{"id":182336,"date":"2024-08-12T10:52:52","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T17:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/?p=182336"},"modified":"2024-08-12T10:54:35","modified_gmt":"2024-08-12T17:54:35","slug":"discover-calaveras-places-to-play-in-august-cvb-feature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.thepinetree.net\/?p=182336","title":{"rendered":"Discover Calaveras: Places to Play in August ~ CVB Feature"},"content":{"rendered":"

Angels Camp, CA…Each August in Calaveras County summer hits a fevered pitch of fun. Whether you\u2019re all about nature and outdoor adventure, live theater, unique shopping, wine, beer, & spirits, read on to find great places to play in Calaveras. Looking for places to jump in the water and cool down? Don\u2019t miss Calaveras\u2019 Swimming Holes & Hidden Lakes<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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1. Discover Calaveras Horseback Riding\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Located in the heart of San Andreas and Highway 49 Gold Country,\u00a0Trails of 49<\/a>\u00a0ranch invites you horseback ride through historic, Gold Rush-era trails. They have tranquil half-hour rides to immersive two-hour journeys on paths that will harken back to a simpler time in Calaveras. Trails of 49 is nestled on a ranch that once bustled as the historic town of Fourth Crossing. Today, while it thrives as a commercial sheep and beef cattle haven, it\u2019s also a treasure trove of history. As you saddle up and venture out, you\u2019ll traverse landmarks like the state of California\u2019s very first bridge on the legendary Highway 49. The trails weave through a picturesque private vineyard and retraces the steps of the Gold Rush pioneers in the remnants of the town of Fourth Crossing.<\/p>\n

Trails of 49 invites you to \u201c\u2026saddle up and make some memories together\u2026! It\u2019s not just about the journey; it\u2019s about the story we create along the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Discover Calaveras\u00a0Shakespeare on the Vine<\/p>\n

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Shakespeare, wine, moonlight. Whether you\u2019re looking to experience something one of a kind, or already love live theater, you\u2019re in luck.\u00a0Shakespeare on the Vine<\/a>\u2018s annual Shakespeare production-under-the-stars is perfect for first time theater-goers and theater aficionados alike. This theater company production takes place under clear night, summer skies on The Hilltop at\u00a0Brice Station Vineyards<\/a>, and gorgeous sunset views start the evening on the right note.\u00a0 Imagine it\u2026drinking great wine crafted and bottled on site, the Perseid meteor shower overhead, and perfect evening temperatures\u2026 an ideal time to enjoy live theater outdoors in Calaveras County.<\/p>\n

Come early with your picnic, or snack through the performance on a blanket on the lawn in front of the stage. Plastic chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Brice Station wine is available for purchase at the event, but no other alcohol may be brought on the premises. Bring blankets and sweaters as it cools down late in the evening. A flashlight or flashlight app on your smart phone is recommended for trips to the restrooms after dark \u2013 and to navigate to your vehicle when the performance has ended.<\/p>\n

For the 2024 season, audiences will love the romance, music, and joy of\u00a0Twelfth Night\u00a0as the theatre company celebrates 10 years of Shakepearean performances at Brice Station Vineyards. The 2024 season runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from July 25th to August 17th, and you can buy\u00a0tickets<\/a>\u00a0now for this much-anticipated Calaveras event!<\/p>\n

Visiting outside of August?\u00a0 Murphys Creek Theatre enjoys a hiatus in August, but will return in September. Visit their delightful and eclectic\u00a0Murphys Creek Theatre 2024 season schedule<\/a>\u00a0here.<\/p>\n

3. Discover Calaveras\u00a0Cave Exploration<\/p>\n

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California Cavern<\/a>\u00a0in Mountain Ranch \u2013<\/p>\n

Originally called Mammoth Cave, California Cavern was California\u2019s first show cave and is its longest cavern system. Depending on the season, the guided cavern walk tour can be 45 minutes to 80 minutes long featuring an enchanting trail with beautiful crystalline cave formations in historical and recently discovered pristine areas. The cavern walking tour takes you through several passageways into multiple chambers on a trail system. On the way, you\u2019ll see a wide variety of beautiful white, cream and caramel colored crystalline cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, flowstones and helictites, while also learning about the cavern\u2019s fascinating discovery and early uses.<\/p>\n

Mercer Cavern<\/a>\u00a0in Murphys<\/p>\n

Mercer Caverns, one of three caves in Calaveras County, is open for guided tours, year round. See deep underground in this cavern filled with a large array of cave formations like stalactities, stalagmites and flowstones. This cavern also won the Paris World\u2019s Fair for its display of the rare cavern formation: flos feri. Open daily in the summer from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and winter hours open Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.<\/p>\n

Moaning Cavern<\/a>\u00a0in Vallecito<\/p>\n

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park\u00a0holds California\u2019s deepest cave chamber, where you can descend deep underground on a guided walk tour.\u00a0 Descend sixteen stories underground via the spiral staircase into the deepest cave in California and see massive cave formations. Learn about the history and geology of this fascinating cavern including how the massive stalagmites and flowstones formed and how people explored the cave before the spiral staircase was constructed. You\u2019ll also see the \u201cmoaning holes\u201d \u2013 rock formations caused by dripping water that cause the sound which inspired the cave\u2019s name. Gemstone mining at the custom flume system is always fun for the whole family and cracking geodes is a big hit with rock hounds of all ages. Reservations are strongly recommended for all activities. The park is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.<\/p>\n

4. Discover Calaveras\u00a0Summertime Concerts<\/p>\n

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\nIronstone Amphitheater I Courtesy of Instagrammer @____aldrich____<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re in the mood for household name artists like Cake, Michael Franti, or Robert Plant playing at Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheater in August during the\u00a0Ironstone Summer Concert<\/a>\u00a0season (pictured below) or something a little more intimate featuring amazing local musicians, Calaveras has the outdoor venue for you. Explore all the concerts Calaveras has to offer with our guide to the top\u00a0Calaveras Summer Concert Season<\/a>\u00a0here.<\/p>\n

5. Discover Calaveras\u00a0\u00a0A Taste of Calaveras\u2019 Food, Wine, Beer, & Spirits<\/p>\n

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\nPosterity Ciderworks<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s wine, cider, spirits, or beer, Calaveras creates its own special brand of refreshments.\u00a0 Start in Mokelumne Hill tasting\u00a0Posterity Ciderworks\u2019<\/a>\u00a0unique ciders crafted from homestead apples, pears, quince found within a 50 mile radius of Calaveras County. Featured at two Michelin-star restaurants in Sacramento and San Francisco, this family-owned-&-operated cidery should not be missed by cider fans. Try the\u00a0Hotel Leger<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0Renegade<\/a>\u00a0for a hearty, delicious lunch. Next, head to Angels Camp and stop in at the Miner\u2019s Lounge in historic downtown. Located in the Utica Hotel building that was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in its present Art Deco style as the Bazinett Hotel in 1937, this swanky little place is perfect for watching your favorite sporting event, listening to live music, and enjoying a really great cocktail. Walk about five doors down for lunch\u00a0 at\u00a0Crusco\u2019s\u00a0for Old World Italian or\u00a0The Quarry Downtown\u00a0for great burgers, nachos, and local wine and beer. Wine more your thing? Calaveras is known for growing robust Cabernet Sauvignon, old vine Zinfindels, delicious Petite Sirah, and many, many more Spanish and Italian varietals. Head to Murphys where you can stroll the easy half-mile downtown and pick from 20+ tasting rooms that are sure to have what you love. Have a lovely dinner at\u00a0V Restaurant, Bistro, and Bar<\/a>\u00a0on their outside patio or check out\u00a0The Watering Hole<\/a>\u00a0with a 40 rotating draft beer menu, a chef-driven food menu, and live music every Thursday through October.\u00a0 \u00a0Moving on \u201cup the hill\u201d on Highway 4 to Arnold, visit the ever-hospitable\u00a0Hinterhaus Distilling<\/a>\u00a0and be sure to try the best Old Fashioned ever.\u00a0 Creating spirits using thoughtfully sourced, high quality ingredients, Hinterhaus\u2019 award-winning spirits are not to be missed. Be sure to make reservations at\u00a0Sarafina\u2019s Italian Kitchen<\/a>\u00a0for dinner Wednesday through Sunday!<\/p>\n

6. Discover Calaveras\u00a0Gold Rush History<\/p>\n

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\nPhoto Courtesy of Calaveras Enterprise<\/p>\n

For all of the history buffs among us, you\u2019re in luck! As part of the historic Hwy 49 Gold Rush corridor, Calaveras is filled with awesome features for history lovers young and old. From historic downtown walking tours in Murphys, Angels Camp, Mokelumne Hill, and San Andreas (available in your free\u00a0Calaveras Visitors Guide<\/a>) to charming historic museums such as the\u00a0Angels Camp Museum<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Calaveras County Museum<\/a>, Calaveras\u2019 historic adventures don\u2019t end indoors. Step outside to explore living history at\u00a0Calaveras Big Trees State Park<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Sierra Logging Museum<\/a>. Don\u2019t miss the annual events celebrating Gold Rush history such as the\u00a0Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree<\/a>\u00a0in Arnold,\u00a0the\u00a0Mark Twain Wild West Fest<\/a>\u00a0in Angels Camp, and\u00a0Lumberjack Day<\/a>\u00a0in West Point, there is plenty of history for everyone.<\/p>\n

7. Discover Calaveras\u00a0Seasonal Nature Highlights<\/p>\n

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\nNight sky at New Hogan Lake in the Valley Springs tri-lake area I Courtesy of Instagrammer @jossscelyn<\/p>\n