"MURPHY'S CAMP is a curious old mining-town in Calaveras County, at an
elevation of 2,400 feet (730 m) above the sea, situated like a nest in
the center of a rough, gravelly region, rich in gold. Granites, slates,
lavas, limestone, iron ores, quartz veins, auriferous gravels, remnants
of dead fire-rivers and dead water-rivers are developed here side by
side within a radius of a few miles, and placed invitingly open before
the student like a book, while the people and the region beyond the camp
furnish mines of study of never-failing interest and variety." - John Muir
Recently on our roadtrip up North we stayed in a the town of Arnold, just a few miles North of Murphy's. The old merchant town was the base for all the Gold Rush that invaded this part of California. Though Murphy's had seen at least 3 fires during it's boom it still has the feeling of an old gold mining town. My friend took us here as she knew I'd love it.
Murphy's is about 6 hours north of Los Angeles, While the 405, 5 and 99 aren't exactly lovely, when you get off the roads there is SPACE. Us Angelenos relish some SPACE. I'll share those wide open spaces on the next post.
First stop was the Pokey. Tiny little jail, let's hope there wasn't a huge rash of crime, not enough room for more than two people and that's pushing it.
Cream stone and green shutters are so appealing to this old Murphy's Hotel, serving patrons since 1856, it adds charm to the authenticity of this town.
Don't you just love them.
Our friends sister helps out a few days at Aria's bakery. Amazing breads and tasting baked treats here. She brought us a whole bagful of treats. Me and the young girls I was with laid out our favorites and took a picture of them the next morning.
The cinnamon roll and scones were delicious, this is a must stop place when visiting Murphy's. I'd heard when I was in town that Sunset magazine had made a recent visit, great minds think alike. You can read about it in the August 2013 Issue.
I think I'm kind of obsessed with doors, every door in this town was unique. See below.
One of the places my friend took me to is Marisolio an olive oil store, that allows you to taste anything. I ended up trying more balsamic then olive oil and walked out with a ripe peach and blueberry balsamic and a Milanese olive oil. All so tasty I can't wait to try them all with various recipes.
After our little walk thru the town we drove to Ironstone Winery. Everyone told us how great all the restaurants were in town, we'll be coming back to taste away.
Ironstone Winery is beautiful and they have it set up for concerts at night. The wines were tasty and as usual I ended up leaving with a Moscato. I like me some sweet after dinner drink.
You'll have to take the time to drive here, it's worth it and totally family friendly. More to come on the lake. Enjoy!.
