Tuolumne County is a quaint place filled with friendly folks and picturesque towns. Columbia, Sonora and Groveland are three of the cutest towns you’ll see anywhere.
Columbia was the center of the gold rush era, and The Columbia State Historic Park looks almost like it did in “the good old days.” This is a working town, with a delicious candy store, live theater, hotels, restaurants and shops, with the proprietors dressed in the attire of the old days. It’s a fun place to spend some time. You could say it’s a little gem!
Sonora is a thriving city. With interesting shops as well as an interesting history, this is another cute town in which to stroll around and soak up some California history. When you’re there, you have to visit Legends. This is a book store as well as an old-fashioned soda fountain. If you’re in the market for an out-of-print book, make sure you check with them. They have stacks and stacks of old editions. And, they also sell antiques. But what makes this store stand out is the history under the shop. The basement is filled with even more books, which are shelved right next to the old tunnels. The tunnels are not accessible now, but in the old days this underground network was the way the people would take their money to the bank to avoid getting robbed on the street. And, to add even more to this place, there is a portion of the original diggings where the tools used by the miners are displayed. Legends is much more than a book store. It’s a real piece of history. Sonora is one of the oldest cities in the state. Gold was discovered here in 1849 and it has been a popular site ever since. Mining was the major industry from 1880 – the 1960s, but today tourism is the #1 industry in this cute little city.
Besides mining, this area has a history in the vineyard industry too. You could say they are famous for their mines and vines! When you’re in the area, you really should stop in and spend some time in at least one winery. Whether you drink or not, these are beautiful and interesting places. While not technically in the county, Ironstone Winery is still a fascinating place to visit. Their gardens are spectacular, and the entire winery is like one picture postcard after another. They host weddings and other events on the property, and their amphitheater is home to a summer concert series where several well-known artists have performed, like Bonnie Raitt and The Doobie Brothers. If you’re looking for some unusual jewelry, you might find it in their jewelry store. Also, take a look at the 44 pound piece of crystalline gold leaf they have on display. It’s the largest in the world! I recommend coming here in the morning and enjoying lunch in their delicatessen. And you can do some wine tasting after you fill your stomach with lunch. This is a great place to spend several hours. Don’t forget to take home some Merlot, Shiraz, Zinfandel or Chardonnay.
Lake Don Pedro is a scenic lake and a wonderful place to spend some time. You might want to think about renting a houseboat at Moccasin Point. Forever Resorts has two sizes of houseboats, and they are both very comfortable. Touring the lake on one of these houseboats is a great way to unwind. Just sit back, relax, and let the scenery slowly pass by. If you think houseboats are cramped and uncomfortable, think again. These will definitely change your mind.
Tuolumne County is home to part of Yosemite National Park. This spectacular park is filled with the awe of Mother Nature. With the unbelievable scenery and wildlife, this place has been a popular vacation destination for families for years. Three and a half million visitors come to Yosemite every year. It is so popular they have a little traffic problem inside the park, but they are currently working on rerouting the road around the lodge and making the old road into a pedestrian and bike route. “We have the most and the best diversity of visitors,” claims Mike Tollefson, the superintendent. Having held that position for the past four years, he knows everything there is about the park. “Yosemite Falls is the number one place people come to visit in the park.” The area leading up to view the falls has recently been redone, giving more access to the disabled.
Nearby Groveland may be a small town, but it’s not lacking in spirit. When we were booked into the All Seasons Groveland Inn, our first thought was “oh no.” We’re not usually bed and breakfast people. But we were definitely surprised at our two days spent at the Inn and in the area. First of all, this Victorian Bed and Breakfast has five themed rooms, each with a completely different feeling. We spent two wonderfully peaceful nights in “Clouds Rest,” the largest of the rooms. It was like being in heaven – literally. The other rooms are just as relaxing, although not as heavenly. “Yosemite Falls” includes a waterfall on the wall. Yes, you can turn it on or off at your pleasure. “Eagles Tower” has more of a rustic feel. “Emerald Pool” is done in luscious greens and this is the only room that includes a steam room/ stall shower. And “Fireplace Bluff” is a charming and serene room. And down the street, the Groveland Hotel serves up incredible meals. They’re also noted for their rather large and complete wine cellar. Don’t leave Groveland without experiencing dining at the hotel.
Tuolumne County California was really born out of the gold rush. This country in the Sierra Mountains is rich in history. The people today are as welcoming as the land was in the 1800s. Granted, most people don’t usually put this area at the top of their vacation list, however it might be worth your while to explore this part of the country. It’s unique, picturesque, quaint, and interesting – even if you can’t pronounce it! (hint: Two Ollo Me)
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
All pictures © Roy Brokaw
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