Yosemite North & Gold Country Group Travel Planner

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

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A 4-day warm-weather, mild-adventure-history tour all rolled into one

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A 1-day cultural and historic tour of Jamestown (home of Railtown 1897 Historic State Park) and Columbia State Historic Park

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A 1-night (afternoon and the following morning) “Movie Train” and Gold Rush Historic tour

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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).

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A group tour planning grid listing a variety of activities by category. You can mix and match them to create the perfect trip.

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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

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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.

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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