Nov. 5, 2019, Sonora, CA- As the evenings get longer and the leaves start falling, the shopping season starts calling. Travel to Tuolumne County (Too-All-O-Me) where shopping small means giving big. Why save small-town shopping for one day a year- when there is a whole season of small-town shopping just 2.5 hours east from the San Francisco Bay Area. It is time to Power Up the Season and Shop Tuolumne County NOW. Forget the crowds and the stress of last-minute shopping and shop in the most magical holiday towns.
Sonora- This historic downtown is home to a variety of locally owned and operated shops and restaurants. Wander up and down Washington Street, exploring the ins and outs of the many boutiques like Mountain Home Gifts and find the perfect Tuolumne County themed keepsake. Don't forget to hit the backstreets to discover hidden shopping gems like Motherlode Grown. Post-shopping activities include pulling up a barstool at one of the local watering holes, Servente's Saloon where the authentic feel of the bar has the nostalgic vibe of Historic Downtown Sonora. Dine out at one of the many restaurant options including El Jardin Mexican Restaurant where visitors can enjoy the crisp fall air on their patio dining area.
Twain Harte-Spend a day immersed in the picturesque High Sierra town of Twain Harte, named for authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte. Often a launching point for adventurous days in the nearby Stanislaus National Forest, Twain Harte is decorated with several shops, a wine tasting room, and mouth-watering, mountain-inspired cuisine. Step into the Walk-in- Closet and discover the eclectic vibe of this clothing boutique. Then make kitchen accessory dreams come true at the unique Harte of the Kitchen store.
Groveland- The small, wild west mountain town of Groveland is what happens when Yosemite National Park meets the California Gold Rush. Here, visitors will discover a quaint Gold Country community with a passion for authentic adventure. Explore the historic Main Street shops, enjoy a drink at the oldest operating saloon in California, and sign up for an epic guided hike in Yosemite. Experience “hygge” at the local coffee shop Mountain Sage, discover the chic home style at Ranch Revived, and grab expedition necessities at Yosemite Adventure Supplies.
Columbia- Spend an afternoon touring around the State Historic Park of Columbia. This Gold Rush-era town is known for its all-season Main Street decorated with shops and restaurants that reflect what life was like in the 1800s. Visitors can experience an authentic ride aboard a horse-drawn stagecoach, learn how to pan for gold, and shop at an array of locally owned stores. Pickup holiday sweet treats at Nelson's Candy Kitchen- a five-generation, family-owned candy shop. Live in the past with accessories from Ebler's Leather and experience the old French Corridor at the Columbia Mercantile 1855.
Jamestown- The first town visitors encounter when entering Tuolumne County from the west, is Jamestown. This historic town's buildings echo tales of a simpler time when the discovery of gold brought life to the foothills. Today, visitors can stay in historic inns, shop for antique treasures, dine out, and even wine tasting at three different locations. Socks are a fun stocking stuffer, grab a unique pair at Jimtown Sock Co, or grab a bottle of wine for those holiday parties at Inner Sanctum Cellars, Gianelli Vineyards, or Hurst Ranch.
About Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne County rhymes with “Follow Me,” located 133 miles/200 km 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 1849. 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, four wineries and hard cider distillery, train rides, casinos, seven museums, two state historic parks, two live theaters, many bed-and-breakfast inns, and a variety of Airbnb accommodations are among the many other attributes that make the county a year-round vacation destination. www.visittuolumne.com
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Contact: Katie Kirkland, Communications and Tourism Manager, katie@gotuolumne.com, 209-533-4420