Four ways to play in Jamestown
Mosey back in time as you enter Jamestown, a charming Gold Rush town that drips with quaintness and charm. Framed by Victorian architecture and the golden rolling foothills, this tiny town attracts antique fiends, wine lovers and all those who crave an escape from the time pressures of the digital age.
This is the kind of town where you get a free beer at the barbershop, and old-timers will happily bend your ear with tales of Grizzly Adams or local hauntings until you feel immersed in 49er lore. You can almost feel your stress level ebb, as time seems to slow down to a more leisurely pace, and you ponder the many ways to dig for nuggets of fun in this little town.
Here are four ways to frolic in Jamestown.
VINTAGE QUEST
Calling all thrifting junkies for a first-class secondhand hunt. Poke around the town’s many antique and vintage stores for to-die-for collectibles, knickknacks and the jewelry of yore. One particularly charming spot is Classy Flea, where your browsing comes with a side of friendly chitchat. Don’t miss the grand old stately Emporium, which also serves espresso drinks.
Details: Find the Classy Flea at 18201 Main St. Visit the Emporium at 18180 Main St.
VINE TIME
Got a thirst for grape? Tipple and swish an assortment of local wines at the hip and hospitable Inner Sanctum, where a locavore tasting flight sets you back only $5 and the homemade snacks — caramel popcorn, anyone? — are complimentary. And Gianelli Vineyards’ tasting room is just up the street.
Details: Find Inner Sanctum Cellars at 18204 Main St.; innersanctumcellars.com. Visit Gianelli Vineyards’ tasting room at 18158 Main St.; gianellivineyards.com/tasting-room.
STRIKE IT RICH
Eureka alert! They don’t call this Gold Country for nothing. Grab a pan and a dream at Gold Prospecting Adventures, where guides dressed in period garb teach you the secrets to finding the yellow stuff. As the locals are fond of saying, about 80 percent of California’s gold is still in them thar hills. Find details at www.goldprospecting.com.
ALL ABOARD AT RAILTOWN
History keeps on chugging at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park with its rare operational roundhouse and a gorgeously restored steam train. Get whisked along on a lovely 45-minute ride through the oak-dotted undulating hills of Gold Country. Open daily at 10501 Reservoir Road; www.railtown1897.org.