Mother Lode: The hills are alive with history
Wine and wineries have become foremost among the reasons to visit Lodi. The words “livable and lovable” are a common catch phrase well known in the area.
However, one thing Lodi will never be famous for is as a beautiful, quaint, mountain resort town. So if you happen to be among the countless humans who need an occasional mountain around to feel better about life, then a drive up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and a visit to the historic Mother Lode country is for you.
By driving approximately one hour east of Lodi, visitors will find several small towns, each with a unique personality, and each proud of its own individual characteristics and history.
To name just a few, in towns such as Murphys, Angels Camp, and Columbia some of the unique treasures of California’s Mother Lode country is awaiting you.
Angels Camp Located on what is known as Golden Chain Highway 49 in “gold rush country,” Angels Camp is situated in Calaveras County at an elevation of 1,379 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Boasting a population of approximately 3,000, the city does much to keep alive its Wild West legacy and its nickname of “Frogtown USA.”Not a religious moniker, Angels Camp is named after a shopkeeper from Rhode Island who decided to open a trading post rather than dig for gold. His name was Henry Angel.
When cruising into Angels Camp, the streets continue to narrow until visitors are hugged together by the old downtown area. And one of the first things visitors to the area usually notice is the town’s affinity for one green reptile: The humble frog.
Of course, it’s not really just any frog that the citizens of Angels Camp are proud of, but one very famous frog that still lives in the American literature.
You see, Angels Camp was the setting made famous in 1865 when then relatively unknown author Mark Twain penned his story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.”Thus, was born “Frogtown USA” and every May Angels Camp celebrates the story with the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee.
Even the town’s sidewalks are pro frog. While Hollywood boasts stars and a Walk of Fame, sidewalks in Angels camps are dedicated to the little green stars. Past champions of jumping events are immortalized with brass plaques that line the sidewalks that come complete with names (such as San Francisco Warty Niners) and the distance jumped. The current world’s record, was set in 1986 by a frog named Rosie the Ribeter. Rosie jumped an astounding 21-5 3/4.
Other Angels Camp area attractions include Moaning Caverns, New Melones Reservoir, and the Angels Camp Museum.
Murphys
If you’d like to find a unique place to shop and dine for the day in a picturesque mountain setting, Murphys is definitely the place for you.
An approximately mile-long stretch of stores, restaurants and an occasional hotel are jammed side-by-side, while lining both sides of the street in the historic downtown area with very accessible boutiques and galleries.
And as the town’s popularity as a tourist destination has grown — it’s often called the “Carmel of the Mountains “ — the proportion of the number of upbeat and trendy stores situated in one historic building after another has kept pace.
And while the weekdays may belong largely to the locals, on weekends, the downtown is bustling with visitors from near and far.
Called “the Queen of the Sierra,” the town of approximately 2,000 people is praised by many as a quaint and charming gold rush era town. Murphys’ yesteryear atmosphere is enhanced by its many well-preserved historic buildings. Like Angels Camp, Murphys also sprang out of the mid-19th century history of trading posts and gold mining that belonged to the Mother Lode. Originally called Murphy’s Diggings, the town was established in 1848 by two gold seekers by the names of John and Daniel Murphy.
Ironstone Vineyards
Beyond its historic downtown area, Murphys holds yet another pleasant surprise for visitors. It is in the form of a shining gem among the many superb area wineries.
One needs only walk the plush well-manicured grounds to understand why Kautz’ Ironstone Vineyards is a truly popular destination. By driving a scenic couple of miles into the hilly countryside just outside of Murphys, one will arrive at Ironstone.
A stretch of gently rolling vineyards rushes up to the tasting room/visitors center, a grand building that makes one feel that they are visiting a cross between a plush garden area, a wine tasting room and a hunting lodge.
The sprawling Ironstone Vineyards mountainside complex, created by John Kautz of Lodi, is now said to be California’s largest winery entertainment center. The outdoor amphitheater at Ironstone, is home to the Ironstone Summer Concert Series, which features world class performers in a unique and beautiful setting including groves of shade trees and even a lake filled with a flock of friendly geese.
Columbia
On March 27, 1850, gold was discovered in Columbia. News of the discovery spread rapidly and the area was soon flooded with prospectors looking to strike it rich.
While Angels Camp, Murphys, and many other gold mining towns eventually left the gold rush era and evolved into modern day communities, Columbia seemingly has been frozen in time. In fact, it is said that Columbia is the best preserved gold rush town in the entire Mother Lode area.
Open year-round, guests can experience a living gold rush town, complete with men and women workers all dressed in period clothing.
Activities at Columbia include a ride in a 100-year-old stagecoach, panning for gold (you keep what you pan), and interacting with the craftsmen and artisans ranging from blacksmiths to candle-makers.