Golf Course Covers Apple Ranch Ironstone Vineyards

Yosemite National Park near Sonora Days Inn Sonora is considered a gateway to one of the most popular tourism spots in California and the most beautiful national parks in the country. When you stay at the Sonora Days Inn, you have all the convenience of a prime location for visiting. Yosemite Valley is open year-round and is internationally known for its spectacular vistas, waterfalls, giant Redwood trees and pristine wilderness areas. Visit http://www.nps.gov/yose

Bear Valley Mountain Resort & Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. Usually open from mid-November to mid-April, Bear Valley & Dodge Ridge is the skiing alternative to crowded Lake Tahoe. The advanced snow-making system covers a network of runs served by 9 lifts, including beginner through advanced terrain.  Visit http://www.bearvalley.com and http://www.dodgeridge.com

Mountain Springs Golf Course. This championship 18-hole golf course boasts a varied terrain and superb conditions. Onsite you’ll find a pro shop, practice range, instruction by PGA professionals and the outstanding Birdies Restaurant. Open to the public 7 days a week. Visit http://www.mountainspringsgolf.com 

Moaning Caverns. The Showplace of the Sierra, this cavern boasts the largest cavern chamber in the United States. Open year round. Visit http://www.caverntours.com

Sierra Glen Ranch. Did you know that an episode of Little House on the Prairie was filmed here? Buy or pick berries from June through August, Monday through Saturday. Re-opens on Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays) for cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears and 18 varieties of apples. Featuring fresh cider, Christmas trees, bake shop, fall hayrides, picnic area and tours. http://www.SierraGlen.com  [Top]

Covers Apple Ranch. On this apple ranch, you’ll find a bakery with sandwiches, mile-high pies, cider, cookies, in-season apples, pears and garden produce! Miniature train rides Saturdays and holidays, Presidents' Day Weekend to December 1. Open 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For more details, visit www.CoversAppleRanch.com

Columbia State Historic Park. This is the best preserved Gold Rush town in the Mother Lode. Gold was discovered in Columbia on March 27, 1860, by a small party of prospectors. By 1980, the Gem of the Southern Mines produced more than $1 billion. Today, the town still bustles with shops, exhibits and the lively activity of the 1850s. Open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (209) 532-0150.

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Operated by the California State Railroad Museum, this 26-acre steam locomotive facility offers excursion train rides every Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., April through November. Guided tours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Call (209) 984-3953 for fares and special excursions and events.  [Top]

Ironstone Vineyards. Complimentary tours include an art gallery, lakeside park, aging caverns, wine production, landscaped gardens, amphitheatre with a restored Alhambra Theatre pipe organ. The museum features a 44-pound crystalline gold leaf specimen. Complimentary wine tastings, gourmet deli and fine gifts. Open 10-5 daily. Call (209) 728-1251 for event information. www.IronstoneVineyards.com

Muir-Hanna Vineyards. This tasting room features wines from Muir-Hanna, a Napa Estate owned by the descendants of John Muir. Photographs from the Muir archives and staffers knowledgeable in both “Muirana” and oenology make this a hit with historians and wine fans alike! http://www.muir-hanna.com

Tuolumne County Museum and History Center. The largest museum in the Mother Lode housed in the old Sonora Jail. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday through Friday and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call (209) 532-1317.  [Top]