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EXPLORE
Sonora
Stay l Play l Dine l Shop l Explore
Explore Sonora and you’ll never forget the Experience!
EXPLORE
Dragoon Gulch
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Fall/Winter 2010
Small Town Cheer
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Christmas ‘Critters’
All Hallows Fantasy Faire
Best Houseon the
Historic Lodging • Dining & Cabaret
Your Lodging Gateway to Yosemite National Park The
Hill
All Hallows Fantasy Faire
October 23 & 24, 2010 at Mother Lode Fwww.sonorachamber.com airgrounds in Historic Sonora
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Faire Program Inside
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The
Historic
The ideal Yosemite lodging featuring the acclaimed Cellar Door restaurant.
Hotel Choice in SonoraE X P L O R E
SONORA DAYS INN
B Sonora Days Inn Hotel & Room Amenities • Wireless High Speed Internet • Coffee Maker in Room • Complimentary Newspapers Toiletries Local Telephone Calls Outdoor Parking/Disabled • 24 Hour Front Desk • Golf, Tennis, Fitness nearby e • Handicap Facilities 2 • No Smoking Rooms and Facilities • Rooftop Pool • Television with Cable • Business Services • Voicemail/Data in all rooms • Ice/Vending Machines • Historic Elevator • Wake up Calls • Meeting/Banquet Space
Vintage
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n the Heart of Historic Sonora, California. Close to shops, restaurants, live theater and many popular area attractions for the entire family. ur Historic Hotel has traditional furnishings while the Annex has contemporary furnishings.
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n every guestroom you’ll find coffee & tea makers and HBO.
ll rooms in our Annex and the suites and efficiency rooms in the Historic Hotel have irons and ironing boards, inroom refrigerators and microwave ovens. For a small fee, pets are welcome in designated rooms.
Yosemite
Visit www.vintageyosemite.com for details.
160 S. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370 Phone: 209-532-2400 Fax: 209-532-4542 www.bmshotels.com
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avor a lazy morning in the most luxurious featherbed you’ll never want to get out of, snuggle into one of our cozy bathrobes, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee on our veranda and permit a gracious staff member to indulge your every request. Each of our unique Victorian-style rooms includes a private bath, free high-speed/wireless Internet access, telephone/voice mail, down comforters, European antiques, a coffee grinder and brewer, a CD player and an alarm clock.
Ask about our local Dining Discount Specials
Lodging Partner
Sonora Days Inn
Your Innkeepers: Grover, Peggy & Rusty
etween our front door and Yosemite’s gates, experience world-class river rafting on the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River, hike and bike hundreds of miles of trails in the Stanislaus National Forest, cast a line in a multitude of rivers and streams, sled with some silly friends, cross-country ski and snow-shoe. Bird watching and wildlife spotting is a local pastime. We boast great gray owl and black bear habitats and a whole lot of other wildlife.
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njoy incredible California-fresh cuisine, select from locally brewed beers and hundreds of wine labels and delight in a delectable dessert while reliving your Yosemite adventure. Our menu includes crisp salads, fresh fish, pasta, melt-in-your-mouth steaks and daily specials, all created with fresh seasonal ingredients. If you are simply in a rush to get to The Park, we invite you to grab an espresso or refreshing drink on your way through town.
18767 Main Street • Groveland, CA 95321 209-962-4000 • 800-273-3314 www.groveland.com
www.exploresonora.com
EXPLORE
Live Well. Be Well.
Our Community Partner
EXPLORE
Sonora
MAGAZINE
CONCEPT, DESIGN & PRODUCTION Paul Bell ADVERTISING SALES Sonora Chamer of Commerce Paul Bell EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Christine Tuohy Paul Bell All Hallows Fantasy Faire PHOTOGRAPHS Blue World Photos Still Memories Photography Paul Bell COVER PHOTOGRAPH The Groveland Hotel is one of four adobes on the Highway 120 Corridor and was constructed in 1849, as part of the California Gold Rush. It is a copy of the Larkin House in Monterey, know as a Monterey Colonial Architectural Style
4-5, 17 THE GOOD LIFE
Explore the areas finer and fun retailers and experience the joy of shopping in a small town. 6-8 THE BEST HOUSE ON THE HILL
The historic Groveland Hotel combines lodging, dining and entertainment along Tuolumne County’s Highway 120 Gateway to Yosemite National Park.
Voted ‘Best Chinese Restaurant’ 2009 & 2010!
7 THE CELLAR DOOR RESTAURANT
Executive Chef Greg Lutes creates a menu to match a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. 9 MOTHER LODE BANK ‘CRITTERS’
Inspirational, warm and fuzzy creatures help to benefit local kids. 10 VINTAGE YOSEMITE TOURS
Discover Yosemite next spring with Stay & Discover tour packages from Groveland and Sonora. Yosemite’s many spectacular waterfalls come to life in March and April. 11-13 ALL HALLOWS FANTASY FAIRE
On October 23 & 24 Mother Lode Fair is host to the magical and mystical world of All Hallows Eve. A Family Fun Event. OFFICIAL PROGRAM 16 SMALL TOWN CHEER
Tuolumne County Event Calendar. 18 RANDOM ACT OF NATURE
Photo Essay: Fall brings a spectacular seasonal change.
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20 DRAGOON GULCH TRAIL
THE SONORA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Voice of Commerce, Culture & Community
In the Heart of Sonora you can spend a couple of hours walking or riding in the city’s wilderness park.
21 STAGE 3 - ‘THE FANTASTICKS’ Mailing Address This Downtown Sonora theatre company brings P.O. Box 884, Sonora, CA 95370 the world’s favorite musical for the holidays. Tel/Fax: 209-588-9625 22 THE COUNTRY DOCTOR WEBSITE: www.sonorachamber.com The story of Dr. R.I. Bromley and humble origins E-MAIL: hscc@um.att.com The Sonora Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of Sonora Regional Medical Center. representing the community of Sonora. As the Sonora Chamber of Commerce, we concentrate our marketing efforts within the Greater Sonora area. The Sonora Chamber of Commerce is also dedicated to raising the awareness of Tuolumne County through tourism, and markets the area as a tourism destination. EXPLORE SONORA is a joint publication of The Sonora
Sonora is. . .
Chamber of Commerce and Paul Bell l Marketing Solutions. Every effort has been made to insure that all information contained herein is accurate at the time of publication, but neither entity assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions and changes.
PAUL BELL l MARKETING SOLUTIONS
PO Box 5572, Sonora, CA 95370 Telephone: 209.588.9205 eS
759050850 www.paulbell.biz/info@paulbell.biz
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October 16th -24th Shop & Stroll Food Drive
www.sonorachamber.com
Oct. 16 - 22 Only!
Donate packaged food and Get 2 for 1 All Hallows Fantasy Faire Tix Only at these Merchants Mother Lode Bank Blue World Photos Sonora Joe’s • Ever After The Candy Vault • Carl’s Jr. The Gunn House Hotel 2 Adult/Youth Tix $12.00 2 Kids Tix $5.00 (6-12) Kids 5 & under FREE
EXPLORE
the good life Joan’s Boutique
fashion, home & garden nual reader’s poll.Visit Joan’s Boutique in person or online at: www.joansboutique.com. Joan’s Boutique 52 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-1550 www.joansboutique.com
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xploring Downtown Sonora will likely reveal a pleasant surprise that you might not be expecting to find in such a small town. Joan’s Boutique at 52 S.Washington St. is owned and personally attended to by Joan Richardson who’s been a retail merchant for more than two decades.
La Bella Vie
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xperience a bit of the Beautiful Life right here in downtown Sonora! Bella Vie, at 181 S. Washington Street, is an eclectic home and design center featuring furniture, bedding, bath, and gift items.
Twice a year there is a flurry of activity, not only in the store, but as the gathering storm surrounds designer Joseph Ribkoff’s semi-annual ‘Trunk Show’ at Joan’s Boutique. Ribkoff representative Benjamin Walking into Bella Vie feels like you’re Zoldan and his assistants deliver this new stepping into a fragrant, shabby chic bit of and now hugely popular semi-annual event the Left Bank of Paris, and it’s quite easy to to Sonora. Women respond with anticipation, delight and satisfaction at these shows. To have this internationally renowned designer present his fall and spring lines to this community is a rare and unusual treat. e
Joan’s store has been a fixture of the community for years and it’s difficult to find 4 women of any age who don’t shop there for that very special discovery, whether it’s clothing and accessories or just her pleasant company during any hour of her very long retail day and week, which never seems to deter her from her positive, friendly and out-going demeanor. What is quickly revealed is Joan’s and her pleasant staff’s readiness to please every customer and their attendant spouse or significant other. Everyone is made to feel comfortable. Which is exactly what small towns are all about. Joan’s Boutique has been voted ‘The Best Woman’s Boutique/Clothing Store’ for four years in a row in the Union Democrat’s an-
Mountain Laurel Florist
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lowers.Who doesn’t like them? It’s like having a smile delivered to someone’s doorstep. Next to the unconditional love of a pet, the next purist, sweetest thing on this planet is a lovely bouquet of flowers. Versatile enough to wish someone a happy birthday, inspire misty eyes on Mother’s Day, make someone sick feel better, or La Bella Vie bring a young lady to tears with a flower lose track of time whilst shopping. Every- laden marriage proposal, few things have thing your heart desires is here! the power to inspire such beautiful emoYou can set an entire table with the toile tions. Mountain Laurel is our flower shop. linens, dishes, glassware and rustic tapers in your newly garden themed In a building with quite a floral history, dining room, fit your baby with Mountain Laurel continues the tradition of essential and super cute cloth- delivering bundles of sunshine to the loved ing and furniture, then call it a ones in our lives. They also offer dried arnight in your new nightgown rangements, centerpieces, garden décor, after a bath with beautifully potted plants, bird themed items, mosaic pieces, and French milled soaps. scented soaps from France. Bella Vie in Sonora is the Visit Mountain Laurel today for a bit of perfect décor store for all ‘flower therapy’.You’ll be glad you did! your nesting needs! Mt. Laurel Florist La Bella Vie 35 South Washington Street 181 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA 95370-4717 Sonora, CA 95370-4714 (209) 532-9533 (209) 536-0707 www.mountainlaurelca.com www.exploresonora.com
EXPLORE
Insuring our community since 1987 Business • Home • Auto Life • Health • Bonds (209) 533-0234
Let ‘er Buck Western Wear
Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store
Scarlet’s Web
cated at 31 South Washington Street (just up the street from Mt. Laurel Florist) holds surprises galore to indulge the hunter in all of us. You’ll also find a fine selection of clothing just waiting for you!
Let ‘er Buck!
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an I get a “Yeee Hawww”? There’s a new clothing store in town, partner! Let ‘er Buck just rode into town, offering up a fine selection of Western wear to please the cowboy or cowgirl in you. From hats and boots for everyday wear, to glitter and glitz rodeo style, Let ‘er Buck has just what you need. Don’t forget the little Buckaroos! Billy can ride off into the sunset on his new plush rocking horse, while Sally can start her own mini ranch with a classic Breyer horse. Need a leather purse or a saddlebag holster for your cell phone? This is the place! Belts to bolo ties, jeans to jingle spurs, get a taste of the Old West in Sonora at Let ‘er Buck! Let ‘er Buck! Let ‘er Buck Western Wear 36 S. Washington St. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-1144
Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store
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Well never fear, it’s Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store to the rescue! If you’re just plain tired of your hand-me-down measuring cups, or you’re making crème brulee and need ramekins and a torch, this is the place to go. Shelves and shelves of “why didn’t I think of that?” items are waiting for your curious eyes. So if you’re tired of snipping the corner of a baggie to make scruffy looking cupcake frosting, it’s time to revamp your kitchen at Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store! Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store 98 S. Washington St. (209) 588-1400
Scarlet’s Web
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et caught in Scarlet’s Web this season and find yourself a treasure trove of goodies! There’s something for everyone at Scarlet’s, whether you’re looking for an antique doll, a hurricane lamp, cookie jar, a stained glass window, a dining room set, vintage china, a gumball machine, or a 1950’s prom dress, or that ‘certain something’ that seems to be missing from the corner of a room, you’ll find it here.
e’ve all had those moments when we’re cooking and, reading over the recipe, we realize that we don’t have… a citrus zester. Or an egg separator, a ladle, parchment paper… You get my point. Scowling at our flat meringue, scalded soup, and burnt cookies, A kitchy, fun cross between we realize a kitchen upgrade is desper- an antique store, a consignment ately needed. store, and the best estate sale on the block, Scarlet’s Web, lo-
www.sonorachamber.com
Don’t be surprised if you hear yourself saying, “My Mom had a wicker chair like that!” or “Wow, isn’t that the grooviest lamp you’ve ever seen?” Oohs and ahhs and wows abound at the newest shop in town - Scarlet’s Web! Scarlet’s Web 31 S Washington St. (209) 588-8300 ‘The Good Life’ continued on page 17
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The Best House on the Hill
discoveries The Memphis Belle and Elvis Have you ever met one of those people who nonchalantly will mention things that make your jaw drop? Having dinner with Peggy Mosley was one of those experiences. Over our red wine and shrimp, things were revealed that elicited smiles, laughter, and amazement. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Peggy has Southern hospitality right down to her core. In addition to being a gracious hostess and savvy entrepreneur, she’s a pilot who spent years working for Lockheed, has even logged time flying a classic Ford Tri-Motor.
Article and Photographs By Christine Tuohy e
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n a warm Summer’s evening, as I sat on a beautiful patio surrounded by lush greenery, dotted with umbrellas shimmering with twinkle lights, my insides warmed from chocolate lava cake and Zinfandel, I wondered for a moment where I was. On vacation in Italy? At a resort in the south of France? As the heady rush of my recent plate of pasta and the conversation of my charming dinner companions brought me back to
reality, I couldn’t believe I was in Groveland. So close to my Sonora home and a stone’s throw from Yosemite, I had found a worthy vacation spot right in my backyard at the Groveland Hotel.
A Brief History
Originally an adobe trading post built in 1849, the Groveland Hotel has had many incarnations over it’s 161 years - Gambling House, Saloon, Hotel, Ranger Station, business offices, and even a Greyhound Bus Stop. It was known as “the best house on the hill” during the Gold Rush, and the hotel may be the only Sierra Nevada Mountain building constructed in the Monterey Colonial architectural style popular during the late 1840’s and 1850’s. The building, it’s interior stripped, sat dormant for many years, gathering dust, rainwater then only hosting feral cats in one of the original adobe walls. Under foreclosure and possible complete disintegration, it was rescued and revitalized by Peggy and Grover Mosley in 1990. They spent 2 years completing a million dollar restoration of the property with the adjacent 1914 Queen Anne Victorian building. Now the only cat at this AAA 3 Diamond Hotel is Lola, the sweet cat who will follow you until you pay him a welldeserved petting of acknowledgement.
You are now officially a guest in his hotel. www.exploresonora.com
She went to school with the most famous Memphis export, (jaw drop here….) Elvis Presley. They were childhood friends and shy teenagers, living in the same neighborhood joining other kids and teens playing football and corkball and teasing one another with youthful charm. As Peggy relates, “Elvis was a really cute and shy guy who was always strumming that guitar. None of us had any idea back then that he would become The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Now that’s something you just don’t hear every day in casual conversation. When you visit the Groveland Hotel ask any of the friendly staff to direct you to a photograph of Peggy and her classmates which includes the very shy and unassuming, young Elvis.
Pillow talk… Chain hotels these days, with a few exceptions thankfully, rarely have much room for personality if they’ve sacrificed service for amenities or convenience.The Groveland Hotel falls completely on the other end of that spectrum with not only the history and customer service, but also unique personality and charm. Continued on page 8
EXPLORE
The
Cellar Door Restaurant
food
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here are three vital elements in creating the perfect restaurant; ambience, the orchestration, and most importantly the food. Oh, and did I mention the wine list? How about a wine list of nearly 600 labels that received the 2010 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for having “one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world”? In Groveland, too. Bet you didn’t know you could travel any nearer than San Francisco to find such a kudo as that, did you? The Cellar Door is the impressive restaurant in the Groveland Hotel, and executive chef Greg Lutes crafts his dishes as an artist would, creating California-fresh cuisine worthy of the drive up the hill. This particular trip (which, I might add, is only my FIRST!), I started with a Bay shrimp stuffed California avocado with jalapeno lime dressing on a bed of greens and local tomatoes. Fresh and zesty with a jalapeno kick, it was as if everything had just come from the Farmer’s Market that morning. My entrée of radiatore pasta with Dungeness crab in a lemon dill cream with spinach was equally drool-worthy. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the tartness of the lemon and dill complemented the shreds of fresh crab to a tee.
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One of my dining companions ordered the salmon special, which is an inadequate identifier with Chef Greg’s delicate touch. I had to steal a bite, “…for the sake of the magazine!”, I exclaimed distracting him long enough to shave off a bite of this heavenly, moist filet. I didn’t really have room for dessert, but I sacrificed myself for the greater good and ordered the chocolate molten cake with strawberry sauce and mango sorbet, which was a lovely way to finish off my glass of Zinfandel, I must say. I snuck a bite of my companions warm apple tart in caramel sauce and almost fell out of my chair from culinary ecstasy. Between Chef Greg’s expertise and tableside conversation, Lena, our attentive waitress,Tanya and Willow’s friendliness at the front desk, Peggy’s fascinating stories, and the splendid patio ambience, I’d say I’ve discovered quite a little slice of heaven at the Groveland Hotel! Christine Tuohy
MOTHER LODE BANK
“We’re Local and....Simply A Better Bank” www.sonorachamber.com
Downtown Sonora 172 West Stockton Road (209) 694-8400 Junction Shopping Center 13769-C Mono Way (209) 532-9400
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EXPLORE
way, but if you really want to ‘get away’, you can always unplug the phone and sink into the featherbed with only the sound of birds carried on the soft breeze wafting in your window.
Life Is A Cabaret!
In addition to trying everything on the menu one trip at a time, I also plan on partaking in a little exercise to make room for more dessert. Put on your dancing shoes, it’s time for another step back into the days of yore with the Courtyard Cabaret! September 10th is one of many wonderful performances happening at the Groveland Hotel this season.This particular show is a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole, channeled directly through the fabulous
GrovelandList
e The
Groveland Hotel
& Cellar Door Restaurant The
Iron Door Saloon
California’s Oldest, Continuously Operating Saloon
Mary Laveroni Park
Playground, Picnicking, Concert Facilities
Yosemite Gateway Museum
Complete history of Groveland, California and great Library with WIFI/computers
Pine Mountain Lake
Golf Course,Tennis Courts & Stables
Mountain Sage
Coffee, Nursery, Photo Gallery
Highway 120 Gateway to Yosemite Stanislaus National Forest Hiking & Camping
Hetch Hetchy Dam
The Hotel endears its guests by featuring teddy bears in every room, snuggly robes, comfy, classy décor worthy of a seasoned international B&B traveler, with beds so fluffy you practically need a pole vault to get into them. Don’t assume that you will be missing any modern amenities, though! e
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Hiking, Picnicking, Serenity
Great Hiking All Around The
Rainbow Pools Swimming, Picnicking
Pilot Peak
All 17 hotel rooms have free high-speed wireless internet, CD players, telephones, tv’s, coffee makers, and a morning feast dubbed “The Innkeepers Breakfast”. So it’s equipped for your comfort in every
• APPAREL • SHOES • ACCESSORIES • MANICURES • PEDICURES • FACIALS • WAXING • BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Hiking,Wild Flowers in Spring
Pey Mosley
vocal cords of Steve Swan accompanied by the ivory tickling of Richard Hall. I fully plan on donning my best swing dress and strappy shoes and dancing the night away under Groveland’s clear and starry sky. The Groveland Hotel is one stop shopping between the incredible Cellar Door Restaurant, the dreamy wine list, dancing the night away to live music, and falling into a deep slumber in the poofiest of beds. That’s my kind of vacation. The Groveland Hotel is a featured lodging partner in the celebration of Yosemite National Park’a 120th Anniversary– Vintage Yosemite; Then, Now & Forever California’s Heritage Wilderness.
OPEN 7 DAYS 108 South Washington St. Downtown Sonora 209.588.8899
Tuolumne River
Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, Swimming
The Groveland Hotel 18767 Main Street Groveland, CA, 95321 866-539-8430 www.groveland.com www.exploresonora.com
Heritage Travel
EXPLORE
Where your vacation begins! Professional Courteous Service Since 1984
Mother Lode Bank
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Critters
hese inspirational, warm and fuzzy critters, are a reflection of what Small Town Cheer is all about! Mother Lode Bank in cooperation with the Historic Sonora Chamber of Commerce markets these loveables for the benefit of the community. Proceeds benefit the Grant A Wish Fund supporting local schools. Critters are some of the most intelligent animals on earth. Although you might easily think that a particular Critter would make a great pet, you need to know that they need special care. Dogs and cats have evolved for thousands of years to be a domestic pet to humankind.
community Critters can be very agile, smart, and have very nimble fingers. Escaping out of a cage is a piece of cake for them. Make sure the cage is constructed of strong materials. Don’t underestimate the strength or the intelligence of a Critter. Believe it or not, you’re probably better off not putting them in a cage, and just let them roam your home free like they are in the wild!
should not be left alone for long. They are social animals and socializing with just you is not enough. They will become lonely, sick or unhappy without company. So are you sure you want a Critter? Think about getting at least two Critters so they can keep each other happy company at all times.
The lifespan of a Critter is considerable. Where will your Critter go if something happens to you? You must make arrangements for your Critter far in advance of anything ever happening. In the next 40 years do you intend on going on vacation? What if you need to travel? Who is going to take care of your Critter? These things have to be pre-arranged. Otherwise, just plan on keeping your Critter with you at all times!
Critters are wild. They might never adapt to being in a home unless you provide the very best care and attention! Critters are impulsive, unpredictable and excitable. Critters
‘Critters’
available in Sonora at
Mother Lode Bank Downtown Sonora 172 West Stockton Rd. 209) 694-8400 Junction Shopping Ctr. 13769-C Mono Way (209) 532-9400
Karin Brown
440 Hope Lane Sonora, CA 95370-5878 Phone: (209) 533-4322 Fax: (209) 533-3512 karin@heritagetrvl.com
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The
Tub ‘n Bubbles Girl
TM
New Products
Liquid Shade Sun Block Quit Bugging Me Insect Repellent
Mother Lode Bank Critters are guaranteed to be of the best of their breeds and have been raised under the International Plush Animals Standards Treaty.
Photos: Still Memories Photography stillmemoriesphotosite.com (209) 536-0428
Good friends, pleasant surroundings and people who care
“
about you” - these are words residents use to describe their www.sonorachamber.com Skyline Place home.
12877 Sylva Lane Sonora, California 95370 Phone 209-588-0373 fax 209-588-0736
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120 Yea
Yosemite
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EXPLORE 2011 Stay & Discover Yosemite 120/120 Packages
Packages From
$89.00
Vintage
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Yosemite National Park 1890-2010: Then, Now and Forever California’s Heritage Wilderness
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osemite National Park Celebrates its 120th Birthday this coming fall with a unique companion in California’s history: California’s State Route 120, Tuolumne County’s Scenic Gateway to the northern entrance to Yosemite National Park. From the San Francisco Bay Area and Central California, Highway 120 is also the fastest route to Yosemite and one of Tuolumne County’s best kept secrets! In recognition of Yosemite National Park’s importance in California’s history, its preservation as a national park and its value as an international tourist destination, Vintage Yosemite 120/120 will be a year-long international celebration of Yosemite and its discovery via Tuolumne County’s historic route SR 120. These tours will focus on Yosemite’s history as a tourist destination in popular culture as captured by professional and amateur photographers for the past 120 years.
Visit www.vintageyosemite.com for all details or call 209-533-4322 for information & reservations.
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HISTORY
Yosemite & Highway 120
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aturalist John Muir & Robert Underwood Johnson,editor of Century Magazine, lobbied the US Congress for the Act that created Yosemite National Park on October 1, 1890. During the Gold Rush, SR 120 was originally known as Big Oak Flat Road, after the village of Big Oak Flat through which it passes in the Sierra foothills. It was a pack trail from Stockton which became popular with prospectors about 1849. By 1874 it was a wagon road, which extended to the Yosemite Valley.
‘True Blue’ - Yosemite today. Photo Credit: Blue World Photos, Sonora, CA.
ACCOMMODATIONS Lodging for your Discovery
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ur Partner Hotels offer a wide variety of choices for your visit to Yosemite National Park during the 120th Birthday Anniversary Celebration from March 2010 through November 2011. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in Sonora or Groveland. Each community offers unique dining, shopping, recreation, cultural and historic discoveries.
Vintage Yosemite Lodging Partners
BestWestern Sonora Oaks* The Groveland Hotel* The Gunn House Hotel The Sonora Days Inn Inns of California, Sonora *AAA 3 Diamond Hotels
DISCOVER YOSEMITE The Falls in Spring
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iscover Tuolumne County during your excursion to Yosemite. Rates are for One Night, a Standard Room with 1 Queen Bed, Sunday - Thursday. Valid March15-April 30, 2011
Package DYS-120............$89.00 Additional nights............$49.00 Package *3D-120...........$109.00 Additional nights - CALL FOR PRICING *AAA 3 Diamond Hotels
All Spring 2011 Packages Include:
• Vintage Yosemite: Then, Now & Forever California’s Heritage Wilderness Book and DiscoverYosemite, Self-Guided Tour Map, • Park Entry Pass toYosemite National Park Round-TripTransportation toYosemite from Sonora via LINKLINE CHARTER TOURS is available for groups of 8 or more for an additional $35.00 - $60.00 per person.
Call Karin Brown of Heritage Travel at 209-533-4322 for additional Information & Reservations All packages are limited in availability. All upgrades, room charges, taxes are additional.
Vintage Yosemite 120/120 is presented by: Blue World Photos of Sonora; Explore Sonora Magazine; The Sonora Chamber of Commerce with support from the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau.
VY-Phase II 10/04/10
www.exploresonora.com
Packages From
$89.00
The
Fantasticks
EXPLORE
Stage 3 Theatre Company
Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones 208 S. Green St., Sonora, CA Music by Harvey Schmidt 209-536-1778 November 12 - December 19 www.stage3.org
‘The world’s longest-running musical!’
All Hallows Fantasy Faire Music The Australian Celtic Rock Band sensation Brother will be this year’s headliner. High energy Celtic sound that features highland bagpipes, rock guitar, and native Australian didgeridoo. The bands music is full of spirit that combines traditional Celtic Music blended with the strange sounds of the Aboriginal Australian people. Coyote Run combines modern rock with ancient Celtic rhythms & melodies. Their music is based on the stories about Scot’s & Irish legendary warriors and battles they fought. Rooted deep in the times before St. Patrick and the Dark Ages. Avalon Rising is known for its unique sound --a blend of original rock, Celtic, and Medieval music. Their rich melodic acoustic/electric sound features brilliant male and female vocals over intricate instrumental arrangements, supported by a vibrant rhythmic background. Black Irish Band is noted for being the only band in the world that performs Italian & Celtic Music. The bands style is up-beat and high energy, and it will get everyone singing and dancing. Much of the bands music was written well over 300 years ago. The
The
Sonora Celtic Faire Presents
All Hallows Fantasy Faire
October 23 & 24,
at
2010
Mother Lode Fair in Historic Sonora Advance Tickets
Adult/Youth $12 • kids $5 (6-12) 5 years & Under FREE
Coyote Run • Brother • Avalon Rising Black Irish Band • Dark Boar Vikings Adamantine Dancers Sierra Spiral Dancers ZombieLand Graveyard • The Wicker Man Pumpkin Games • Family Fun! www.allhallowsfaire.com
209-533-4420
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Viking Stage - Music Performance Times
Saturday October 23 11:00 am Avalon Rising 12:30 pm Black Irish Band 2:00 pm Coyote Run 3:30 pm Brother 5:00 pm Avalon Rising 6:00 pm Black Irish Band 7:00 pm Coyote Run 8:00 pm STAGE CLOSED FOR Wicker man Burning in Arena
8:30 pm Brother —‘til close
Sunday October 24 11:00 am Avalon Rising 12:00 pm Coyote Run 1:00 pm Brother 2:00 pm Avalon Rising 3:00 pm Coyote Run 4:00 pm Brother —‘til close
All Performances Subject to Change Without Notice.
www.sonorachamber.com
Slaughtered Lamb Tavern Fairy World
Myth & Magic Stage Medieval Midway Witches Row
Official Program
685 South Washington St.,Sonora (209) 536-1400
E X PLORE
Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller Wa r r i o r Camp
Vikings Battle
Smoking
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B ac kWo o d s Bog Stag e r
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T o H i g h way 4 9 St o c kt o n R oa d
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Myth
Magic Stage
Pumpkin Pat c h
&
Fa i r y L a n d
Kid Zone
H a r v e st Stag e
The
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Dragon
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The big hit last year was the burning of the large Wicker The Man. Rooted in old Scottish Tradition, secret societies would Wicker gather wicker and form a man-like creature. Then they would Man gather live animals and place them into the structure and light it on fire. The animals became a sacrifice to the spirits to assure a good harvest. No animals will be used at the Faire, but there will be a Wicker Man Burning on Saturday Night at 8:00pm in the arena. People will be encouraged to place letters to their deceased loved ones in the Wicker Man before burning, another old Celtic tradition.
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It’s haunted and very scary. Left over from the Dark Ages, this graveyard was used by the ancient Celtic People who died of the plague. Mass graves were filled with hundreds of corpses. Over the last hundred years there have been many newer graves added to this site. Because of All-Hallows Season, many of the dead have become very restless and desire to roam the world again. Beware, there have been reports of mass zombies walking though the fog and looking for food! (This feature is not for the faint of heart)!
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Troll Booth
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Fire Performers This year’s event will offer two great fire performances. Fire Eater, Tip the Hat, will be walking through the Faire eating fire and performing magic. The Firebenders will also be performing at various locations demonstrating the art of fire spinning.
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Backwoods Bog Stage Sierra Spiral Dancers (See schedule stage side for info)
Town Cemter
Zombieland Graveyard:
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Battle Royale
4:45pm Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller 5:30pm Myth & Magic 7:00pm Bards Cloak of Tales 7:45pm Tip the Hat 8:00pm STAGE CLOSED
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11:30am Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller 12:15pm Myth & Magic 1:00pm Bards Cloak of Tales 1:45pm Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller 2:30pm Tip the Hat 3:15pm Bards Cloak of Tales 4:00pm Myth & Magic
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If you like to see amazing things happen, go over to see the team of Myth & Magic. They will perform death-defying feats of skill and balance, with moments of sheer stupidity and magic. The master storyteller, Bards Cloak of Tales, will join them also on stage, retelling historic stories from old Europe.
The Adamantine Skeleton Dancers will join them. Adamantine will dance themselves into frenzy as they follow the beat of their own seven foot Witch Doctor. The stage will also offer a traditional bellydance group called Soluna, who will also be getting into the spirit of the event by dressup in their faces of the dead!
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Myth & Magic
Harvest Stage (Dance) The dead can and will dance both days on this lively stage. Featured groups include the famous Sierra Spiral Dance Troupe. They will be decked out in some very spooky costumes as they try to conjure up the spirits of the dead.
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Viking Stage (Music) Celtic Music will be featured both days with the Australian Celtic Rock Band Brother headlining this year’s event. They will be joined on stage by other highenergy Celtic bands like Avalon Rising, Coyote Run, and the Black Irish band.
vs Evil
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All Hallows Fantasy Faire
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L u m b e r • P l u m b i n g • E l e c t r i c a l • H a rd w a re S u p p l i e s • P a i n t
900 Mono Way • Sonora • CA 95370 • (209) 532-3676 www.exploresonora.com
Your Only Locally Owned Home Center in Sonora – Supporting the Community We Live in!
www.andyshomecenter.com
EXPLORE
All-Hallows
Village: The centerpiece for the Faire is the village. There are many streets and a town center where much activity takes place. Highlights of the village include over fifty vendors & craftsman showcasing their work. Many items are of the Euro/Celtic design and are based in history. A Food Court with many varieties of traditional and modern food will also be available in the village. Danse Macabre (Dance of the Dead) Throughout the village and the graveyard there will be a motley mix of formerly living musicians and dancers. During the plagues of Europe these performers were hired by villagers to rid the town of the Grim Reapers plague. Please step aside when they pass or you will be forced to join them forever!
Village
Inhabitants Throughout the day hundreds of strange creatures will be visiting the streets of the village. Some will be alive, and others not so much. Many will be fantasy characters from your childhood dreams, but many will be from your childhood nightmares! Many legends from the Dark Ages will come alive and join the modern world of Halloween. Creatures include dragons, Minotaurs, ghost pirates, skelWarrior Camp etons, witches, furry animals, vampires, and lots Based on three warrior cultures of Europe, of zombies. the Faire will present the Dark Boar Vikings, Battle of Good v.s. Evil
Medieval Midway In the time of the middle ages the midway was the heart of the villages’ events. Men and women would come from miles around just to test their skills in the plethora of games of chance and luck. Like in those times we have recreated that old time feel. As you walk up to the midway area you will see a rustic counter top spanning the gaming zone. The first game you might notice is the eight foot tall Clunko Game, but don’t let the size scare you. It’s a long-standing favorite of Bob Barker’s the Price is Right’s Plinko Game. After you tried your luck at Clunko, there are many more great games you can adventure your way to. Seven/Eleven ball toss is a fun game of chance, and if you like to show off your skills you can attempt the Bottle Pick-Up or the Egg-Roll for terrific prizes of swords and masks. If you are not one to show off and just like to have fun, the goofy Bat Toss is the game for you. We had your young ones in mind when we designed the kids’ games, with easy to win prizes for those kids ten and under such as the Bean Bag Toss, Spin the Wheel, and the Ping Pong Ball Toss. We hope you and your family don’t miss out on this chance to be a champion at the Medieval Midway!
Crafting Kid Zone Don’t forget to stop by the all-new kids crafting zone. It’s a great opportunity for your child to show off their creativity by making some unique All HalOnce a day, at 3pm, all the creatures at the lows Arts and Crafts. There will be paper plate masks, All-Hallows Fantasy Faire will pitch a large pumpkin painting, leaf rubbing, and old fashioned battle between good and evil. Legendary war- corn husk dolls. Your child will enjoy making these riors and good saints will fight the spirits of fun-filled souvenirs to commemorate their experience the dark world. Twenty warriors will pick up at the Fantasy Faire. swords, battle-axes, and ancient arms and melee in battle for control of the world. Featured will Scavenger Hunt be Vikings, Celtic & Roman solders, St. Patrick, The first 100 children’s tickets purchased dragon people, trolls, fairies, dark angels, and at the ticket booth will receive a coin to pay many little green ogres. the Troll Booth for their secret scroll with clues for the hunt. Each clue will lead you Slaughtered Lamb to a station with a marker to be transferred Gaesatae (Iron Age Celts), and the Legio X Tavern onto your scroll. Fretensis (Roman Solders). These warriors do Near the Viking Stage there is a large drinknot like each other very much and plan to fight Upon completion of your scroll you will it out throughout the day. They will be dressed ing tavern. Ales and spirits will be served by return it to the Scroll Keeper at the pumpin primitive armor and will be demonstrating a a group of very strange monks. These monks kin patch to receive a free pumpkin. Bring were banished from their religious order for your children to embark on a fun filled quest variety of arms. drinking and performing dark magic. Come visit through the old world villages and themes for them and have a pint, but watch out, they can a day they will never forget. Witches Row: magic spells on you if you do not pay In one of the narrow streets of the All-Hal- cast lows Village, you will find Witches Row. A group your tavern tab! of friendly witches and wizards like to tell forCarpathian tunes for people using very old methods from The gentle, soft-spoken wandering spirit. The Medieval Europe. They also teach the history of their craft, Beware what you learn however! stories told are ghostly tales based on old legends, campfire stories, and some original pieces. Carpathian is quite family-friendly, and Fairy World has entertained audiences of all ages, from very Outside the main village there is a very young grade-school children to adult storytellenchanted forest. Within the forest there lies ing enthusiasts. The stories range from silly a group of fairies, elves, and gnomes. Children comic pieces to Grimm’s Faerie Tale moral and adults can venture into this area if they warnings of consequences to more macabre, can just play make-believe. Once inside the moody adult tales. The adult stories are perforest, fairy folk will interact with all that come fectly suited for family listening, but are a bit with a good heart. Children will receive some more complex in detail and character. small token or trinket from the many creatures that walk about.
www.sonorachamber.com
he Candy Vault, located in the heart of Sonora (in the historic National Bank Building), is an old-fashioned candy store offering a wide range of confections, licorice, chocolates and even ice cream. e carry hard to find nostalgic sweets from long-established candy makers as well as the latest delights from new and specialty confectioners.
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Open 7 Days A Week Weekdays 10 am - 7 pm Weekends 10 am - 9 pm • Fine Chocolates • Organic Chocolates • Bulk Candy • Novelty Toys & Gifts Old-Fashioned Bottled Soda
209.532.2388 42 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 www.thecandyvaultsonora.com
‘Have A Sweet Day!’
The Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau
Fall s i h g T r.com n i m Co hee c n w o smallt
Give your family a special gift this Holiday Season. Discover all the joys of Christmas in the Small Towns of Tuolumne County. e
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There’s always enough Small Town Cheer for everyone and it won’t cost you your sanity or put a dent in your wallet. There’s no mall madness, plenty of parking and believe it or not, small towns full of friendly people waiting for you. Visit Columbia, Groveland, Jamestown, Sonora, or Twain Harte and Discover Christmas all over again. The cookies, hot chocolate and smiles are on us. Christmas begins at www.smalltowncheer.com October 31st, 2010
EXPLORE
Tuolumne County Events
join your neighbors for a community pumpkin lighting event on the steps of the Columbia Museum. At a bonfire in front of the livery stable, visitors can roast apples and enjoy “campfire apple pie”. Columbia Museum Columbia, CA (209) 588-9128
October
Groveland Oktober Fest 2010 October 9th 11am ‘til dark Live music, food and beer garden, vendors, pumpkin patch, pony rides, hay maze, and more! Cost: $3.00 Big Creek Meadow Guest Ranch 6 miles east of Groveland, just off Hwy 120. 10551 Smith Station Road Groveland, CA (209) 962-1942 Columbia Historic State Park Harvest Festifall October 9th - 10th 10:00 am Traditional rope making, weaving & candle dipping are performed & sale of various arts & crafts highlight this event. Cost: Free Columbia State Historic Park, Main St., Columbia, CA (209) 536-1672
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This judged fine art show displays many works in all medias by local and regional artists. Refreshments will be served. Cost: Free Sonora Opera Hall, S. Washington St., Sonora, CA (209)532-2399 Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Sierra Repertory Theatre October 22nd - December 18th A merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family, full of dancing, laughter and great Irving Berlin songs! SRT in East Sonora (209) 532-0502 x112
Railtown 1897 “Harvest Haunt Express” Weekends October 9th-31st 11am - 3pm Climb aboard the Harvest Haunt Express, with our “Skeleton Crew” aboard! Specially decorated steampowered excursion trains depart on the hour. Fun for the whole family. Cost: $13 adults/$6 ages 6-17 Free: 5 & under Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown (209) 984-3953
All Hallows Fantasy Faire October 23rd - 24th
Bart’s Brewing Festival 2010 October 16th 1-6pm Join us for the first annual Bart’s Brewing Festival sponsored by Bart’s Black Skillet. German music featuring Jim Mueller on a Midi Accordion, authentic German bier and food. PROST! Cost: Free Columbia State Historic Park
Live music, fantasy village, costumed performers , fire eaters, village marketplace, ancient warriors, dragons, contests, jugglers, and family games. The Dark Ages were never this much fun! Cost: $12/$6 6-12/5 & under Free Mother Lode Fairgrounds 220 Southgate Dr. Sonora, CA (209) 533-4420 or (800) 350-1814
Jamestown Heritage Days October 17th Noon to 5 pm Festivities will include barbecue lunch, carriage rides, fandango hall and casino, cloggers, jailhouse photos and heritage crafts. Entertainment by the Guns of the Chosen Few, Dave Rainwater, Hardluck Lin and the Fiddle Gang. Cost: Free Main Street in Jamestown (209) 984-3370 or 984-3160
Evergreen Lodge Halloween Music Festival October 28th - 31st The Evergreen Lodge is excited to host a festive weekend of fun, adventure and musical revelry. The event will feature 20+ bands playing on three different stages throughout the four-day event. Evergreen Lodge Address: 33160 Evergreen Road, Groveland, CA (209) 379-2606
Mother Lode Art Association “58th Annual Juried Art Show” October 22nd - 24th 6-8 Fri. 11-5 Sat. 11-3 Sun.
Columbia State Historic Park “Pumpkin Lighting” October 30th 5:30- 8 PM Bring your carved pumpkin and
Jamestown Harvestival Parade October 31st 11:00 AM Main St. trick or treating will start at 11am, followed by the parade at Noon. Kids are then invited to the Fall Carnival. Main St, Jamestown, CA (209) 984-3585 St James Concert Series “Sonora Master Chorale” October 31st
Sonora Master Chorale is a group of experienced musicians dedicated to the development and presentation of classical and semi-classical music to the Mother Lode communities. St Mathew Lutheran Church Address: 13880 Joshua Way Sonora, CA (209) 984-0704 Andrews Sisters Christmas of Swing Sierra Repertory Theatre November 5th - December 19th Enjoy an irresistible hug of nostalgia as the Andrews Sisters return with a Christmas Eve USO show featuring actual letters home from WWII troops. Come enjoy this spirited tribute to a simpler time! Fallon House Theatre Columbia, CA (209) 532-0502 x112
The
www.exploresonora.com
November Dodge Ridge Wintersports November 6th - 26th
Snowbomb ski show, Silicon Valley Snowbomb ski show, Sac Ski Dazzle Show, and Winter Season kick off party. Dodge Ridge Ski Resort Pinecrest, CA (209) 965-3474
EXPLORE
Stage 3 Presents “The Fantasticks” November 12th - December 19th Thurs. 7 pm; Fri./Sat. 8 pm; Sun. 2 pm America’s longest running musical comes to Stage 3 for the holidays! This wistful and beautiful story of young love lost and won has captivated audiences around the globe with it’s clever, catchy, beautiful music and timeless story. Cost: $12-15 Stage 3 Theatre 208 South Green Street, Sonora, CA (209) 536-1778 Calaveras Winegrape Alliance Holiday Festival of Wines November 13th 11am - 5pm Visit our member tasting rooms throughout Calaveras County and enjoy winery holiday family traditions, yummy festive treats, colorful decorations, and of course lots of delicious Calaveras Wine! Murphys, California (209) 736-6722 or (866) 806-WINE Sonora Historic Downtown 27th Annual Christmas Parade November 26th 5pm Floats, bands, music, food vendors, store specials, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Join hundreds of spectators for a visual and audio delight! Cost: Free Washington Street in Historic Downtown Sonora (209) 532-7725
whole family. Cost: $19 adults; $9 youths 6-17 5 and under free Railtown 1897, Jamestown, CA (209) 984-3953 36th Annual Sonora Christmas Craft & Music Festival November 26th - 28th 10am - 5pm
Eat, Shop and Be Merry As Christmas is Near! 150 craft & graphic artist will be featured at this “top rated on the West Coast” festival. Cost: $7-Adults/$5 Seniors, $2 Children 6-12 Mother Lode Fairgrounds 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA (209) 533-3473 Columbia State Historic Park “Candy Cane Making” November 26th - December 19th Noon - 1 pm Weekends
Hometown Crafters Holiday Faire & Craft Boutique November 26th - 27th 10 am - 5 pm A variety of crafts and homemade goodies will be available for Christmas shoppers in a festive holiday atmosphere. You don’t want to miss this event! Cost: Free Sonora Opera Hall (209) 532-7252 Railtown 1897 Santa’s Starlight Express November 26th - 27th Hours: 10:00a to 3:00pm
View the candy cane making process at Nelson’s Candy Kitchen. Cost: Free Columbia State Historic Park (209) 588-5144 Columbia City Hotel 28th Annual Victorian Christmas Feast November 30th - December 12th
Bundle up and ride with Santa and a train full of carolers on our most magical excursion of the whole year. Railtown’s cars, depot and watertank are lit for the season, creating an unforgettable experience for the
This City Hotel Christmas time tradition will feature a 4 or 5 course Victorian feast, spirits with each course, a theatrical adventure
throughout the event, and Christmas carols. Cost: $100 Columbia City Hotel 22768 Main Street, Columbia, CA (209) 532-1479 or (800) 532-1479
December
Groveland Hotel’s Feast of the Season: Christmas December 3rd & 4th at 6:00 PM This is a Seasonal Celebration of Great Food (4 courses) and Merry Entertainment (music, carols,vocals and readings) Sharing the Spirit of Christmas Through the Ages! Santa himself will serve dessert with that special twinkle in his eyes wishing his best for you and yours this holiday season! Cost: $69.00/pp tax & gratuity included, Alcohol not included. The Cellar Door Restaurant at the Groveland Hotel (209) 962-4000 or 800-273-3314 Twain Harte Winter Wonderland Christmas Parade December 3rd at 6:00 PM The tree lighting and parade begins at 6 p.m. and there is community singing at 5:30 p.m. Parade immediately follows the tree lighting, and Santa arrives at the conclusion of the parade. Free pictures with Santa - bring your children! Cost: Free Downtown Twain Harte (209) 586-5197 Columbia State Historic Park Lamp Light Tour December 3rd - 4th at 6:15pm Columbia State Historic Park presents their annual holiday Lamplight program. In this 28th year of the event, costumed guides lead visitors by lantern light, through the historic streets of Columbia. The evening promises to be fun and heartwarming as visitors travel through town and hear all about the happenings of the Christmas season in 1859. Cost: Adults $20, Seniors $18 Children $15 Columbia , CA (209) 588-9128 Jamestown Christmas Celebration December 6th - 20th at 12 pm - 3pm Starts Saturday December 4th, with Santa Claus arriving in a horsedrawn carriage, giving out candy canes, while strolling musicians and carolers add to the festivities. December 11th, Santa arrives in an antique car, and on the 18th he’ll arrive on a Harley! Cost: Free Jamestown, CA (209) 984-3370 Columbia State Historic Park Christmas Equestrian Parade December 12th Sponsored by Mid Valley Unit of Backcountry Horsemen of California. Toy donations given to charity. Columbia, CA 209-599-2620
www.sonorachamber.com
Pop Hudson Memorial Christmas Sing December 17th at12:45pm A fun community sing sponsored by the Union Democrat at the Courthouse Park at Noon. Everyone is welcome to sing! Concurrent with Mutz Bean Feed. Cost: Free Downtown Sonora on the Courthouse steps. (209) 532-7151
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The Historic
Gunn House Hotel EXPLORE
In the Heart of Historic Downtown Sonora
Built 1850
286 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 Reservations (209) 532-3421 www.gunnhousehotel.com Enjoy the wonderful innkeeper’s breakfast in the Parlor each morning. try a tasty waffle! The Gunn House Staff will make one especially for you. Just Ask for Help! Waffles can be a little tricky to make yourself.
Hi, I’m Gunny Bear! Welcome to my hotel. Follow me and I’ll take you to your room. You’re going to love it! I helped decorate all the rooms myself!
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I’ll make sure you have plenty ‘nuff pillows because you can never have too many comfy pillows. I’ll even fluff them up before you check in.
One of my favorite things to see is the famous Movie Star Engine #3 at Railtown 1897 in jamestown.
We have a wonderful seasonal pool!
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And There are always plenty of towels!
make sure you get a copy of Explore Sonora Magazine before you wander around town! It’s my favorite magazine. It’ll show you all the interesting things to do while you’re here in Sonora.
Would you like to go for a swim?
I like to float around all day long in the summertime!
I love honey or maple syrup on my waffles...Just don’t drink all of it...People can get a little fussy about that.
It’s a big amazing steam engine that’s been in hundreds of movies! it’s just one of many cool, historic Gold Country sights you shouldn’t miss.
You’ll enjoy visiting during any holiday all year round. I’m ‘specially good at doing all the christmas decorations. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve, groundhog day, Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, the 4th of July and labor day are just a few of the days I enjoy celebrating!
Come by and see us soon... I’ll leave the honey-pot out for you! www.exploresonora.com
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the good life
fashion, home & garden
Your question has been answered with the arrival of “Ever After”, a dreamy seamstress shop that can turn whatever bit of clothing that you can describe, imagine, or dream into a reality. Whether it’s the most astonishing, corseted, hoop skirt velvet concoction for our very own Celtic Faire, the hand-beaded wedding dress you dreamed of as a little girl, or a curve hugging retro number radewinds is blowing through town straight out of a 1940’s with a warm front of fabulous fashmovie, this is the place ions for the penny saving gal in all of to go! us! Because ladies, the more we save, the If you want to learn more loot we get to take home with us. how to do-it-yourself, Tradewinds is a Ever After will be offering grand consignment sewing classes starting in store, carrying brands October, and progressing like Liz Claiborne, to more complicated enJones New York, Badeavors such as pattern nana Republic, and drafting and design in the even Joseph Ribkoff. coming months. No hand-me-downs here, just the finest Don’t think strictly of the gently used and costumes, either. If you never worn clothing in need Grandma’s dress an abundance of sizes mended, or your little and styles with great one needs a tiny flower prices to match. girl dress, Ever After can turn your dream into a Don’t miss the sale reality! rack outside, which Ever After for us women is akin to putting a big sign 134 S. Washington St. in the window advertising “Free ChocoSonora, CA 95370 late”. Oh, we are sooo there.The sale rack (209) 694-4889 will tempt you with $5 and $10 deals that everafter-shop.com will lure you in to discover more amazing & clothing finds. So when you’re breezing through town, don’t forget to stop and shop at Tradewinds, the hottest consignne thing that’s wonderful about ment store in town! shopping in small towns like Sonora is that you get a feel for the shop Tradewinds owners personality and what they love. Blue 63 S. Washington St. World Photos and Botanicals has personSonora, CA 95370 ality to spare! Vintage cameras, a Wurlitzer tradewindsconsignment.com jukebox, and The Amazing Cat Mummy are just a few of the things found here.
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Ever After sewing • alterations • clothing
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ave you ever been to a Renaissance Faire? Have you wandered around looking at the amazing array of costumed performers, draped in layers of velvet and trim and wondered, “Where on earth did they find that incredible outfit?”
Located directly behind Mountain Laurel Florist in the heart of historic downtown, this fun and adorable shop features an array of photographs, and has also been featured on National Geographic’s website. Blue World Photos will also be featuring a selection of Vintage Yosemite photos as part of county-wide promotion in the coming months. www.sonorachamber.com
In addition to the great eye candy, they also carry an indulgent line of handmade bath products, including the super cute ‘bath cupcake’, a bath fizzy that looks good enough to eat! Seen at the Sonora and Angel’s Camp Farmer’s Markets, these locally made cupcakes are also being carried in stores throughout Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Napa Valley. Custom orders for weddings, showers, and parties are encouraged! Come get your gift on at Blue World! Blue World Photos & Botanicals 38 S. Stewart St. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-3323 blueworldphotos.com
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P & L Trading Post
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very historic Gold Rush town needs a creative way to become “part of the action”. And if you can’t be a bona fide gun slinger, or a feathery saloon girl, then at least you can dress the part! Welcome to P & L Trading Post in downtown Sonora. Embrace your inner Outlaw and don period clothing from Scully - Wah Maker, Frontier Classics, and Recollections Brand available to buy or rent for whatever Western shindig you may be attending. Or just adorn yourself in the trappings of a civil war soldier or a painted lady, (with the traditional bottle of whiskey in your grasp of course) in front of a saloon backdrop or old west town for a perfect photo opportunity. It’s all about the element of fun and “dress-up” at P & L, so jangle your spurs on down next time you’re passing through Sonora, Partner! P and L Trading Post 68 S Washington St Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-3113
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EXPLORE
Random Acts of Nature
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here’s an unmistakable shift that occurs this time of year. What starts as the dog days of summer shorts, sandals, and a steady stream of air conditioning, suddenly transforms. In our visits to the Farmer’s Market, we notice that little pumpkins and gourds are now filling the space where the apricots used to be.The sky is more crimson, the clouds poofier, and our internal barometer starts to drop.
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all has fallen. It’s a wondrous time of year! The air is filled with the smell of wood fires, and our walks down the street are accompanied by the arboreal music of leaves crunching under our every step. We move the sweaters from the back of the closet to the front, and shift the open toed sandals to the back, perhaps with a wistful sigh, anticipating the impending sound of Old Man Winter knocking at our doors. But this time in between, this lovely Fall, is glorious! The Pictured left: Coffill Park, Downtown Sonora. Above hillsides turn from a solid palette of green, and right, discoveries on Highway 120, Groveland’s to an array of golds, reds, and oranges, the Gateway to Yosemite National Park. e
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www.exploresonora.com
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trees showing their true colors for all to see. It’s a very honest time of year. A time of renewal. A time to hunker down in your house and “nest” with a good book, a blanket, and a cup of warm cider. It’s a time to attend evening parties at friends houses with bonfires blazing, pumpkin faces lit up with ghoulish grimaces, the smell of toasting marshmallows, and children happily covered in “pumpkin guts” from their recent artistic endeavor.
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t’s a time to sleep with the windows open and breathe deep the sweet earthy smell of a recent rain. Fall in Gold Country is a thing to behold. From Historic Sonora to pine-scented Groveland to the color shift and rush of water in Yosemite. Fall is my favorite season. Without question. Article & Photos by Christine Tuohy Blue World Photos 38 S. Stewart St. Sonora, CA 95370 (209) 533-3323 blueworldphotos.com www.sonorachamber.com
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EXPLORE
Dragoon Gulch Trail
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ocated in the City of Sonora, the Dragoon Gulch Trail provides its visitors with a unique opportunity to stroll through the Mother Lode’s oak woodlands. The Dragoon Gulch Trail is a system of trails creating a 2 ½ mile loop. The trails travel along a natural creek up to the vista that provides a spectacular view of the City and its surrounding mountain ranges. The trails vary in difficulty making it perfect for the casual e 20 walker and for those who want a strenuous hike or jog. Length - 2.5 Mile Loop Hours - Dawn to Dusk Difficulty - Easy to Strenuous Surface The South Creekside Trail is surfaced and ADA accessible,
the North Forest Trail is paved, and all other trails are natural surface. No Camping No Fees Directions The main entrance to the Trail is located at Woods Creek Park., on Stockton Rd., Highway 49 opposite Mother Lode Fair. Parking Woods Creek Park – Near the main trail entrance, this parking lot is accessed off of Highway 49. Kiosks display information about the Trail at this site. Restrooms Restrooms for the Trail are located at its main entrance in Woods Creek Park.
NORTH FOREST TRAIL (1650 Ft./Slope 5%)
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Moderate The North Forest Trail leaves from the kiosks area at the Woods Creek Park entrance. Following the Trail Pavement Markers, cross over the bridge and continue along N. Forest Road. This Trail is well shaded and travels through a quiet neighborhood to connect with the South Creekside Trail.
SOUTH CREEKSIDE TRAIL
(1242 Ft./Average Slope 1.5%) Easy This Trail is surfaced and ADA accessible from the Alpine Lane Parking Lot. Enjoy a tranquil stroll while meandering along the seasonal creek. As you hike along the Trail you will see many wetland trees, shrubs, birds and aquatic insects.This Trail connects with the North Creekside Trail and the Alpine Lane Parking Lot.
North Creekside Trail
(1368 Ft./Slope 4.5%) Easy This natural surface Trail continues along the seasonal creek. Along the creek you will see several piles of “mine tailings” (discarded rock left from early mining operations in the gulch). The Trail provides access to both the Ridge and Vista Trails.
RIDGE TRAIL
Still Memories Photography stillmemoriesphotosite.com
(209) 536-0428
(3536 Ft./Slope 5%) Moderate The gentle grade of this naturally surfaced Trail travels through groves of oaks and pines as it tops the ridge and joins the Vista Trail. Interesting rock formations exist at the top of the Trail. Note the mine pit and sections of the miner’s ditches as you walk along the Trail.
www.exploresonora.com
VISTA TRAIL
(2066 Ft./Slope 11.5%) Strenuous This naturally surfaced Trail is the steepest of the Dragoon Gulch Trail System but well worth the effort to see the beautiful vistas at the top. Take advantage of the strategically placed benches to rest and enjoy the view of Historic Sonora and its beautiful mountain ranges. As you travel downhill along this Trail a canopy of Manzanita bushes will keep you cool. In the springtime this Trail is abundant with wildflowers. Bear in mind that although the Dragoon Gulch Trail is within Sonora’s city limits, it is in a heavily wooded area. It’s advisable to stay on the trail and be mindful that there are wild creatures about as well as poison oak, ticks and the like. Article: City of Sonora Photos: Michelle White Still Memories Photography
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Stage3 Theatre Company in all 50 states. In light of such obvious success one might assume that the show features an especially compelling story, or a score of particularly catchy and memorable songs.
Rob Smittle and Michelle Woodall in Stage 3’s 2009 production of Neil Simon’s ‘Barefoot in the Park’ Photo: Rich Miller
‘fantastick!’
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any unlikely success stories have originated on the New York stage. One of those successes is the The Fantasticks. This modest musical premiered quietly at an off-Broadway playhouse in 1960. It continued to run for a remarkable 42 years. The Phantom of the Opera as a ‘big’ musical ran for a little more than two decades. The comparison, if you find it, ends there. The success of The Fantasticks is not limited to Manhattan. It is one of the most widely produced musicals in the world, with more than 11,000 productions to date have been staged in 67 countries and
This is not true for The Fantasticks, with the exception of one very hummable song: Try To Remember. Conceived and produced for ‘little theatre’ it was written for only one or two instruments and requires just eight performers, The Fantasticks only offers a simple storyline and tone that flirts with the sweeter side of bittersweet. And it doesn’t actually bear the weight of the era in which it was originally created. It’s actually, timeless and full of charm. Buckets of the stuff.
theatre It’s a not-too-subtle allegory of love found, lost, and regained, with the lovers overcoming a series of outlandish obstacles along the way, eventually finding each other a little wiser in the end. If you’re rolling your eyes at this reading then do us all a favor and just stay home. You won’t get it. It’s a joy to discover that Stage 3 is presenting The Fantasticks at the close of their 2010 season. It’s a very special show that everyone needs to see at some time in life. Though not intended, it is a perfect holiday show. It’s a frothy concoction with a pocketful of messages that just ends up delighting (sometimes) even the most cynical and jaded theatregoers.
In fact The Fantasticks is so absolutely square that it’s almost edgy. It’s a show that you can see again and again, from Berlin to Boston to San Bernardino and even in Sonora. It’s been one of those rare shows that offer something for everyone, because it touches everyone. It’s unmatched in finding such broad acceptance.
At its core is its simplicity. In the original New York production, the set was just a wooden platform under a cardboard moon, changing to a cardboard sun for the second act. The show is “fantastic” in the original sense of that word – fanciful and marvelous. Fantastick! Do yourself a favor and see this production at Stage 3 this holiday season.
Based (however loosely) on Edmond Rostand’s 1894 play Les Romanesques, the musical traces the bumpy courtship of Matt and Luisa, next-door neighbors whose parents have deliberately decided to separate them by building a wall to keep them apart. The wall, however, is a subterfuge:Their parents want them to end up together, because they believe that “to manipulate children, you merely say ‘No.’ ”
Book & Lyrics by Tom Jones Music by Harvey Schmidt November 12 - December 19 Stage 3 Theatre Company 208 S. Green St., Sonora, CA 209-536-1778 www.stage3.org
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The Fantasticks
18202 Main Street • Jamestown • CA • 95327 • Phone • 209.984.0584 • stogiesatcoppercreek.com
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the country doctor
by Ora Moss Morgan
origins
Aimed to serve the community of Sonora and the surrounding areas, the hospital was built in 1900 as Bromley Sanitarium.
were swollen. Lots of the creeks had no bridges. Hamlet, if the water was high, would swim across. Dad had to put his feet up on the dashboard when the water came into the buggy.
When a woman was having a baby, especially out in the country, he would stay by her as long as it took. If the birth was in the hosThroughout the next 50 years, the hospital changed ownership and location several times and in 1957, pital the mother usually stayed 10 days. The Sonora Hospital moved from it’s location next to what is price was $50.00 including prenatal care. now Yosemite Title Co. to a brand new hospital on Forest Office visits in those days were $2.00 and Road and was renamed Sonora Community Hospital. a house call $5.00. Bemis, my friend, had an Several years later, in 1961, the hospital was given to appendicitis operation and stayed in the hosthe Seventh-day Adventist Church and in 1973 joined pital for $5.00 a day. Adventist Health. In 2004 the hospital relocated to the new, 4-story building on Greenley Road that remains its location today.
Dr. Bromley was no businessman. He seldom kept books. Those who were honest Up until I was about 8 years old dad relied paid him in one way or another. Ora Moss Morgan’s column,“Gold Dust,” appeared for 17 years in the old Sonora Banner newspaper- on Hamlet to get him places in the buggy. Ora Moss Morgan from 1933-1950. Hamlet was a big stallion. He was kept in y father, Dr. R.I. Bromley, was a typi- Pickles stables about a block away. Pickles cal country doctor. When he came to Stables was on the side of the creek where Sonora in 1887 the big gold boom was over. Coffills Park is now. The horses were kept There was still a lot of mining but most of in stalls on the lower level.There was an init was done by companies and it was deep clined ramp going to the upper story where the buggies, carriages, and tack were kept. mining requiring lots of money. Someone would drive the buggies up to the The Country wasn’t lawless, yet my dad big granite stepping stone by the sidewalk in ells Fargo & Co. carried a small pistol on his lap when he front of our home and dad would get in and was borne out went on out-of-town calls. One time he be on his way. of the Caliwas on a late call near Chinese Camp. He fornia Gold Rush, an Neither of us could sing very well. Mothwas going along a creek where on each event that launched er said Dad couldn’t carry a tune. She had e 22 side of the road there were thick willows. a nice alto voice. But we enjoyed ourselves the greatest migration Hamlet, his horse, was going slowly and my in American history. and I think Hamlet did too. dad was relaxed almost drowsy. Suddenly a Virtually overnight the man stepped out of the bushes. Instantly my If it was a very cold Winter night mother sleepy seaport of San dad became alert and reached for his pis- would put a firebrick in the kitchen stove. Francisco, located on tol.When the man saw the pistol, I guess he When it was red hot she would put it in a sand dunes overlookthought it best to waylay an unarmed person little tin drawer that fit into an oblong box ing the Golden Gate, so he went back into the bushes. that was covered with carpet. Dad put this exploded from a non-native population of We had one of the first telephones in under his feet and then a big lap robe over 800 in 1848 to more than 30,000 in 1851. town. It seemed to be ringing day and night. his knees. He was ready for the long ride to As news of the gold discovery spread Dad very rarely would have Thanksgiving or Tuolumne of wherever he had to go. Some- around the world, farmers left their crops, times when it had been raining the streams Christmas dinner with us. merchants shuttered their doors, and imSonora Regional Medical Center is a modern 152-bed facility serving 86,600 residents in Calav- migrants abandoned their homelands to eras,Tuolumne and portions of Mariposa counties. journey thousands of miles to gold fields in the Sierra foothills. Risking disease, danger and starvation, they came by clipper ship and steamer, by wagontrain and on foot to seek their fortune in the gold fields.
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The pride of countless mining towns, the Wells Fargo agency was viewed as a link to the civilized world. Wells Fargo Bank has been serving the Greater Sonora Community for over 150 years.
Wells Fargo & Co
808 E. Mono Way, CA 95370 (209) 532-3106 Pictured above, the historic Wells Fargo office is located in Columbia Historic State Park, just a few miles north of Sonora.
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Lucky to get six hours of sleep?
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www.HeusersFurniture.com 37 S. Stewart Street • Downtown Sonora • 209-536-9834
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INNS OF CALIFORNIA Historic Gold Country
Discover comfort, location and “hotel service that takes your breath away” —HeritageHotelgroup.com
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nns of California-Sonora is nestled in the heart of the historic gold country foothills, is only sixty miles from Yosemite National Park and minutes from Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Columbia State Park. Tour the California gold rush towns of Sonora, Jamestown, and Columbia. In the heart of the Sierra, enjoy skiing, fishing, river rafting, golfing, antique shopping, caves, and steam trains. e
Located in Downtown Sonora you will be within easy walking distance to many local restaurants and 24unique shops. Whatever your interest, you will love coming back to your clean room Year-Round Heated Pool and Spa
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