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<\/a><\/p>\nAll-You-Can-Eat Chocolate Festival<\/p>\n
Sat. Feb. 10th |\u00a0 1:00pm-4:00pm |\u00a0First Congregational Church<\/a>\u00a0in Murphys, CA<\/p>\n Ready to enjoy unlimited handmade chocolate treats? Murphys\u2019 First Congregational Church\u2019s Annual Heavenly Chocolate Festival is a dream come true. Come and enjoy the 60+ varieties of sumptuous chocolate delicacies, including the opportunity to dip delectable treats in a decadent chocolate fountain. This is a festival of treasured family recipes with unique flavor pairings. Recipes include chocolates ranging from rich dark chocolate and creamy milk chocolate to white chocolates as well. Wine by the glass will also be available for sale to enjoy with your chocolate, and make sure to purchase raffle tickets for a fabulous gift basket raffle. All-You-Can-Eat ticket prices range from $15 for adults and children over 8 and $5 for children (including complimentary hot and cold beverages). To-go boxes are priced by the pound. Tickets are available at the door or by phone at\u00a0209-728-3141<\/a>.<\/p>\n Calaveras Underground<\/p>\n What a great way to get a little closer to the one you love! Go underground and check out the three different cave systems right here in Calaveras.<\/p>\n Mercer Caverns,<\/a>\u00a0one 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.<\/p>\n Moaning Caverns Adventure Park<\/a>\u00a0holds California\u2019s deepest cave chamber, where you can descend deep underground on a guided walk tour.\u00a0 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 California Cavern<\/a>, originally called Mammoth Cave, 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. One outstanding feature of this cave is its extensive labyrinth of wild, unlit passageways and crawl-ways which you can explore on two different extended cave expeditions. These trips are not recommended for the claustrophobic, but for those who don\u2019t have a problem with tight spaces they are incredibly fun and distinctively unique.<\/p>\n Sweethearts Dinner Ideas<\/p>\n Each of these Calaveras restaurants are featuring a thoughtful menu to share specifically with your Valentine. Reservations are always a great idea!<\/p>\n V\u2019s Restaurant, Bistro & Bar<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Calaveras, V\u2019s gorgeous menu and elegant atmosphere is sure to impress your sweetheart! Call to make reservations early if you want to book an intimate table for Valentine\u2019s Day!<\/p>\n La Contenta Golf Resort<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Menu for 2! Serving a special 3-course dinner for you lovebirds overlooking the beautiful greens.<\/p>\n Camps at Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 In the beautiful Camp\u2019s grand room, every seat has an amazing view of the golden, rolling hills of Calaveras.\u00a0 Bring your sweetheart to enjoy Camps\u2019 special Valentine\u2019s Day menu on February 14th.\u00a0 Reservations only, so make sure to give them a call at 209-729-8181.<\/p>\n Renegade Winery<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Treat your significant other to a 3-course dinner Feb 14th & 15th at Renegade in the inside event venue. Enjoy live music while sitting down to a romantic dinner. Pre-Paid reservations with no refunds only. They will sell out! To reserve your spot, call or text 209-327-4969.<\/p>\n Hotel Leger<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Serving an elegant dinner in adorable downtown Mokelumne Hill from 5:00 to 8:30 pm and live music starting at 7:00 pm.\u00a0 Reservations only at hotel.leger.info@gmail.com<\/p>\n Ironstone Vineyards<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 This beautiful, romantic winery, where love blooms and blossoms, brings you a second chance dance to relive your prom with dancing, chocolate, and wine. What else does Cupid need to make you fall in love?<\/p>\n The Metropolitan<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Come to the Sweetheart Swing with music from Amaze, and Chef Niki will prepare a meal to melt your heart at this very special Valentine\u2019s Day dinner & dance party. For tickets, call 209-754-5555 or click\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For a list of restaurants throughout Calaveras, click\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0to find your favorite!<\/p>\n \u201cGalentine\u2019s Day\u201d in Downtown Angels Camp<\/p>\n Wine, Cider, Beer & Spirits<\/p>\n Take your honey out to any of Calaveras\u2019 historic downtowns to soak in the Gold Rush era history and also some of the best, award-winning tastings in the world!\u00a0 Murphys alone has over\u00a030 wine tasting rooms<\/a>\u00a0and vineyards to choose from, and Mokelumne Hill proudly boasts Kris and Brendan\u2019s\u00a0Posterity Ciderworks<\/a>.\u00a0This family-owned and operated cidery sources local apples, plums, pears, quince and sustainably crafts vintage cider from the fruit of heritage and homestead trees.\u00a0 Their story is definitely worth the visit, and their cider delights the senses!\u00a0The Pourhouse<\/a>\u00a0in Murphys serves local and regional craft beers, and\u00a0The Watering Hole<\/a>\u00a0with its chef-driven menu offers over 40+ different beers and ciders on tap.\u00a0 If distilled spirits are your favorite, do not miss\u00a0Hinterhaus<\/a>\u00a0in Arnold. Hinterhaus just earned Best Varietal Vodka in the United States at the 2024 World Vodka Awards.\u00a0 Distilled from Calaveras grapes and native Sierra Nevada botanicals, Bonnie and Nate have crafted top-of-the-line vodka, whiskey, and gin by thoughtfully and locally sourcing the highest quality ingredients to create their masterpieces. Receiving a coveted score of 94 from Wine Enthusiast, Hinterhaus Bourbon makes one of the best Old Fashioneds around.<\/p>\n Romantic Getaways<\/p>\n Arnold Black Bear Inn<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 The Arnold Black Bear Inn is your romantic base for High Sierra outdoor recreation, surrounded by giant pines, incense cedars and beautifully manicured grounds. Located just minutes from Calaveras Big Trees State Park\u2019s spectacular giant sequoia trees, this bed and breakfast \u00a0has a reputation for outstanding customer service and attention to detail. Charger stations are provided for your Tesla or other electric vehicle, you can relax in the spa, enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine on one of the large patios or lounge in the porch swing. Cordon Bleu trained Chef Bruce is happy to craft a custom meal for you by request.<\/p>\n Courtwood Inn<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 There\u2019s plenty of room to relax and rejuvenate at Courtwood Inn near Murphys. A custom-designed, spectacular cedar log lodge set on a tranquil 5-acre hilltop and built with guests\u2019 comfort in mind, each of the five distinctive bedrooms has a private bath and amazing views. From this peaceful retreat, you can enjoy all that the Mother Lode has to offer, from adventurous recreation to rest and relaxation. Courtwood Inn is the place to \u201cplay, relax, and refresh.\u201d This is also the perfect lodging option for a Courtwood Wine Tasting Tour \u2013 taking you on an intimate discovery of diverse wineries in Calaveras County with exclusive behind the scenes access and wine tasting.<\/p>\n Dunbar House<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Quiet, romantic, and luxurious, Dunbar House Inn & Event Property is a Murphys jewel. Fully climate controlled rooms; each private room has an en-suite bath, free wireless Internet, Direct TV televisions, and luxurious bed linens, ceiling fans, beautiful antique furnishings. Located within strolling distance of the popular amenities in Murphys, enjoy award-winning wine & beer tasting rooms, unique shops, historic walking tours, and an eclectic aura of fine and casual dining restaurants. Set back from the Main Street for privacy and quiet and centrally located in Calaveras, this beautiful B&B makes a perfect Gold Country\/Yosemite base for foothills and High Sierra recreation. Check out the Dunbar House\u2019s\u00a07 Date Night Ideas<\/a>!<\/p>\n Gateway Hotel\u00a0<\/a>\u2013\u00a0With limitless outdoor adventures surrounding the hotel, the opportunities for a fun or relaxing weekend are ready for you. enjoy biking, skiing, hiking, fishing and golf, or relax by our brand new pool and hot tub overlooking the golden hills. Each of their rooms provide a unique experience due to the different layout, views, and size. Not only do they support your trip by giving you a cozy spot to sleep at night, but they also have 12 Tesla Super Chargers to charge up your Tesla overnight. The Gateway Hotel is also dog-friendly!<\/p>\n Robin\u2019s Nest<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Robin\u2019s Nest bed and breakfast is a Victorian mansion with\u00a0nine elegant rooms with private bath and beautifully landscaped gardens. \u00a0Husband and wife hosts Bill and Karen offer friendly service, and create delicious, gourmet breakfasts.<\/p>\n Timberline Lodge\u00a0<\/a>\u2013 Rooms at Timberline Lodge are delightfully different and offer unique choices not found in most lodging accommodations. Whether you\u2019d like a room for one person or a room for a family or group of eight, you\u2019ll find\u00a0what you need here. Located right on the\u00a0Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway<\/a>, at the snow line, one mile from\u00a0White Pines Lake<\/a>\u00a0and close to the\u00a0Arnold Rim Trail<\/a>, the inn is perfectly situated for your mountain adventures. Many rooms have rocking chairs, a free-standing gas fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, or possibly a tree-trunk as a structural element. The d\u00e9cor is rustic with beautiful wood, log accents, and they are always exceptionally clean and comfortable.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nEnjoy chocolate heaven in Murphys this Valentine\u2019s weekend.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nMiddle Earth Expedition | Dave Bunnell<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nTasting flights @ Posterity Ciderworks<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nPhoto Courtesy: ExperienceMurphys.com<\/p>\n