CLASSIC CHARM AND NEWER ATTRACTIONS
BY MIKE MORRIS >>> Sonora is a launching point for the great outdoors: Yosemite National Park and the Sierra are nearby. But a developing downtown is making this community (population about 5,000) in the foothills of Tuolumne County a destination. Miners from Sonora, Mexico, settled here 170 years ago. The town was incorporated in 1851, making it one of the oldest in California. Sonora’s Old West charm remains, but its historic buildings now house art galleries and antique stores, a taproom and a tea lounge. A farmers market runs Saturday mornings May 19 through Oct. 20, and the downtown shops stay open late to host music and art exhibits on the second Saturday of each month. The tab: A room with two queen beds at Black Oak Casino Resort’s hotel cost $164 a night and lunch at Yoshoku was $45. THE BED It’s an easy walk to restaurants and shops from several downtown hotels such as the Sonora Inn and Gunn House. For those wanting to explore the surrounding area, another option is heading about 10 miles east to the town of Tuolumne and staying at the Hotel at Black Oak Casino Resort. The 148-room hotel features a large swimming pool and complimentary valet parking, among other amenities. The casino next door has a bowling alley, arcade and restaurants on its Family Fun Floor. THE MEAL New restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses have opened in downtown Sonora. Among those is a ramen noodle bar called Yoshoku. The restaurant is small, so tables fill quickly. I ordered a colorful rice bowl that included tofu, avocado, shredded carrots, edamame and seaweed salad. My wife, Amber, enjoyed her ramen noodles in black garlic oil with pickled ginger and bamboo shoots. For $12, Yoshoku offers a “Spicy Ramen Challenge” in which participants attempt to complete an entire bowl of THE FIND Indigeny Reserve, a short drive from downtown, reminded me of a winery as we approached. Instead of growing grapes to make wine, however, Indigeny grows apples to produce hand-crafted hard cider. This 160-acre preserve includes an artisan ciderworks and distillery. I sampled blackberry cider and apple brandy at the tasting bar before heading to the picnic grounds. There are whimsical outdoor musical instruments for children (and adults) to play and self-guided walking trails. A highlight of our visit was an adventure with my 11-yearold daughter, Ediza, to find an old mine on the property. THE LESSON LEARNED Sonora loves a parade, and the city has two main processions every year. The Mother Lode Roundup Parade is May 12 (Mother’s Day weekend); the night after Thanksgiving is a Christmas parade (Nov. 23). Both are worth a trip.