A Welcome To Tuolumne County
Included are all the tools you need to start planning your best-ever group trip… with
everything from the grandeur of Yosemite and the High Sierra and every kind of
recreation imaginable to the rich Gold-Rush Era History where over 300 film and TV
crews have come to make their mark. From Antiquing to Zip lining, our fabulous Sierra
Foothills have it all.
This package includes the following:
Sample itineraries for:
•
A 3-day excursion covering Yosemite & the Gold Rush country
•
A 4-day warm-weather, mild-adventure-history tour all rolled into one
•
A 1-day cultural and historic tour of Jamestown (home of Railtown 1897 Historic
State Park) and Columbia State Historic Park
•
A 1-night (afternoon and the following morning) “Movie Train” and Gold Rush
Historic tour
•
A 1-day Agritour with the Farms of Tuolumne County focused on a “foodie”
experience
Design-your-own tour tools:
•
Suggested specialty group tours organized in half-day and full-day increments
including 4 half-day activities and sights and 8 full-day activities ranging the highs
(glorious colors and sights of the High Sierra featuring nature at it’s best) to the
lows (touring the Gold Rush-era tunnels under downtown Sonora).
•
A group tour planning grid listing a variety of activities by category. You can mix
and match them to create the perfect trip.
•
A list of some of the major special events planned for 2010 from the California
Senior Winter Games in March to the Mother Lode Round Up and Parade in May
(one of the longest parades in California) to the Poison Oak Show in September.
Visit our website at www.tcvb.com for hundreds more activities and events.
Suggested lodging organized into two categories:
•
Facilities with 50 rooms or more
•
Small facilities for smaller groups with less than 50 rooms.
And don’t forget our staff is ready to help you create special packages and design
unique experiences to give your group the experience of a lifetime.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
3 - DAY MOTORCOACH EXCURSION
YOSEMITE AND THE GOLD COUNTRY
Plan Ahead
Accommodations for first night in Groveland area (Hwy. 120)
Accommodations for second night in the Sonora/Jamestown/Columbia area
Also check the website to see what plays are showing during your visit at the three
outstanding repertory theaters. Call ahead for reservations for the evening of Day
Two.
Day One
Leave the Sacramento area early morning.
Drive south on CA 99, take CA 120 west in Manteca all the way to Yosemite. This will
take 4 hours depending on your stops and traffic. (Note: there are coach size
restrictions on Highway 120)
Spend the day in Yosemite, using the free trams or shuttle buses as to enjoy the
splendor of the valley.
Leave Yosemite before dark and return to Groveland.
Dine at the rustic Evergreen Lodge (closed winter) near the entrance of Yosemite or
continue on Hwy 120 to Groveland to the elegant Groveland Hotel, the Pine
Mountain Lake Country Club, or the historic Hotel Charlotte.
Try to catch a performance at the Yosemite Courtyard Theatre in Groveland
(summer only).
Don’t miss the Historic Iron Door Saloon which is the oldest continuously operating
saloon in California.
Day Two
Most of the lodgings in the Groveland area serve breakfast so you can leisurely eat
and leave by 9:00 am to get to Columbia State Historic Park (via Hwy. 120 to Hwy.
49) by 10:30 am.
Today, Columbia appears much as it was at the height of the gold rush circa 1850
with restaurants, saloons (sarsaparilla a specialty), a barber shop, bank, blacksmith
and business places where craftsmen may be seen working at their trades.
Approximately 3 hours will acquaint you with the park.
Stagecoach rides, horseback tours and gold panning complete the gold rush
experience.
Walking tours led by historically knowledgeable guides can be arranged through the
museum.
Columbia State Historic Park, known as the “Gem of the Southern Mines” during the
Gold Rush era, still has many of the original buildings which have been preserved and
are now maintained by the State.
Take a look at the Columbia School House and attend an 1850’s class in session. Or
get a map at the Museum for your “Cemetery Walk” where you learn about the tales
of how these deceased families pioneered the area.
Visit 49er Mine Supplies or Hidden Treasures Gold Mine & Matelot Gulch to learn
about gold mining.
Check into your hotel, motel, cabin or Bed and Breakfast Inn.
Dine at one of the many fine restaurants in Sonora (Christopher’s Ristorante
Italiano, Outlaw’s BBQ & Steakhouse, Alfredo’s, Talulah’s or Banny’s Café and
Wine Bar).
Enjoy a show at one of the three live theaters or stroll through Sonora to see the
historic buildings and the interesting antique-laden store windows, art galleries, candy
shop and Legend’s Ice Cream Parlor where you can view the tunnels under Sonora. .
You may feel lucky enough to try some gaming at the nearby Black Oak Casino.
Day Three
The next morning if you are staying where breakfast isn’t served, try some of the local
eateries such as The Miners Shack or The Heart Rock Café in downtown Sonora.
While in Sonora, be sure to check out the excellent Tuolumne County Museum on
Bradford Street. It is housed in the old historic jail and always has excellent exhibits,
books, and records. Or visit the Veterans’ Museum or our Firemen’s History Museum.
At the west end of Bradford is a miniature park with some mining artifacts and a picnic
table. Several parks along Washington Street are also nice rest or picnic spots.
In Jamestown (or “Jimtown” as it is sometimes called) historic buildings and antique
shops abound.
Treat yourself to some wonderful ice cream at Here’s the Scoop, famous for their
their over 700 different cookie cutters.
Jimtown is also known for the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park just a few blocks
south of town. The railroad has been used for over 300 movies and TV shows
(especially the steam trains) including My Little Chickadee (W.C. Fields and Mae
West), High Noon, Little House On the Prairie, Back to the Future III, and Unforgiven.
It opens at 9:30 am and you can take a guided tour, walk around the grounds, and
watch videos on the history of the railroad and the movies filmed there.
April through October the trains are running and you can take a ride if you are there
on the weekend. In November the trains only run on Saturdays
If you don’t mind driving back to San Francisco area in the dark, try one of the
wonderful restaurants in Jamestown such as The Willow Steakhouse & Saloon
(they have a resident ghost), Historic National Hotel, Morelia Mexican Restaurant,
Azzo’s or Kamm’s Chinese Restaurant.
Of if you are heading to north or south destinations spend the night in Jamestown and
continue on the next morning.
You have covered a lot of scenery and history in three days - just enough to whet your
appetite for a return trip. You can later choose one of our more extended itineraries.
Check our website for listings and locations of lodgings and restaurants.
Have a great trip!!
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS
BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
4 - DAY WARM WEATHER MILD ADVENTURE & HISTORY TOUR
Tuolumne County, California
Can be shortened or extended according to your interest and time. Information is on our
web site at www.TCVB.com and in our free Tuolumne County Visitors Guide.
Eve of Day One
Arrive in the historic gold town of Sonora and check into your Hotel.
Walk downtown to Legend’s sandwich shop for a great value meal and view
awesome mining tunnels dug underneath the city of Sonora by gold-seekers in the
1850’s. Be sure to stop at The Candy Vault for a real treat.
If you arrive on a Friday, you can walk downtown and catch a 6:00 pm live “Music
in the Park” concert performance in Sonora’s Courthouse Park (free).
Day One
Travel approximately 5 minutes to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in
Jamestown to see the “Movie Railroad” where over 250 movies and commercials
have been filmed. Back to the Future III, High Noon, Pale Rider, etc. are among
some of the Westerns filmed there (free admission).
Jamestown is known for its excellent restaurants, so enjoy lunch at one of the
historic restaurants like Here’s the Scoop/Locals Make Good, or The Smoke
Restaurant for great Mexican or Kamm’s for fresh Chinese food.
Go across the highway from Jamestown to the Jimtown 1849 Gold Mining Camp
for a tour and history lesson. See the Long Tom, Rocker Boxes, Grizzly Adams
mercantile and many other historical artifacts and replicas. The camp has picnic
tables and BBQs where you can have your lunch that you brought or bought in
town.
Check out their store Gold Prospecting Adventures on Main Street in Jamestown.
Return to Sonora, find your lodging, and check in.
For a reasonably priced meal, walk to the Miner’s Shack, Outlaws BarBQ and
Steakhouse or The Heart Rock Café all in downtown Sonora
Take a late evening swim in the hotel pool before settling in to watch TV or an inroom Movie ($10).
Day Two
For your next adventure, head up Highway 108 to the Summit Ranger Station at
the Pinecrest Lake turnoff where you can get a map that shows five interesting trails
and vistas that are well marked (free). Try at least one or all five (free)::
- Shadow of the Mi-Wok Trail, easy ¼ mile walk,
- Trail of the Gargoyles, scenic 1 ½ mile walk,
- Trail of the Ancient Dwarfs, pleasant ½ mile walk to unique
geological
formations
- Donnell Vista, ¼ mile paved trail with magnificent scenic views
- Columns of the Giants, easy ¼ mile walk.
After your morning hike(s), get picnic supplies at the store at Pinecrest Lake where
you can have a picnic on the beach. If you have energy left, spend a few leisurely
hours exploring the lake by taking a mild hike around it, rent a paddle boat, or just
relax on the beach, go swimming, read a book or take a snooze on a blanket in the
pines.
You can go horseback riding at nearby Aspen Meadows Pack Station where you
can ride for one hour for $20 per person.
On the way back to your hotel in Sonora, stop for a burger or salad at the
Strawberry Inn. Then take another relaxing evening swim before falling into deep
sleep.
Day Three
Drive past Columbia State Historic Park across the Parrotts Ferry Bridge and stop
on the west side of the road at the Natural Bridges sign and hike down to the creek
(two mile round trip). There are a couple of interesting caverns along the way. If
you are a little bit warm, a great place to splash in the water and swim through the
caves, especially since you have to hike back up!
Return towards Columbia State Historic Park (3 miles north of Sonora and free
admission), a Gold Rush town that has survived the passage of time better than the
other early settlements (free admission). Walk along the wooden sidewalks and
learn some history while enjoying hand dipped chocolates from the Columbia
Candy Kitchen and maybe a Sarsaparilla at the Jack Douglass “Saloon”.
Return to hotel and have the kids take a swim in the pool before dinner at Outlaws
Bar-B-Q and Steakhouse across the street from your hotel.
Day Four
After breakfast, take a drive into Yosemite National Park (entrance fee applies)
where you can view some of the most famous geological icons (Half Dome/El
Capitan) and waterfalls in the world. Take a hike through the Tuolumne Grove of
giant Sequoias.
On your return trip, stop in Groveland at the colorful Iron Door Saloon (oldest
continuously running saloon in California) for an ice cream or refreshment in their
sandwich shop.
Time allowing on your way back, stop at the South Fork of the Tuolumne River at
the Rainbow Pool (free) day use area for a swim and photo ops.
After returning from magical mystical Yosemite, collapse in bed knowing you have
spent four wonderful days enjoying and exploring the best wonders of the Sierra
foothills.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
CULTURAL TOUR OF SONORA & COLUMBIA
Tuolumne County has become the cultural hub of the Central Sierras offering a panorama
of living history with it’s two historic state parks (Railtown 1897 and Columbia), ample
museums, beautifully preserved 19th century architecture and towns that bring the old west
alive today.
Depart Sacramento in the early morning for Sonora
(approximately 2 3/4 hours travel time by coach)
Browse downtown Sonora and see where talented local
artists display their works in local various art media at the
Ventana and George Post art galleries.
Take a short two block walk to the Tuolumne County
Museum & History Center housed in the historic jail where
you can learn about the pioneers and gold-seekers and how
they lived. From there, continue your walking tour of Historic
Sonora using the Tuolumne County Heritage Guide as your
reference.
Have lunch at Banny’s Café and Wine Bar where more local art is always on
display and the food is superb (or one of a number fine downtown eateries).
Take the short 10 minute ride to Columbia
State Historic Park and enjoy a docent led
tour back in time while listening to street
musicians. Experience this living part of
history by sipping sarsaparilla in an old
saloon, hearing the lessons of a school marm
an 1850’s schoolroom or watching taffy
pulled at the sweet smelling candy store.
in
Those feeling more adventurous can go gold panning, take a cemetery walk or ride
the stagecoach.
Time it right and you can take in a live play at the Fallon House
Theatre produced by the Sierra Repertory Theatre in East
Sonora. The East Sonora theatre location has a back stage tour
available and a second choice for seeing nationally acclaimed live
theatre performances. (Check their schedule for matinee and
evening performances)
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
The Movie Train & California Gold Rush
One-Night Motorcoach Excursion
Depart Sacramento in the early morning for Jamestown (approximately 2
½ hours travel time by coach)
Stop in Jamestown and take a ride
through the foothills on an authentic old
steam train and tour Railtown 1897 State
Historic Park and its working Roundhouse
(Often called “The movie railroad”).
Have lunch at an array of popular
restaurants in historic downtown
Jamestown. Enjoy free wine tasting of award winning wines at Gianelli
Vineyards Tasting Room.
Next stop, Wood’s Creek. Learn to “pan for gold” just as the
49er miners did.
Then it’s on to an informative history lesson at the
Tuolumne County Museum and in downtown Sonora.
Spend the evening in Sonora and dine at one of the many
fine restaurants downtown and take in a play at one of the 3
live theaters.
Next morning, have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or one
of the many fine restaurants in town and take the short 15 minute ride to
Columbia State Historic Park. Step back in time and experience the gold
rush era of the 1850’s at this thriving restored “living history museum.”
Enjoy an educational docent led tour of the park, go for a ride on a
stagecoach (complete with a “hold-up”), go horseback riding, or travel
deep into the earth and tour a real working gold mine that has been
operating for more than 100 years.
Have lunch at one of the casual dining
establishments in Columbia and return home in
time for dinner.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
ONE-DAY AGRITOUR OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY FARMS & RANCHES
Provided by “Farms of Tuolumne County”
Foodies will delight in this culinary journey of some of Tuolumne County’s best
farms, gardens and ranches. From apples to zucchini, you will smell, taste and
feast your eyes on the bounty of our county.
Depart Sacramento in the early morning for Jamestown
(approximately 2 ½ hours travel time by coach)
Arrive early and start your day with a hearty breakfast at
Locals Make Good in Jamestown where they serve their
own grass fed beef, farm fresh eggs and home-raised pork.
After breakfast visit Llamas of Circle Home where you can learn about
llamas and take a walk with them.
Then it’s on to Covers Apple Ranch where you can enjoy a mid-morning
snack fresh from the bakery, browse the gift shop and pick up one of their
mile-high pies.
Your final farm will be Sierra Glen Ranch (for berry
picking, orchards & their excellent bakery).•
Enjoy a nice lunch or midafternoon snack at Outlaws
BarBQ and Steakhouse
serving local grass-fed beef and farm fresh
products and finish the afternoon with wine tasting
at La Bella Rosa Vineyards followed by a stop at
the Mt. Brow Winery for another tasting
opportunity.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
•
Farms subject to change seasonally
TUOLUMNE COUNTY SPECIALTY GROUP TOUR ACTIVITIES
Create Your Own Customized Memorable Group Tour
Half-Day or Less Activities
History & Culture
GO UNDERGROUND
City of Sonora
Learn about Sonora’s historic and secret passageways. Hear the tales of the mystic
Chinese who dug their tunnels under our town over a century ago. Visit the Tuolumne
County Museum and learn about the steel-willed pioneers and gold seekers that settled
our towns. Enjoy lunch and shopping downtown after the walking tour.
HURRAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Volunteer Docents
Take a guided tour of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where over 300 movies and
commercials have been filmed. Climb aboard and walk in the footsteps of Gary Cooper,
Grace Kelly, Clint Eastwood, Michael Landon, Michael J. Fox, Mae West and many
more. See one of the only a few working railroad round houses left in the U.S. Lunch
at a Jamestown or Sonora restaurant
Outdoor Activities
GO FOR THE GOLD!
California Gold and 49er Mining Supplies or Jamestown Gold Panning and Gold
Prospecting Adventures
Visit a private claim on Woods Creek in Jamestown where some of the first gold was
discovered. Learn the nuances of finding the glittery stuff. Experience panning, sluicing
and recognizing when you find what is currently going for $100 an ounce. They say
70% is still in the ground and it’s being washing down the streams by heavy winter snow
runoff. (Wear shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.)
HATCH-IT……
California Department of Fish & Game
1:30 – 3:00 Moccasin Fish Hatchery hosts a guided tour of their facility at Moccasin
Creek at Don Pedro Lake.
Full Day Activities
Outdoor Recreation
KENNEDY MEADOWS HIGH COUNTRY HORSEBACK RIDE
Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station (Summer only)
Take a horseback ride out of the famous Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station in
the High Sierras. Let host Matt Bloom treat you to an awe-inspiring outdoor experience.
This is a place you will want to return to again and again as TCVB staff has for over 40
summers. Take a moment to savor the natural beauty before stopping at the infamous
watering holes, the Last Chance Saloon. There’s nothing like two-steppin’ to the old
juke box while it’s playing “Cattle Call”!
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT
Forever Resorts Houseboats - Moccasin Point Marina and Lake Don Pedro Marina
Don Pedro Lake house boating adventure from Moccasin Point Marina - This
spectacular lake was created in 1971 and is in a canyon carved by the Tuolumne River
over a million years ago. Rolling hills and magnificent oak and pine trees surround its
160-mile shoreline. These rental houseboats are definitely built for comfort and Forever
Resorts makes it easy for the boating novice to daring explorer to be a captain – at least
for a few nautical miles during the day allowing you a glimpse at the fun of house
boating. The luxury Forever Resorts houseboats are equipped with many of the
comforts of home including wet bar, Jacuzzi, central air conditioning, satellite TV, and a
waterslide off the upper deck. Lunch and snacks can be served aboard the houseboat.
KAYAKING ON PRISTINE PINECREST LAKE
Sierra Nevada Adventure Company
Pristine Pinecrest or Beardsly Lakes are a kayakers and boaters paradise. Small boats
and kayaks are available for rental.
DON PEDRO LAKE KOKANEE / TROUT FISHING
Danny Layne aka “Fishin’ Dan”
Meet at Fleming Meadows Launch at Don Pedro Lake at dawn to find out what all the
King and Kokanee Salmon fuss is about. These land locked giants really give you a
fight and our local guides know how and where to find them.
HETCH HETCHY GUIDED PHOTO TOUR
Y-Explore Yosemite Adventures or Evergreen Lodge
Your professional world class photographer and guide will take you through Groveland
to Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Reservoir at O’Shaughnessy Dam. See the controversial
mirror twin valley to Yosemite Valley and hike to Wapama Falls.
GOIN’ ON THE FLY
Mark Cottrell Guide Service
Tie your best fly & give Tuolumne County High Sierras a whirl with Mark Cottrell as your
guide. Fly fish the streams and lakes amidst our majestic mountain scenery. Whether
Eastern Brook, German Brown, Rainbow, or Browns, they’ll all give you a fight!
Sightseeing
TOP OF THE PASS HIGHWAY 108 SCENIC TOUR
Take a scenic drive up Highway 108 and marvel at such geological wonders as Column
of the Giants and Trails of the Gargoyles. Take a mini-hike on the Donnell Vista trail to
witness a spectacular view of Tuolumne County wilderness. This excursion has a few
surprise stops in store for those who choose to take this outing. Hint: Bring along your
cameras, spinning rod or fly fishing gear.
AGRITOUR OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY FARMS & RANCHES
Farms of Tuolumne County
Foodies will delight in this culinary journey of some of Tuolumne County’s best farms,
gardens and ranches. From apples to zucchini, you will smell, taste and feast you eyes
on the bounty of our county. You’ll start your day with breakfast at the farm fresh
bakery of the Downtown Market across from your hotel. From there Tuolumne County
Farms Advisors Alan and Marian Zimmerly will be your escorts, taking you to Llamas of
Circle Home, Covers Apple Ranch, Maples by Design, Sierra Glen Ranch, lunch at
Outlaws BarBQ and Steakhouse, La Bella Rosa Vineyards, Montezuma Beef Cattle
Ranch, Woods Creek Olive Oil / Lavender Farm, and Mt. Brow Winery.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
History , Culture &
Entertainment
Art Galleries: Twain Harte, Sonora,
Jamestown & Groveland
Historic Towns: Columbia,
Jamestown & Groveland
Historic Museums:
Groveland (1), Sonora (5),
Tuolumne City (1), Columbia (1)
New Melones (1)
Columbia Historic State Park (one
of the best preserved Gold Rush
Era towns in California)
Railtown 1897 Historic State Park
(known as the movie railroad with
over 300 productions to its credit)
Historic Underground Sonora
(tunnel tour)
Pan for gold (Jamestown &
Columbia)
Live Theater: SRT in East Sonora,
SRT Fallon House in Columbia,
Stage 3 in Sonora, Yosemite
Courtyard Theater, Groveland
Casino: Black Oak Casino &
Family Fun Center, Tuolumne City
includes gaming, family arcade,
bowling and nightly lounge
entertainment
Lounge Entertainment: Live music
in various locations: Sonora,
Groveland, Jamestown & Columbia
Shopping & Scenery
Antiques: Groveland, Jamestown,
Sonora & Columbia
Crafts & Cultural: Twain Harte,
Groveland, Sonora, Columbia &
Jamestown
Yosemite National Park
Hiking (Gentle slopes of the
foothills to rugged High Sierra
trails)
Yosemite National Park
Skiing, snowboarding & Other
winter sports at Dodge Ridge near
Pinecrest
Used Books: Sonora, Twain Harte
& Jamestown + many antique &
thrift stores
“Rails & Trails”
Biking in the mountains
Snowboarding, tubing, sledding at
Strawberry and Leland Meadows
High Sierra Snowplay
Scenic Highway 108 Tours in the
High Sierra
Farms of Tuolume Tours:
Various locations
Wineries: Sonora, Columbia &
Calaveras County areas
Yosemite National Park
Outdoor (Warm Weather)
Y
Houseboating for the afternoon or
overnight (Lake Don Pedro and
New Melones)
Horseback riding in the Foothills or
High Sierra
Kayaking on beautiful Pinecrest
Lake
Fishing (various lakes in the
foothills and the high country)
including private guides
Golf in mountain splendor:
Groveland, Twain Harte, 2 courses
in Sonora, Copperopolis & Angels
Camp
Whitewater Rafting
GROUP TOUR PLANNING GRID
Use this grid to help design your customized group tour. It provides a brief description of some of
the most popular activities for visitors. Want more help designing your tour? Visit the Tuolumne
County Visitors Bureau website (www.tcvb.com) or give us a call at 800-466-1333 (or 209-5334420). Our team of experts will help you source the most appropriate activities and venues to meet
the needs of your group. Tuolumne County has it all!
Outdoor (Cold Weather)
Photo & Nature Hikes in Yosemite:
Y Explore and Evergreen Lodge
Guided snowshoe hikes:
Evergreen Lodge & Stanislaus
National Forest
Ice Skating at Long Barn Lodge
ALL YEAR ACTIVITY:
Cavern Tours at Moaning Caverns
and Mercer Caverns (70 deg. F all
year around)
SELECTED EVENTS: 2010
(For many additional events, visit www.tcvb.com or call 800-533-0956)
2nd Saturday of every month, 1-4, Gold Rush Days, Columbia State Historic Park
http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/events.html Volunteers in period costumes
staff a variety of venues, from the bowling alley (yes!), the Wells Fargo office, the
old schoolhouse and replica dry goods stores. September's Gold Rush Days is
also a celebration of California's Statehood in 1850, with a concert by the Great
Motherlode Brass and Reed Band. Free!
March 4-7 California Senior Winter Games, Dodge Ridge, Pinecrest
www.californiawintergames.org Winter games in the High Sierra for those 50 and
over. Be a spectator or sign up to participate.
March 12-14 24th Annual Sonora Celtic Faire, Sonora
www.sonoracelticfaire.com Medieval merriment comes to the Foothills with this
festive event featuring knights jousting on Horseback, fencing exhibitions, Celtic
living history, crafts and trinkets, longbow archery, food & drink and lots of music,
dancing and entertainments of all kinds.
April 4 Annual Pond Skim, Brewfest and Chili Cookoff, Dodge Ridge, Pinecrest
http://www.dodgeridge.com/site/events_activities.php Sip a few cold ones while
watching the daredevils try to make it across a water pond on skis or
snowboards. Music, food and fun for all.
April 4 Easter Celebration at Columbia State Park
http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/events.html Residents & Visitors participate in
this event. Many children appear in historic dress. Docents wear their authentic
costumes & provide characterizations of residents from the gold rush era add a
splash of color to this lively event.
May 9 53rd Annual Mother Lode Round-up Parade and Rodeo
www.motherloderoundup.com
The Mother Lode Round-Up is like a hometown reunion. It begins with “The
Great Steak Barbeque” on Saturday, April 25th. Then “saddle up” for a week-long
experience of Cowboy and Small Town tradition that winds up with the Round-Up
Parade (one of the largest in California!) and Rodeo on Mother’s Day weekend.
In 2009, MSNBC rated this parade as one of the 10 best places to be on
Mother’s Day in the entire country!
June 3-6 Columbia Diggins, Columbia State Historic Park
http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/events.html The original 1852 tent town is
recreated annually to show what life was like during the Gold Rush. Docents
dress in period customs and share “their” stories of life during that exciting era.
June 19-20 43rd Annual Father’s Day Fly In, Columbia
http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/events.html Airplane rides, classic airplanes
and other events are conducted all day long at the airport. The airport is
approximately one half-mile from the state historic park.
July 24-25 33rd Annual Twain Harte Arts & Wine Festival, Twain Harte
http://www.fireonthemountain.com/th.html Arts, crafts, fine wine and food make
for a fun-filled day amid the pines in beautiful downtown Twain Harte.
Sept. 25
27th Annual Poison Oak Show, Columbia
http://www.columbiagazette.com/poison.html Celebrate one of life’s more wacky
events as poison oak is judged in 11 categories ranging from arrangements and
appearance to a photo of the best rash resulting from handling it. Aren’t you just
itchin’ to join in!
Nov 26-28 36th Annual Sonora Christmas Festival, Sonora
http://www.fireonthemountain.com/son.html This highly regarded festival features
over 200 great quality craft artists, up tempo and varied music, street performers,
costumed elves and twinkle trees, carolers, a wide selection of home-cooking
style festival kitchens and bake shops, all in festive, brightly colored craft halls.
Don't miss the annual Christmas Parade in downtown Sonora on Friday
November 26th at 5:30 – a real celebration of small town holiday cheer!
Dec 3-4 Lamplight Tour, Columbia State Historic Park
http://www.columbiacalifornia.com/events.html This event is a walking play
guided by lamplight thru the historic town. Tour groups are led from scene to
scene by costumed docents through the play. It is a wonderful way to begin your
joyous holiday season and fun for the whole family.
There are dozens of additional events throughout Tuolumne County taking place
year around. Visit www.tcvb.com for more information.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
GROUP LODGING FACILITIES (50 Rooms or More)
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite 66 rooms & cabins www.evergreenlodge.com
The Evergreen Lodge is a classic mountain resort offering Yosemite’s finest allaround lodging and recreational experience. The Evergreen is 'highly
recommended' by Fodor's California 2006. The historic lodge was expanded and
modernized in 2008 and now offers cozy cabins in the woods, a full-service
restaurant and tavern, beer garden, recreation center,
meeting/event hall, spa services, general store,
nightly activities and high speed Internet access. In
addition, the Evergreen’s onsite guide service offers
fly fishing, hiking, biking, snow shoeing and other
excursions. The Evergreen has traditional cabins and
cottages for couples as well as two-bedroom cabins
for families. Located on the north western border of
Yosemite, the Evergreen offers convenient yearround access to all areas of the Park.
Best Western Sonora Oaks Hotel & Conference Center, East Sonora 101
rooms + 17 suites www.bwsonoraoaks.com Nestled under ancient arbors in the
historic Mother Lode area of the Sierra Foothills lies the Best Western Sonora
Oaks. Comfortable and relaxing, the Best Western Sonora Oaks is certainly the
finest and one of the newest inns in the area. In addition to the spacious and
tastefully appointed accommodations, guests
also enjoy complimentary coffee, HBO®, free
high speed Internet access and free local
telephone calls. The Conference Center
provides an ideal location for business
meetings or group events, with every detail
attended to by our professional and
courteous staff.
Sonora Days Inn, Downtown Sonora 65 rooms
Sonora Days Inn has 65 guestrooms in the Main Building and the Annex. Choose
from King, Queen, or Double Bed rooms. All rooms are appointed with the best
amenities like premium cable channels, coffeemakers and free wireless highspeed Internet access.
A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily
and you’ll find free newspapers in the lobby for your
convenience. We have two spacious conference rooms
that can also be joined to accommodate up to 80
people that are perfect for meetings or your festive
occasion. Savor the convenience of our exceptional
restaurant, Christopher’s Ristorante Italiano.
Inns of California, Downtown Sonora 111 rooms
www.sonorainnsofcalifornia.com AAA approved,clean
contempory motel conveniently located in Historic
Sonora. 24 hour courteous front desk and free
continental breakfast and free high speed Internet
access. Year around heated pool, spa,and guest laundry.
Fresh brewed in room coffee, cable TV and romantic spa
suites
Aladdin Motor Inn, East Sonora 61 rooms http://aladdininn.com/
AAA rated. Rooms have refrigerators and guest laundry and free high speed
Internet access. Ideal for sightseeing and recreation: Privately owned and
operated, we pride ourselves on cleanliness and excellent service. Our Inn
features all the amenities you will need to relax and enjoy your visit; A large pool
and heated spa, queen and king size
beds and daily complimentary breakfast.
The East Sonora Conference and
Banquet Center is adjacent to the
Aladdin for private functions and
activities.
Visitors worldwide enjoy the warm
hospitality of our staff and affordable comfort of our spacious rooms.
In addition to these larger facilities, there are many fine historic hotels and inns,
bed and breakfast inns, RV parks and campground facilities capable of handling
groups of various sizes. Some are listed in the “Small Group Lodging” page. For
more information to meet your specific needs, Visit our website at www.tcvb.com
or call us at 800-533-0956.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS
BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com
GROUP LODGING FACILITIES (SMALL GROUPS)
Groveland Hotel bat Yosemite, Groveland 14 rooms & 3 suites www.groveland.com
Overnight accommodations include 14 rooms and 3 two-room suites
with fireplaces and spa tubs. All rooms have down comforters, antique
furnishings, robes, in-room coffee service, hair dryers and guest
convenience amenities. A conference room is on premises.
The Groveland Hotel's outdoor courtyard, provides ambiance and
casual elegance for private parties and special events. Our
accommodations feature plush featherbeds, private baths, delicious
California cuisine at the Cellar Restaurant, a full-service saloon and free WiFi/high-speed
Internet access in all rooms. We also offer free use of a computer with WiFi connection for
our guests.
Lazy Z Resort, Twain Harte 12 Cabins www.lazyz.com
At the Lazy Z Resort we have twelve cabins and cottages, all
with private baths. All cabins have refrigerators, microwaves,
coffee pot with coffee and tea, toaster, and dishes. Cabins with
stovetops have pots and pans. Each cabin and cottage has TV
with cable. The Cabins have DVD’s and VCR’s. Most Cabins
and Cottages have barbecues.
Our water feature, hot tub and Clubhouse are at the center to the property. In the
Clubhouse you can watch one of the two large screen TV’s, read a book from the library,
or play a game of pool. Our 40 acres give you room to stretch our and relax. Nature trails
on the property are for those who need a bit more activity.
Long Barn Lodge Event Center, Long Barn, 20 rooms & 12 cabins www.longbarn.com
Long Barn Lodge offers year round lodging on 5 acres of fantastic
mountain scenery and pine scented air. Our 20 unit motel features
spacious rooms with in room coffee makers and cable TV.
Choose from our 10 fully furnished cabins. All 10 cabins have
kitchens with full size appliances and some with fireplaces. A
small meeting room is on premises. Play volleyball, horseshoes,
or relax by our large swimming pool.
Hotel Charlotte, Groveland/Yosemite 10 rooms www.HotelCharlotte.com
Located in the gold rush town of Groveland, the Hotel Charlotte, a
10 room bed & breakfast hotel on the National Register of Historic
Places, is home to Café Charlotte, a full service Groveland
restaurant with a small bar. Guests to Groveland enjoy the hotel's
central location to activities, shops, library, museum, historic jail
house, nursery, gardens and the Iron Door Saloon.
Jamestown Hotel, Jamestown 8 rooms http://jamestownhotel.com
Enjoy a stay and relax in one of our charming rooms at our
historic hotel. All rooms have private baths some with whirlpool
tubs. Step back in time when you visit this charming historic hotel
set in the scenic Sierra foothills close to golfing, skiing, wineries,
live theatre, lakes, gold panning, and antiquing. Near by is
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Yosemite National Park.
At night enjoy a cocktail, beer, wine or soft drink at our Sports Bar
while you are waiting to be served dinner. Live music Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday also Karaoke Thurday
Historic 1859 National Hotel & Restaurant 9 rooms www.national-hotel.com
A boutique bed & breakfast hotel with full service finedining restaurant and saloon. Romantic rooms restored
to the elegance of a bygone era. Enjoy our
complimentary gourmet buffet breakfast, including a
morning paper and freshly ground coffee. All rooms
have private baths with hand-tiled showers and pullchain toilets, air conditioning and free wireless internet.
In addition to these smaller facilities, there are many
hotels and inns with 50 rooms or more as well as campground facilities capable of
handling groups of various sizes. Larger hotels are listed in the “Group Lodging Facilities
(50 rooms or more)” page. For more information to meet your specific needs, Visit our
website at www.tcvb.com or call us at 800-533-0956.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
PO BOX 4020 (542 Stockton St)
Sonora, CA 95370
800-533-0956 or 209-533-4420
www.tcvb.com