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Nov 2008
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Seniors 4 Travel
We count ourselves fortunate to reside in Nevada - and, adjacent California. No other state is as well known for worldclass wines; Hollywood, movie capital of the world; sophisticated San Francisco; and the giant Sequoias.
Then there's our new favorite retreat, Angels Camp, in a county made famous by Mark Twain's “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” The discovery of gold in 1849, and a colorful bandit named Black Bart are reasons enough for historic exploration of the region.
Angels Camp is in the Sierra Foothills, 165 miles from Reno. We found it an idyllic destination for our unwind-andrecharge escape.
The wine caverns were the first step in the creation of the Ironstone Vineyards Winery in Murphys, CA. It served as the first tasting room.
Photo:Ironstone Vineyards
Today, the tranquil community has a population of less than 4,000. In the early days, the Mother Lode County was very prosperous, and Angels Camp attracted many industrious individuals looking for adventure. Strolling the restored main street with buildings from the mid-1800s, it was easy to imagine the town in its hey-day - the roar of the stamp mills, honky-tonk music wafting from the dance halls and the ruckus of its saloons filled with hard working miners. Angel's Camp Lodging Info: www.inncalifornia.com
One of the more touristed events thereabouts is the Jumping Frog Jubilee, held annually the 3rd weekend in May. Billed as an “Old Fashion County Fair,” it features entertainment, exhibits, a carnival...and frogs.
Calaveras County boasts 21 wineries, several along the 10-mile road between Angel's Camp and Murphys. We spent the better part of a day at Ironstone Vineyards.
Murphys was a thriving boomtown during the Gold Rush, hosting Ulysses S. Grant, financiers J. P. Morgan and John Jacob Aster, and Mark Twain. By the looks of things, its attraction these days is a number of winery tasting rooms and specialty shops along the main street. Visitor information: (800) 225-3764; www.visitmurphys.com
Ironstone Vineyards was established in 1990 by the Kautz family. For many years they grew grapes for other wineries. Later, the decision was made to build a winery. Today, Ironstone Vineyards is truly a destination place, with a conference center, museum, Jewelry Shoppe and elaborate tasting room. In-house chefs conduct cooking classes, topname acts are booked at the amphitheater, and events are held in the manicured gardens. The museum houses historical artifacts from the Gold Rush era and the world's largest single specimen of Crystalline Gold Leaf, uncovered a few miles from the winery. Tel: (209) 728-1251. Fax: (209) 728-1275. www.ironstonevineyards.com
To get to Angel's Camp, we took Interstate 395 south to Route 89 to Jackson, then 50 miles south on Route 49 to Angels Camp. Coming home, we took California Route 4, a scenic, narrow, winding road through the mountains - well worth it if you have time.
Along the way, we spent half the day at the Calavaras Big Trees State Park.
Native Americans knew about the Giant Sequoias for thousands of years, considering them sacred. A. T. Dowd in 1850 “discovered” them, making their existence known to the world. Save-The-Redwoods League and the Calaveras Grove Association have made the ongoing preservation a reality.
Along with towering giant sequoias, are 6,000 acres of pine forest on both sides of the Stanislaus River. Open year round, within the park are campgrounds, picnic areas, and miles of hiking and bicycling trails. www.bigtrees.org
With much to see and do, Angels Camp gets our recommendation as a nature escape - for couples as well as families.