This is Vacationland!

There are so many reasons why Tuolumne County is known as Vacationland!  The perfect vacation destination offers four seasons of fun and adventure, a great mix of history, culture and the arts, exciting attractions, excellent dining options and great places to stay.  Tuolumne County has all of this for our visitors whether traveling from across the state or across the ocean!  Easy access from all points on the compass makes Tuolumne County an ideal vacation destination.  Tuolumne County is the North Entrance for Yosemite National Park.   So if Yosemite is your destination, be sure to put Tuolumne County on your itinerary!

Here’s just a sampling of what you can find in Tuolumne County:

FUN AND ADVENTURE Whitewater rafting, horseback riding in the back country, skiing a double black diamond and downhill single-track mountain bike trails are just some of the activities that summon thrill-seekers from near and far.  For a milder yet active vacation seek out that perfect fishing spot or favorite swimming hole.  Hike among the trees with a pristine forest floor at your feet.  Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera – this place is a photographer’s paradise!

HISTORY, CULTURE and the ARTS History aficionados could literally spend weeks strolling historic Gold Rush towns, perusing museums and catching glimpses of what life must’ve been like during California’s historic Gold Rush.  At Columbia State Historic Park you’ll find that the past is truly alive where a blacksmith works away while an authentic stagecoach heads up the road.  Interactive displays are found throughout the town and gold panning is a must!  Another State Park, Railtown 1897, is a magnet for train and history enthusiasts.  Seasonal train rides from wildflower viewing to Santa’s Express bring out the kid in all of us.  Find traces of Hollywood throughout the Park and beyond as over 300 movies, television shows and commercials have been filmed in this area.

Exceptional live theatre on three different stages beckons patrons from near and far.   It’s truly a treat to see these actors at work!  From dramatic to hysterical to musical and everything in between, each season’s line-up has a variety of plays sure to please the most discerning theatre-goer.

Art galleries featuring a variety of local art including watercolors, oil paintings, ceramics and photography can be found throughout the region.  The talent here is endless, but just looking around you can see where the inspiration comes from.  Art celebrations as well as a number of other events abound year-round.  Visit www.yosemitegoldcountry.com for a complete calendar of events listing.

EATERIES  Everyone needs to eat and fortunately, here, we believe variety is the spice of life!  From quaint downtown bistros and cafes to historic saloons, upscale dining rooms and better-known restaurants, we’ve got you covered.  Please your palate with cuisine from many corners of the world: Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Italian and American, just to name a few.    Check the events calendar for special winemaker dinners or beer pairing dinners. Local wines and hard ciders are often found on beverage menus, offering guests a taste of the local flavor.

LODGING Your lodging options are many!  Slumber under the starry skies or sleep where the stars slept!   Historic hotels have been known to house some of the greats from the big screen like Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood, Michael J. Fox and Grace Kelly.  Quaint bed and breakfasts and historic inns offering exceptional service can be found tucked back in the trees, on a mountain top or in the heart of a historic downtown.  Quality hotels and motels are conveniently located throughout the area.   Year-round resorts can accommodate small to large groups.  A variety of RV parks and campgrounds can be found throughout the County whether river side or road side.  Whatever your pleasure for a cozy night’s sleep, we can help you find it.

For more information on Tuolumne County Vacationland, visit www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com where you can order or download your 2013 Tuolumne County Vacation Planner.  Or call the Visitors Center at 800-446-1333.  Visit us at our new Visitors Center at 385 Washington Street in the Day-O Plaza.

###