Family fun in historic Mother Lode country

Local wineries and miles of vineyards are obviously dominant Lodi vistas — and a primary reason so many visitors come to the area. But if you want to see some truly scenic, small-town areas that proudly showcase their California history, then a drive up into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and a visit to the historic Mother Lode country is for you — and definitely for the entire family.

By driving approximately one to one-and-a-half hours east of Lodi on Highway 49, visitors will find several small towns, each with a unique personality, and each proud of its own individual characteristics and history.

CA-49 transits the Western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California, with elevations varying from under 1,000 to 3,000 feet, while the north end climbs to over 6,700 feet.

So where are we headed and what are we looking to do once we get there?

Towns such as Murphys, Angels Camp, and Columbia are some of the unique treasures of California’s Mother Lode country awaiting you.

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.”

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 the town squeezes tight into the old downtown area. And one of the first things visitors to the area usually notice is the town’s affinity for frogs.

Angels Camp was the setting made famous in 1865 when Mark Twain penned his story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Every May, Angels Camp celebrates the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee. This year’s fair runs May 19-22, with the theme of Famous Authors and Awesome Hoppers.

Even the town’s sidewalks are pro frog. While Hollywood boasts stars and a Walk of Fame, the sidewalks in Angels Camp are dedicated to the hopping-type stars. Past champions of jumping events are immortalized with brass plaques that line the sidewalks. They come complete with the frog’s names (such as San Francisco Warty Niners) and the distance it 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”.

The 2004 champion, Red Bull, jumped 20’ 2 1/2". So if you want to see some athletes with true jumping skills, you know where to go.

Other Angels Camp area attractions include Moaning Caverns, New Melones Reservoir, and the Angels Camp Museum. Of course small town shops, restaurants and galleries abound as well.

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.

With a plethora of galleries lining the streets, many summer events revolve around art and theses “Niche” galleries.

As the town’s popularity as a tourist destination has grown — it’s been called the “Carmel of the Mountains.”

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.

Just beyond the historic downtown area, Murphys holds yet another pleasant surprise for visitors. By driving a scenic couple of miles into the hilly countryside just outside of Murphys, one will arrive at Ironstone Vineyards. It is a shining gem among the many superb area wineries.

Lush and lavish, the scenic and well-manicured grounds are just one reason why Kautz’ Ironstone Vineyards is such a popular destination.

Vineyards rush up to the tasting room/visitors center, which is a majestic building that has the feeling of being at once 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, encompassing country, rock, pop, Latin, jazz and blues.

For details on directions and upcoming concerts, call 728-1251, or visit their website at www.ironstonevineyards.com.

Located in Jamestown is the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. It is home to one of America’s last authentic and operating railroad round-houses. It is also known as “The Movie Railroad,” because Railtown’s locomotives and railcars have appeared in more than 200 film and TV productions, including High Noon and Back to the Future 3. Tours of Historic Jamestown’s shops and round-house are available daily. Daily switches to weekends April through October, and on selected weekends November-December.

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.

For great tips on trips into Lodi’s local foothill community as well as links to each town’s unique sights, visit an informative website called roadtripamerica.com. With so much to do and see in the area, it’s like their website says: Life is journey. Take the scenic route! .

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