So, what destination is on your travel bucket list for 2021? Does it include Murphys, Queen of the Sierra? It definitely should because according to Forbes’ Bucket List Travel: The 15 Best U.S. Destinations for 2021 Murphys is one of the must-see places to visit this year! Murphys stands alone as the only small town included alongside big cities like Chicago, Austin, and Malibu as a do-not-miss vacation destination. Come visit and see for yourself why everyone agrees that Calaveras County is a hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Wine Tasting
With 35+ family-owned tasting rooms, wineries, and vineyards, Calaveras County is an ideal region for Spanish and Italian varietals like Barbera and Tempranillo. Whether you are brand new to wine tasting or a long time wine expert, our winemakers offer down-to-earth wine education and information. We love to make wine and share it with all our friends – the ones we know and the ones we have yet to meet! Be a part of Calaveras vineyard tours the first Saturday of each month from May to October 2021. Local vintners have created a series of intimate tours that include fun, educational wine tasting and a wine-country lunch with the winemakers. Space is limited, so register soon at www.calaveraswines.org.
Shopping
While in Murphys, stop in some of the cutest shops you will ever see. Not one chain store, restaurant, or hotel exists in downtown Murphys. Grab something to go from any of the numerous eateries along Main Street then amble on over to Murphys Park located close to the center of town. Once there, you will see picnic tables right next to the creek that provide an idyllic setting to have lunch or a summer evening dinner. Walk through downtown, and you are bound to find a tantalizing something at The Spice Tin or at Marisolio Tasting Bar where you can try a wide variety of olive oil and vinegars. Go home with a one-of-a-kind handcrafted candle from Moon Alley or an artisan cheese or two from Lavender Ridge Vineyard right on Main Street. Everything you experience here exudes a unique, welcoming, and hometown atmosphere, so come ready to relax and enjoy!
Plan Your Escape
Want to get away? Our close-knit and welcoming community is exactly perfect for family, romantic, or BFF getaways, vacations, and outdoor adventures. For ideas and help planning your dream Murphys and Calaveras wine trip, check out itineraries specially created by the locals themselves. Click here for more ideas for visiting Calaveras County.
Even More To Do
A few “don’t-miss” and “gotta-see” attractions that make Calaveras County a great place to visit are Calaveras Big Trees State Park and Moaning Cavern Adventure Park. Definitely visit the Angels Camp Museum for one of the largest collections of carriages and covered wagons open to the public plus extensive mining, ranching, and 49er/Mark Twain/Frog Jump history exhibits. Hike New Melones, New Hogan Lake, or Arnold Rim Trail to see some of the most beautiful parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains and foothills.
Let’s Be Safe Out There
In Calaveras County, we pride ourselves in creating a welcoming experience for all of our visitors, families and friends. Please take a moment to consider the following ways to safely enjoy the very best of Calaveras County:
Prepare & Pace: There are 40 tasting rooms to explore in Calaveras Wine Country with 24 located on Main Street Murphys. Have a game plan and
pace yourself between tastings at shops, restaurants & parks. Get your
designated drivers lined up first as Uber is very limited at this time.
Hydrate: It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle and fill up at our Hydration
Stations around town. Enjoy free water fill-ups at the Wine Info Center
located at 202 Main Street Murphys, Thursday-Sunday, 11:00-3:00 or checkout Gold Country Roasters for a water fill-up and award-winning coffee right here in Murphys across from the Wine Info Center.
Call for a Ride: If your designated driver has let you down or you can’t get behind the wheel, please call for a ride. Start by calling your family and
friends. OR Call Murphys Taxi Service at (209) 795-7777. You can find limited bus service and dial-a-ride at the Calaveras Connect website.
We would like to thank the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance for providing these safety and travel tips for our visitors to Calaveras County. We look forward to seeing you soon!