Valley Views - Fall Promo by Stan Countz

$2.95

featuring GATEWAYS & GETAWAYS

YOSEMITE CELEBRATES 150TH Anniversary of the Yosemite Grant

LUXURY HOME SPOTLIGHT PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE GUIDE WILDLIFE REFUGES OF VALLEY AND FOOTHILLS WALKING TOUR MAPS IN SEARCH OF THE BEST BURGER ON HWY 132 FALL 2014 • $2.95

21762

37097

Produced by Valley Views Magazine, Local Media Pros and Sabre Design Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 1

2 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 3

PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE Welcome to the 42nd issue of Valley Views magazine. The very first issue of Valley Views magazine was published by Stan C. Countz in March of 1980. It featured a full-color photo of Modesto’s McHenry Mansion on the cover and was, by all estimations, the central San Joaquin valley’s first regional magazine. Countz published 30 issues of Valley Views from 1980 to 1983 before “desktop publishing” was even a word in the dictionary. “When we referred to ‘cutting and pasting’ back then,” Countz recalls, “we were cutting with an Exacto knife and pasting with hot wax.” Fast-forward 20 years later and Countz published Valley Views again from the spring of 2003 to the summer of 2006. The magazine grew to 100 pages in three issues and stayed strong until the summer of 2006. In 2004, Countz launched http://www.valleyviews.biz – the website and, in 2005, he produced four episodes of a half-hour cable TV show entitled Valley Views Spotlight which served as an audio-video extension of the magazine. In 2010, Countz established the 209 area code’s local business portal: http://www.localfirst.biz. Local First 209 is a site designed to promote locally owned and operated businesses based in the 209 area code. In 2014, Countz decided to investigate whether or not the economy was making a slight comeback and so he began preparations to publish the 42nd issue of Valley Views as an interactive multimedia magazine. He will be designing and printing the magazine but will also be producing audio and video-enhanced content to embed in the digital edition of Valley Views. Countz brainstormed with Gold Country Adventures publishers David and Christina Wilkinson and The Best of Country Escapes and Wine Spoken Here publisher, Gail Wilson, to ascertain what they felt the market wanted and needed. He then recruited their help in selling advertising and designing a lifestyle magazine worthy of the name Valley Views. Wilkinson and Countz also felt that a magazine within a magazine could be created and decided to create Gateways & Getaways as a destinations and getaways section initially with the idea of spinning it off as a separate magazine if it really catches on. If you own or operate a business or venue along the way to or from Yosemite or in or near a “gateway” community, contact us to make sure your business is properly represented in our multimedia promotional destination marketing campaign. Or if you have a community, a destination, a business, non-profit organization or a story that you think might be of interest to Valley Views readers, subscribers, viewers or listeners, feel free to contact us. Call or text 209-554-7211 or email contactus@valleyviews.biz Stan Countz Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Valley Views Magazine Gateways & Getaways

4 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

FALL 2014 ValleyViews.biz PUBLISHER: Stan Countz EDITOR IN CHIEF: ADMINISTRATION: Diana Ringer Articles/Features DIGITAL DIRECTOR: WRITERS: Diana Ringer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Karen Lovelady Photography SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR: David Wilkinson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sean Lovelady, David Wilkinson, Christina Wilkinson, Diana Ringer, Design/Art, Production Team CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Christina Wilkinson ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR: GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST: Bethany Wilkinson CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS: Christina Wilkinson, Advertising & Marketing AD SALES: Gail S. Wilson MARKETING: Stan Countz Corporate Office 1501 Roosevelt Drive Modesto CA 95350 Phone: 209.554.7211 Email: contact@valleyviews.biz

CONTENTS

| FALL 2014

10 THE BEST BURGER

28 INTO THE WILD

We ate at more than half a dozen

Great one day getaways for sightseeing,

restaurants along Highway 132, and these

flora and fauna. Photographers enjoy

are the three best burgers.

these locations.

16 NATURAL BRIDGES

22 HIGHWAY 132

A majestic watershed wonder hidden in

Discover historic bygones along this

Calaveras County.

quaint road traveling through Coulterville,

28 DEPARTMENTS 4 6 7 8 15 30

PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE GOLD COUNTRY MAP OUT & ABOUT GROVELAND CA MARIPOSA CA LUXURY HOME SPOTLIGHT

LaGrange and Robert’s Ferry.

26 BIG CREEK MEADOW RANCH Home to livestock and open to the public as a bed and breakfast. Enjoy your stay at this rustic inn just outside of Yosemite National Park near Groveland.

ON THE COVER

The Ahwanhee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. Book early if you wish to stay at the Ahwanhee as the hotel is a very popular destination in Yosemite National Park. Photo courtesy of David Wilkinson Photography.

FALL 2014 GATEWAYS & GETAWAYS | 5

LEGEND

CENTRAL VALLEY

ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOSEMITE

6 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Yosemiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th

osemiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150th Anniversary

words to President Roosevelt and state

to enjoy. This historic legislation was

On June 30, 1864, in the

authorities led to combining Yosemite

the beginning of not only the California

midst of the Civil War, Con-

Valley and Mariposa Grove with Yosemi-

State Park System, but the national park

gress enacted the Yosemite

te National Park in 1906. Visionaries like

idea we know today. Visitors arrived by

Grant Act, establishing Yosemite Valley

Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt,

1869, and camping, hiking and swim-

and Mariposa Grove as the first pro-

John Muir, and Galen Clark under-

ming in the park became more popular

tected wild land for all time. This grant

stood that the wonders of the American

every year. As roads and campgrounds

marked the first California State Park.

wilderness are not only our inheritance,

were established, the number of visitors

President Abraham Lincoln signed the

but our responsibility. Now, 150 years

exploded. The federal government took

Yosemite Grant Act. From the begin-

later, the promise of the Yosemite Grant

control of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa

ning, this act was a legacy for our nation.

endures as this beloved national park

Grove in 1906. This year, the National

Today, the preservation of Yosemite

opens its arms to over 4 million people

Park Service also celebrates the 150th

inspires the world. The Yosemite Grant

annually who marvel at the awe-inspir-

anniversary of the signing of the Yo-

was the first land grant to protect wild

ing beauty and gain a new understand-

semite Grant. The National Park Service

lands for the enjoyment of people. With

ing of the importance of preserving

remains partnered with California State

the help of many partners and friends,

our wild lands. California State Parks

Parks in preservation of natural and his-

Yosemite and the gateway communities

commemorates the 1864 establishment

toric resources Yosemite Gateway Part-

hosted a nation-wide commemorative

of the first state park in the world. On

ners is composed of citizens, communi-

effort to honor the 150th anniversary of

June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lin-

ties and organizations throughout the

this significant event that spurred the

coln signed a bill granting 39,000 acres

greater Yosemite region that acknowl-

national park idea. In 1890, the land

of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big

edge their mutual interdependence, and

surrounding these two tracts was des-

Tree Grove to the State of California.

collaborate with each other to create

ignated Yosemite National Park. Early

Never before had land been set aside to

sustainable area-wide cultural, natural,

conservationist John Muirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s persuasive

protect its natural state for the public

and economic prosperity. Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 7

GROVELAND, CA ch H o r i c Pa t h ) e t c hy R a i l r o a d ( H i s t

Hop

11 1

de r on

os a

2 20

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8 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

per

1 1

MAIN STREE T

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reet

E HIG H WA Y 120

R tti rre

di St Bisor

S TAT

MARY LAVERONI COMMUNITY PARK

1. Mary Laveroni Community Park 2. The Tannahill Home, 1857 3. Calpingers’ Texaco Service Station, est.1935 4. Original Post Office, 1936. 5. The Hotel Charlotte, 1921 6. Casmir Reboul’s Trading Post & Restaurant, 1849 to 1852 7. The Cassaretto Home built in the turn of the century. 8. The Community Hall, 1918. Both the Justice Court and the library were downstairs until the 1990s. 9. The Lumsden House (was once Baird’s Hotel complex), 1920. 10. United Mortgage and One Hour Photo 11. The Groveland Jail 12. The Reid Home, 1903.

13. The Sutton House, 1881 14. The Margaret Simmons Home (All Seasons Groveland Inn), 1900 15. School House, 1916 16. The Gilliam Home, 1903 17. Francis Martin established a ranch and in 1877 erected a small frame house. Now it’s the home to Mountain Sage Garden, Gallery & Gear. 18. The Yosemite Title Co. office is what remains of the Henry Michael DeFerrari Home, 1899. 19. Groveland Gas Station, 1921 20. & 21. In 1933, a serious fire leveled the original 1921 structures which were rebuilt and destroyed again in 1989. 22. Tuolumne Meat Market

les

Elder L ane

ahill

Cree

Ta n n

TO PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE COUNTRY CLUB, GOLF COURSE, STABLES, CAMPGROUNDS, AND AIRPORT

23. Watts and Tannahill had this two-story adobe erected, 1851 c. It’s now Coffee Time and Petal Pushers 24. Iron Door Saloon, 1852 25. The Groveland Hotel, 1849 26. Groveland/Yosemite Gateway Museum and Library

FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 9

The BEST FOOD EDITOR, DIANA RINGER

I love my job! Blending the best of both worlds, travel and food, appealed to me from the very beginning.

10 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

Burger on 132 WORTH THE WAIT

French fries. As a hardened “fast food junky” I thought I

Ironically, the top three burgers reside at the end of

had tasted it all, fry wise, until I tried the house fries. Un-

132. Nestled between LaGrange and Coulterville, I tasted

believable! I charmed the secret out of the chef, but only

three “destination worthy” burgers.

on the grounds I keep it a strict secret. I can’t tell you how he does it, but they are worth every calorie and more. I

The Jeffrey Hotel

would skip a lot of fries to make my way back to those! Other burger offerings, all of them delicious, include:

5001 Main Street Coulterville, CA 95311

a mushroom burger, a blue cheese melt and a classic

(209) 878-0461

burger. Want to match creative wits with the chef, then the “build a burger” (at a modest $11)

hoteljeffery.com

is a perfect fit for you. The Cowboy Burger

Not into burgers? No problem. The Hotel Jeffrey has something for

I drove a little more than an hour east of Modesto to ex-

everyone, from steaks and chicken,

perience an artistic twist on the

to pizzas and sandwiches. With

American classic “bacon cheese-

drinks and desserts, you can count

burger.” Situated at the south-

on spending around $15-$20 per

ern tip of Main Street, just past

person.

the intersection of highways The Lumber Yard

132 and 49, lies the Jeffrey Hotel. The Magnolia Saloon which

3473 Merced Falls Rd

a part of the Hotel Jeffery, is

La Grange, CA 95329

the oldest working saloon in

(209) 852-0146

California, complete with the

aljfalfjaflkjdalfjkadlf;kja

lumberyardcafe.com

original “bat wing” doors like you see in old westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke. Inside this historical building is a classically trained

The Lumberjack Burger When I look back on the Lumber Yard Café, I think

culinary artist who likes to add his own fresh twist on

great food, good times, and somewhere I want to go back

American Classics, such as burgers and fries.

to on a regular basis.

The Cowboy Burger is an impressive 1/3 lb fresh

First and foremost, their burgers pack the one-two

ground patty, with hickory smoked bacon, fried onion

punch of high quality, and quantity. All but the heartiest

rings, BBQ sauce and your choice of cheese. Served with a

appetites will be happy to share their 1 lb Lumberjack

side of hand cut French fries, coleslaw or potato salad.

burger, piled so high with fresh tasty toppings you wonder

My personal suggestion would be to experience the

how you are going to get your jaw around it! Their more Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 11

modest ½ lb burger doesn’t skimp on taste or fixings either. This is probably the best place of

The LaGrange Saloon La Grange Saloon and Grill 30048 Yosemite Blvd

them all if you enjoy people watching,

La Grange, CA 95329

or mingling with a group of people

(209) 853-2114

you probably won’t otherwise have a

https://www.facebook.com/

chance to associate with. Situated near

pages/Louies-Place-Saloon-and-

Lake Don Pedro, on any given night,

Grill/368748569828519

you see a mix of boaters (with young families) and road loving bikers. In

The third best burger I tasted, and

the summer, you are likely to see large

it’s nearly impossible to rate them, is

groups of European tourists (on a

in the city of LaGrange itself. This his-

lay-over before heading onto Yosemite

toric bar is deceiving from the front.

National Park). These tourists have LaGrange

literally made this place “world famous” by encouraging family, friends, and strangers alike to stop in and experience the super tasty, supersized American cuisine. I loved the atmosphere so much, I had to find an excuse to come and sample the food twice. The second time, a

“...you find yourself transported back in time.”

local band was playing out front, and I enjoyed a cool summer evening listen-

façade, and you find yourself trans-

That night, they were also serving these

ported back in time. Its old saloon feel

miniature cupcakes that shouldn’t even

allows you to believe that your favorite

be legal (yes, they were that good!!)

western character is just going to walk

The Lumber Yard also offers KaraLumberjack

oke on Friday nights, so if you feel like singing for your supper, they can hook you up!

Valley Views Food Editor, Diana Ringer

in any minute and belly up to the bar for a cold one. Walk past the pool table in the back, and through the screen door, to the

Not all your travelers want burg-

back yard, and you are transported once

ers? No problem. The Lumber Yard can

again. A narrow walkway leads to a large,

satisfy a variety of tastes from tri-tip to

lush backyard with a gazebo and plenty

linguicia sandwiches, a tri-tip burrito,

of green lush grass to dance upon. The

and slightly lighter fare like nachos,

Saloon, also known “Louie’s Place” has

quesadillas, hot dogs and salads. They

an active entertainment calendar, so I

also offer a very special Rib-Eye steak

encourage people to call ahead.

A life-long burger enthusiast, Diane takes her love and deep appreciation of food very seriously. Visit her online blog at www.valleyviews.biz/ blogs/foodiediaries

dinner that is out of this world for just

Visit the blog and give her ideas for future articles / reviews.

12 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

Walk through its old time western

ing to live music and sipping a brew.

The saloon boasts one of the old-

under $20/per person. Top your per-

est, intact bars anywhere, but the kitch-

fect meal off with a selection of beer,

en is the real secret to their success.

soda or ice tea. Picking up the tab? You

When I went there, I had an opportu-

can count on $15-20 per meal, if you

nity to meet the cook, an incredibly

skip the steak dinner.

vibrant woman that brings passion and

precision to everything she gets her

ers on Highway 132 or anywhere

mean that there aren’t great burgers

hands on.

else for that matter.

to be found on the valley floor. Of the

Of course, I had to order a bacon

The take away from La Grange:

dozen plus burger places I tried, from

cheeseburger, with all the fixings.

Great burger making technique,

west of Modesto to Coulterville, there

The end result was well worth the

impeccable plating style, and great

are many great burger places. These

wait. I wasn’t even hungry, but I

ingredients!

restaurants deserve their own special

found I couldn’t help myself. It was

awards along the way.

all just too good! I tried to have a

OTHER GREAT BURGER CHOICES

shred of restraint, and shared it with

ALONG HIGHWAY 132

a friend. It was unanimous, 2-0, this was definitely one of the best burg-

Just because my top three shared

For the rest of the story, visit http://online.valleyviews.biz/bestburgers

a common geographic theme, doesn’t FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 13

14 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

Long

lch

Mariposa Cemetery

17 18 16 5 4

38 39

Quartz St.

3th St.

5th St. 6th St.

26 23 24

7th St.

8th St.

9th St.

33 3536 37 34 HIGHWAY 140

o M ari p

1. Mariposa Mine, 1849 2. Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 1862 3. Duff House 4. Old Jail, 1858 5. Bertken Cottage, 1901 6. Gann House, 2nd Mason’s Lodge, 1864 7. Bruce Bro. Shop (location) 8. Methodist Church So., 1893 a. Methodist Church Parish Hall, 1941 9. Fort Sumpter Garage (location) 10. Old Post Office, c. 1886 11. a. Express Drug and Variety (location) b. MacDermott and Co., 1858 c. Mariposa County Arts Park 12. a. Zeller Building, 1892 b. Stolder Building, 1901 c. Old CHP Office, 1936

HWAY 49 HIG

6 7

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CHARLES ST. uri sso Mi

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Visitor Center

10th St.

11th St.

12th St.

BULLION ST.

31 13th St.

JONES ST.

4th St.

HIG HW

AY 1 40

Post Office

reek sa C

d. Bogan & Co., 1867 e. Meat Market, 1867 f. Capital Saloon, 1867 g. Fremont Adobe, 1850 13. a. Schlageter Hotel, 1867 b. Trabucco Store, 1896 c. Old Post Office (original location) d. Trabucco Store add., 1949 e. El Capitan Saloon, 1895 f. Charley Walker’s Garage, 1900 g. I.O.O.F. Hall #39, 1867 h. Methodist Church (original location) i. Van Campen Residence (location) New Methodist Church, 1962 14. a. Patten House, 1880 b. Mariposa Theater, 1936 c. Garber Property d. Gallison/J.J. Cook Residence (location)

E D C F 15 B

J H

13 C G F E DB A

A BC D

ABC D E FG

A B

15. a. Fremont Motel b. Masonic Hall #24, 1917 c. Doctor’s Residence d. Presbyterian Church, 1889 & Concert Hall (location) e. D.C. Ashworth Lot f. John Higman’s Store, 1883 16. Mariposa Gazette (location) 17. John Trabucco Res., 1934 18. Emile Trabucco Residence, 1932 19. Mariposa Opera House (location) 20. Schlageter House, 1859 21. Mariposa Elementary School 22. Mariposa High School 23. Jones House, 1858 24. a. Judge Schottky House, 1935 b. Carl G. Lind House, 1870 c. 25. A.H. Washburn House (location)

88 A

26. Counts House (location) 27. Adair House, 1900 c. 28. J.J. Trabucco Home, 1901 29. Mariposa Gazette 30. Tiscornia & Irves Funeral Home, 1935 31. Thorn House, pre 1900 32. Mariposa Courthouse, 1854 33. Henry Garber Jr., 1896 34. Henry Garber Sr., 1861 c. 35. Milburn House, 1898 36. George Lind House, 1897 37. Ellingham House, 1930 c. 38. Tressider House/Mariposa Brewery 39. Lourvre Hotel, 1896 40. Mariposa Museum & History Center

Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 15

Natural BY SEAN & KAREN LOVELADY

16 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

BRiDGES of Calaveras County

ust a little over an hour from

Road and the trail head is very easy to

from the mossy entrance of the cave!

Modesto, California, situat-

find. The trail winds through a forest

It is the Upper Natural Bridge… and

ed in the Sierra Foothills of

of grand old oaks and has a gradual

it is breathtaking!

Calaveras County are some

descent of about 300 feet. (So keep

spectacular limestone

in mind that if you are descending

the cavern, you can’t help but at least

caverns known as “Natural Bridges.”

on the way in … you’re going to be

take your shoes off. This place is too

My family and I happened to find

ascending on the way out.) Having

fascinating to not explore. But one

these beautiful caves some years

said this, just about anybody can do

word of warning: the water is ICE

ago after googling “fun places to go

this hike. In fact, our daughter was

COLD (though eventually, you get

around Modesto.” This area left such

five the first time we came ~ and she

used to it)! Coyote Creek runs all the

an impression on us we’ve been back

didn’t need any help at all.

way through the cavern (about 100

numerous times with various relatives and friends.

As you near the bottom of the

As you approach the entrance to

feet). Visitors float through the cave

trail you will find a small picnic area

on rafts; others swim. We like to go in

surrounded by a profusion of black-

late June or early July when the water

prised of two amazing limestone

berry bushes. You hear sounds of

is down. Also, you will notice trout

caverns located on Coyote Creek. The

running water. And then you see

in the water at the entrance to the

more well-known of the two is the

it ~ a wide, moss covered cavern

cave. The last time we came to Natural

Upper Natural Bridge. It is located

(about 15 feet high and 40 feet wide),

Bridges, I had 10-20 trout swimming

just about a mile from Parrot’s Ferry

hundreds of beads of water dripping

Natural Bridges is actually com-

FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 17

18 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

around me. So I grabbed a bag of bread and dropped a few pieces into the water. It was apparently a hit ~ because they gobbled them up! From then on I had a little entourage going. If you choose to venture about a half mile downstream, you will find another limestone cavern known as Lower Natural Bridge. Ferns hang down over the arched entrance but this cavern looks more like a tall, round subway tunnel. The cavern is 250 feet long from one end to the other. You can swim through it and reemerge on the other side, but this cavern has dark, deep pools along the way. We haven’t ventured this one yet. One last note: Keep an eye out for the yellow snails and strange spiders in the vegetation around the banks of Coyote Creek. I’ve also heard that the little squirrels along the way are known for their thievery ~ though I’ve never seen them carting off a whole ice chest. Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves! I give Natural Bridges a Five (out of Five) stars!

“...you find yourself transported back in time.”

Directions from Modesto: Head north on McHenry toward Burchell Ct -> Turn east onto Claus Rd (8.9 miles) -> Turn R onto CA-108 E (continue 35.8 miles) -> Make a slight left onto Jamestown Rd (continue 3.9 miles) -> Turn onto Shaws Flat Rd (continue 1.2 miles) à Continue straight onto Springfield Rd (0.7 miles) Make a slight left onto Parrots Ferry Road (continue 3.5 miles to trail head). Enjoy!! Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 19

COLUMBIA CA 27

Jackson Street

32 33 34 29 35

24 23

State Street

23 19 21 22 18 20

Fulton

Street 13

12 11 10

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30 37

39 40 41 42 43 44

38 39 40 41 38 42 43 44

46 45

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12 11 10 14

14 13

Main Street

d Parrotts Ferry Roa Parrotts Ferry Road

State Street

32 33 34 35

24 16

Main Street

19 21 22 18 20

3 48

Parking Lot

20 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

Columbia Street

Jackson Street

Columbia Street

3. Eagle Cottage 4. Masonic Hall 5. Miner's Cabin 6. Wells Fargo Building 7. A.N. Fisher Stage Line & Stable 8. D.O. Mills Building 1. Fallon Theatre,9.Fallon Hotel, Ice Cream&Parlor Columbia Candle Soap Works 2. Columbia Gazette Office 10. Jack Douglass Saloon 3. Eagle Cottage 11. J.C. Miller Carpenter Shop 4. Masonic Hall 5. Miner's Cabin 12. Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitch 13. Native Sons of Golden West 6. Wells Fargo Building 7. A.N. Fisher Stage & Stable 14.Line Justice Court 8. D.O. Mills Building 15. Angelo's Hall 9. Columbia Candle & Soap Works 16. Columbia House Restaurant 10. Jack Douglass Saloon 17. OddShop Fellows Building 11. J.C. Miller Carpenter 18. Papeete Firehouse 12. Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen 13. Native Sons of 19.Golden DrugWest Store Exhibit 14. Justice Court20. Dentist Office Exhibit 15. Angelo's Hall21. Photo Studio 16. Columbia House Restaurant 22. Towle & Leavitt Gifts 17. Odd Fellows Building 23. Brown's Coffee House & Sweet 18. Papeete Firehouse 24. City Hotel 19. Drug Store Exhibit 20. Dentist Office25. Exhibit What Cheer Saloon 21. Photo Studio26. California Store Exhibit 22. Towle & Leavitt Gifts 27. St. Charles Saloon 23. Brown's Coffee House & Sweet Saloon 24. City Hotel 28. Mercantile 29. Main Street Firehouse 25. What Cheer Saloon 26. California Store 30.Exhibit Jailhouse 27. St. Charles Saloon 31. Wilson-McConnel Home 28. Mercantile 32. Butcher Shop Exhibit 29. Main Street Firehouse 33. Chinese Herb Shop Exhibit 30. Jailhouse 34. Bowling 31. Wilson-McConnel Home Alley Columbia Museum 32. Butcher Shop35. Exhibit 33. Chinese Herb36. Shop Exhibit Bakery Devon's 34. Bowling Alley37. Lickskillit Cafe 35. Columbia Museum 38. Livery Stable Exhibit 36. Devon's Bakery 39. Parrott's Blacksmith Shop 37. Lickskillit Cafe Fancy Dry Goods & Clothing St 38. Livery Stable40. Exhibit 39. Parrott's Blacksmith Shop Shop 41. Barber 40. Fancy Dry Goods & Clothing 42. Columbia Store Booksellers & Station 41. Barber Shop 43. Candle Making Courtyard 42. Columbia Booksellers & Stationers 44.Courtyard Tibbit's House 43. Candle Making 45. Martinez Home 44. Tibbit's House 46. Brady Building/Pioneer Empori 45. Martinez Home 46. Brady Building/Pioneer Emporium 47. Matelot Miners Supply, Gold Pa 47. Matelot Miners Supply, Panning 48. HorseGold Riding Stables 48. Horse Riding Stables

SUTTER CREEK CA ador

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m Old A

h St.

1. Post O 2. Sorac 3. Origin 4. Origin 5. Native 6. Klima 7. The R 8. Ratto 9. F. Cob 1. Post Office 10. Store 2. Soracco & Co. 1869 3. Originally Boro's Saloon & Restaurant 1896 11. Brinn 4. Originally Bank of Amador 1915 12. Corb 5. Native Sons Hall 13. City 6. Klima Bldg 1892 7. The Richards' Building 1898 14. Priva 8. Ratto Theater 1919 15. Tibb 9. F. Coblentz & Brother c. 1865 10. Store 1858 16. Pino 11. Brinn Store 1888 12. Corbett Bldg (orig. Sutter Creek Hotel) 187017. Hubb 13. City Hall/Auditorium 1928 18. Oddf 14. Private Homes c. 1860 19. Mas 15. Tibbitts Foundry c. 1850's 16. Pinotti Bldg 20. Drug 17. Hubble Bldg. 1865 21. Orig 18. Oddfellows Hall 1859 19. Masonic Hall 1865 22. Orig 20. Drug Strore 1850 21. Originally American Exchange Hotel c.1860 23. 1898 22. Originally Butcher Shop 1888 24. 1888 23. 1898 25. Brign 24. 1888 25. Brignole Building c. 1880 26. Orig 26. Originally Keyes Home c. 1859 27. The 27. The Brinn House c. 1850 28. 1903 Victorian 28. 1903 29. Mahoney Granary 1866 29. Mah 30. Private Home c. 1900 30. Priva 31. Trinity Episcopal Church 1897 32. Immaculate Conception Church c. 1850's 31. Trini 33. The Down's Mansion 1870 32. Imm 34. Herman House 1859 35. "Catalog" home 1930 33. The 36. McIntire Home 34. Herm 37. Monteverde Store (Museum) 1898 38. The Randolph Home 35. "Cat 39. The Old Mint Saloon c. 1890's 36. McIn 40. Lagomarsino (Inn) 1914 41. Knight Foundry 1873 37. Mon 42. Private Home 1898 38. The 43. Swift Home 1895 44. Kingdom Hall 1872 39. The Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS40. | 21 Lago

22 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

ROUTE 132 BY LYNN SAMPSON

“The Road Less Traveled...” The Historic and Scenic Route

ROUTE 132 iving in the middle of Cali-

is Merced through Mariposa. The road

and is both dangerous and tedious.

to Groveland is full of twists and turns

The road past Mariposa has a 15

fornia’s vast San Joaquin

minute wait in order to bypass a

Valley puts you squarely

decades old rockslide by navigat-

between two of this

ing a single lane makeshift bridge

planets most impressive sights. A

as you dutifully take your turn

hundred miles to the west is the

crossing the Merced River. Traffic

Pacific Ocean and about the same

is often heavy on both. Either

distance to the east is spectacular

way makes getting to Yosemite an

Yosemite National Park. Getting

ordeal.

to the ocean is not complicated or tricky. Getting to Yosemite is.

There is a much better

There are three routes you can

alternative.

take from the Stockton/Modesto

I suggest taking the “road less

area. Being a veteran of all three, I

traveled,” as the poet Robert Frost

can confidently tell you which one

put it. Leaving Modesto and wind-

of them is best.

ing its way through Waterford and

The most common route is by

up into the beating heart of the

way of Groveland after a narrow

California Gold Rush and easily,

ascent leaving Highway 108 past

simply, blithely being ushered in

Oakdale. The second most used

the North Entrance to Yosemite is FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 23

24 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

COULTERVILLE CA

17 18

AD O

W H IG

HI WA Y 49

HIGHWA

Y 132

12 S 11 R E 10 AT 9 W 8

21 22

IC BL K U P AR OL P PO &

e ill rv te rk ul Pa Co RV

MIT

OLD CHINATOWN & CEMETERY

humble, uncongested, scenic, unsur-

gourmet nuts and candied a the Rob-

passed, and historic Highway 132. Not

erts Ferry Nut Company, two perfectly

only is the trip far more enjoyable,

preserved Old West saloons in La

but when you arrive, you are greeted

Grange and Coulterville, the welcome

with the unparalleled sight of Yosemi-

respite of the General Store in Greeley

te Valley from high atop its rim as the

Hill, fabulous views, sweeping vistas,

road snakes down to the valley floor.

and intimate pine forests to photo-

If you are one of the many unlucky

graph and gaze upon.

travelers who enter via Mariposa, you

Do yourself a favor and next time

arrive at ground level and Half Dome,

take 132. You’ll be in excellent compa-

El Capitan and all the rest are far less

ny. That is exactly the way the father of

remarkably viewed from below than

Yosemite National Park and America’s

from above.

most famous outdoorsman chose to

Along the way there is a bracing

get there. When you arrive just tell the

meal with which to start your journey

ranger who greets you at the gate that

at the Fruit Yard just past Empire,

John Muir sent you.

quaint stops among the old-style street lanterns of downtown Waterford, fine

1. Coulter Hotel 2. Wells Fargo/McCarthy's Store 3. Fire Dept. 4. Barrett Blacksmith Shop 5. E.E. Warne Store 6. Powder House 7. Post Office 8. Bruschi Brothers Warehouse 9. The Mint (burned down) 10. Gazzolo Store 11. Gazzolo Building 12. Commissiona Store 13. Ellis House 14. I.O.O.F. Building 15. Canova House 16. Candy's Place 17. The Boardwalk 18. Canova Warehouse 19. Grenfell House 20. Harlow House 21. Yosemite Garage 22. Sample Family House 23. Bruschi Store 24. Hotel Jeffrey, Magnolia Saloon, Old Johnny Haigh Saloon, Old Barber Shop, Cigar Store, Café, & Chinese Laundry 25. Methodist Church 26. The Old School House 27. Musante House 28. James Gazzolo House 29. Coulterville Service Center 30. Catholic Cemetary 31. Tiscorgnia House 32. Coulter House

THE FRUIT YARD 7948 YOSEMITE BLVD MODESTO, CA 95357 (209) 577-3093 WATERFORD’S DOWNTOWN LOCATION ROBERT FERRY NUT CO. 20493 YOSEMITE BLVD WATERFORD, CA 95386 (209) 874-3247 LOUIE’S PLACE SALOON & GRILL 30048 YOSEMITE BLVD LA GRANGE, CA 95329 (209) 853-2050 HOTEL JEFFREY 5001 MAIN ST COULTERVILLE, CA 95311 (209) 878-0461 GREELEY HILL GENERAL STORE LYNN SAMPSON FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 25

THE END OF THE ROAD – BEGINNING OF ADVENTURE BY DIANA RINGER

Big Creek Meadow Ranch — Hwy 120 at Smith Station Road

The Big Creek Meadow Ranch 10551 Smith Station Rd Groveland, CA 95351 Phone: (209) 962-1942 Non-Smoking Facility, Pet Friendly (Under 25 lbs) 26 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

“Cool evening breezes, serene pastures and breath-taking views.” That is how I describe my experience at Big Creek Meadow Ranch in Groveland.

ituated on Highway 120

room comes equipped with a private

include a variety of mature shade and

and Smith Station Road, Big

bath, a hearty buffet breakfast, TV,

fruit trees. Gardening enthusiasts will

Creek is a 165-acre work-

complimentary WIFI, air conditioning,

appreciate the thoughtful landscape

ing sheep and guest ranch.

coffee station, refrigerator, hair dryer

design. The flower beds provide a con-

Smith’s Station was originally a pop-

and iron. Room rates range from $129-

tinuous display of color throughout

ular stop in the 1800’s for stages and

$159 per night.

the spring and FALL months, replaced

horse-drawn freight wagons. The orig-

The large 36 foot natural wood

inal hotel once served guests on their

back deck overlooks expansive pas-

Flowering shrubs provide compli-

way to Yosemite. Among the visitors

tures, features a dozen or so cute-as-

mentary splashes of color and gentle

signing the guest register at Smith’s

can-be sheep. Off to the side is a full

fragrances.

was Teddy Roosevelt. Smith’s was a

12 x 24 working performance stage,

toll station for Big Oak Flat Toll Road,

perfect for intimate theatre experienc-

hiking, fishing, badminton, horseback

but you can travel it for free today!

es and impromptu backyard concerts.

riding, swimming at Rainbow Pool.

Big Creek Meadow Ranch is a

Onsite activities include stargazing

Turn left and you’ll be in Groveland in

by warm and golden hues in the fall.

Nearby activities include rafting,

6.3 miles. Turn right and you’ll be in

perfect venue for special events,

with a telescope, enjoying the mead-

Yosemite National Park in 17 miles.

gatherings, retreats and weddings.

ow from the deck, horseshoes and

The spacious, yet cozy grounds offer

croquet. The ranch staff is also very

ranch house feels more like a home.

a breath-taking view of beautiful Big

helpful in identifying points of interest

Each guest receives their own key

Creek Meadow with the majestic Smith

in nearby cities and vineyards. The

with private access to their suite. Each

Peak in the background. The gardens

ranch is only 20 miles from Yosemite.

With only three bedrooms, the

Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 27

INTO

28 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

THE WILD Wildlife Locations in the Valley & Foothills

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CAMPUS Columbia College features an amaz-

MERCED WILDLIFE REFUGE You’ll want to get to this location

LA GRANGE Another great location for bird-

ing variety of flora and fauna. Through-

early in the morning to be able to enjoy

ing or just plain relaxation is near

out the year, you can catch a multitude

the day. Don’t forget snacks and water.

LaGrange. Find the parking area just

of aquatic life in the San Diego Reservoir in the middle of the campus. Western Pond Turtles can be seen

The Refuge features an auto tour route and three nature trails for the public to view and photograph wildlife

off of Lake Road as you travel from Yosemite Blvd (Highway 132). On foot, you’ll be able to walk

sunning year-round, along with many

in a natural setting. The Refuge also has

across a large bridge over Tuolumne

varieties of fish native and non-native.

a large waterfowl hunting program.

River, as well as explore marshes

Flame Skimmer dragonflies are hard to

The Refuge plays host to the

across the other side of Lake Road.

miss with their brightly colored fiery

largest wintering populations of lesser

orange red bodies.

Sandhill cranes and Ross’ geese. Each

spotting hawks (buteos and accipi-

autumn more than 20,000 cranes and

ters), as well as many other smaller

if you’re lucky during the spring, you

60,000 arctic-nesting geese terminate

bird species. You may even get lucky

might just catch a glimpse of the fami-

their annual migrations from Alaska

and see a bald eagle soaring above

lies that have had gosslings.

and Canada to make the Refuge home

with the turkey vultures.

Canada Geese wander all over and

Trees around the campus include

for six months. Here they mingle with

This general location is great for

Be sure to bring plenty of water

many different oaks, pines, coastal

thousands of other visiting waterfowl,

redwoods, white alder (around the

waterbirds, and shorebirds – making

reservoir) and many others.

the Refuge a true winter phenomenon.

premises.

11600 Columbia College Dr, Sonora, CA

7376 Wolfsen Rd, Merced, CA

Corner of 132 and Lake Rd

and your own food for the day. Maintained restrooms are on the

Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 29

PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE Groveland CA

Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, game room, observation tower and an amazing view.

LUXURY IN 4800 SF This beautiful custom home is

Game Room The house includes two game

located in the heart of Groveland in

rooms. There is one located on the

the Pine Mountain Lake area.

main floor, complete with pine ceilings and a bar. It overlooks the pri-

Master Bedroom Suite The master suite boasts over

vate garden area off the back deck. The main game room is on the

Guest Rooms Featuring five guest rooms and three bathrooms. Observation Tower You will love this! Has a custom built in shelving unit to house all

700 square feet on its own. You’ll

bottom floor of the home. It has a

your books for an enjoyable and

be able to enjoy nature with the

marble-topped bar area with a tap,

private space for reading.

on-suite master bath, complete with

neon lights, pool table, three bed-

a roman tub overlooking pines and

rooms, a bathroom and a complete

a great location in the home to view

oaks. The tile shower includes a

cozy kitchen with its own pantry.

the great outdoors from the comfort

rainfall shower head with a bench

Just for fun, there’s also an old

of home.

and several other features.

working stove.

Also included in the master is a private office and large walk-in cedar closet with enough room for several wardrobes. Chef’s Kitchen Just off the main living area is a large kitchen with a kitchen nook.

30 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

If you’re not into reading, this is

Luxury Home Spotlight

FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 31

Great Hotels in Sonora

SONORA

350 S. Washington St. Downtown Sonora 95370 209-532-3633 • 800-251-1538 SonoraInnsofCalifornia.com

19551 Hess Ave at Mono Way Sonora 95370 209-533-4400 • 800-532-1944 BWSonoraOaks.com

Enjoy your stay in the Gold Country from the comfort of our cozy fully-equipped rooms. • In-room microwaves and refrigerators • FREE high-speed Wi-fi • Heated pool & spa • FREE Continental Breakfast • Walking distance to downtown restaurants and unique shops

Award-winning accommodations and meeting rooms for all occasions. A full-service hotel nestled in a grove of ancient oaks and central to all attractions, including Yosemite Nat’l Park. • Sparkling pool & spa • FREE Wi-fi • Complimentary deluxe Continental Breakfast, served tableside in our popular on-site restaurant and lounge

ASK ABOUT OUR SEASONAL PACKAGES

32 | VALLEY VIEWS Fall 2014

Yosemite • Romance • Theatre • Snow Play • Gas Card and More...