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You'll Strike Gold in Northern California
Tuolumne County came to be in 1850, the same year California achieved statehood. With the tumultuous 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.
Depending on the passions of family members, each season brings its own excitement. In winter, enjoy the thrill of downhill and cross-country skiing, snow boarding and ice skating or the giddiness of sledding, tobogganing and snowmobiling. In spring as the snow melts, the creeks run free and the meadows challenge a painter’s pallet and a photographer’s lens as wildflowers burst to life in vivid colors.
Summer becomes a fisherman’s paradise, with nearby lakes and rivers teeming with trout. Additionally, water skiing, sailing, swimming, and hiking throughout the mountains are definitely some of the most favored ways to appreciate the area's natural beauty. Autumn’s changing weather brings the scenic event of the high country as it turns the Aspen groves into bright gold and red.
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, 800/532-1944) is extremely family-friendly with spacious modern connecting guest rooms, whirlpool and fireplace suites. A complimentary continental breakfast with a variety of kid options is served in the hotel’s restaurant.
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