Arnold, CA…Alongside our county’s sensory delights and natural attractions is a unique collection of retail shops featuring a wide variety of gifts – from handmade local crafts to everything you need for your next outdoor adventure. And Calaveras County’s historic downtowns make for a charming, small-town-America shopping experience. With holiday season approaching, we’ve rounded up some suggestions to help you make the most of your Calaveras shopping experience.

Billed as the gateway to the High Sierra, Arnold is where you’ll find everything for the outdoor enthusiast on your list in this picturesque high-country town. But don’t overlook the great collection of home decor opportunities as well.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sierra Nevada Adventure Company is the place for technical outer wear and as they say, “Gear for wild environments,” like paddling, climbing and hiking. Head east into Arnold to Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods if it’s fishing and camping you prefer, as they have an extensive selection of tackle, apparel and they’re also a great resource for the latest local fishing updates. The Trout Spot specializes in everything for the fly fisher.

At the Outhouse Collection you can satisfy the quest for the great indoors, with home furnishings, accents and decor with varied themes of rustic, casual and contemporary. Visit the Cedar Center plaza for a variety of places to help accent the home, including Poulson Studios Gallery with its gorgeous glass work, Timeless Home Gallery and Fine Things.

After all that shopping, you deserve a walk in the park – head over to White Pines Lake for a picturesque stroll, or drive 5 minutes to Calaveras Big Trees State Park to enjoy the giant sequoias. The park’s new visitor center has a well stocked gift shop of books and souvenirs. When you’ve worked up your appetite, stop in at one of Arnold’s great eateries or pick up some baked goods from Butter and Cream Bakery. For delicious, hand-crafted beer stop in at Snowshoe Brewery.