Yosemite Area Activities

First-time guests calling to reserve at the Blackberry Inn often ask, "Besides going to Yosemite, what else is there to do around there?" Although we would be perfectly happy visiting Yosemite every day of the year, occasionally we do turn over a new leaf and do something else. The following are some of our favorite nearby activities and attractions:

1. WINE TASTING. The largest and most popular winery in the area is Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys (209/728-1251 or www.ironstonevineyards.com ), a 70-minute drive from the Inn. Murphys is also home to Stevenot Winery (209/728-0148 or www.stevenotwinery.com ) and several others. Many more wineries are found closer to the Inn in nearby Sonora, about a 40-minute drive: Gold Mine Winery and Old Stamp Mill Brewery, 209/532-3089 or www.goldminewinery.com ; and Laraine Wines/Gerber Vineyards,  209/736-4766 or www.gerbervineyards.com.

2. ANTIQUE SHOPPING. The main street of Jamestown (known as Jimtown to the locals) is lined with antique shops. You could easily spend a few hours wandering from store to store. Some of our favorites: Main Street Antiques (209/984-6551), Jamestown Mercantile (209/984-5148), and Old Glory Antiques and Collectibles (209/984-3647).

3. CAVE TOURING. Moaning Cavern (866/762-2837 or www.caverntours.com ) is located between Columbia and Vallecito, about a one-hour drive from the Inn. Moaning Cavern boasts California's largest underground room, accessible via a 100-foot spiral staircase. Mercer Caverns (209/728-2101 or www.mercercaverns.com ) is found in Murphys, about 75 minutes from the Inn. Guided tours are offered daily; visitors walk on well-lit walkways through the caves. California Cavern State Historic Landmark (209/736-2708 or www.caverntours.com ) in San Andreas offers family walking tours as well as more ambitious trips for adventurous types.

4. COLUMBIA STATE HISTORIC PARK (209/532-0150 or 209/532-4301 or www.columbiacalifornia.com ).  The era of the '49ers comes to life at this well-preserved Gold Rush town, which was once known as "The Gem of the Southern Mines". You don't just look at California history at this living museum; you experience it. Listen to the street musicians, shop in the wonderful stores (handmade soaps and candles, candy, toys, and the like), try your hand at gold panning, or take a stagecoach ride. Admission is free.

5. RAILTOWN 1897 STATE HISTORIC PARK (209/984-3953 or www.railtown1897.org). Located about 30 minutes from the Inn in the town of Jamestown, this state historic park features props and sets, as well as the trains themselves, that have been featured in more than 200 Hollywood movies. Vintage steam train rides are offered on weekends from April to October.

6. GOLD RUSH MUSEUMS AND GOLD PANNING. The Northern Mariposa County History Center in Coulterville (209/878-3015) houses some fascinating historic displays, including a gun collection and an old pharmacy. The Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum (209/962-0300) has rotating historical displays. The Tuolumne County Museum in Sonora (209/532-1317) has pioneer weapons and gun shop exhibits. The Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House (209/736-2963) consists of three acres of historic treasures and one of the finest collections of mining equipment in California.  Learn to pan for gold in the Mother Load on historic Woods Creek at Jamestown Gold Panning, www.jamestowngoldpanning.com.

7. LOCAL THEATERS. Nearby Sonora (40 minutes from the Inn) boasts two year-round theater companies: Sierra Repertory Theater ( 209/532-3120 or www.sierrarep.org ) and Stage 3 Theater ( 209/536-1778 or www.stage3.org ). For lovers of all that Hollywood has to offer, there is also a Signature movie theater, Stadium 10 (209/588-2844). Farther afield, the town of Murphys has the Black Bart Playhouse as well as a concert series at Ironstone Vineyards (209/728-1251) or www.ironstonevineyards.com ).

8. WHITEWATER RAFTING. If you're looking for a river rafting experience, whether whitewater, or a river tour, the Tuolumne, the Stanislaus and the  Merced Rivers are world-famous for rafting. Guided trips are available ranging in length from a half-day to three days. Contact these outfitters for more information:  ARTA River Trips (800-323-2782) or www.arta.org.    River Journey (800/292-2938 or www.riverjourney.com ), Sierra Mac River Trips (800/457-2580 or www.sierramac.com ), Whitewater Voyages (800/488-7238 or www.whitewatervoyages.com ), and Zephyr River Expeditions (800/431-3636 or www.zrafting.com ).

9. GOLFING. Pine Mountain Lake Country Club is only 15 minutes away (209/962-8620 or www.pinemountainlake.com ). Mountain Springs Golf Course in Sonora is 40 minutes away (209/532-1000 or www.mountainspringsgolf.com ). Saddle Creek Golf Club in Copperopolis is 45 minutes away (209/785-3700 or www.saddlecreekgolf.com ). Phoenix Lake Golf Course and Driving Range in Sonora is 45 minutes away (209/532-0111 or www.phoenixlakegc.com).

10. FLYING. Springfield Flying Service at Columbia Airport (one hour from the Inn) offers open cockpit biplane tours and scenic tours of the Mother Lode and Central Sierra in a Cessna. 209/532-4103.

11. MOUNTAIN BIKING.  Stanislaus National Forest surrounds the Blackberry Inn on three sides.  The forest has miles of service roads and trails for the experienced and novice alike.  Ask your innkeepers in advance to map and mark a trail for your enjoyment.

12. FISHING.  We have wonderful rivers full of brown and rainbow trout close to the inn.  Free Fishing days for 2011 are JULY 2nd and SEPTEMBER 3. But before you cast your first line, you will need to get your California Fishing License. Please refer to the California Fish and Game website, www.dfg.ca.gov, or call the California Department of Fish and Game License and Revenue Branch at: 916/ 928-5805 for more information.

13. SWIMMING:  Check out the local swimming hot spot just three miles from the Inn.