fall/winter 2010 explore sonora

www.sonorachamber.com

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SonoraE X P L O R E

Dragoon Gulch

Small Town Cheer

Christmas ‘Critters’

Best House on the HillHistoric Lodging • Dining & CabaretYour Lodging Gateway to Yosemite National Park

The All Hallows Fantasy Faire

October 23 & 24, 2010 at Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Historic Sonora Faire Program Inside

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www.exploresonora.com

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e 2 Savor a lazy morning in the most luxurious featherbed you’ll never want to get out of, snuggle into one of our cozy bath-

robes, 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 com-forters, European antiques, a coffee grinder and brewer, a CD player and an alarm clock.

Enjoy 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 re-freshing drink on your way through town.

18767 Main Street • Groveland, CA 95321209-962-4000 • 800-273-3314www.groveland.com

The ideal Yosemite lodging featuring the acclaimed Cellar Door restaurant.

Between our front door and Yosemite’s gates, experience world-class river raft-

ing 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 spot-ting is a local pastime. We boast great gray owl and black bear habitats and a whole lot of other wildlife.

Your Innkeepers: Grover, Peggy & Rusty

SONORA DAYS INN

The Historic Hotel Choice in Sonora

Sonora Days Inn160 S. Washington Street

Sonora, CA 95370 Phone: 209-532-2400

Fax: 209-532-4542www.bmshotels.com

Vintage YosemiteLodging Partner

Visit www.vintageyosemite.com for details.

Sonora Days Inn Hotel & Room Amenities• Wireless High Speed Internet• Coffee Maker in Room• Complimentary

NewspapersToiletriesLocal Telephone Calls Outdoor Parking/Disabled

• 24 Hour Front Desk• Golf, Tennis, Fitness nearby• Handicap Facilities• 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

In the Heart of Historic Sonora, California. Close to shops,

restaurants, live theater and many popular area attractions for the entire family.

Our Historic Hotel has tra-ditional furnishings while

the Annex has contemporary furnishings.

In every guestroom you’ll find coffee & tea makers and HBO.

All rooms in our Annex and the suites and efficiency

rooms in the Historic Hotel have irons and ironing boards, in-room refrigerators and microwave ovens. For a small fee, pets are welcome in designated rooms.

Ask about our local Dining Discount Specials


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CONCEPT, DESIGN & PRODUCTIONPaul Bell

ADVERTISING SALESSonora Chamer of Commerce

Paul BellEDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Christine TuohyPaul Bell

All Hallows Fantasy FairePHOTOGRAPHS

Blue World PhotosStill Memories Photography

Paul BellCOVER 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

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EXPLORE SONORA is a joint publication of The Sonora 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.

THE SONORA CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Voice of Commerce, Culture & Community

Mailing AddressP.O. Box 884, Sonora, CA 95370

Tel/Fax: 209-588-9625WEBSITE: www.sonorachamber.com

E-MAIL: [email protected] Sonora Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization 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.

PAUL BELL l MARKETING SOLUTIONSPO Box 5572, Sonora, CA 95370Telephone: 209.588.9205www.paulbell.biz/[email protected]

SonoraM A G A Z I N E

4-5, 17 THE GOOD LIFEExplore the areas finer and fun retailers and experience the joy of shopping in a small town. 6-8 THE BEST HOUSE ON THE HILLThe historic Groveland Hotel combines lodging, dining and entertainment along Tuolumne County’s Highway 120 Gateway to Yosemite National Park. 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 TOURSDiscover Yosemite next spring with Stay & Dis-cover tour packages from Groveland and Sonora.Yosemite’s many spectacular waterfalls come to life in March and April.11-13 ALL HALLOWS FANTASY FAIREOn October 23 & 24 Mother Lode Fair is host to the magical and mystical world of All Hallows Eve. A Family Fun Event. OFFICIAL PROGRAM16 SMALL TOWN CHEER Tuolumne County Event Calendar. 18 RANDOM ACT OF NATURE Photo Essay: Fall brings a spectacular seasonal change.20 DRAGOON GULCH TRAILIn the Heart of Sonora you can spend a couple of hours walking or riding in the city’s wilder-ness park. 21 STAGE 3 - ‘THE FANTASTICKS’ This Downtown Sonora theatre company brings the world’s favorite musical for the holidays.22 THE COUNTRY DOCTOR The story of Dr. R.I. Bromley and humble origins of Sonora Regional Medical Center.

Our Community Partner Live Well. Be Well.

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Voted ‘Best Chinese Restaurant’2009 & 2010!

Sonora is. . .

October 16th -24th

Shop & Stroll Food Drive

Oct. 16 - 22 Only! Donate packaged foodand Get 2 for 1 All Hallows Fantasy Faire TixOnly at these MerchantsMother Lode Bank Blue World PhotosSonora Joe’s • Ever AfterThe Candy Vault • Carl’s Jr.The Gunn House Hotel2 Adult/Youth Tix $12.00 2 Kids Tix $5.00 (6-12)Kids 5 & under FREE


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the good life fashion, home & gardennual reader’s poll. Visit Joan’s Boutique in per-son or online at: www.joansboutique.com.

Joan’s Boutique52 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 533-1550www.joansboutique.com

Joan’s Boutique

Exploring 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.

Twice a year there is a flurry of activi-ty, not only in the store, but as the gather-ing storm surrounds designer Joseph Rib-koff’s semi-annual ‘Trunk Show’ at Joan’s Boutique. Ribkoff representative Benjamin Zoldan and his assistants deliver this new and now hugely popular semi-annual event to Sonora. Women respond with anticipa-tion, delight and satisfaction at these shows. To have this internationally renowned de-signer present his fall and spring lines to this community is a rare and unusual treat.

Joan’s store has been a fixture of the community for years and it’s difficult to find women of any age who don’t shop there for that very special discovery, whether it’s clothing and accessories or just her pleas-ant 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 ev-ery 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-

La Bella Vie

Experience a bit of the Beautiful Life right here in downtown Sonora! Bella Vie, at 181 S. Washington

Street, is an eclectic home and design cen-ter featuring furniture, bedding, bath, and gift items.

Walking into Bella Vie feels like you’re stepping into a fragrant, shabby chic bit of the Left Bank of Paris, and it’s quite easy to

La Bella Vie

lose track of time whilst shopping. Every-thing your heart desires is here!

You can set an entire table with the toile linens, dishes, glassware and rustic tapers

in your newly garden themed dining room, fit your baby with essential and super cute cloth-ing and furniture, then call it a night in your new nightgown after a bath with beautifully scented soaps from France.

Bella Vie in Sonora is the perfect décor store for all your nesting needs!

La Bella Vie181 S. Washington St.

Sonora, CA 95370-4714(209) 536-0707

Mountain Laurel Florist

Flowers. 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 flow-ers. Versatile enough to wish someone a happy birthday, inspire misty eyes on Moth-er’s Day, make someone sick feel better, or bring a young lady to tears with a flower laden marriage proposal, few things have the power to inspire such beautiful emo-tions. Mountain Laurel is our flower shop.

In a building with quite a floral history, Mountain Laurel continues the tradition of delivering bundles of sunshine to the loved ones in our lives. They also offer dried ar-rangements, centerpieces, garden décor, potted plants, bird themed items, mosaic pieces, and French milled soaps. Visit Mountain Laurel today for a bit of

‘flower therapy’. You’ll be glad you did!

Mt. Laurel Florist35 South Washington Street

Sonora, CA 95370-4717(209) 532-9533

www.mountainlaurelca.com


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Let ‘er Buck Western Wear

Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store

We’ve all had those moments when we’re cooking and, read-ing 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 me-ringue, scalded soup, and burnt cookies, we realize a kitchen upgrade is desper-ately needed.

Insuring our community since 1987Business • Home • Auto

Life • Health • Bonds(209) 533-0234


Well never fear, it’s Sonora’s Favorite Kitchen Store to the rescue! If you’re just plain tired of your hand-me-down measur-ing 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!


98 S. Washington St.(209) 588-1400

Scarlet’s Web

Get caught in Scarlet’s Web this season and find yourself a treasure

trove of goodies! There’s some-thing for everyone at Scarlet’s, whether you’re looking for an antique doll, a hurricane lamp, cookie jar, a stained glass win-dow, a dining room set, vintage china, a gumball machine, or a 1950’s prom dress, or that ‘cer-tain something’ that seems to be missing from the corner of a room, you’ll find it here.

A kitchy, fun cross between an antique store, a consignment store, and the best estate sale on the block, Scarlet’s Web, lo-

Scarlet’s Web

Let ‘er Buck!

Can I get a “Yeee Hawww”? There’s a new clothing store in town, partner! Let ‘er Buck just rode into town, of-

fering 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 saddle-bag 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

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!

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 Web31 S Washington St.

(209) 588-8300

‘The Good Life’ continued on page 17


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The Best House on the Hill discoveries

Article and PhotographsBy Christine Tuohy

On a warm Summer’s evening, as I sat on a beautiful patio surround-ed by lush greenery, dotted with

umbrellas shimmering with twinkle lights, my insides warmed from chocolate lava cake and Zinfandel, I wondered for a mo-ment 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 Grove-land. So close to my Sonora home and a stone’s throw from Yosemite, I had found a worthy vacation spot right in my back-yard 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, busi-ness offices, and even a Greyhound Bus Stop. It was known as “the best house on the hill” during the Gold Rush, and the ho-tel may be the only Sierra Nevada Moun-tain 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 disin-tegration, it was rescued and revitalized by Peggy and Grover Mosley in 1990. They spent 2 years com-pleting a million dollar restora-tion of the property with the adjacent 1914 Queen Anne Vic-torian building. Now the only cat at this AAA 3 Diamond Hotel is Lola, the sweet cat who will fol-low you until you pay him a well-deserved petting of acknowl-edgement.

You are now officially a guest in his hotel.

The Memphis Belle and ElvisHave 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 experi-ences.

Over our red wine and shrimp, things were revealed that elicited smiles, laugh-ter, and amazement. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Peggy has Southern hospitality right down to her core. In addi-tion 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.

She went to school with the most famous Memphis export, (jaw drop here….) Elvis Presley. They were child-hood friends and shy teenagers, living in the same neighborhood joining other kids and teens playing football and cork-ball and teasing one another with youth-ful 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 con-versation. When you visit the Groveland Hotel ask any of the friendly staff to di-rect 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.

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There 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 out-standing 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 restau-rant in the Groveland Hotel, and executive chef Greg Lutes crafts his dishes as an art-ist 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 Dunge-ness crab in a lemon dill cream with spinach was equally drool-worthy. The pasta was cooked perfectly, and the tartness of the lem-on and dill complemented the shreds of fresh crab to a tee.

One of my dining companions ordered the salmon special, which is an inadequate identi-fier 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 or-dered the chocolate molten cake with straw-berry 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 fascinat-ing stories, and the splendid patio ambience, I’d say I’ve discovered quite a little slice of heaven at the Groveland Hotel!

Christine Tuohy

The Cellar Door Restaurant food

Downtown Sonora172 West Stockton Road(209) 694-8400Junction Shopping Center13769-C Mono Way(209) 532-9400

MOTHER LODE BANK“We’re Local and....Simply A Better Bank”


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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!

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

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 danc-ing 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 particu-lar show is a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole, channeled directly through the fabulous

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 shop-ping 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 lodg-ing partner in the celebration of Yosemite National Park’a 120th Anniversary– Vin-tage Yosemite; Then, Now & Forever Califor-nia’s Heritage Wilderness.

The Groveland Hotel18767 Main Street

Groveland, CA, 95321866-539-8430

www.groveland.com

OPEN 7 DAYS108 South Washington St.

Downtown Sonora209.588.8899

• APPAREL • SHOES

• ACCESSORIES• MANICURES • PEDICURES

• FACIALS • WAXING • BEAUTY

PRODUCTS

The Groveland Hotel & Cellar Door RestaurantThe Iron Door SaloonCalifornia’s Oldest, Continuously Operating Saloon

Mary Laveroni ParkPlayground, 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 SageCoffee, Nursery, Photo GalleryHighway 120 Gateway to YosemiteStanislaus National ForestHiking & Camping

Hetch Hetchy DamHiking, Picnicking, SerenityGreat Hiking All AroundThe Tuolumne RiverWhitewater Rafting, Fishing, Swimming

Rainbow Pools Swimming, Picnicking

Pilot PeakHiking, Wild Flowers in Spring Pey Mosley

eGroveland List


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Mother Lode Bank Critters community

Heritage TravelWhere your vacation begins!

Professional Courteous Service

Since 1984

Karin Brown440 Hope Lane

Sonora, CA 95370-5878Phone: (209) 533-4322

Fax: (209) [email protected]

These inspirational, warm and fuzzy crit-ters, are a reflec-

tion of what Small Town Cheer is all about! Moth-er Lode Bank in cooper-ation with the Historic Sonora Chamber of Com-merce markets these love-ables for the benefit of the community. Proceeds ben-efit the Grant A Wish Fund supporting local schools.

Critters are some of the most intelligent animals on earth. Al-though you might eas-ily think that a particu-lar 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.

Critters are wild. They might never adapt to being in a home un-less you provide the very best care and at-tention!

Critters are impul-sive, unpredictable and excitable. Critters

should not be left alone for long. They are social ani-mals and socializing with just you is not enough. They will become lone-ly, sick or unhappy without company.

So are you sure you want a Critter? Think about get-ting at least two Critters so they can keep each oth-er happy company at all times.

Critters can be very agile, smart, and have very nim-ble fingers. Escaping out of a cage is a piece of cake for them. Make sure the cage is constructed of strong materials. Don’t underes-timate the strength or the intelligence of a Critter. Be-lieve it or not, you’re prob-ably better off not putting them in a cage, and just let them roam your home free like they are in the wild!

The lifespan of a Critter is considerable. Where will your Critter go if some-thing happens to you? You must make arrangements for your Critter far in ad-vance of anything ever hap-pening. 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. Other-wise, just plan on keeping your Critter with you at all times!

‘Critters’ available in Sonora at

Mother Lode BankDowntown Sonora 172 West Stockton Rd.

209) 694-8400Junction Shopping Ctr.13769-C Mono Way

(209) 532-9400

Mother Lode Bank Crit-ters are guaranteed to be of the best of their breeds and have been raised un-der the International Plush Animals Standards Treaty.

“Good friends, pleasant surroundings and people who care about you” - these are words residents use to describe their Skyline Place home.

12877 Sylva LaneSonora, California 95370

Phone 209-588-0373fax 209-588-0736

Photos: Still Memories Photography stillmemoriesphotosite.com (209) 536-0428

New ProductsLiquid Shade Sun Block

Quit Bugging Me Insect Repellent

The Tub ‘n Bubbles GirlTM


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Vintage YosemiteYosemite National Park 1890-2010: Then, Now and Forever California’s Heritage Wilderness

HISTORYYosemite & Highway 120

ACCOMMODATIONSLodging for your Discovery

DISCOVER YOSEMITEThe Falls in Spring

Naturalist John Muir & Robert Under-

wood Johnson, editor of Century Magazine, lob-bied 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.

Our Partner Hotels offer a wide variety of choices for your visit

to Yosemite National Park during the 120th Birthday Anniversary Celebra-tion from March 2010 through No-vember 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 PartnersBest Western Sonora Oaks*

The Groveland Hotel*The Gunn House HotelThe Sonora Days Inn

Inns of California, Sonora*AAA 3 Diamond Hotels

Discover 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............$49.00Package *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 Discover Yosemite, Self-Guided Tour Map,• Park Entry Pass to Yosemite National ParkRound-Trip Transportation to Yosemite from

Sonora via LINKLINE CHARTER TOURS is available for groups of 8 or more for an ad-ditional $35.00 - $60.00 per person.

120 Yea

Yosemite 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 north-ern 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 Califor-nia’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 destina-tion in popular culture as captured by professional and amateur photographers for the past 120 years.

Visit www.vintageyosemite.com for all details or call209-533-4322 for information & reservations.

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.

‘True Blue’ - Yosemite today. Photo Credit: Blue World Photos, Sonora, CA.

VY-Phase II 10/04/10

Call Karin Brown of Heritage Travel at 209-533-4322 for additional Information & ReservationsAll packages are limited in availability. All upgrades, room charges, taxes are additional.

Packages From

$89.00

Packages From

$89.00

2011 Stay & Discover Yosemite 120/120 Packages Se


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The Sonora Celtic Faire Presents

All Hallows Fantasy FaireOctober 23 & 24, 2010

at Mother Lode Fair in Historic Sonora Advance Tickets

Adult/Youth $12 • kids $5 (6-12)

5 years & Under FREECoyote Run • Brother • Avalon Rising Black Irish Band • Dark Boar Vikings

Adamantine DancersSierra Spiral Dancers

ZombieLand Graveyard • The Wicker ManPumpkin Games • Family Fun! www.allhallowsfaire.com

209-533-4420

Official Program

Slaughtered Lamb Tavern Fairy WorldMyth & Magic StageMedieval MidwayWitches Row

685 South Washington St.,Sonora(209) 536-1400

The Australian Celtic Rock Band sensation Brother will be this year’s headliner. High energy Celt-ic 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 mod-ern rock with ancient Celtic rhythms & melodies. Their mu-sic is based on the stories about Scot’s & Irish legendary warriors and battles they fought. Rooted deep in the times before St. Pat-rick 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 instru-mental arrangements, supported by a vibrant rhythmic background.

Black Irish Band is noted for being the only band in the world that performs Italian & Celtic Mu-sic. The bands style is up-beat and high energy, and it will get every-one singing and dancing. Much of the bands music was written well over 300 years ago.

All Hallows Fantasy Faire Music

Saturday October 2311:00 am Avalon Rising12:30 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 2411:00 am Avalon Rising12:00 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.

The Viking Stage - Music Performance Times

The FantasticksBook & Lyrics by Tom Jones

Music by Harvey SchmidtNovember 12 - December 19

Stage 3 Theatre Company208 S. Green St., Sonora, CA

209-536-1778www.stage3.org

‘The world’s longest-running musical!’


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Troll Booth

Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller

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kThe Wicker Man:8 : 0 0 p m S at u r day

The big hit last year was the burning of the large Wicker Man. Rooted in old Scottish Tradition, secret societies would gather wicker and form a man-like creature. Then they would 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.

Zombieland Graveyard: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)!

H a rv e st Stag e

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P u m p k i nPat c h

Lumber • P lumbing • E lectr ica l • Hardware Supp l ies • Pa int

900 Mono Way • Sonora • CA 95370 • (209) 532-3676

Your Only Locally Owned Home Center in Sonora – Supporting the Community We Live in! www.andyshomecenter.com

Viking Stage(Music)

Celtic Music will be featured both days with the Australian Celtic Rock Band Brother headlin-ing this year’s event. They will be joined on stage by other high-energy Celtic bands like Avalon Rising, Coyote Run, and the Black Irish band.

Myth & Magic Stage

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. Saturday & Sunday Shows11:30am Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller12:15pm 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

Saturday Night Only4:45pm Carpathian The Spooky Storyteller5:30pm Myth & Magic7:00pm Bards Cloak of Tales7:45pm Tip the Hat8:00pm STAGE CLOSED

Wicker man Burning in Arena 8:30pm Myth & Magic

Backwoods Bog Stage

Sierra Spiral Dancers(See schedule stage side for info)

Fire PerformersThis 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.

Harvest Stage (Dance)

The dead can and will dance both days on this lively stage. Fea-tured 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.

The Adamantine Skeleton Dancers will join them. Ada-mantine will dance themselves into frenzy as they follow the beat of their own seven foot Witch Doctor. The stage will also of-fer a traditional belly-dance group called Soluna, who will also be getting into the spirit of the event by dressing up in their faces of the dead!

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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!

Warrior CampBased on three warrior cultures of Europe,

the Faire will present the Dark Boar Vikings,

Gaesatae (Iron Age Celts), and the Legio X Fretensis (Roman Solders). These warriors do not like each other very much and plan to fight it out throughout the day. They will be dressed in primitive armor and will be demonstrating a variety of arms.

Witches Row:In one of the narrow streets of the All-Hal-

lows Village, you will find Witches Row. A group of friendly witches and wizards like to tell for-tunes for people using very old methods from Medieval Europe. They also teach the history of their craft, Beware what you learn however!

Fairy World Outside the main village there is a very

enchanted forest. Within the forest there lies a group of fairies, elves, and gnomes. Children and adults can venture into this area if they can just play make-believe. Once inside the forest, fairy folk will interact with all that come with a good heart. Children will receive some small token or trinket from the many creatures that walk about.

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.

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 leg-ends from the Dark Ages will come alive and join the modern world of Halloween. Creatures include dragons, Minotaurs, ghost pirates, skel-etons, witches, furry animals, vampires, and lots of zombies.

Battle of Good v.s. Evil

Once a day, at 3pm, all the creatures at the All-Hallows Fantasy Faire will pitch a large battle between good and evil. Legendary war-riors and good saints will fight the spirits of the dark world. Twenty warriors will pick up swords, battle-axes, and ancient arms and melee in battle for control of the world. Featured will be Vikings, Celtic & Roman solders, St. Patrick, dragon people, trolls, fairies, dark angels, and many little green ogres.

Slaughtered Lamb Tavern

Near the Viking Stage there is a large drink-ing tavern. Ales and spirits will be served by a group of very strange monks. These monks were banished from their religious order for drinking and performing dark magic. Come visit them and have a pint, but watch out, they can cast magic spells on you if you do not pay your tavern tab!

Carpathian The gentle, soft-spoken wandering spirit. The

stories told are ghostly tales based on old legends, campfire stories, and some original pieces. Carpathian is quite family-friendly, and has entertained audiences of all ages, from very young grade-school children to adult storytell-ing enthusiasts. The stories range from silly comic pieces to Grimm’s Faerie Tale moral warnings of consequences to more macabre, moody adult tales. The adult stories are per-fectly suited for family listening, but are a bit more complex in detail and character.

Medieval MidwayIn 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 ZoneDon’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 Hal-lows Arts and Crafts. There will be paper plate masks, pumpkin painting, leaf rubbing, and old fashioned corn husk dolls. Your child will enjoy making these fun-filled souvenirs to commemorate their experience at the Fantasy Faire.

Scavenger HuntThe first 100 children’s tickets purchased

at the ticket booth will receive a coin to pay the Troll Booth for their secret scroll with clues for the hunt. Each clue will lead you to a station with a marker to be transferred onto your scroll.

Upon completion of your scroll you will return it to the Scroll Keeper at the pump-kin patch to receive a free pumpkin. Bring your children to embark on a fun filled quest through the old world villages and themes for a day they will never forget.

www.thecandyvaultsonora.com

‘Have A Sweet Day!’

Open 7 Days A WeekWeekdays 10 am - 7 pm Weekends 10 am - 9 pm

• Fine Chocolates • Organic Chocolates • Bulk Candy • Novelty Toys & Gifts

Old-Fashioned Bottled Soda

209.532.238842 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370

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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Coming This Fall

smalltowncheer.com

Give your family a special gift this Holiday Season. Discover all the joys of Christmas in the Small Towns of Tuolumne County.

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

October Groveland Oktober Fest 2010October 9th 11am ‘til dark Live music, food and beer garden, ven-dors, pumpkin patch, pony rides, hay maze, and more! Cost: $3.00Big 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 FestifallOctober 9th - 10th 10:00 amTraditional rope making, weaving & candle dipping are performed & sale of various arts & crafts highlight this event. Cost: FreeColumbia State Historic Park, Main St., Columbia, CA (209) 536-1672

Railtown 1897 “Harvest Haunt Express”Weekends October 9th-31st 11am - 3pm Climb aboard the Harvest Haunt Express, with our “Skeleton Crew” aboard! Specially decorated steam-powered excursion trains depart on the hour. Fun for the whole family. Cost: $13 adults/$6 ages 6-17 Free: 5 & underRailtown 1897 State Historic Park, Jamestown(209) 984-3953

Bart’s Brewing Festival 2010 October 16th1-6pm Join us for the first annual Bart’s Brewing Festival sponsored by Bart’s Black Skillet. German music featuring Jim Mueller on a Midi Ac-cordion, authentic German bier and food. PROST! Cost: Free Columbia State Historic Park

Jamestown Heritage DaysOctober 17th Noon to 5 pmFestivities will include barbecue lunch, carriage rides, fandango hall and casino, cloggers, jailhouse pho-tos and heritage crafts. Entertain-ment by the Guns of the Chosen Few, Dave Rainwater, Hardluck Lin and the Fiddle Gang. Cost: FreeMain Street in Jamestown(209) 984-3370 or 984-3160

Mother Lode Art Association “58th Annual Juried Art Show”October 22nd - 24th 6-8 Fri. 11-5 Sat. 11-3 Sun.

This judged fine art show displays many works in all medias by local and regional artists. Refreshments will be served. Cost: FreeSonora Opera Hall, S. Washington St., Sonora, CA (209)532-2399

Irving Berlin’s White ChristmasSierra Repertory Theatre October 22nd - December 18th A merry and bright theatrical expe-rience for the whole family, full of dancing, laughter and great Irving Berlin songs!SRT in East Sonora(209) 532-0502 x112

All Hallows Fantasy FaireOctober 23rd - 24th

Live music, fantasy village, cos-tumed performers , fire eaters, vil-lage marketplace, ancient warriors, dragons, contests, jugglers, and family games. The Dark Ages were never this much fun! Cost: $12/$6 6-12/5 & under FreeMother Lode Fairgrounds220 Southgate Dr.Sonora, CA (209) 533-4420 or (800) 350-1814

Evergreen Lodge Halloween Music FestivalOctober 28th - 31st The Evergreen Lodge is excited to host a festive weekend of fun, ad-venture 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

Columbia State Historic Park “Pumpkin Lighting”October 30th 5:30- 8 PMBring your carved pumpkin and

join your neighbors for a commu-nity 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 MuseumColumbia, CA (209) 588-9128

Jamestown Harvestival ParadeOctober 31st 11:00 AMMain 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 mu-sic to the Mother Lode communities.St Mathew Lutheran ChurchAddress: 13880 Joshua WaySonora, CA (209) 984-0704The Andrews Sisters Christmas of SwingSierra Repertory Theatre November 5th - December 19th Enjoy an irresistible hug of nostalgia as the Andrews Sisters return with a Christmas Eve USO show featur-ing actual letters home from WWII troops. Come enjoy this spirited trib-ute to a simpler time! Fallon House TheatreColumbia, CA(209) 532-0502 x112

NovemberDodge 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 ResortPinecrest, CA (209) 965-3474

The Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau

Fa & WINTERTuolumne County Events


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Stage 3 Presents “The Fantasticks”November 12th - December 19th Thurs. 7 pm; Fri./Sat. 8 pm; Sun. 2 pmAmerica’s longest running musical comes to Stage 3 for the holidays! This wistful and beautiful story of young love lost and won has cap-tivated audiences around the globe with it’s clever, catchy, beautiful music and timeless story. Cost: $12-15Stage 3 Theatre208 South Green Street, Sonora, CA (209) 536-1778

Calaveras Winegrape AllianceHoliday Festival of Wines November 13th 11am - 5pmVisit our member tasting rooms throughout Calaveras County and enjoy winery holiday family tradi-tions, 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 5pmFloats, bands, music, food vendors, store specials, and Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Join hundreds of spectators for a vi-sual and audio delight! Cost: FreeWashington Street in Historic Down-town Sonora(209) 532-7725

Hometown Crafters Holiday Faire & Craft BoutiqueNovember 26th - 27th 10 am - 5 pmA variety of crafts and homemade goodies will be available for Christ-mas shoppers in a festive holiday atmosphere. You don’t want to miss this event! Cost: FreeSonora Opera Hall(209) 532-7252

Railtown 1897 Santa’s Starlight ExpressNovember 26th - 27th Hours: 10:00a to 3:00pm

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 water-tank are lit for the season, creating an unforgettable experience for the

whole family. Cost: $19 adults; $9 youths 6-175 and under freeRailtown 1897, Jamestown, CA(209) 984-3953

36th Annual Sonora Christmas Craft & Music FestivalNovember 26th - 28th 10am - 5pm

Eat, Shop and Be Merry As Christ-mas 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 6-12Mother Lode Fairgrounds220 Southgate Drive, Sonora, CA (209) 533-3473

Columbia State Historic Park “Candy Cane Making”November 26th - December 19th Noon - 1 pm Weekends

View the candy cane making pro-cess at Nelson’s Candy Kitchen. Cost: FreeColumbia State Historic Park(209) 588-5144

Columbia City Hotel 28th Annual Victorian Christmas FeastNovember 30th - December 12th

This City Hotel Christmas time tra-dition will feature a 4 or 5 course Victorian feast, spirits with each course, a theatrical adventure

throughout the event, and Christ-mas carols. Cost: $100Columbia City Hotel22768 Main Street, Columbia, CA (209) 532-1479 or (800) 532-1479

DecemberGroveland Hotel’s Feast of the Season: ChristmasDecember 3rd & 4th at 6:00 PMThis 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 holi-day season!Cost: $69.00/pp tax & gratuity in-cluded, Alcohol not included. The Cellar Door Restaurantat the Groveland Hotel(209) 962-4000 or 800-273-3314

Twain Harte Winter Wonderland Christmas ParadeDecember 3rd at 6:00 PMThe tree lighting and parade begins at 6 p.m. and there is community singing at 5:30 p.m. Parade imme-diately follows the tree lighting, and Santa arrives at the conclusion of the parade. Free pictures with Santa - bring your children! Cost: FreeDowntown Twain Harte(209) 586-5197

Columbia State Historic Park Lamp Light TourDecember 3rd - 4th at 6:15pmColumbia State Historic Park pres-ents 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 heartwarm-ing as visitors travel through town and hear all about the happenings of the Christmas season in 1859. Cost: Adults $20, Seniors $18Children $15 Columbia , CA (209) 588-9128

Jamestown Christmas CelebrationDecember 6th - 20th at 12 pm - 3pmStarts Saturday December 4th, with Santa Claus arriving in a horse- drawn 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: FreeJamestown, CA(209) 984-3370

Columbia State Historic Park Christmas Equestrian ParadeDecember 12th Sponsored by Mid Valley Unit of Backcountry Horsemen of California. Toy donations given to charity.Columbia, CA209-599-2620

Pop Hudson Memorial Christmas SingDecember 17th at12:45pmA fun community sing sponsored by the Union Democrat at the Court-house Park at Noon. Everyone is welcome to sing! Concurrent with Mutz Bean Feed. Cost: FreeDowntown Sonora on the Courthouse steps.(209) 532-7151


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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!

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.

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.

I love honey or maple syrup on my waffles...Just don’t drink all of it...People can get a little fussy about that.

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.

One of my favorite things to see is the famous Movie Star Engine #3 at Railtown 1897 in jamestown.

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!

Gunn House HotelThe Historic

In the Heart of Historic Downtown SonoraBuilt 1850

286 S. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 Reservations (209) 532-3421 www.gunnhousehotel.com

Would you like to go for a swim?

We have a wonderful

seasonal pool!

I like to float around all day long in the summertime!

And There are always plenty of towels!

Come by and see us soon...I’ll leave the honey-pot out for you! Gunn

y Bear

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the good life fashion, home & garden

Tradewinds

Tradewinds is blowing through town with a warm front of fabulous fash-ions for the penny saving gal in all of

us! Because ladies, the more we save, the more loot we get to take home with us.

Tradewinds is a grand consignment store, carrying brands like Liz Claiborne, Jones New York, Ba-nana Republic, and even Joseph Ribkoff. No hand-me-downs here, just the finest of the gently used and never worn clothing in an abundance of sizes and styles with great prices to match.

Don’t miss the sale rack outside, which

for us women is akin to putting a big sign in the window advertising “Free Choco-late”. Oh, we are sooo there. The sale rack will tempt you with $5 and $10 deals that 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 consign-ment store in town!

Tradewinds 63 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

tradewindsconsignment.com

Ever After sewing • alterations • clothing

Have 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?”

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 con-coction for our very own Celtic Faire, the hand-beaded wedding dress you dreamed of as a little girl, or a curve hugging retro number straight out of a 1940’s movie, this is the place to go!

If you want to learn how to do-it-yourself, Ever After will be offering sewing classes starting in October, and progressing to more complicated en-deavors such as pattern drafting and design in the coming months.

Don’t think strictly costumes, either. If you need Grandma’s dress mended, or your little one needs a tiny flower girl dress, Ever After can turn your dream into a reality!

Ever After 134 S. Washington St.Sonora, CA 95370

(209) 694-4889everafter-shop.com

Blue World Photos & Botanicals

One thing that’s wonderful about shopping in small towns like Sonora is that you get a feel for the shop

owners personality and what they love. Blue World Photos and Botanicals has person-ality to spare! Vintage cameras, a Wurlitzer jukebox, and The Amazing Cat Mummy are just a few of the things found here.

Located directly behind Mountain Laurel Florist in the heart of historic downtown, this fun and adorable shop features an ar-ray of photographs, and has also been fea-tured 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.

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 An-gel’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 wed-dings, showers, and parties are encouraged! Come get your gift on at Blue World!

Blue World Photos & Botanicals38 S. Stewart St. Sonora, CA 95370(209) 533-3323

blueworldphotos.com

P & L Trading Post

Every 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 down-town 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 back-drop 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 StSonora, CA 95370

(209) 533-3113


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Random Acts of Nature explore

There’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.

Fall 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 arbo-real 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 hillsides turn from a solid palette of green, to an array of golds, reds, and oranges, the

Pictured left: Coffill Park, Downtown Sonora. Above and right, discoveries on Highway 120, Groveland’s Gateway to Yosemite National Park.


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trees showing their true colors for all to see. It’s a very honest time of year. A time of re-newal. 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 chil-dren happily covered in “pumpkin guts” from their recent artistic endeavor.

It’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 fa-vorite season. Without question.

Article & Photos by Christine Tuohy

Blue World Photos38 S. Stewart St. Sonora, CA 95370(209) 533-3323

blueworldphotos.com


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Dragoon Gulch Trail explore

Located in the City of Sonora, the Dragoon Gulch Trail provides its

visitors with a unique oppor-tunity 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 spec-tacular view of the City and its surrounding mountain ranges. The trails vary in difficulty making it perfect for the casual walker and for those who want a strenuous hike or jog.Length - 2.5 Mile LoopHours - Dawn to DuskDifficulty - Easy to StrenuousSurfaceThe South Creekside Trail is surfaced and ADA accessible,

the North Forest Trail is paved, and all other trails are natural surface.No CampingNo FeesDirections The main entrance to the Trail is located at Woods Creek Park., on Stockton Rd., Highway 49 opposite Mother Lode Fair. ParkingWoods 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 lo-cated at its main entrance in Woods Creek Park.NORTH FOREST TRAIL(1650 Ft./Slope 5%)

ModerateThe 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%) EasyThis 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%) EasyThis natural surface Trail con-tinues 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(3536 Ft./Slope 5%) ModerateThe gentle grade of this natu-rally 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.

VISTA TRAIL(2066 Ft./Slope 11.5%) StrenuousThis 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 en-joy the view of Historic Sonora and its beautiful mountain ranges. As you travel down-hill 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 Dra-goon 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 mind-ful that there are wild creatures about as well as poison oak, ticks and the like.

Article: City of SonoraPhotos: Michelle WhiteStill Memories Photography

Still Memories Photography

stillmemoriesphotosite.com (209) 536-0428


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Stage3 Theatre Company theatre

‘fantastick!’Many unlikely success stories have

originated on the New York stage. One of those successes is the The Fan-tasticks. This modest musical premiered quietly at an off-Broadway playhouse in 1960. It continued to run for a remark-able 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

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 memo-rable songs.

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 writ-ten for only one or two instruments and requires just eight performers, The Fanta-sticks 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 orig-inally created. It’s actually, timeless and full of charm. Buckets of the stuff.

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 ev-eryone, because it touches everyone. It’s unmatched in finding such broad accep-tance.

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 par-ents have deliberately decided to separate them by building a wall to keep them apart. The wall, however, is a subterfuge: Their par-ents want them to end up together, because they believe that “to manipulate children, you merely say ‘No.’”

It’s a not-too-subtle allegory of love found, lost, and regained, with the lov-ers overcoming a series of outlandish obstacles along the way, eventually find-ing 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.

At its core is its simplicity. In the origi-nal 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.

The FantasticksBook & Lyrics by Tom JonesMusic by Harvey Schmidt

November 12 - December 19Stage 3 Theatre Company

208 S. Green St., Sonora, CA209-536-1778

www.stage3.org

Rob Smittle and Michelle Woodall in Stage 3’s 2009production of Neil Simon’s ‘Barefoot in the Park’

Photo: Rich Miller

18202 Main Street • Jamestown • CA • 95327 • Phone • 209.984.0584 • stogiesatcoppercreek.com

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Wells Fargo & Co. was borne out of the Cali-

fornia Gold Rush, an event that launched the greatest migration in American history. Virtually overnight the sleepy seaport of San Francisco, located on sand dunes overlook-ing the Golden Gate,

exploded from a non-native population of 800 in 1848 to more than 30,000 in 1851.

As news of the gold discovery spread around the world, farmers left their crops, merchants shuttered their doors, and im-migrants abandoned their homelands to 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.

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) 532-3106Pictured above, the historic Wells Fargo office is lo-cated in Columbia Historic State Park, just a few miles north of Sonora.

Ora Moss Morgan’s column, “Gold Dust,” appeared for 17 years in the old Sonora Banner newspaper-from 1933-1950.

My father, Dr. R.I. Bromley, was a typi-cal country doctor. When he came to

Sonora in 1887 the big gold boom was over. There was still a lot of mining but most of it was done by companies and it was deep mining requiring lots of money.

The Country wasn’t lawless, yet my dad carried a small pistol on his lap when he went on out-of-town calls. One time he was on a late call near Chinese Camp. He was going along a creek where on each side of the road there were thick willows. Hamlet, his horse, was going slowly and my dad was relaxed almost drowsy. Suddenly a man stepped out of the bushes. Instantly my dad became alert and reached for his pis-tol. When the man saw the pistol, I guess he thought it best to waylay an unarmed person so he went back into the bushes.

We had one of the first telephones in town. It seemed to be ringing day and night. Dad very rarely would have Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with us.

the country doctor by Ora Moss Morgan origins

Sonora Regional Medical Center is a modern 152-bed facility serving 86,600 residents in Calav-eras, Tuolumne and portions of Mariposa counties.

Aimed to serve the community of Sonora and the sur-rounding areas, the hospital was built in 1900 as Brom-ley Sanitarium.

Throughout the next 50 years, the hospital changed ownership and location several times and in 1957, Sonora Hospital moved from it’s location next to what is now Yosemite Title Co. to a brand new hospital on Forest Road and was renamed Sonora Community Hospital.

Several years later, in 1961, the hospital was given to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and in 1973 joined Adventist Health. In 2004 the hospital relocated to the new, 4-story building on Greenley Road that remains its location today.

Up until I was about 8 years old dad relied on Hamlet to get him places in the buggy. Hamlet was a big stallion. He was kept in Pickles stables about a block away. Pickles Stables was on the side of the creek where Coffills Park is now. The horses were kept in stalls on the lower level. There was an in-clined ramp going to the upper story where the buggies, carriages, and tack were kept. Someone would drive the buggies up to the big granite stepping stone by the sidewalk in front of our home and dad would get in and be on his way.

Neither of us could sing very well. Moth-er said Dad couldn’t carry a tune. She had a nice alto voice. But we enjoyed ourselves and I think Hamlet did too.

If it was a very cold Winter night mother would put a firebrick in the kitchen stove. When it was red hot she would put it in a little tin drawer that fit into an oblong box that was covered with carpet. Dad put this under his feet and then a big lap robe over his knees. He was ready for the long ride to Tuolumne of wherever he had to go. Some-times when it had been raining the streams

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, espe-cially out in the country, he would stay by her as long as it took. If the birth was in the hos-pital the mother usually stayed 10 days. The price was $50.00 including prenatal care.

Office visits in those days were $2.00 and a house call $5.00. Bemis, my friend, had an appendicitis operation and stayed in the hos-pital for $5.00 a day.

Dr. Bromley was no businessman. He sel-dom kept books. Those who were honest paid him in one way or another.

Ora Moss Morgan


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Historic Gold CountryINNS OF CALIFORNIA

Inns 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.

Located in Downtown Sonora you will be within easy walking distance to many local restaurants and unique shops.

Whatever your interest, you will love coming back to your clean room

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Yosemite • Romance • Theatre • Snowplay • Gas Cards And More...

fall/winter 2010 explore sonora

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