California - A mistake in planning? February trip to Arnold, CA (Calaveras County/Gold Country)

After talking with friends and researching a "little bit" - I'm wondering if I've made a mistake in planning the above trip???? Is there enough to do? Places to eat? Is the weather likely to be too bad (snow and ice and treacherous driving)? We plan to stay one night in Sacramento, then drive to the Mountain Resort in Arnold for 7 nights, and then spend one more night in Sacrameno. Does this sound like a good trip? Any suggestions for an Itinerary? Restaurants? Places to see? Any and all help will be APPRECIATED! eb from Texas

I posted on your dining thread as well.

We used to have a cabin above Arnold. There is a fair amount to do there, but you really have to look for it. There are several cute towns - Murphy's (below Arnold) is one of my favorite and actually has quite a bit to offer, including some interesting shops and a good cafe (unfortunately, its name escapes me at the moment but it's pretty much a one-street town). There are several wineries there, including Kautz/Ironstone, which is really beautiful (although I've never much cared for their wines) and always has a pretty full schedule of events, including a tour of their caves, art collection and amazing kitchen where they give classes. Check out their website: http://2getgold.com/wine/ironstone.htm

Another one of my favorite towns is Sutter Creek (about an hour's drive from Arnold - less from Murphy's). It's a little mining town that now has lots of art galleries, retaurants and interesting shops. There's a restaurant with Amore in the name that's good.

Moaning Cavern (don't go to the other cave though - I can't think of it's name, but it's crummy) isn't too far away in Vallecito. http://www.caverntours.com/MoCavRt.htm
They offer a walking tour, but also an adventure tour that's quite fun. You rapel 165-feet into the cave and then crawl around through the narrow passageways for another couple of hours. It's not for the claustrophibic (to get to the pancake room you litterally slither on your belly for 20 feet or so between two large, flat rocks). They give you suits and hard hats with lights because it's quite muddy.

In Arnold there's mostly some shops - the Outhouse is cute - and a few decent restaurants. I mentioned them in the other thread on the dining forum.

Above Arnold a bit is Calaveras Big Trees park. The redwoods are huge. If it's snowy you may not want to hike, but if it's not there are some nice trails that show off some of the more magnificent trees. http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551

In Dorrington, just about 5 miles above Arnold, is the Dorrington Hotel restaurant and the Lube Room, a bar that's pretty popular with the Clampers but also a fun place to hang out for a bit. It's beyond description.

Above that is Bear Valley - the ski area and resort town. There's good skiing there - downhill and cross country - and also an ice rink. Red Dog Lodge is the popular place to hang out there.

You are going at a time when you could very well hit snow (and you definitely will have lots of snow up toward Bear Valley). It could be a good idea to either rent a 4WD or rent chains. Usually the highway is fine to Arnold, but chains/4WD are sometimes required above that. The highway doesn't get windy until after Arnold. Hitting snow and ice could be expected above Dorrington. Check with Cal-Trans on road conditions before you head up.

I can't picture the place you're staying, but keep in mind Arnold is a small town with a busy highway going through it. Most things are built ride along that highway. There is a nice B&B in Murphy's. It's the Victoria Inn - http://www.4victoriainn.com/
They used to be under different ownership and I know had good reviews then. I don't know what it's like now except that it's very attractive and in a nice town away from a busy highway.

Pick up the Harbinger paper while you're there (free at most all stores, including grocery stores). That will have a good calendar of any small theater or music events, etc.

If you have other questions, feel free to email me. A week probably is a long time, but you could fill it. Maybe spend part of the time down around Murphy's, exploring the wineries, cave and Sutter Creek, and then go on up higher.



[This message has been edited by letiole (edited Jan 14, 2004).]

Thank you letiole! I read your info on the dining thread, and this additional information helps me a lot!!!!! We will definitely rent a 4-wheel drive and we'll check out your suggested places to go. I really appreciate your help! eb from Texas

I also think a trip to Columbia is worth the time. It is a little touristy, since it is a State Historical Park, but we have enjoyed it several times and taken relatives there as well.

The Columbia Hotel has an excellent restaurant.