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A Romantic Getaway in the Sierra Foothills

Itinerary for the perfect romantic weekend

There’s just something about wanting to hit the road, get outside and waste away the weekend doing something fun and perfectly romantic. So what are you waiting for?  We’ve planned a perfect romantic getaway, for any time of the year, so you don’t have to.  All you have to do is jump in your car and go…

Friday:  Sneak out of work at noon, hop in the car and head for the golden hills.  As you make your way east on Hwy. 4, stop in Copperopolis to stretch your legs and peruse the shops at The Town Square at Copper Valley. You and your partner can wander over to the Tipsy Frog Wine Bar to pick up a bottle of local wine to enjoy later in the evening,

After a leisurely afternoon drive taking in the scenery, check in to the Arnold Black Bear Inn, a cozy B&B that makes a perfect base for your weekend escape. Hungry? A cheese and charcuterie plate paired with local wine will be waiting for you when you get there.  Don’t ruin your appetite, dinner is on the horizon.

Nothing is more romantic than sharing an Italian meal in a charming, dimly lit cabin or, in the summer, on the patio under the stars with your favorite person.  Take your time and enjoy a lengthy meal at Sarafinas Italian Kitchen.  Advance reservations are a must.  The warm, friendly atmosphere and service bring locals and tourists back here time after time.

Saturday:  Wake up and enjoy a full chef’s breakfast at the Inn.  Then, slip on some comfortable hiking clothes and head to Big Trees State Park just up the road.  Walk hand in hand as you enjoy the giant sequoias and surrounding dogwood trees in this spectacular natural spot.

Valentine's Calaveras Big Trees Romantic
Shreeve Photographers Engagement Shoot at Calaveras Big Trees via Instagram account @shreeve

After a nice hike, gear up for an afternoon of wine tasting and shopping in historic downtown Murphys.  Chilly outside?  Get snuggly in front of the outdoor fire pits at Newsome-Harlow Wines or at Locke Vineyards right off of Highway 4 in Murphys. Indulge yourself at Locke Vineyards’ All Farmhouse Shop with dried lavender grown at the vineyards and other mindfully sourced goods.

For a romantic, intimate dinner with a fun specialty cocktail menu, try V Restaurant located right in the middle of downtown Murphys, or find a cozy table at the south end of town at Toscano’s Restaurante.

Calaveras has a very active and talented live theater community.  Take in a great show at Murphys Creek Theater or an interactive murder mystery at The Metropolitan in San Andreas.

DON’T MISS: Hinterhaus Distillery in Arnold – Tucked into the back of the Arnold Shopping Plaza, Hinterhaus crafts their spirits beneath the long shadows and rustling needles of cedar, sequoia and pine trees using fresh mountain water and casks that were used to age famous Calaveras County wines. Relax in Adirondack chairs after a day of Alpine skiing or golfing and enjoy a Calaveras Cask Finish Bourbon or Nate’s German-inspired Anorak digestif.

Photo courtesy of Hinterhaus

Sunday:  Another chef’s breakfast at the Inn awaits.  Or, skip the big breakfast and grab fresh pastries and strong coffee at Aria Bakery in Murphys on your way out of town.  Grab a café table outside and watch the town wake up.

End your weekend with a rush at Moaning Cavern Adventure Park with cave exploration and empowering axe-throwing.

Looking for something a little less fast-paced to wind down your weekend?  Visit Moke Hill Nuts and Candies shop in Mokelumne Hill where you can nibble on some handmade chocolates and roasted nuts while perusing the shops downtown. Or catch a Sunday Matinee at the Angels Theater in historic downtown Angels Camp after a leisurely walk checking out the famous “Hop of Fame”.

Alternative lodging ideas for your special weekend…

MurphysDunbar House

Copperopolis – The Gateway Hotel

Angels CampWorldmark Wyndham Resort

San AndreasRobin’s Nest

Mokelumne HillHotel Leger

Off-the-beaten-path (and magical)Courtwood Inn

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