Highway 49
Gold Rush Country
The Mother Lode, as this area is sometimes referred to (a term that is derived from a Spanish word for “riches”), stretches along the entire route of Highway 49, south from Mariposa and north through Nevada City, ending in Downieville. (On the other hand the Mother Lode veins, which run from Northern California to South America, surface in the area between Jamestown and Auburn and again in Nevada City.)
All the main Gold Rush towns can be visited by driving along Highway 49. But many scenic side roads lead to tiny hamlets with intriguing names such as Fiddletown and Rescue, inviting exploration.
This area provides history, adventure, and scenic beauty. Not yet heavily promoted and packaged, it also provides many low-key and inexpensive vacation joys for the hype-weary traveler. A thorough visit could take weeks, but a satisfying one takes only a few days. For a weekend visit, don’t attempt to drive the entire route. Visit one portion and then go back another time to see more.
Because the area is steeped in history, consider reading for more background information. Two classic books about the area that are also good for reading aloud are The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, by Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain), and The Luck of Roaring Camp, by Bret Harte.
Currently there is said to be another gold rush on. Many nervous people are staking claims, so caution is advised when doing any unguided panning or prospecting.
During the Gold Rush this area was filled with wineries. Its rich soil and high elevations produce excellent grapes and bold, deeply flavored wines. So be on the lookout for the nearly 100 wineries that have popped up here.
image courtesy of Calif.-State-Dept.-of-Parks-and-Rec
These listings are just a taste of each area.. They offer an introductory taste, so that you arrive with a few good leads on things to do and places to eat and spend the night. You’ll make many more discoveries as you explore on your own.
Highway 49
North end
These towns are arranged geographically/map-wise, with north at the top and south at the bottom.
Graeagle
Attractions
shops
Restaurant
Graeagle Restaurant
Sierra City
Attractions
Oktoberfest Festival
The Gallery in Sierra City
Sierra County Historical Park
VIDEO-Kentucky Mine-how a Pelton water wheel works
Restaurants
Sierra Country Store & Deli
Hotels
The Buttes Resort
Sardine Lake Resort
Nevada City
Introduction
Annual Events
fall colors
Victorian Christmas
Attractions
Asylum Down
Miners Foundry Cultural Center
My Favorite Things
Nevada Theatre
Pine Grove Cemetery
Spirithouse Import Gallery
Restaurants
Broad Street Bistro & Gallery
Sopa Thai Cuisine
Three Forks Bakery and Brewing Co.
Treats
Hotels
The Art Cottage & Art Studio
National Hotel
Two Room Inn
Rough and Ready
Penn Valley
Attraction
Pilot Peak Vineyard & Winery
Restaurant
Blue Cow Deli
Grass Valley
Introduction
Annual Event
Cornish Christmas
Attractions
antiques shops
The Center for the Arts
Empire Mine State Historic Park
North Star Mining Museum
Tess’ Kitchen
Hotels
Gold Miners Inn-A Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites
Grass Valley Courtyard Suites
The Holbrooke
Auburn
Attractions
M and Company
Placer County Courthouse Museum
Machado Orchards
Restaurants
Awful Annie’s
Ikedas
Coloma
Olde Coloma Theatre
VIDEO-Melodrama-Peas Pudding Hot
VIDEO-Melodrama-Mary Had A Little Watch
VIDEO-Melodrama-Mary Had A Little Lamb
VIDEO-Melodrama-funny headlines
Plymouth
Article
Zero in on Zin
Attractions
Amador Four Fires Festival
Amador Flower Farm
Amador 360 Wine & Visitor Center
C.D. Di Arie Vineyard and Winery
Cooper Vineyards
Deaver Vineyards & Winery and Amador Harvest Inn
Jeff Runquist Wines
Shenandoah Vineyards
Sobon Estate Winery & Vineyards
VIDEO–old-time potato planters
Restaurants
Amador Vintage Market
Taste
Hotel
Shenandoah Inn
Amador City
Introduction
Attractions
Amador City Cemetery
shops
Restaurants
Andrae’s Bakery
Buffalo Chips Emporium
Hotel
Imperial Hotel & Restaurant
Sutter Creek
Introduction
Attractions
AmadorArts Gallery
Monteverde General Store Museum
shops
Restaurant
Susan’s Place
Hotels
Hotel Sutter and restaurant
Sutter Creek Inn
Volcano
Attraction
Black Chasm Cavern
Restaurant/Hotel
Volcano Union Pub & Inn
Columbia State Historic Park
Introduction, Annual Events, Attractions
Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen
Columbia House Restaurant
Columbia Kate’s Teahouse, Bakery, and Boutique
Columbia City Hotels + Restaurants + Theater
Sonora
Attraction
Indigeny Reserve
Restaurant
The Lighthouse Deli
Tuolumne
Attraction, Restaurant, Hotel
Black Oak Casino Resort
Jamestown
Attractions
antiques shops
Gold Prospecting Adventures
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
VIDEO-Sierra No. 3 steam engine clangs and couples and spews plenty of steam
Restaurant
Here’s the Scoop
Hotels
Jamestown Hotel
National Hotel
Midpines
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
Mariposa
Attractions
Mariposa Museum and History Center
drinking venues
Highway 49
South end
