Tuolumne County – Summer Vacation Destination: In the Heart of California’s Gold Rush & Mother Lode Country, at the edge of Yosemite National Park, featuring a plethora of activities such as gold prospecting, golf, live theatre, wineries and breweries, fishing, horse-back riding, hiking and camping, museums and history, and more!

Tuolumne County – Summer Vacation Destination
Located in the Heart of California’s Gold Rush & Mother Lode Country, Tuolumne County is a summer vacation destination at the edge of Yosemite National Park, featuring a plethora of activities such as gold prospecting, golf, live theatre, wineries and breweries, fishing, horse-back riding, hiking and camping, museums and history, and more

Winter, spring, summer and fall are seasonal magnets for vacationers ready to experience the great outdoors in Tuolumne County in year-round activities. Yet this rural area with its beauty unspoiled by time is a playground shared under the monolithic shadows of Yosemite National Park. With peak visitation running through May and September (without the snow enthusiasts), the activities listed below are diverse and enjoyable, making the California Gold Rush Country the ideal summer vacation destination.

Gold Prospecting - There is gold in them, thar hills! Although the Fandango Halls and gun fights are but an eerie presence found in the ghost towns the miners abandoned, the boom of the 1849 Gold Rush left nuggets and frontier adventures behind. In Tuolumne County, several mines are still open that allow visitors to pan for gold as the 49ers once did. There are gold-panning adventure companies that teach prospecting courses for adventurous miners.

Golf - The hills are alive with the sound of golf balls, as this ever-popular sport demands a yard for a putter. The rolling hills of the Mother Lode are as picturesque as they are challenging, with golf courses increasing as the sport grows. Whether you prefer the challenge of championship-eighteen holes or a delightful day at a small course in the pines, Tuolumne County golf courses cover a variety of landscapes and views from the lower foothills to the high country of Twain Harte or Pine Mountain Lake.

Live Theatre - Actors from across the state have come to perform on the stage of Sierra Repertory Theater, home of two live theaters in the Mother Lode (East Sonora and the Fallon House Theater in Columbia). Sierra Repertory Theater attracts Equity actors to the region, as patrons from across the state come to watch such highly acclaimed theater. Stage 3 Theater (in downtown Sonora) remains as dedicated to the historic trade with quality shows and actors. Stage 3, albeit smaller, specializes in cutting-edge plays from emerging playwrights that could be tomorrow’s Neil Simon or Arthur Miller.

Wineries & Breweries - As California joins ranks with some of the best wineries all over the world, Tuolumne County is no exception. Visitors can sip the pleasures of some of the best wines produced in the region from Ironstone Vineyards, Twisted Oak Winery, Mt. Brow Winery, to Snowshoe Brewery & Restaurant in Standard.

Fishing - Catching the “Big One” is a relaxing way to get away from the stress of everyday life, and a picturesque way to get to know Tuolumne County. All you need is a little bait, a boat, and a love of the great outdoors to fish for Crappies, Bluegills, Catfish, Kokanee, Salmon, Bass or Trout. But if you don’t have a boat to enjoy one of the 78 lakes, like Don Pedro Lake, New Melones Lake or Lake Tulloch, let one of the fishing guides take you and even clean your fish.

Going to the Movies - Breath-taking vistas and a rich, enduring history tracing back to the famous Gold Rush days brought Hollywood to the foothills! Since 1919, over 300 movies, television shows and commercials have been filmed that gives everyone a chance to “be in the movies”.

Horse-back Riding, Hiking & Camping - If you feel like taking a hike, there are over 480-miles of developed trails to take in the fresh air, whether it’s the Emigrant Wilderness, Stanislaus National Forest or Yosemite National Park. In Tuolumne County, there are over 2000 permanent campsites to enjoy and professional guides to help you discover them- some even on horseback, like Kennedy Meadows. Yosemite Park is open year round. Four seasons of opportunities beckon to visitors to play in. Whether it’s horseback riding, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, or stargazing - this park calls out to us all.

Museums & History - Tuolumne County has a rich Gold Rush heritage, with its past preserved in four historic towns, five museums, and two state historic parks. Mark Twain heard the story of the “jumping frog” after leaving San Francisco to hide out in the Sierras, unable to make good on promised bail for a friend. In 1922, a cabin was built to commemorate the famed author’s presence in Tuolumne County during the winter of 1865-66, but time and elements took their toll. The first gold discovered in Tuolumne County was found in Jamestown. This historic town’s other claim to fame is being home to the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Established in 1945 by the state legislature as Columbia State Historic Park, and acting as a living history museum, Columbia is California’s best preserved town giving visitors the opportunity to back in time and experience the gold rush era of the 1850’s.

So what are you waiting for – Tuolumne County has it all! Ranging from historic Bed & Breakfast Inns to Lodges and Hotels, there are plenty of lodging establishments to choose from. While you’re there don’t forget to take in the charming small town atmosphere of Tuolumne County’s historic towns that offer boutique shopping, art galleries, a variety of dining options and more.
Photos by CA State Parks, Terri Metz, Mt. Brow Winery - courtesy Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau.

Nanci Sikes, Executive Director of Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau, joined SouthwestBlend.com editors Nancy J. Reid & Lisa D. Smith, as a featured guest on their online radio show ‘Champagne Sundays’ on Sunday, July 13, 2008. To listen to the entire, unedited show, click here. To listen to Nanci's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.





Nanci Sikes has been employed by Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau since 1988.  She served three years as Director of Sales & Marketing, and 15 years as Executive Director. Nanci also serves on the California Rural Tourism Marketing Committee representing California’s Gold Country Region, 2002 to present. She is the Charter President of Gold Country Visitors Association, a regional marketing organization made up of 8 California foothill counties.

For more about the Tuolumne County region, visit these Town & City Links:
Columbia, CA ; Groveland, CA; Jamestown, CA; Kennedy Meadows, CA; Long Barn, CA; Mi Wuk Village, CA; Pinecrest, CA; Sonora, CA;  Soulsbyville, CA; Strawberry, CA; Tuolumne City, CA; Twain Harte, CA 

Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau: Tuolumne County is the recreational and cultural center of the Mother Lode near Yosemite National Park. Visit the historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began. For Tuolumne City and area information, visit us at 542 West Stockton Road, Sonora, CA 95370. Tel: (209) 533-4420, Toll Free: (800) 446-1333. Web: www.tcvb.com