Valley Views - Fall Promo

Fall 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 1

7 21762 37097 1

FALL 2014 • $2.95

YOSEMITE CELEBRATES150TH Anniversary ofthe Yosemite Grant

LUXURY HOME SPOTLIGHT

PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

RESOURCE GUIDE

WILDLIFE REFUGES OFVALLEY AND FOOTHILLS

WALKING TOUR MAPS

IN SEARCH OF THE BESTBURGER ON HWY 132

Produced by Valley Views Magazine, Local Media Pros and Sabre Design

$2.95

featuring GATEWAYS & GETAWAYSfeaturing GATEWAYS & GETAWAYS

2 | 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: [email protected]

PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE

Welcome to the 42nd issue ofValley 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 esti-mations, the central San Joaquin valley’s first regional magazine. Countz published 30 issues of Valley Views from 1980 to 1983 be-fore “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 prepa-rations 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 promo-tional 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 [email protected]

Stan CountzPublisher / Editor-in-ChiefValley Views MagazineGateways & Getaways

CONTENTS | FALL 2014

16

10 282610 THE BEST BURGER We ate at more than half a dozen

restaurants along Highway 132, and these

are the three best burgers.

16 NATURAL BRIDGESA majestic watershed wonder hidden in

Calaveras County.

26 BIG CREEK MEADOW RANCHHome 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.

28 INTO THE WILDGreat one day getaways for sightseeing,

flora and fauna. Photographers enjoy

these locations.

22 HIGHWAY 132Discover historic bygones along this

quaint road traveling through Coulterville,

LaGrange and Robert’s Ferry.

DEPARTMENTS

4 PUBLISHER’S PERSPECTIVE 6 GOLD COUNTRY MAP 7 OUT & ABOUT 8 GROVELAND CA 15 MARIPOSA CA 30 LUXURY HOME SPOTLIGHT

ON THE COVERThe 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


ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOSEMITE

LEGEND

CENTRALVALLEY YOSEMITE

NATIONALPARK


Yosemite’s 150th

Yosemite’s 150th Anniversary

On June 30, 1864, in the

midst of the Civil War, Con-

gress enacted the Yosemite

Grant Act, establishing Yosemite Valley

and Mariposa Grove as the first pro-

tected wild land for all time. This grant

marked the first California State Park.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the

Yosemite Grant Act. From the begin-

ning, this act was a legacy for our nation.

Today, the preservation of Yosemite

inspires the world. The Yosemite Grant

was the first land grant to protect wild

lands for the enjoyment of people. With

the help of many partners and friends,

Yosemite and the gateway communities

hosted a nation-wide commemorative

effort to honor the 150th anniversary of

this significant event that spurred the

national park idea. In 1890, the land

surrounding these two tracts was des-

ignated Yosemite National Park. Early

conservationist John Muir’s persuasive

words to President Roosevelt and state

authorities led to combining Yosemite

Valley and Mariposa Grove with Yosemi-

te National Park in 1906. Visionaries like

Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt,

John Muir, and Galen Clark under-

stood that the wonders of the American

wilderness are not only our inheritance,

but our responsibility. Now, 150 years

later, the promise of the Yosemite Grant

endures as this beloved national park

opens its arms to over 4 million people

annually who marvel at the awe-inspir-

ing beauty and gain a new understand-

ing of the importance of preserving

our wild lands. California State Parks

commemorates the 1864 establishment

of the first state park in the world. On

June 30, 1864, President Abraham Lin-

coln signed a bill granting 39,000 acres

of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big

Tree Grove to the State of California.

Never before had land been set aside to

protect its natural state for the public

to enjoy. This historic legislation was

the beginning of not only the California

State Park System, but the national park

idea we know today. Visitors arrived by

1869, and camping, hiking and swim-

ming in the park became more popular

every year. As roads and campgrounds

were established, the number of visitors

exploded. The federal government took

control of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa

Grove in 1906. This year, the National

Park Service also celebrates the 150th

anniversary of the signing of the Yo-

semite Grant. The National Park Service

remains partnered with California State

Parks in preservation of natural and his-

toric resources Yosemite Gateway Part-

ners is composed of citizens, communi-

ties and organizations throughout the

greater Yosemite region that acknowl-

edge their mutual interdependence, and

collaborate with each other to create

sustainable area-wide cultural, natural,

and economic prosperity.

Powderhouse Street

Back Street

Hopper Street

Fe

rretti R

oad

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Bisordi Street

Ponderos a Lan

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Garrotte Creek

Hetch Hetchy Railroad (Historic Path)

Tann

ahill

Cree

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MARY LAVERONICOMMUNITY PARK

STATE HIGHWAY 120

25 Miles TO YOSEMITE

MAIN STREET

15

11

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22

22211 20

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1 1 12

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

8 | VALLEY VIEWS FALL 2014

GROVELAND, CA

Powderhouse Street

Back Street

Hopper Street

Ferre

tti Road

Elde

r Lan

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Bisordi Street

Ponderos a Lan

e

Garrotte Creek

Hetch Hetchy Railroad (Historic Path)

Tann

ahill

Cree

k

MARY LAVERONICOMMUNITY PARK

STATE HIGHWAY 120

25 Miles TO YOSEMITE

MAIN STREET

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11

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22211 20

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1 1 12

11

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

FALL 2014 VALLEY VIEWS | 9

1. Mary Laveroni Community Park2. The Tannahill Home, 18573. Calpingers’ Texaco Service Station, est.19354. Original Post Office, 1936. 5. The Hotel Charlotte, 19216. 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 Jail12. The Reid Home, 1903.

13. The Sutton House, 188114. The Margaret Simmons Home (All Seasons Groveland Inn), 190015. School House, 191616. The Gilliam Home, 190317. 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

23. Watts and Tannahill had this two-story adobe erected, 1851 c. It’s now Coffee Time and Petal Pushers24. Iron Door Saloon, 185225. The Groveland Hotel, 184926. Groveland/Yosemite Gateway Museum and Library


FOOD EDITOR, DIANA RINGER

The BESTI love my job! Blending the best of both worlds,

travel and food, appealed to me from the very beginning.


WORTH THE WAITIronically, the top three burgers reside at the end of

132. Nestled between LaGrange and Coulterville, I tasted

three “destination worthy” burgers.

The Jeffrey Hotel5001 Main Street

Coulterville, CA 95311

(209) 878-0461

hoteljeffery.com

The Cowboy Burger

I drove a little more than

an hour east of Modesto to ex-

perience an artistic twist on the

American classic “bacon cheese-

burger.” Situated at the south-

ern tip of Main Street, just past

the intersection of highways

132 and 49, lies the Jeffrey Ho-

tel. The Magnolia Saloon which

a part of the Hotel Jeffery, is

the oldest working saloon in

California, complete with the

original “bat wing” doors like

you see in old westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke.

Inside this historical building is a classically trained

culinary artist who likes to add his own fresh twist on

American Classics, such as burgers and fries.

The Cowboy Burger is an impressive 1/3 lb fresh

ground patty, with hickory smoked bacon, fried onion

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

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

My personal suggestion would be to experience the

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

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

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

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

would skip a lot of fries to make my way back to those!

Other burger offerings, all of them delicious, include:

a mushroom burger, a blue cheese melt and a classic

burger. Want to match creative wits with the chef, then the

“build a burger” (at a modest $11)

is a perfect fit for you.

Not into burgers? No problem.

The Hotel Jeffrey has something for

everyone, from steaks and chicken,

to pizzas and sandwiches. With

drinks and desserts, you can count

on spending around $15-$20 per

person.

The Lumber Yard3473 Merced Falls Rd

La Grange, CA 95329

(209) 852-0146

lumberyardcafe.com

The Lumberjack Burger

When I look back on the Lumber Yard Café, I think

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

to on a regular basis.

First and foremost, their burgers pack the one-two

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

appetites will be happy to share their 1 lb Lumberjack

burger, piled so high with fresh tasty toppings you wonder

how you are going to get your jaw around it! Their more

Burger on 132

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modest ½ lb burger doesn’t skimp on

taste or fixings either.

This is probably the best place of

them all if you enjoy people watching,

or mingling with a group of people

you probably won’t otherwise have a

chance to associate with. Situated near

Lake Don Pedro, on any given night,

you see a mix of boaters (with young

families) and road loving bikers. In

the summer, you are likely to see large

groups of European tourists (on a

lay-over before heading onto Yosemite

National Park). These tourists have

literally made this place “world fa-

mous” 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 sam-

ple the food twice. The second time, a

local band was playing out front, and I

enjoyed a cool summer evening listen-

ing to live music and sipping a brew.

That night, they were also serving these

miniature cupcakes that shouldn’t even

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

The Lumber Yard also offers Kara-

oke on Friday nights, so if you feel like

singing for your supper, they can hook

you up!

Not all your travelers want burg-

ers? No problem. The Lumber Yard can

satisfy a variety of tastes from tri-tip to

linguicia sandwiches, a tri-tip burrito,

and slightly lighter fare like nachos,

quesadillas, hot dogs and salads. They

also offer a very special Rib-Eye steak

dinner that is out of this world for just

under $20/per person. Top your per-

fect meal off with a selection of beer,

soda or ice tea. Picking up the tab? You

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

skip the steak dinner.

The LaGrange SaloonLa Grange Saloon and Grill

30048 Yosemite Blvd

La Grange, CA 95329

(209) 853-2114

https://www.facebook.com/

pages/Louies-Place-Saloon-and-

Grill/368748569828519

The third best burger I tasted, and

it’s nearly impossible to rate them, is

in the city of LaGrange itself. This his-

toric bar is deceiving from the front.

Walk through its old time western

façade, and you find yourself trans-

ported back in time. Its old saloon feel

allows you to believe that your favorite

western character is just going to walk

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

back yard, and you are transported once

again. A narrow walkway leads to a large,

lush backyard with a gazebo and plenty

of green lush grass to dance upon. The

Saloon, also known “Louie’s Place” has

an active entertainment calendar, so I

encourage people to call ahead.

The saloon boasts one of the old-

est, intact bars anywhere, but the kitch-

en is the real secret to their success.

When I went there, I had an opportu-

nity to meet the cook, an incredibly

vibrant woman that brings passion and

Valley ViewsFood Editor, Diana Ringer

A life-long burger enthusiast, Diane takes her love and deep appreci-

ation of food very seriously. Visit her online blog at www.valleyviews.biz/

blogs/foodiediaries

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

Lumberjack

LaGrange

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


precision to everything she gets her

hands on.

Of course, I had to order a bacon

cheeseburger, with all the fixings.

The end result was well worth the

wait. I wasn’t even hungry, but I

found I couldn’t help myself. It was

all just too good! I tried to have a

shred of restraint, and shared it with

a friend. It was unanimous, 2-0, this

was definitely one of the best burg-

ers on Highway 132 or anywhere

else for that matter.

The take away from La Grange:

Great burger making technique,

impeccable plating style, and great

ingredients!

OTHER GREAT BURGER CHOICESALONG HIGHWAY 132

Just because my top three shared

a common geographic theme, doesn’t

mean that there aren’t great burgers

to be found on the valley floor. Of the

dozen plus burger places I tried, from

west of Modesto to Coulterville, there

are many great burger places. These

restaurants deserve their own special

awards along the way.

For the rest of the story, visit

http://online.valleyviews.biz/best-

burgers



16JONES ST.

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1. Mariposa Mine, 18492. Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 18623. Duff House4. Old Jail, 18585. Bertken Cottage, 19016. Gann House, 2nd Mason’s Lodge, 18647. Bruce Bro. Shop (location)8. Methodist Church So., 1893 a. Methodist Church Parish Hall, 19419. Fort Sumpter Garage (location)10. Old Post Office, c. 188611. a. Express Drug and Variety (location) b. MacDermott and Co., 1858 c. Mariposa County Arts Park12. a. Zeller Building, 1892 b. Stolder Building, 1901 c. Old CHP Office, 1936

d. Bogan & Co., 1867 e. Meat Market, 1867 f. Capital Saloon, 1867 g. Fremont Adobe, 185013. 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, 196214. a. Patten House, 1880 b. Mariposa Theater, 1936 c. Garber Property d. Gallison/J.J. Cook Residence (location)

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, 188316. Mariposa Gazette (location)17. John Trabucco Res., 193418. Emile Trabucco Residence, 193219. Mariposa Opera House (location)20. Schlageter House, 185921. Mariposa Elementary School22. Mariposa High School23. Jones House, 185824. a. Judge Schottky House, 1935 b. Carl G. Lind House, 1870 c.25. A.H. Washburn House (location)

26. Counts House (location)27. Adair House, 1900 c.28. J.J. Trabucco Home, 190129. Mariposa Gazette30. Tiscornia & Irves Funeral Home, 193531. Thorn House, pre 190032. Mariposa Courthouse, 185433. Henry Garber Jr., 189634. Henry Garber Sr., 1861 c.35. Milburn House, 189836. George Lind House, 189737. Ellingham House, 1930 c.38. Tressider House/Mariposa Brewery39. Lourvre Hotel, 189640. Mariposa Museum & History Center


NaturalBY SEAN & KAREN LOVELADY


BRiDGESof Calaveras County

Just a little over an hour from

Modesto, California, situat-

ed in the Sierra Foothills of

Calaveras County are some

spectacular limestone

caverns known as “Natural Bridges.”

My family and I happened to find

these beautiful caves some years

ago after googling “fun places to go

around Modesto.” This area left such

an impression on us we’ve been back

numerous times with various relatives

and friends.

Natural Bridges is actually com-

prised of two amazing limestone

caverns located on Coyote Creek. The

more well-known of the two is the

Upper Natural Bridge. It is located

just about a mile from Parrot’s Ferry

Road and the trail head is very easy to

find. The trail winds through a forest

of grand old oaks and has a gradual

descent of about 300 feet. (So keep

in mind that if you are descending

on the way in … you’re going to be

ascending on the way out.) Having

said this, just about anybody can do

this hike. In fact, our daughter was

five the first time we came ~ and she

didn’t need any help at all.

As you near the bottom of the

trail you will find a small picnic area

surrounded by a profusion of black-

berry bushes. You hear sounds of

running water. And then you see

it ~ a wide, moss covered cavern

(about 15 feet high and 40 feet wide),

hundreds of beads of water dripping

from the mossy entrance of the cave!

It is the Upper Natural Bridge… and

it is breathtaking!

As you approach the entrance to

the cavern, you can’t help but at least

take your shoes off. This place is too

fascinating to not explore. But one

word of warning: the water is ICE

COLD (though eventually, you get

used to it)! Coyote Creek runs all the

way through the cavern (about 100

feet). Visitors float through the cave

on rafts; others swim. We like to go in

late June or early July when the water

is down. Also, you will notice trout

in the water at the entrance to the

cave. The last time we came to Natural

Bridges, I had 10-20 trout swimming



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

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 thiev-

ery ~ though I’ve never seen them

carting off a whole ice chest. Over-

all, we really enjoyed ourselves! I

give Natural Bridges a Five (out of

Five) stars!

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!!


COLUMBIA CAPa

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1. Fallon Theatre, Fallon Hotel, Ice Cream Parlor2. Columbia Gazette Office3. Eagle Cottage4. Masonic Hall5. Miner's Cabin6. Wells Fargo Building7. A.N. Fisher Stage Line & Stable8. D.O. Mills Building9. Columbia Candle & Soap Works10. Jack Douglass Saloon11. J.C. Miller Carpenter Shop12. Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen13. Native Sons of Golden West 14. Justice Court15. Angelo's Hall16. Columbia House Restaurant17. Odd Fellows Building18. Papeete Firehouse19. Drug Store Exhibit20. Dentist Office Exhibit21. Photo Studio22. Towle & Leavitt Gifts23. Brown's Coffee House & Sweet Saloon24. City Hotel25. What Cheer Saloon26. California Store Exhibit27. St. Charles Saloon28. Mercantile29. Main Street Firehouse30. Jailhouse31. Wilson-McConnel Home32. Butcher Shop Exhibit33. Chinese Herb Shop Exhibit34. Bowling Alley35. Columbia Museum36. Devon's Bakery37. Lickskillit Cafe38. Livery Stable Exhibit39. Parrott's Blacksmith Shop40. Fancy Dry Goods & Clothing Store41. Barber Shop42. Columbia Booksellers & Stationers43. Candle Making Courtyard44. Tibbit's House45. Martinez Home46. Brady Building/Pioneer Emporium47. Matelot Miners Supply, Gold Panning48. Horse Riding Stables

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1. Fallon Theatre, Fallon Hotel, Ice Cream Parlor2. Columbia Gazette Office3. Eagle Cottage4. Masonic Hall5. Miner's Cabin6. Wells Fargo Building7. A.N. Fisher Stage Line & Stable8. D.O. Mills Building9. Columbia Candle & Soap Works10. Jack Douglass Saloon11. J.C. Miller Carpenter Shop12. Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen13. Native Sons of Golden West 14. Justice Court15. Angelo's Hall16. Columbia House Restaurant17. Odd Fellows Building18. Papeete Firehouse19. Drug Store Exhibit20. Dentist Office Exhibit21. Photo Studio22. Towle & Leavitt Gifts23. Brown's Coffee House & Sweet Saloon24. City Hotel25. What Cheer Saloon26. California Store Exhibit27. St. Charles Saloon28. Mercantile29. Main Street Firehouse30. Jailhouse31. Wilson-McConnel Home32. Butcher Shop Exhibit33. Chinese Herb Shop Exhibit34. Bowling Alley35. Columbia Museum36. Devon's Bakery37. Lickskillit Cafe38. Livery Stable Exhibit39. Parrott's Blacksmith Shop40. Fancy Dry Goods & Clothing Store41. Barber Shop42. Columbia Booksellers & Stationers43. Candle Making Courtyard44. Tibbit's House45. Martinez Home46. Brady Building/Pioneer Emporium47. Matelot Miners Supply, Gold Panning48. Horse Riding Stables

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1. Post Office2. Soracco & Co. 18693. Originally Boro's Saloon & Restaurant 18964. Originally Bank of Amador 19155. Native Sons Hall6. Klima Bldg 18927. The Richards' Building 18988. Ratto Theater 19199. F. Coblentz & Brother c. 186510. Store 185811. Brinn Store 188812. Corbett Bldg (orig. Sutter Creek Hotel) 187013. City Hall/Auditorium 192814. Private Homes c. 186015. Tibbitts Foundry c. 1850's16. Pinotti Bldg 17. Hubble Bldg. 186518. Oddfellows Hall 185919. Masonic Hall 186520. Drug Strore 185021. Originally American Exchange Hotel c.1860 22. Originally Butcher Shop 188823. 189824. 188825. Brignole Building c. 188026. Originally Keyes Home c. 185927. The Brinn House c. 185028. 1903 Victorian29. Mahoney Granary 186630. Private Home c. 190031. Trinity Episcopal Church 189732. Immaculate Conception Church c. 1850's33. The Down's Mansion 1870 34. Herman House 185935. "Catalog" home 193036. McIntire Home37. Monteverde Store (Museum) 189838. The Randolph Home39. The Old Mint Saloon c. 1890's40. Lagomarsino (Inn) 191441. Knight Foundry 187342. Private Home 189843. Swift Home 189544. Kingdom Hall 1872

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Keyes

Gopher Flat Rd.N

1. Post Office2. Soracco & Co. 18693. Originally Boro's Saloon & Restaurant 18964. Originally Bank of Amador 19155. Native Sons Hall6. Klima Bldg 18927. The Richards' Building 18988. Ratto Theater 19199. F. Coblentz & Brother c. 186510. Store 185811. Brinn Store 188812. Corbett Bldg (orig. Sutter Creek Hotel) 187013. City Hall/Auditorium 192814. Private Homes c. 186015. Tibbitts Foundry c. 1850's16. Pinotti Bldg 17. Hubble Bldg. 186518. Oddfellows Hall 185919. Masonic Hall 186520. Drug Strore 185021. Originally American Exchange Hotel c.1860 22. Originally Butcher Shop 188823. 189824. 188825. Brignole Building c. 188026. Originally Keyes Home c. 185927. The Brinn House c. 185028. 1903 Victorian29. Mahoney Granary 186630. Private Home c. 190031. Trinity Episcopal Church 189732. Immaculate Conception Church c. 1850's33. The Down's Mansion 1870 34. Herman House 185935. "Catalog" home 193036. McIntire Home37. Monteverde Store (Museum) 189838. The Randolph Home39. The Old Mint Saloon c. 1890's40. Lagomarsino (Inn) 191441. Knight Foundry 187342. Private Home 189843. Swift Home 189544. Kingdom Hall 1872

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SUTTER CREEK CA



ROUTE 132

Living in the middle of Cali-

fornia’s vast San Joaquin

Valley puts you squarely

between two of this

planets most impressive sights. A

hundred miles to the west is the

Pacific Ocean and about the same

distance to the east is spectacular

Yosemite National Park. Getting

to the ocean is not complicated

or tricky. Getting to Yosemite is.

There are three routes you can

take from the Stockton/Modesto

area. Being a veteran of all three, I

can confidently tell you which one

of them is best.

The most common route is by

way of Groveland after a narrow

ascent leaving Highway 108 past

Oakdale. The second most used

is Merced through Mariposa. The road

to Groveland is full of twists and turns

and is both dangerous and tedious.

The road past Mariposa has a 15

minute wait in order to bypass a

decades old rockslide by navigat-

ing a single lane makeshift bridge

as you dutifully take your turn

crossing the Merced River. Traffic

is often heavy on both. Either

way makes getting to Yosemite an

ordeal.

There is a much better alternative.

I suggest taking the “road less

traveled,” as the poet Robert Frost

put it. Leaving Modesto and wind-

ing its way through Waterford and

up into the beating heart of the

California Gold Rush and easily,

simply, blithely being ushered in

the North Entrance to Yosemite is

ROUTE 132BY LYNN SAMPSON

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


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1. Coulter Hotel2. Wells Fargo/McCarthy's Store3. Fire Dept.4. Barrett Blacksmith Shop5. E.E. Warne Store6. Powder House7. Post Office8. Bruschi Brothers Warehouse9. The Mint (burned down)10. Gazzolo Store11. Gazzolo Building12. Commissiona Store13. Ellis House14. I.O.O.F. Building15. Canova House16. Candy's Place17. The Boardwalk18. Canova Warehouse19. Grenfell House20. Harlow House21. Yosemite Garage22. Sample Family House23. Bruschi Store24. Hotel Jeffrey, Magnolia Saloon, Old Johnny Haigh Saloon, Old Barber Shop,Cigar Store, Café, & Chinese Laundry25. Methodist Church26. The Old School House27. Musante House28. James Gazzolo House29. Coulterville Service Center30. Catholic Cemetary 31. Tiscorgnia House32. Coulter House

PUBLIC

PARK

& POOL

Coulterville

RV Park

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humble, uncongested, scenic, unsur-

passed, and historic Highway 132. Not

only is the trip far more enjoyable,

but when you arrive, you are greeted

with the unparalleled sight of Yosemi-

te Valley from high atop its rim as the

road snakes down to the valley floor.

If you are one of the many unlucky

travelers who enter via Mariposa, you

arrive at ground level and Half Dome,

El Capitan and all the rest are far less

remarkably viewed from below than

from above.

Along the way there is a bracing

meal with which to start your journey

at the Fruit Yard just past Empire,

quaint stops among the old-style street

lanterns of downtown Waterford, fine

gourmet nuts and candied a the Rob-

erts Ferry Nut Company, two perfectly

preserved Old West saloons in La

Grange and Coulterville, the welcome

respite of the General Store in Greeley

Hill, fabulous views, sweeping vistas,

and intimate pine forests to photo-

graph and gaze upon.

Do yourself a favor and next time

take 132. You’ll be in excellent compa-

ny. That is exactly the way the father of

Yosemite National Park and America’s

most famous outdoorsman chose to

get there. When you arrive just tell the

ranger who greets you at the gate that

John Muir sent you.

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


COULTERVILLE CA


THE END OF THE ROAD – BEGINNING

OF ADVENTUREBig Creek Meadow Ranch —

Hwy 120 at Smith Station Road

The Big Creek Meadow Ranch10551 Smith Station Rd

Groveland, CA 95351Phone: (209) 962-1942

Non-Smoking Facility, Pet Friendly (Under 25 lbs)

BY DIANA RINGER


Situated on Highway 120

and Smith Station Road, Big

Creek is a 165-acre work-

ing sheep and guest ranch.

Smith’s Station was originally a pop-

ular stop in the 1800’s for stages and

horse-drawn freight wagons. The orig-

inal hotel once served guests on their

way to Yosemite. Among the visitors

signing the guest register at Smith’s

was Teddy Roosevelt. Smith’s was a

toll station for Big Oak Flat Toll Road,

but you can travel it for free today!

Turn left and you’ll be in Groveland in

6.3 miles. Turn right and you’ll be in

Yosemite National Park in 17 miles.

With only three bedrooms, the

ranch house feels more like a home.

Each guest receives their own key

with private access to their suite. Each

room comes equipped with a private

bath, a hearty buffet breakfast, TV,

complimentary WIFI, air conditioning,

coffee station, refrigerator, hair dryer

and iron. Room rates range from $129-

$159 per night.

The large 36 foot natural wood

back deck overlooks expansive pas-

tures, features a dozen or so cute-as-

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

12 x 24 working performance stage,

perfect for intimate theatre experienc-

es and impromptu backyard concerts.

Big Creek Meadow Ranch is a

perfect venue for special events,

gatherings, retreats and weddings.

The spacious, yet cozy grounds offer

a breath-taking view of beautiful Big

Creek Meadow with the majestic Smith

Peak in the background. The gardens

include a variety of mature shade and

fruit trees. Gardening enthusiasts will

appreciate the thoughtful landscape

design. The flower beds provide a con-

tinuous display of color throughout

the spring and FALL months, replaced

by warm and golden hues in the fall.

Flowering shrubs provide compli-

mentary splashes of color and gentle

fragrances.

Nearby activities include rafting,

hiking, fishing, badminton, horseback

riding, swimming at Rainbow Pool.

Onsite activities include stargazing

with a telescope, enjoying the mead-

ow from the deck, horseshoes and

croquet. The ranch staff is also very

helpful in identifying points of interest

in nearby cities and vineyards. The

ranch is only 20 miles from Yosemite.

“Cool evening breezes, serene pastures and breath-taking views.”

That is how I describe my experience atBig Creek Meadow Ranch in Groveland.


INTO THE WILD


INTO THE WILD

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CAMPUSColumbia College features an amaz-

ing variety of flora and fauna. Through-

out the year, you can catch a multitude

of aquatic life in the San Diego Reservoir

in the middle of the campus.

Western Pond Turtles can be seen

sunning year-round, along with many

varieties of fish native and non-native.

Flame Skimmer dragonflies are hard to

miss with their brightly colored fiery

orange red bodies.

Canada Geese wander all over and

if you’re lucky during the spring, you

might just catch a glimpse of the fami-

lies that have had gosslings.

Trees around the campus include

many different oaks, pines, coastal

redwoods, white alder (around the

reservoir) and many others.

11600 Columbia College Dr, Sonora, CA

MERCED WILDLIFE REFUGEYou’ll want to get to this location

early in the morning to be able to enjoy

the day. Don’t forget snacks and water.

The Refuge features an auto tour

route and three nature trails for the

public to view and photograph wildlife

in a natural setting. The Refuge also has

a large waterfowl hunting program.

The Refuge plays host to the

largest wintering populations of lesser

Sandhill cranes and Ross’ geese. Each

autumn more than 20,000 cranes and

60,000 arctic-nesting geese terminate

their annual migrations from Alaska

and Canada to make the Refuge home

for six months. Here they mingle with

thousands of other visiting waterfowl,

waterbirds, and shorebirds – making

the Refuge a true winter phenomenon.

7376 Wolfsen Rd, Merced, CA

LA GRANGEAnother great location for bird-

ing or just plain relaxation is near

LaGrange. Find the parking area just

off of Lake Road as you travel from

Yosemite Blvd (Highway 132).

On foot, you’ll be able to walk

across a large bridge over Tuolumne

River, as well as explore marshes

across the other side of Lake Road.

This general location is great for

spotting hawks (buteos and accipi-

ters), as well as many other smaller

bird species. You may even get lucky

and see a bald eagle soaring above

with the turkey vultures.

Be sure to bring plenty of water

and your own food for the day.

Maintained restrooms are on the

premises.

Corner of 132 and Lake Rd

Wildlife Locations in the Valley & Foothills


PINE MOUNTAIN LAKEGroveland CA

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

LUXURY IN 4800 SFThis beautiful custom home is

located in the heart of Groveland in

the Pine Mountain Lake area.

Master Bedroom SuiteThe master suite boasts over

700 square feet on its own. You’ll

be able to enjoy nature with the

on-suite master bath, complete with

a roman tub overlooking pines and

oaks. The tile shower includes a

rainfall shower head with a bench

and several other features.

Also included in the master is a

private office and large walk-in cedar

closet with enough room for several

wardrobes.

Chef’s KitchenJust off the main living area is a

large kitchen with a kitchen nook.

Game RoomThe house includes two game

rooms. There is one located on the

main floor, complete with pine ceil-

ings and a bar. It overlooks the pri-

vate garden area off the back deck.

The main game room is on the

bottom floor of the home. It has a

marble-topped bar area with a tap,

neon lights, pool table, three bed-

rooms, a bathroom and a complete

cozy kitchen with its own pantry.

Just for fun, there’s also an old

working stove.

Guest RoomsFeaturing five guest rooms and

three bathrooms.

Observation TowerYou will love this! Has a custom

built in shelving unit to house all

your books for an enjoyable and

private space for reading.

If you’re not into reading, this is

a great location in the home to view

the great outdoors from the comfort

of home.


Luxury HomeSpotlight


Great Hotels in Sonora

ASK ABOUT OUR SEASONAL PACKAGESYosemite • Romance • Theatre • Snow Play • Gas Card and More...

SONORA

SONORA

350 S. Washington St.Downtown Sonora 95370

209-532-3633 • 800-251-1538SonoraInnsofCalifornia.com

19551 Hess Ave at Mono WaySonora 95370

209-533-4400 • 800-532-1944BWSonoraOaks.com

Enjoy your stay in the Gold Country from the comfort of our cozy ful-ly-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

SONORA

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Valley Views - Fall Promo