Joanna’s Guidebook
Explore the Motherlode
Many breathtaking and unique experiences await you.
Columbia is a historic town that brings you back to the mid-1800's. There are many activities to do there throughout the year, but is always fun just to take a walk around in. The Candy Kitchen isn't to be missed. Take a ride on the old stage coach, and then have dinner in one of the local restaurants.
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Columbia State Historic Park
11259 Broadway StColumbia is a historic town that brings you back to the mid-1800's. There are many activities to do there throughout the year, but is always fun just to take a walk around in. The Candy Kitchen isn't to be missed. Take a ride on the old stage coach, and then have dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Cover's Apple Ranch is a fun family experience. It is a family farm that invites you to enjoy the workings of a real apple ranch. You can ride the train, pet and feed the animals, and have some delicious treats. They also have a full menu, and merchandise to purchase.
In the Fall, they have a hay maze and a pumpkin patch.
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Cover's Apple Ranch
19211 Cherokee RdCover's Apple Ranch is a fun family experience. It is a family farm that invites you to enjoy the workings of a real apple ranch. You can ride the train, pet and feed the animals, and have some delicious treats. They also have a full menu, and merchandise to purchase.
In the Fall, they have a hay maze and a pumpkin patch.
Railtown is fun for everyone from 2-102. You can experience what it was like to travel the railways of the old days. There is also a museum and gift shop to enjoy.
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Railtown 1897 State History Park
10501 Reservoir RdRailtown is fun for everyone from 2-102. You can experience what it was like to travel the railways of the old days. There is also a museum and gift shop to enjoy.
Located 21 miles from the house in the town of Murphys, CA, Ironstone Vineyards is worth a day trip. Not only do they have spectacular wines for tasting and buying, their grounds are amazingly beautiful, their food is delicious, and they also have a museum and gift shop. During the summer months they are a wonderful concert venue.
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Ironstone Vineyards
1894 6 Mile RdLocated 21 miles from the house in the town of Murphys, CA, Ironstone Vineyards is worth a day trip. Not only do they have spectacular wines for tasting and buying, their grounds are amazingly beautiful, their food is delicious, and they also have a museum and gift shop. During the summer months they are a wonderful concert venue.
Black Oak Casino and Resort is a short 20 minute drive from the house. There are many ways to entertain yourself at this family-friendly casino. There is, of course, the gaming floor, but it also has several different restaurants on-site, a bowling alley, and arcade. If you are looking for something for all of the travelers in your group, or just you, this is a great way to pass the time.
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Black Oak Casino Resort
19400 Tuolumne Rd NBlack Oak Casino and Resort is a short 20 minute drive from the house. There are many ways to entertain yourself at this family-friendly casino. There is, of course, the gaming floor, but it also has several different restaurants on-site, a bowling alley, and arcade. If you are looking for something for all of the travelers in your group, or just you, this is a great way to pass the time.
Indigeny Reserve is a family owned apple orchard that produces some of the most delicious hard cider in the world. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and they offer tasting of their amazing cider. Take a lunch up for the day and explore. It is a short 20 minute drive from the house.
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Indigeny Reserve
14679 Summers LnIndigeny Reserve is a family owned apple orchard that produces some of the most delicious hard cider in the world. The grounds are absolutely beautiful, and they offer tasting of their amazing cider. Take a lunch up for the day and explore. It is a short 20 minute drive from the house.
Outdoor Adventure
Take advantage of our amazing views and beautiful landscape of our area. Hiking and walking trails, biking, fishing, kayaking, and more...
Dragoon Gulch trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of our local area. All seasons are beautiful on this trail system. Anyone from little guys to experienced hikers can appreciate what the trails offer. You can also get a beautiful viewpoint of the town of Sonora from the top of the trail.
26 locals raden deze aan
Dragoon Gulch Trail Head
680 Woods Creek DrDragoon Gulch trail is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of our local area. All seasons are beautiful on this trail system. Anyone from little guys to experienced hikers can appreciate what the trails offer. You can also get a beautiful viewpoint of the town of Sonora from the top of the trail.
The Westside trail is an amazing way to see the variety of plant-life in our area, as well as some amazing views. A very moderate hike that pretty much anyone can enjoy..
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West Side Trail
West Side Rails: Tuolumne City to North Fork/Tuolumne RiverThe Westside trail is an amazing way to see the variety of plant-life in our area, as well as some amazing views. A very moderate hike that pretty much anyone can enjoy..
This area is better explored during the fall, winter, and spring months. The wild flowers in the spring are amazing. There are multiple areas to hike, and can be for young hikers as well as experienced ones.
Red Hills Recreation Management Area
Red Hill RoadThis area is better explored during the fall, winter, and spring months. The wild flowers in the spring are amazing. There are multiple areas to hike, and can be for young hikers as well as experienced ones.
Pinecrest Lake and Resort is one of our very favorite places around. It is located 30 miles from the house, and is worth the short drive. Boating and kayak (rentals available), fishing, swimming, and also a beautiful hike around the lake are some of the things you can do there. During the summer they also offer movies and other programs at their outdoor amphitheater.
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Pinecrest Lake Resort
421 Pinecrest Lake RdPinecrest Lake and Resort is one of our very favorite places around. It is located 30 miles from the house, and is worth the short drive. Boating and kayak (rentals available), fishing, swimming, and also a beautiful hike around the lake are some of the things you can do there. During the summer they also offer movies and other programs at their outdoor amphitheater.
Take a trail ride through some gorgeous country on the back of a beautiful horse. Open from Memorial Day to October 1st, weather permitting (they are located in the snowline, so their season depends on when the snow melts and the roads are passable).
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Aspen Meadow Pack Station
Crabtree RoadTake a trail ride through some gorgeous country on the back of a beautiful horse. Open from Memorial Day to October 1st, weather permitting (they are located in the snowline, so their season depends on when the snow melts and the roads are passable).
Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station is located at the gateway to the Emigrant Wilderness at the base of Sonora Pass. They are a seasonal resort because of the road closure during winter for the snow. They have horseback riding, dining, fishing, and hiking. It is truly a beautiful place to explore for the whole family. The beautiful, and scenic drive from the house is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, but it is definitely worth it.
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Kennedy Meadows Resort
42421 CA-108Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station is located at the gateway to the Emigrant Wilderness at the base of Sonora Pass. They are a seasonal resort because of the road closure during winter for the snow. They have horseback riding, dining, fishing, and hiking. It is truly a beautiful place to explore for the whole family. The beautiful, and scenic drive from the house is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, but it is definitely worth it.
Moaning Caverns is an exciting and memorable place to visit. Go underground to experience a single cave adventure. There is also a zip-line on the property to add a bit of hair-raising fun!
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Moaning Caverns Adventure Park
5350 Moaning Cave RdMoaning Caverns is an exciting and memorable place to visit. Go underground to experience a single cave adventure. There is also a zip-line on the property to add a bit of hair-raising fun!
An amazing view of what goes on below the Earth's surface. Travel down into the caverns and see amazing formations. You won't soon forget this adventure.
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Mercer Caverns
1665 Sheep Ranch RdAn amazing view of what goes on below the Earth's surface. Travel down into the caverns and see amazing formations. You won't soon forget this adventure.
Yosemite is an awe-inspiring, gorgeous, and amazing place to visit at any time of year. We love the fall time because of the changing leaves, and it is a little less busy than other times of year. You can walk, hike, swim, bike, climb, site-see, eat, ice-skate, and explore. Enjoy the free bus system that will take you all around the valley to see as much as you can without exhausting yourself.
The gate is located approximately 49 miles from the house, and then the Valley is another short drive through the Park.
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Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is an awe-inspiring, gorgeous, and amazing place to visit at any time of year. We love the fall time because of the changing leaves, and it is a little less busy than other times of year. You can walk, hike, swim, bike, climb, site-see, eat, ice-skate, and explore. Enjoy the free bus system that will take you all around the valley to see as much as you can without exhausting yourself.
The gate is located approximately 49 miles from the house, and then the Valley is another short drive through the Park.
Want a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Mother Lode? Go white-water rafting on some of our gorgeous rivers.
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OARS California Rafting
2863 CA-49Want a one-of-a-kind adventure in the Mother Lode? Go white-water rafting on some of our gorgeous rivers.
Check out some of California's ENORMOUS trees! You will feel quite small in comparison to some of these trees. Located 35 miles from the house, you can spend a whole day enjoying this beautiful State Park.
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Calaveras Big Trees State Park
1170 CA-4Check out some of California's ENORMOUS trees! You will feel quite small in comparison to some of these trees. Located 35 miles from the house, you can spend a whole day enjoying this beautiful State Park.
Enjoy the local rivers and get some excitement. White water rafting is an adventure you won't soon forget.
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ARTA River Trips
6 South Washington StreetEnjoy the local rivers and get some excitement. White water rafting is an adventure you won't soon forget.
Food scene
This is one of my very favorite places to eat, although my husband does not appreciate when I get my favorite garlic fries. They have a varied menu that offers something for everyone.
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Diamondback Grill
93 S Washington StThis is one of my very favorite places to eat, although my husband does not appreciate when I get my favorite garlic fries. They have a varied menu that offers something for everyone.
You will not leave this place hungry. They have delicious food and lots of it. Their focus is the breakfast crowd. You won't be disappointed.
22 locals raden deze aan
Woods Creek Cafe
18256 CA-108You will not leave this place hungry. They have delicious food and lots of it. Their focus is the breakfast crowd. You won't be disappointed.
All I can say is YUM!!!! If you want delicious treats and food, visit Alicia's Sugar Shack. So many delicious options, you won't know what to eat first.
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Alicia's Sugar Shack Twain Harte
24191 CA-108All I can say is YUM!!!! If you want delicious treats and food, visit Alicia's Sugar Shack. So many delicious options, you won't know what to eat first.
There is nothing on this menu that I wouldn't eat and love. The ambience is fun and inviting. You can go there alone, or with a group and be welcomed.
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The Standard Pour
19040 Standard RdThere is nothing on this menu that I wouldn't eat and love. The ambience is fun and inviting. You can go there alone, or with a group and be welcomed.
Unique and delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch items. They have an extensive drink menu as well. You can get anything from light and healthy, to deliciously fattening. You can make it a quick stop, or spend the morning there people watching and enjoying your meal.
Eighty One- Bakery & Coffee Co
81 S Washington StUnique and delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch items. They have an extensive drink menu as well. You can get anything from light and healthy, to deliciously fattening. You can make it a quick stop, or spend the morning there people watching and enjoying your meal.
Taqueria Sonora
74 S Washington StDelicious, authentic Mexican food.
Japanese Ramen and Poke. A yummy variety of choices. Located approximately 5 minutes from the house.
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Yoshoku
70 S Washington StJapanese Ramen and Poke. A yummy variety of choices. Located approximately 5 minutes from the house.
Sonora Thai Cuisine
51 S Washington StTraditional yummy Thai food.
Authentic, DELICIOUS, well-priced Mexican food. You'll leave with your belly full, and some left-overs, too.
Morelia Mexican Restaurant
18148 Main StAuthentic, DELICIOUS, well-priced Mexican food. You'll leave with your belly full, and some left-overs, too.
Arts and Culture
The Mother Lode Gold Country offers a variety of artistic and cultural options to explore.
Sierra Repertory Theatre is a great way to spend an evening enjoying a play. They offer a variety of plays that are sure to please any audience.
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Sierra Repertory Theatre
13891 Mono WaySierra Repertory Theatre is a great way to spend an evening enjoying a play. They offer a variety of plays that are sure to please any audience.
Operated by the Sierra Repertory Theatre, the Fallon House is a fun way to spend an evening. They have a variety of plays throughout the year. Check out their website for what is playing during your stay.
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Sierra Rep's Fallon House Theatre
11175 Washington StOperated by the Sierra Repertory Theatre, the Fallon House is a fun way to spend an evening. They have a variety of plays throughout the year. Check out their website for what is playing during your stay.
Golf
Teleli Golf Club, located just 10 minutes from the house, is owned and operated by the Black Oak Casino and Resort. This is an 18 hole course open year round. You may encounter some geese or deer along the course, but they don't mind if you play through. There is also a restaurant on-site.
13 locals raden deze aan
Teleli Golf Club
17566 Lime Kiln RdTeleli Golf Club, located just 10 minutes from the house, is owned and operated by the Black Oak Casino and Resort. This is an 18 hole course open year round. You may encounter some geese or deer along the course, but they don't mind if you play through. There is also a restaurant on-site.
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is located approximately 27 miles from the house in the historic town of Groveland. This course if world-renown, and a beautiful way to spend the day.
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Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course
12765 Mueller DrPine Mountain Lake Golf Course is located approximately 27 miles from the house in the historic town of Groveland. This course if world-renown, and a beautiful way to spend the day.
Twain Harte Golf Club is located in the town of Twain Harte (20 minutes from the house), and offers 18 holes of golf, and recently began offering Disc Golf. A fun way to spend the day.
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Twain Harte Golf Course
22909 Meadow DrTwain Harte Golf Club is located in the town of Twain Harte (20 minutes from the house), and offers 18 holes of golf, and recently began offering Disc Golf. A fun way to spend the day.
Unique Shopping
Some fun shopping in the area that you might want to visit.
This is one of my very favorite places to shop. It is a health food store that has everything to keep you healthy and thriving on your trip. Organic foods, natural products, supplements, a juice bar, healthy household and personal products, and much, much more. This is more than just a grocery store. Located 6 miles from the house.
7 locals raden deze aan
Nature's Whole Food Depot
19073 Standard RdThis is one of my very favorite places to shop. It is a health food store that has everything to keep you healthy and thriving on your trip. Organic foods, natural products, supplements, a juice bar, healthy household and personal products, and much, much more. This is more than just a grocery store. Located 6 miles from the house.
Every Saturday from May to October from 7:30-11:30. Enjoy local produce, food, handmade items, and more. Not to be missed if you're here on a Saturday morning.
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Sonora Farmer's Market
37 Theall StEvery Saturday from May to October from 7:30-11:30. Enjoy local produce, food, handmade items, and more. Not to be missed if you're here on a Saturday morning.
Stop in this historic "bar" for a sweet treat, and browse around in the antiques. Don't forget to go downstairs to the old book room, and find a surprise!
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Legends Books Antiques
131 S Washington StStop in this historic "bar" for a sweet treat, and browse around in the antiques. Don't forget to go downstairs to the old book room, and find a surprise!
If you love finding little treasures, look no further. Stop in here for some treats and treasure hunting.
The Emporium
18180 Main StIf you love finding little treasures, look no further. Stop in here for some treats and treasure hunting.
Blue Sky Market
18278 Main StCheck out the fun trinkets and must-haves that they have here.
An adorable toy store that carries a large assortment of toys for all ages. A must see if you bring little ones with you.
Little Roots Toy Shop
106 S Washington StAn adorable toy store that carries a large assortment of toys for all ages. A must see if you bring little ones with you.
Winter Adventure
Fun for the whole family. Located about 37 miles from the house, you can play all day and come back to the house for some yummy hot chocolate.
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Leland High Sierra Snowplay
34033 Leland Meadow RdFun for the whole family. Located about 37 miles from the house, you can play all day and come back to the house for some yummy hot chocolate.
Dodge Ridge offers a great skiing experience for all ages. They have multiple runs, and an updated and family-friendly lodge. If skiing isn't your thing, they also have snowshoes to rent and use to explore the scenery during one of the most beautiful time of the year.
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Ski-oord Dodge Ridge
1 Dodge Ridge RdDodge Ridge offers a great skiing experience for all ages. They have multiple runs, and an updated and family-friendly lodge. If skiing isn't your thing, they also have snowshoes to rent and use to explore the scenery during one of the most beautiful time of the year.
Ice Skating at Long Barn Lodge. Winter fun for the whole family. (Open seasonally)
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Long Barn Lodge
25957 Long Barn RdIce Skating at Long Barn Lodge. Winter fun for the whole family. (Open seasonally)