In Northern California’s gold country, the western frontier and gateway to the foothills of the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tuolumne County came to be in 1850, the same year California achieved statehood. With the arrival of the thousands of prospectors, a few sophisticated but mostly lawless settlements sprung up. These pioneers were later joined by ranchers, loggers and frontier families that swept into the county and transformed the settlements into a more civilized place to live.
Echoes of its colorful past — Victorian homes, one room schoolhouses, historic churches, saloons, mines, mills and barns — depict a living heritage not found in theme parks. With gold nuggets still waiting to be found and frontier adventures to be enjoyed, the area is the top spot for firing the imagination of history buffs, as well as lovers of the outdoors. Here’s a look at the major towns.
Sonora
Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sonora is the southern gateway to California’s gold-rich Mother Lode. The city known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines,” and the epicenter of Tuolumne County was settled by miners emigrating from the State of Sonora, Mexico. Present-day Sonora runs at a slower pace than during its Gold Rush beginnings, but still offers a wealth of rich experiences ranging from historic sites, fine dining and shopping in the many specialty shops along the city’s old fashioned main street.
A visit to the headquarters of the Tuolumne County Historical Society for a glimpse of area’s colorful history is a must. Stop by the Tuolumne County Museum and History Center set in the Tuolumne County Jail where a century of outlaws and desperados served time. Peer into the dismal cell-blocks, view frontier exhibits that let you tap into the hottest adventures of gold mining, and watch a charming Mark Twain vignette. A self-guided tour of Sonora is available here as well. Other downtown points of interest are the Tuolumne County Courthouse from the 1800s, the Sonora Fire Department Museum and the Sierra Repertory Theatre (209/532-3120) where the stage is set for a real taste of professional old time live theater that offers a selection of comedies, dramas and musicals.
The Best Western Sonora Oaks (19551 Hess Avenue, 209/533-4400) is extremely family-friendly with spacious modern connecting guest rooms, whirlpool and fireplace suites. A complimentary continental breakfast with a variety of kid’s options is served.
Columbia
The Gold Rush might be over, but Columbia, “The Gem of the Southern Mines,” is now California’s best preserved town from the 1850s. Billions of dollars worth of gold was coaxed from the earth here by strong men and gigantic machinery. To get the gold they literally took the hills apart, sifted out the valuable ore, and put what was leftover back where they found it.
Columbia State Historic Park was established back in 1945 “to freeze the frontier days in time.” History follows you as you step off wooden sidewalks into yesteryear where iron implements are forged, perfumed candles and soap are handmade, and shopkeepers conduct business in period dress. You also can pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, sip a sarsaparilla (similar to Root Beer) in one of two ol’ time saloons, or mount a horse and mosey into history.
Follow the spotlight to the 1897 Fallon Theatre in the Park that still showcases wonderful year-round productions. Grandparents, parents and kids will love the authentic old-time Ice Cream Parlor adjoining the theatre. Here everyone gets to lick their lips from the yummy made-from-scratch ice cream that’s scooped onto your choice of homemade sugar or waffle cones. Take a tour of the beautiful City Hotel and Fallon Hotel and you may get to watch Marilyn Elligott spinning yarn in the front parlor. It’s also great place to stop for a special lunch or dinner, and we suggest you leave some time for a tour of this historic, first-rate property.
Twain Harte
In this town named for Mark Twain and Bret Harte, the literary buffs in the family will be enchanted with information about the famous authors who fell under the area’s spell. Much of what is known or, at least, believed about the history of the gold country comes from the observations of Mark Twain. His famous tale of “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” came to him in nearby Angels Camp, when he complained of a steady diet of beans and dishwater coffee. Bret Harte, editor of the San Francisco-based Overland Monthly introduced the world to a fictional Wild West through such stories as “The Outcasts of Poker Flat,” and “The Luck of Roaring Camp.”
Modern day gold seekers still come here with dredges to work the sandy bottoms of nearby rivers, and they still pan for gold wherever they can find a place to do so.
Jamestown
Originally known as Jimtown by local residents, everyone will enjoy a stroll to capture a sense of its past. There are still lots of old-time adventures going on in today’s Jamestown, and families can spend an entire day exploring them.
Gold Prospecting Adventures (800/596-0009) are the area’s most experienced teachers, who share the story of the California Gold Rush with all ages. The adventure starts alongside a creek where the original 49ers panned for gold. From there everyone is offered a variety of choices that include Family Sluice Panning, Gold Panning, or sitting in on a Metal Detector class. The attraction’s recreated Jimtown Gold Mining Camp gives the whole family a true sense of life during the Gold Rush.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (209/984-3953) offers another wonderful family adventure. The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 did more to make this a nation “from sea to shining sea” than any other single act of engineering exploration. The story of early railroading is told in living detail. Everyone will love “hitching a ride” on the Sierra Railroad steam locomotives that have been featured in productions such as “High Noon,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Back to the Future III”, and “Little House on the Prairie.”
Lake Don Pedro
Hidden coves, a sunken gold mine and 160 miles of oak-studded shoreline are only a few of the items of interest at Lake Don Pedro. Among the sunken treasures beneath the lake’s surface is the famed Eagle/Shawmut Mine. It was still producing considerable amounts of gold during World War II and was one of the few mines allowed to continue operating during the war.
Moccasin Point, the Marina on Lake Don Pedro is serviced by Forever Resorts (480/998-7199). In addition to ski and pontoon boats that can be rented all year long, rental houseboats range from smaller 44’ craft that comfortably sleep 4, to popular mid-sized boats with extra room for 8 to 10. The Millennium houseboat offers room for up to 12 adults and is equipped with everything from a top-deck hot tub and wet bar, to a captain’s flying bridge, comfortable private staterooms and additional conveniences like a dishwasher, trash compactor and satellite T.V.
Tuolumne City
Founded in 1854 during California’s gold fever days, and appropriate for the times, it was originally named “Eureka.” The real boom came in the late 1800’s however, when timbering was king and lumberjacks were everywhere.
Situated just outside the Stanislaus National Forest, the majesty of the land unfolds in the rugged beauty that has been thousands upon thousands of years in the making. Its riches take the form of outdoor activities that include camping, fishing, hiking, rafting, skiing and biking. The Black Oak Casino (19400 Tuolumne Road North, 877/747-8777) operated by the Mi-Wuk Indians, offers totally different activities for the area. Not just for gamblers, there is an entire floor for family fun centered on 24 lanes of state-of-the art Brunswick Bowling. Also, the Underground Arcade is stocked with arcade games and family-friendly food outlets including Kingpins serving burgers and pizza, and the Mill Sports Bar and Grill offering great casual dining with a large scale video wall and interactive games.
Groveland
Up until the Gold Rush era, this town was home to Native Americans for several thousand years. It was originally named “Garrotte,” (which translates loosely to “hanging,”) after the deed for which the town was once infamous. Groveland has since settled into more sedate ways, and is now a quirky community and charming gateway to the treasured national icon of Yosemite.
Nearby Pine Mountain Lake and Tuolumne River provide plenty of aquatic adventures, but back on dry land horseback riders, golfers, and campers will not be disappointed. History is still very evident in the town in the form of the unique small shops in historic buildings. The new Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum (209/962-0300) showcases memorabilia and collections from bygone years.
The Groveland Hotel (18767 Main Street, 800/273-3314) welcomes families with gracious Western hospitality. The larger of the property’s two adobe buildings dates from 1849, and in 1914 a Queen Anne Revival style annex was added to this colorful hotel.
Murphys
The highlight here is the famous Ironstone Vineyards (209/728-1251) which is much more than just a tasting room. There are exquisite, award-winning gardens dotted with benches where you can while away an hour or two, a beautiful jewelry shop, a museum displaying a 44-pound gold nugget and gourmet deli that all offer enough to occupy an afternoon here.
Yosemite National Park
Surrounded by natural beauty and historic attractions, Tuolumne County is the perfect hub for a visit to Yosemite National Park. Most of the Park, established by an act of Congress in 1890, is located within the county, which is Northern California’s most direct and scenic route to this treasured icon. Nearly 95% of Yosemite is designated as wilderness, thus affording protection to its verdant valley, waterfalls, brilliant blue lakes, giant trees, huge granite domes and timeless geologic history.
Well known for summer and winter sports, the park is open anytime of the year. (Tioga and Glacier Point Roads in the upper elevations are usually the only roads closed in the winter.) Hike, fish, bike, bird and wildlife watch, horseback ride, backpack, camp, rock climb and stargaze or simply enjoy the magnificent beauty of the park on foot, by auto or guided coach tour. Among the many experiences are the Ranger-led naturalist walk, and the Ansel Adams Photography walk.
Trip Planning Details
The county seat of Sonora, 143 miles east of San Francisco, is within easy driving distance to four major airports: Sacramento International Airport (117 miles), Oakland International Airport (120 miles), San Jose International Airport (126 miles) and San Francisco International Airport (133 miles).
For further information visit contact the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau or call them at 800/446-1333.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
When I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
Helpful, unique and bif it works, Great.
2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
I really like your post!
This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
What a timely bit now! Thank you so much for this good
post. I saw your publications previously, however this one I believe
the very best. How did you find numerous facts?
I enjoy the way that you organize everything, as it is actually simple to read.
In general, I can recommend this guide to everybody who’s
interested in that topic.
As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
Good day! I simply want to give you a huge thumbs
up for the great info you have right here on this post.
I’ll be coming back to your blog for more
soon.
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for providing these details.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out more
details.
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m inspired!
Very helpful info particularly the last phase
🙂 I deal with such info much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
Thank you and best of luck.
The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
Amazing post! We are currently linking to this article on our site.
Keep up the terrific writing.
Best regards,
Boswell Dencker
Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
🙂 Congrat!
Awesome post!
Thanks for sharing..
I really like your post!
this is a really good stuff
Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
Thanks for such a beautiful post, very informative and useful article
Thank you for publishing this awesome article. I’m a long time reader but I’ve
never been compelled to leave a comment. I subscribed
to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great
article!
Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
Thank you so much for your beautiful article!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
Awesome Post!
Thanks for sharing..
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.