Tuolumne County is Open – Enjoy these Top 10 Fall Attractions Now!

Beautiful covered bridge through the organic apple orchards at Indigeny Reserve.

The government may be shut down, but Tuolumne County, California is not!  This is a great time of year to visit and experience all this area has to offer:  Fall colors, friendly folks, great history, fun holiday shopping, harvest time events and so much more.  In addition, Tuolumne County, California has many attractions that draw visitors from all over the world.  Here are Top 10 Fall Attractions in Tuolumne County. 

TOP 10 FALL ATTRACTIONS OPEN NOW IN TUOLUMNE COUNTY

 Tuolumne County, California is located just two and a half hours east of California’s gateway, San Francisco.  In addition to being home to over half of Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County, California is also home to many attractions.  Here’s our top picks for your Fall Getaway (in no particular order!).

1.       Kennedy Meadows – (Upper Highway 108 in Tuolumne County’s High Country) – A long-time tradition for many, Kennedy Meadows offers an escape to the high country unlike any other.  Pull up a spot on the river’s edge and throw in a line or head out on a pack trip- available for the sportsman or simply a family outing.  Each pack trip is guided by a competent packer. The Emigrant Wilderness, Carson Iceberg Wilderness, and Yosemite National Park offer some of the most pristine trout fishing in the world with a variety of trout including Rainbows, Brookes, and Brown trout. Both lake and stream fishing are available on trips.  Kennedy Meadows offers deer and bear hunting drop camps. A high quality hunting experience free from the crowds and drenched in the beauty of the wilderness can be expected at Kennedy Meadows. www.kennedymeadows.com  (Open through Mid-October!)
 
2.       Pinecrest Lake –  (Upper Highway 108 in Tuolumne County’s High Country) – Beautiful and iconic; Pinecrest Lake in Tuolumne County’s High Country is open for the enjoyment of visitors.  This family-friendly destination features lodging, campground, marina, grocery store, sports shop, post office, restaurant and coffee bar which are all open daily.  Visitors can go fishing from the shore or from a boat, take a hike around the lake or kick back under a pine tree and let the day slip on by.  In the winter, visitors can enjoy serious snow play at Dodge Ridge Wintersports Area adjacent to Pinecrest.  Pinecrest Lake is featured on the cover of the 2013 Tuolumne County Vacation Planner.  www.pinecrestlakeresort.com
3.       Cover’s Apple Ranch – (South of Highway 108 on Tuolumne Road in  Tuolumne City) – A local and visitors favorite year-round!  Stop by and enjoy some time at Cover’s.  There is fun to be had for the whole family with a bakery, gift shop, petting farm and steam train ride.  The seasonal pumpkin patch is in full swing.  A hot cup of freshly made apple cider and perhaps a homemade apple turnover completes this Fall farm experience. Of course most folks can’t leave without getting a “Mile High Apple Pie” to take home! www.coversappleranch.com

4.       Live Theatre – Tuolumne County is fortunate to have two excellent live theatre companies:  Sierra Repertory Theatre and Stage 3.  Sierra Repertory Theatre (known by locals as SRT) has two theatre locations – one in east Sonora and the other in Columbia State Historic Park.  Theatregoers will be treated to exceptional professional theatre featuring equity actors from across the country.  Stage 3 is located in historic downtown Sonora, within walking distance to a variety of lodging and dining.  Stage 3 offers a dynamic, year-long season in an intimate theatre setting.  www.sierrarep.org  and www.stage3.org

5.       Railtown 1897 State Historic Park – (Highway 108 in Jamestown) known as “the Movie Railroad” as its trains have been featured in over 300 feature films, television shows and commercials since its first movie in 1919.  This celebrated Park preserves the history of the Sierra Railway when steam trains meant boom times for the lumber, hard rock mining and cattle industries.  Steam train rides are available on weekends, April – October, holidays and for special events.  Visitors to the park can go on a tour of the Roundhouse and get an up close look at the most photographed locomotive in the world , Sierra #3.  The Depot Store offers souvenirs, books and information on Gold Rush history. www.railtown.org

6.       Columbia State Historic Park – (North of Highway 49 on Parrots Ferry Road) – One of the best preserved historic Gold Rush towns in California, Columbia’s visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back in time to a bustling Gold Rush town, which is exactly what Columbia was!  Your senses will awaken as you hear the clang of the a hammer at the blacksmith shop, smell the candles and soap at the candle shop, see the beautiful historic brick buildings or taste a treat from the candy store, bakery, ice cream parlour or tea house.  Columbia docents bring history to life as do the many events that take place here throughout the year, including the Columbia Fiddle and Banjo Contest , the Columbia Harvest Festifall a Miner’s Christmas and so many more.  www.columbiacalifornia.com

7.       Rosemary’s Roses  – (North of Highway 49, three miles from Columbia State Historic Park)– Tuolumne County’s largest rose garden was established in 1998.  Located just three miles from Columbia State Historic Park, Rosemary’s Roses feature over 300 varieties including hard to find roses that were introduced over 20 year ago.  Guests can enjoy the roses while meandering along paths or from the gazebo.  Visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic, take photos or simply relax.  Open for tours by appointment from 10am – 4pm thru mid-October – so hurry!  www.rosemarysroses.com

8.       Casino Action – Tuolumne County offers two casinos that offer guests year-round action and excitement.  Black Oak Casino Resort is located in Tuolumne City, just east of Highway 108 in Sonora.  Complete with a family floor featuring a 24-lane Brunswick Bowling Center, eight bars and restaurants and a 148 room hotel, this is one casino that has something for everyone, including the largest smoke-free gaming area in California. Chicken Ranch Casino is located just off Highway 108 in Jamestown and offers slots, bingo, restaurant, entertainment and events.  They are known as “the friendly little casino where the big winners play!”  www.blackoakcasino.com                www.chickenranchcasino.com
9.       Winetasting  – Tuolumne County is home to six wineries with over 40 wineries within a half hour drive of Sonora.  Eclectic tasting rooms with super-friendly folks make for a fun and relaxing wine experience.  Tasting rooms can be found in Jamestown, Sonora and Columbia.  Call ahead for hours and special event happenings.  http://yosemitegoldcountry.com/visiting/what-to-do/
10.   Indigeny Reserve – Visitors to family-friendly Indigeny Reserve can expect to be impressed and surprised by this unique venue set amongst the organic apple orchards.  A covered bridge greets guests as they make their way to Indigeny.  Indigeny offers hard cider tastings at the world-class bar, tours of the facility, a quaint gift shop and beautiful picnic grounds.  Year-round events welcome visitors from near and far.  www.indigenyreserve.com

Tuolumne County offers visitors a variety of lodging options that fit any budget.  From hotels and motels to bed and breakfast inns and vacation rentals, there is something for everyone.  Be sure to call our Visitors Information Center to order your Tuolumne County Vacation Planner and for travel assistance:  800-446-1333 or 209-288-2277.  You may also visit our website:  www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com.

Tuolumne County is located in California’s Gold Country and High Sierra regions.  58% of Yosemite National Park lies within the borders of Tuolumne County.  Four-season recreational opportunities and a rich Gold Rush history are just the beginning.   A 2- hour drive south of Sacramento, north of Yosemite Valley and 2 ½ hours east of San Francisco, Tuolumne County is easily accessible from all point on the compass. Visit us online at www.YosemiteGoldCountry.com.