Whether looking for classic romance or the opportunity to try something new, Calaveras has you covered. Read on to plan your Valentine’s weekend with our top Valentine’s events occurring throughout the month of February. From wine and beer tasting, gorgeous sunset views, Gold Rush era charm, to strolling among giant sequoias or snow play in the High Sierra, Calaveras has a lot to offer.

All-You-Can-Eat Chocolate Festival

Sat. Feb. 10th |  1:00pm-4:00pm | First Congregational Church in Murphys, CA

Ready to enjoy unlimited handmade chocolate treats? Murphys’ First Congregational Church’s Annual Heavenly Chocolate Festival is a dream come true. Come and enjoy the 60+ varieties of sumptuous chocolate delicacies, including the opportunity to dip delectable treats in a decadent chocolate fountain. This is a festival of treasured family recipes with unique flavor pairings. Recipes include chocolates ranging from rich dark chocolate and creamy milk chocolate to white chocolates as well. Wine by the glass will also be available for sale to enjoy with your chocolate, and make sure to purchase raffle tickets for a fabulous gift basket raffle. All-You-Can-Eat ticket prices range from $15 for adults and children over 8 and $5 for children (including complimentary hot and cold beverages). To-go boxes are priced by the pound. Tickets are available at the door or by phone at 209-728-3141.

World Pro Ski Tour

The World Pro Ski Tour (WPST) has chosen Skyline Bear Valley Resort for their only California Tour stop again in 2024. Four races (2 men’s and 2 women’s) will be held February 15-18, 2024 and attracts skiers from 15 countries including former and current NCAA, World Cup and Olympic athletes. Dual Slalom and Dual Giant Slalom Races for both men and women award $500,000 in prize money though the course of the WPST season. The mountain crew at Bear Valley built two race courses on a run known as Feather Duster, creating a world class race run.

In the late 1960s and 70s, the mountain was well known for its celebrity Pro/Am, some put on by movie legend Lloyd Bridges. “When we saw Bear Valley this summer, we were blown away by the vertical runs, the 360 views at the top and the professionalism of the staff,” commented Jon J. Franklin, CEO of the WPST. “We are so excited to be back at Bear Valley which was always a highlight of the venues on the historic Pro Tour.”  The World Pro Ski Tour is broadcast on CBS Sports, FloLive.TV, Facebook Live and more, while a syndicated docuseries “Life In Between the Gates,” airs on NBC Sports, Amazon Prime, OutsideTv, AT&T Sports and more.

The resort will be open for skiing and spectators. Visit bearvalley.com to get the latest information.

Calaveras Underground

What a great way to get a little closer to the one you love! Go underground and check out the three different cave systems right here in Calaveras.

Mercer Caverns, one of three caves in Calaveras County, is open for guided tours, year round. See deep underground in this cavern filled with a large array of cave formations like stalactities, stalagmites and flowstones. This cavern also won the Paris World’s Fair for its display of the rare cavern formation: flos feri.

Moaning Caverns Adventure Park holds California’s deepest cave chamber, where you can descend deep underground on a guided walk tour.  Gemstone mining at the custom flume system is always fun for the whole family and cracking geodes is a big hit with rock hounds of all ages. Reservations are strongly recommended for all activities. The park is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

California Cavern, originally called Mammoth Cave, was California’s first show cave and is its longest cavern system. Depending on the season, the guided cavern walk tour can be 45 minutes to 80 minutes long featuring an enchanting trail with beautiful crystalline cave formations in historical and recently discovered pristine areas. The cavern walking tour takes you through several passageways into multiple chambers on a trail system. On the way, you’ll see a wide variety of beautiful white, cream and caramel colored crystalline cave formations including stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, flowstones and helictites, while also learning about the cavern’s fascinating discovery and early uses. One outstanding feature of this cave is its extensive labyrinth of wild, unlit passageways and crawl-ways which you can explore on two different extended cave expeditions. These trips are not recommended for the claustrophobic, but for those who don’t have a problem with tight spaces they are incredibly fun and distinctively unique.

Sweethearts Dinner Ideas

Verona 18 in Copperopolis – Overlooking the beautiful Golf Club at Copper Valley Resort, Executive Chef, Roberto Leon, will be serving a special Valentine’s Day menu at Verona 18 on February 14th. Live music by JB Webb in the Granview Room ensures a romantic evening for everyone. This popular annual event books up early, so it’s recommended that you call 209-783-9500 to book your reservation soon.

Camps at Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort – In the beautiful Camp’s grand room, every seat has an amazing view of the golden, rolling hills of Calaveras.  Bring your sweetheart to enjoy Camps’ special Valentine’s Day menu from February 14th – 16th.  Reservations only, so make sure to give them a call at 209-729-8181.

Renegade Winery – Treat your Significant other! Saturday Feb 10th, 4 course dinner at Renegade in the inside event venue. Enjoy live music while sitting down to a romantic dinner. Pre-Paid reservations with no refunds only. They will sell out! To reserve your spot, call or text 209-327-4969.

V’s Restaurant, Bistro & Bar – Voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Calaveras, V’s gorgeous menu and elegant atmosphere is sure to impress your sweetheart! Call to make reservations early if you want to book an intimate table for Valentine’s Day!

For a list of restaurants throughout Calaveras, click here to find your favorite!

Love Local in Downtown Angels Camp

Wine, Cider, Beer & Spirits

Take your honey out to any of Calaveras’ historic downtowns to soak in the Gold Rush era history and also some of the best, award-winning tastings in the world!  Murphys alone has over 30 wine tasting rooms and vineyards to choose from, Mokelumne Hill proudly boasts Renegade Winery, and Copperoplis spotlights wine from our region at The Tipsy Frog.  The Pourhouse in Murphys serves local and regional craft beers, and The Watering Hole with its chef-driven menu offers over 40+ different beers and ciders on tap.  A special treat – head to Mokelumne Hill and visit Kris and Brendan’s Posterity Ciderworks.  This family-owned and operated cidery sources local apples, plums, pears, quince and sustainably crafts vintage cider from the fruit of heritage and homestead trees.  Their story is definitely worth the visit, and their cider delights the senses! If distilled spirits are your favorite, do not miss Hinterhaus in Arnold.  Hinterhaus just earned Best Varietal Vodka in the United States at the 2024 World Vodka Awards.  Distilled from Calaveras grapes and native Sierra Nevada botanicals, Bonnie and Nate have crafted top-of-the-line vodka, whiskey, and gin by thoughtfully and locally sourcing the highest quality ingredients to create their masterpieces. Receiving a coveted score of 94 from Wine Enthusiast, Hinterhaus Bourbon makes one of the best Old Fashioneds around.

Romantic Getaways

Arnold Black Bear Inn – The Arnold Black Bear Inn is your romantic base for High Sierra outdoor recreation, surrounded by giant pines, incense cedars and beautifully manicured grounds. Located just minutes from Calaveras Big Trees State Park’s spectacular giant sequoia trees, this bed and breakfast  has a reputation for outstanding customer service and attention to detail. Charger stations are provided for your Tesla or other electric vehicle, you can relax in the spa, enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine on one of the large patios or lounge in the porch swing. Cordon Bleu trained Chef Bruce is happy to craft a custom meal for you by request.

Courtwood Inn – There’s plenty of room to relax and rejuvenate at Courtwood Inn near Murphys. A custom-designed, spectacular cedar log lodge set on a tranquil 5-acre hilltop and built with guests’ comfort in mind, each of the five distinctive bedrooms has a private bath and amazing views. From this peaceful retreat, you can enjoy all that the Mother Lode has to offer, from adventurous recreation to rest and relaxation. Courtwood Inn is the place to “play, relax, and refresh.” This is also the perfect lodging option for a Courtwood Wine Tasting Tour – taking you on an intimate discovery of diverse wineries in Calaveras County with exclusive behind the scenes access and wine tasting.

Dunbar House – Quiet, romantic, and luxurious, Dunbar House Inn & Event Property is a Murphys jewel. Fully climate controlled rooms; each private room has an en-suite bath, free wireless Internet, Direct TV televisions, and luxurious bed linens, ceiling fans, beautiful antique furnishings. Located within strolling distance of the popular amenities in Murphys, enjoy award-winning wine & beer tasting rooms, unique shops, historic walking tours, and an eclectic aura of fine and casual dining restaurants. Set back from the Main Street for privacy and quiet and centrally located in Calaveras, this beautiful B&B makes a perfect Gold Country/Yosemite base for foothills and High Sierra recreation. Check out the Dunbar House’s 7 Date Night Ideas!

Gateway Hotel – With limitless outdoor adventures surrounding the hotel, the opportunities for a fun or relaxing weekend are ready for you. enjoy biking, skiing, hiking, fishing and golf, or relax by our brand new pool and hot tub overlooking the golden hills. Each of their rooms provide a unique experience due to the different layout, views, and size. Not only do they support your trip by giving you a cozy spot to sleep at night, but they also have 12 Tesla Super Chargers to charge up your Tesla overnight. The Gateway Hotel is also dog-friendly!

Robin’s Nest – Robin’s Nest bed and breakfast is a Victorian mansion with nine elegant rooms with private bath and beautifully landscaped gardens.  Husband and wife hosts Bill and Karen offer friendly service, and create delicious, gourmet breakfasts.

Timberline Lodge – Rooms at Timberline Lodge are delightfully different and offer unique choices not found in most lodging accommodations. Whether you’d like a room for one person or a room for a family or group of eight, you’ll find what you need here. Located right on the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, at the snow line, one mile from White Pines Lake and close to the Arnold Rim Trail, the inn is perfectly situated for your mountain adventures. Many rooms have rocking chairs, a free-standing gas fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, or possibly a tree-trunk as a structural element. The décor is rustic with beautiful wood, log accents, and they are always exceptionally clean and comfortable.

Victoria Inn – Comprised of 8 charming Queen rooms and 4 King suites and 13 vacation rental properties, offering quiet elegance in Murphys. The Victoria Inn on historic Main Street is one of Calaveras County’s most romantic inns; this is the perfect place to plan your Gold Country or High Sierra weekend getaway.

Check out more of the fun and romantic Valentine’s events happening in Calaveras on our Calendar of Events.