SONORA, CALIF.—December 26, 2019—In an everchanging world where growth offers more for visitors to see and do, Northern California's Tuolumne County is keeping up with the latest trends. New and expanding businesses and new attractions increase the adventures that await travelers in Tuolumne County. Travel just 2.5 hours east from the San Francisco Bay Area to freshen up old stories or create new ones in Tuolumne County's Yosemite National Park, Gold Country, and High Sierra.
Yosemite
Charlotte's Tavern- Taste buds will be tantalized at the Hotel Charlotte's new restaurant, Charlotte's Tavern. With their garden-to-table style restaurant and their full bar staffed with an expert mixologist, they will be sure to create some of the most memorable California fusion comfort cuisine and cocktails. Charlotte's Tavern's philosophy is to create delectable cuisine originating from the finest ingredients available. They believe that supporting farmers who are directly connected to the land near the restaurant enables the chef to create food that not only excites taste buds but also connects guests to the beautiful surroundings of the Yosemite region and the local community.
The Grill at Pine Mountain Lake- Take in views of the lush green golf course nestled in the pines that lead to Yosemite National Park at the newly renovated Grill at Pine Mountain Lake. The renovation transformed the Grill at Pine Mountain Lake into a trendy and upscale dining establishment. The wrap-around bar is centered in the restaurant surrounded by open dining seating. Patio seating allows for a fresh mountain air dining experience. The menu features delightful traditional dishes such as fried chicken with mashed potatoes, and specialties like dry-aged in-house signature ribeye steak seared in a brick oven then slow-roasted for hours. Top off the dining experience with tiramisu or a cookie sundae, because as the staff at the Grill at Pine Mountain Lake say, “Half Dome always looks better when you're full.”
Rush Creek Lodge Spa- In June 2020, Rush Creek's Wellness program will move into a brand new indoor/outdoor spa filled with elements inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. Highlights include a Himalayan Salt Sauna, Warm Waterfall Therapy Bench, Warm River Rock Immersion Beds, and an Aromatherapy Steam Room. The Wellness team will continue to provide their personalized approach to massage therapy, including their signature combination of natural elements with each treatment: stone, sound, scent, and warmth.
Socality Camp- New events will catch the eye of global influencers, as Visit Tuolumne County sets to host Socality's 2020 Camp. Socality is a creative community full of influencers, creators and entrepreneurs. Social media is used to connect people online and bring them together for face to face experiences where they can connect and learn together. Tuolumne County's scenic expanses offer digital content creation opportunities to influencers worldwide. Registration details will be announced soon.
Gold Country
The Independent Wine Co.- New wine bar and bottle shop the Independent Wine Co. is owned by and father/son duo, Eric and Gardner Davis. With Eric being an expert in the culinary world, son Gardner practices his wine expertise with a degree in wine and viticulture. The Independent Wine Co. has added a new wine and small plate experience flare to Historic Downtown Sonora. The wines served are personal and unique, speaking to the knowledge and interests of the owners. Small plate selections are on a rotating schedule and can be paired with the wine experience.
Columbia State Historic Park- Columbia State Historic Park is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2020. The historic park is a living gold rush town with the largest single collection of existing gold-rush era structures in California. Visitors are invited to travel back in time to experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the mining town with a working blacksmith, candle maker, and sweet shop. Guests can also pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, explore exhibits and learn the history of the town through guided tours. There will be plenty of special events taking place throughout 2020.
About Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne County rhymes with “Follow Me,” located 133 miles/200 km east of San Francisco, is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1849. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from the San Francisco and East Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The State Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the “front door” of the park for the San Francisco Greater Bay Area. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and other surrounding areas provide natural vistas and settings for hiking, water skiing, horseback riding, rafting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, snow skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Seven restored historic hotels, four golf courses, numerous and varied dining establishments, historic saloons, four wineries, and hard cider distillery, train rides, casinos, seven museums, two state historic parks, two live theaters, many bed-and-breakfast inns, and a variety of Airbnb accommodations are among the many other attributes that make the county a year-round vacation destination. www.visittuolumne.com
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Contact: Katie Kirkland, Communications and Tourism Manager, katie@gotuolumne.com, 209-533-4420
