Sonora- a vacation gold mine in all seasons

Many travelers think of California as just a summer destination, somewhere to lay on the beach, toes in the sand, soaking up the sun. However, not all of California is a sunny beach. Sonora, a foothill destination is a hidden gem in California with four seasons of charm. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, it is considered a gateway to the mountains and Yosemite National Park, making it the perfect destination for families, a romantic getaway, or the beginning of an outdoor adventure.

This historic goldrush town is a 2-hour scenic drive from airports in Sacramento or the Bay area. More affordable than its coastal neighbors, Sonora boasts a range of lodging options from modest to luxury. For a unique and beautiful experience, my favorite is a stay at The Inn on Knowles Hill, located in the heart of downtown Sonora. This B&B is an elegant, converted mansion sitting on two and a half acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds. The food served at this circa 1927 B&B is worth the drive alone. While there, order their signature pear dessert, it is something you will never forget. I have never had anything quite like it anywhere else. The recipe is a secret… but imagine an elegant pear poached in a spiced sauce presented with a swirl of raspberry syrup. Hidden inside is a rich vanilla cream that pairs perfectly with the spiced pear.

Another overnight option is the newly remodeled, trendy The Hotel Lumberjack. It is conveniently located just a few steps from most attractions in downtown Sonora. Downtown Sonora is a fun hang out in all seasons with our beer garden The Armory and restaurants like Emberz with their wood-fired oven. Plus, the second Saturday of every month is a family friendly event with live music and vendors that take over the downtown Sonora area. Some of my favorite shopping hotspots are Nest and Nook and Local Collective. Walking into The Nest and Nook is like walking into cottagecore dream. They carry home goods and thrifted treasures inspired by the cottagecore European styles. I love The Local Collective for their curated collection of fun and funky jewelry and snacks from local vendors.

Summer

Summer in Sonora is made for outdoor activities. There is something for everyone, whether you want to be active by hiking or lounge at a nearby lake. There are several lakes to choose from, each with well-maintained campgrounds and a lovely marina with daily boat rentals. Pinecrest Lake is a popular alpine beauty surrounded by evergreen mountains with a beautiful sandy beach shaded by fragrant pines. Lake Don Pedro and New Melones Lake are larger foothill reservoirs perfect for boaters that love water sports. Both lakes also boast party boat and houseboat rentals, as well as several sandy beaches for swimming. Lake Don Pedro is close to Yosemite National Park and New Melones Lake is close to the city of Murphys and it’s wineries.

Summer is time to head to Table Mountain, a mesa created by eroded lava flows. There are trails available for every level of hiker. The trailhead has free parking, and the trails are dog friendly with a beautiful view of New Melones Lake.

Fall

Sonora is home to Indigeny Reserve, a cider brewery where you can have a beautiful picnic and play cornhole, then head out to trails for hiking or biking located by their apple orchard. Afterward, finish a golden fall afternoon in the tasting room and try some unique flavors of hard apple cider for the adults and apple juice for the kids.

For sightseers: Head up HWY 108 to Sonora Pass for the most beautiful views of the aspens as they change their color for fall. The hiking trail for best fall leaf peeping is the loop trail around Pinecrest Lake, the mix of evergreens with the reds and golds reflected onto an alpine lake is breathtaking.

Winter

Grab your skis or snowboard for winter in Sonora! Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort is only 45 minutes away with a coinvent ski bus if you don’t like winter driving. Before you brave the cold slopes, enjoy a specialty craft coffee at Revive café and roastery. Try their delicious Honey Latte and of their organic Argentinian inspired, made from scratch Empanadas. If tea and a relaxing ionic foot soak to detox from holiday parties is more to your taste you can try Amala Detox Tea Lounge.

Spring

Calling all my wildflower lovers! Spring is time to head to Red Hills where you can have a picnic or photoshoot among the wildflowers.

Sonora is home to the world-famous Motherlode Round-up Parade and Pro Rodeo on Mother’s Day weekend so grab your hat and boots. The parade has more than 200 entries and thousands of spectators attend so grab your seat early.

Come to experience the heart of gold country. Enjoy the small-town charm and pace of life. Sonora is the place to enjoy an outdoor adventure with your loved ones or just enjoy some good food and shopping. Sonora is lovely no matter the season, now you are in on the secret too.

Travel Secrets: Gold Country

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