Copyright: Kevin Zimmerman" data-type="image" data-imageid="1076713">
There are many reasons why Tuolumne County, home of Yosemite Gold Country, is known as Vacationland, and not because it's just easier to say and remember. The perfect vacation destination offers four seasons of fun and adventure, a great mix of history, culture and the arts, exciting attractions, excellent dining options and great places to stay. For visitors traveling from nearby San Francisco Bay Area, just three and one-half hours away, across the state of California or across the ocean, easy access from all points on the compass makes Tuolumne County an ideal vacation destination. Tuolumne County is the front door of Yosemite National Park for Northern California, via Highway 120 and encompasses more than half of the beloved park. Here's an overview of Tuolumne County offerings:
FUN AND ADVENTURE--Whitewater rafting, horseback riding in the back country, skiing a double black diamond and downhill single-track mountain bike trails are just some of the activities that summon thrill-seekers from near and far. For a milder yet active vacation seek out that perfect fishing spot or favorite swimming hole. Hike under the canopy of trees with a pristine forest floor crunching underfoot. This is a nature photographer's wonderland.
HISTORY, CULTURE and the ARTS and MOVIE-MAKING-- History aficionados may spend weeks strolling historic Gold Rush towns, perusing museums and catching glimpses of what life was like during California's historic Gold Rush. At Columbia State Historic Park is the most extensive of gold rush-era buildings in the world, where the past is alive today -- a blacksmith works away while an authentic stagecoach heads up the road. Interactive displays are found throughout the town and gold panning is a must. Another State Park, Railtown 1897, is a magnet for train and history enthusiasts. Seasonal train rides from wildflower viewing to the Polar Express brings out the belief in Santa for everyone. Find traces of Hollywood throughout the Park and beyond as over 300 movies, television shows, and commercials have been filmed in this area. Exceptional live theatre on three different stages brings local and national actors together for dramatic plays, comedies, and musical performances.
Art galleries featuring a variety of local art including watercolors, oil paintings, ceramics and photography can be found throughout the region. The talent here is only eclipsed by the tremendous natural inspiration of the area. Art celebrations, as well as a number of other events, abound year-round. Visit www.yosemitegoldcountry.com for a complete calendar of events listing.
EATERIES—America's favorite pastime is no challenge here, with a variety of cuisines and artisan offerings. From quaint downtown bistros and cafes to historic saloons, upscale dining rooms and better-known restaurants, palettes are pleased. Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and American restaurants welcome world travelers. Check the events calendar for special winemaker dinners or beer pairing dinners. Local wines and hard ciders are often found on beverage menus, offering guests a taste of the local flavor. Plan a trip during Tuolumne County Restaurant Week, the third week of January for unique offerings and values.
LODGING-- Slumber under the starry skies or sleep where the stars slept. Historic hotels have been known to house some of the greats from the big screen like Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood, Michael J. Fox and Grace Kelly. Historic inns boast hosting U.S. Presidents, Army Generals, Historians, and practically everyone claims that Mark Twain slept there. Quaint bed and breakfasts and historic inns offering exceptional service can be found tucked back in the trees, on a mountain top or in the heart of a historic downtown. Quality hotels and motels are conveniently located throughout the area. Year-round resorts can accommodate small to large groups. A variety of RV parks and campgrounds can be found throughout the County, whether roadside or riverside.
For more information on Tuolumne County Vacationland, visit www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com to order or download the 2015 Tuolumne County Vacation Planner. Or call the Visitors Center at 800-446-1333. Visit us at 542 Stockton Street, Sonora, California.
Tuolumne (rhymes with "follow me") County, located 133 miles east of San Francisco, is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1949. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from the San Francisco and East Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The State Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the "front door" of the park for the San Francisco Greater Bay Area. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and other surrounding areas provide natural vistas and settings for hiking, water skiing, horseback riding, rafting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, snow skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities. Seven restored historic hotels, four golf courses, numerous and varied dining establishments, historic saloons, five wineries and hard cider distillery, train rides, casino, seven museums, two state historic parks, five live theaters and many bed-and-breakfast inns are among the many other attributes that make the county a year round vacation destination. www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com