Calaveras County, CA…We’re all about the “Snowmance” here in Calaveras County, and it’s the perfect time to experience a snowy winter wonderland with your special someone. Snuggle in to find the perfect Calaveras Valentine’s Romance option for you and your special sweetie.

The Victoria Inn, Murphys. Courtesy Photo

1. Valentine’s Romance: Simple and Sweet
Simple and Sweet Option 1: Day Trip
For this simple and sweet Valentine’s Day, consider dressing in warm layers with picnic in tow, rent a pair of snowshoes from SNAC or Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods and take a snow-covered hike in the North Grove of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. You’ll be surrounded by ancient giant sequoias—the largest living things on earth. Stop and pay a visit to our dearly departed Pioneer Cabin Tree, then head for the warming hut or new Visitor Center.

From sno-parks to gorgeous lower elevation lakes below the snowline explore our many endless trails such as along the Stanislaus at the Sourgrass Recreation Area – a great place to enjoy a wilderness sunset. Looking for more unique winter adventure? Try zipling togther at Moaning Cavern Adventure Park.

Simple and Sweet Option 2: Overnight
Want to stay awhile? Turn your simple and sweet Valentine’s adventure up a notch with one of our many overnight options. In addition to our historic and modern lodging, the more adventurous travelers might want to camp out for the night—above or below the snowline. Check out our recent article on winter camping. If you grab a site at the lower elevations, such as New Melones Lake, you can camp well below the snow line while making day trips to the higher elevations.

Ready to go snow glamping? – Calaveras Big Trees State Park now offers nightly stays in its rustic two bedroom cabins which go for $205 a night. Splurge with your sweetie or split the bill with another couple.

Want to add a little culture to your trip? Check out the local happenings via our on-line calendar of events HERE, then swing by the Visitors Center and pick-up a VIP card to get discounts on wine and beer tasting throughout the county. Make sure to check out our eclectic restaurants and beer houses as well. Locally made cupcakes and chocolate {LINK}, national award winning coffee roaster{LINK} and affordable romantic restaurants? Sign me up!

2. Valentine’s Romance: Love on the Slopes
Who needs crowds when you have your sweetie by your side and over ten feet of fresh High Sierra sparkling powder to crush? Take it to the mountain and continue up all-weather Ebbetts Pass Highway 4 to spend your day on the world-class trails of Bear Valley Cross Country or Bear Valley Mountain. It’s hard to believe it’s just 50 minutes east of the warm and temperate Angels Camp and Murphys!

One unforgettable way to see the Sierras in winter is on snowmobile – Bear Valley Snowmobile rents machines by the day and gives you access to miles of groomed road along the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway.

Come nightfall, cozy up to the fireplace inside the classic Bear Valley Lodge, which has rooms starting at $150/night, and gourmet meals at the Creekside Dining Room.

Throughout the county are a variety of excellent mid-range accommodations, where you have the advantage of staying in town, close to restaurants, shopping and other amenities. Check out the following options:
-Hotel Leger in Mokelumne Hill
-Best Western in Angels Camp
-Travelodge in Angels Camp
-Murphys Suites
-Murphys Historic Hotel
-Timberline Lodge in Arnold
-Murphys Historic Hotel, Calaveras County

We’re foodies here in Calaveras, and of course, we love our wineries too. There’s always something happening at our many restaurants and wine tasting rooms. Here are a few for Valentine’s weekend you might want to explore:
-Love on the Vine Valentines Dinner at Ironstone Vineyards
-Valentines Dinner at Outer Aisle Restaurant and Catering
-Barrel Room Bash at Milliaire Winery Barrel Room.
-Shrimp and scallops at Outer Aisle Foods, Murphys. Courtesy Photo

3. Valentine’s Romance: High-End Quaint and Cozy
When you’re in the mood for the warm hush of winter mountain life by the fire, Calaveras has several options for luxurious and cozy Bed and Breakfasts, each with a unique flair and style. And the best news? Even Calaveras’ luxury options offer more quality for the price than you will get in more crowded destinations throughout California.

It’s good to be in the know. You can always use your room as your own private get-away or foray out into a wealth of locally owned historic downtown artisan treats, goods, and services.

Into beer or wine? Swing by the Calaveras Visitors Center for a guide to the award winners throughout the region. Let your inner history buff run wild at our 3 acre museum in downtown Angels Camp, or let your inner adventurer take the wheel for one of our many scenic destinations and drives. Be sure to check our Calendar of Events for all that’s happening during February and beyond. There’s always an excuse for a romantic getaway to Calaveras!

Black Bear Inn – Nestled among the trees in Arnold, this award winning inn with its cozy, snowy vibe, is known for its casual atmosphere with first class service and accommodations. Treat it as your warm and cozy home base for all the mountain recreation the area has to offer. You can bring your Tesla or other electric vehicle too, since they have a charging station.

Victoria Inn – In the heart of downtown Murphys, the Victoria offers elegant suites as well as a variety of private rental cottages around town, all within easy walking distance of Murphys’ restaurants and wine tasting rooms.

Courtwood Inn – An eco-friendly log cabin lodge near downtown Murphys, Courtwood offers gorgeous views of the surrounding foothills, robust breakfasts featuring locally grown ingredients and luxurious in-room amenities. The owners also offer custom wine tours and a semi-annual wine camp – and they’ve recently installed a new Tesla charging station.
Querencia-outside

Querencia – A unique refuge on a remote ridgetop outside of Murphys, Querencia bills itself as “the place where you and your companion can find peace, solitude, beauty, and the time and place to rediscover yourselves and each other.”
Can’t decide which venue would be best for you and your boo? Give us a call, we’re open 7 days a week and happy to help 1-800-225-3764. We’ll see you on the mountain!