Autumn in Tuolumne California
The best time of year to tour this area
One of the best ways to enjoy the unique landscape is to hike, bike or climb it. Whether it's a leisurely stroll at the base of El Capitan, or a gut-clenching climb to the lookout, exploring on your own steam (instead of your car's) is the best way to drink in the serenity synonymous with the “Great Unfenced.” Remember, it's called that for a reason - Yosemite alone has more than 800 miles of trails.
Historic Towns
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and Columbia State Historic Park are pockets of living history, preserved and thriving for year-round visitors. Enjoy antique shopping, lunch at a real Wild West saloon or an overnight stay at a historic inn. Travel back in time to 1849, the start of the gold rush, and talk with modern-day business owners dressed in period costumes. Unlike the static sameness of some museums, the historic towns of Tuolumne County keep the flame of gold rush fever burning bright. If you go, visit the J.C. Miller Carpenter Shoppe, and be sure to ask J.C. to sing you some history while he strums his banjo.
Want to meet a past gold miner and maybe (if you're lucky) stay in the room where he likes to rearrange toiletries and take showers in the middle of the night? At the Groveland Hotel you have a better than average chance of bumping into Lyle, an eccentric miner who died there during the 1920s. Legend says he kept a case of dynamite under his bed (just in case), but he probably died of a heart attack. He must have been lonely in life though because he still likes to show up once in a while to mingle with the living guests. Grover Mosely, innkeeper and keeper of the stories, says it's the most popular room, year round, so book early if you're hoping for a visit during your stay.
Cover's Apple Ranch
Nothing goes better with cool mountain air than crisp, just-picked apples at Cover's Apple Ranch. Situated on over 80 acres of apple and pear trees, Cover's also offers an authentic steam engine, farm animals, bakery, gift shop and full-size dining room. Think it sounds a little pedestrian for high-tech families looking for the next best click? We dare you to visit the pie shop and sample their famous mile-high pie made with 10 cups of apples - exquisite doesn't even come close. While you're there, check out the beehive and have fun trying to find the queen.
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