Volcano, California in Amador County | Find lodging and community events

General Store - Volcano, California

The community of Volcano, California in Amador County lies at an elevation of 2070 feet (631 m). The population was 115 at the 2010 census. The town is registered as a California historical landmark. The town is named for its setting in a bowl-shaped valley which early miners thought was caused by a volcano.

Early morning fog rising from the valley floor only reinforced that belief. The area was first known designated by Colonel Stevenson's men, who mined Soldiers Gulch in 1849.

In 1851 a post office was established and by April 1852 there were 300 houses. By 1853 the flats and gulches swarmed with men, and there were 11 stores, six hotels, three bakeries, and three saloons. Hydraulic mining operations, begun in 1855 and brought thousands of fortune seeking miners into Volcano looking for an easy was to mine for gold. Volcano has a number of Gold Rush-era buildings with signs indicating their historic significance. A post office opened in Volcano in 1851. Volcano boasts one of the longest running general stores in California, having been in continuous use since 1852.

The Union Billiard Saloon and Boarding House opened in 1880 and was also the site of the Volcano Justice Court, presided over by Judge Peter Jonas. In 1862, B.F. George built the St. George Hotel that is still in operation today.

The Volcano Theater Company was founded in 1854. The company conducts a full season each year, performing in both the 35-seat Cobblestone Theater and in the larger outdoor Volcano Amphitheater.

Daffodil Hill is scheduled to open Friday, March 17th.

Daffodil Hill is a public garden open each spring to the public at no cost for admission. Daffodils were first planted in the mid-19th century by landowner Pete Denzer to remind him of Holland, his home country. In 1877, Arthur McLaughlin and his wife, “Lizzie” van Vorst-McLaughlin bought the property, which is still owned and managed by their descendants. Approximately 300,000 flowers are in bloom during the Spring. For more information call a recording at (209) 296-7048.

Patrick Michael Karnahan | An American Artist

by Writers Workshop

"Heroes of August”, an oil painting by artist Patrick Michael Karnahan is being exhibited in local galleries.

America’s Woodland Firefighting Artist, Patrick Michael Karnahan, has just completed an original oil painting of the California Rim Fire. The painting was inspired by the brave efforts of the many firefighters who fought one of the largest fires in California’s History.

The painting features the United States Forest Service Hot-Shots from the Groveland Ranger District, Cal-Fire engine # 4455 from Twain Harte, and the very large DC-10 from 10 Tanker Air Carrier Service. This scene depicts the arrival of fire forces that are getting ready to take action on the large blaze. “ My vision of the story is that both crews arrived on the scene and are sizing up the fire”- Karanahan. The artist has presented the composition in such a way that the viewer sees the fire that the crews are looking at.

Artist oil painter Patrick Michael Karnahan paints fire scenes from a real-life experience. During the Rim Fire, the artist worked as a firefighter for the United States Forest Service. Patrick first became a firefighter in 1979 on the Plumas National Forest. To date, the artist has worked 18 seasons with the Forest Service. “When it comes to painting these fire scenes you have to know your subject, you can’t fake it!”- Karnahan.

Patrick Michael Karnahan is considered one of the leading artists on the subject of Wild and-Fire. In 2005, Karnahan’s artworks were exhibited at the National Mall in Washington D.C. as part of the Smithsonian’s celebration of the United States Forest Service 100th year birthday. Karnahan started oil painting at the age of eight years. The artist’s works have been featured in many magazine & book covers, calendars, and fine art posters. Karnahan is also noted as an award-winning American Railroad Artist, with over 400 railroad portraits completed.

It’s a Jungle in Here! | By Kristie Wilde

by Writers Workshop

It’s a Jungle in Here!

By Kristie Wilde | An artist, illustrator, and designer

Kristie Wilde is a watercolor artist with a style that is clear and realistic. Through careful observation, she accentuates the subtle but important aspects of her subjects, delighting viewers with uncommon insight while providing a meaningful and memorable viewing experience.

Kristie is coming out with a new book called It’s a Jungle in Here! This picture book is for children ages 1-6 years old. This new book is the third book in the Joyful Creation Series, following Made for a Purpose, and So Great a Love. Her books illustrate how everything has a purpose – like, frogs with eyes on top of their heads, so they can hide underwater and still see out.

These delightfully illustrated books are designed to be read to small children taking them on journeys of discovery, inspiring conversations.

Kristie Wilde is an artist who believes that accuracy is very important to her work. She researches her subjects incorporating key elements relevant to her message. She draws on her many years of experience working with plants in the nursery and in the wild.

This book will be available during a book signing between PriceCo and CVS on April 7th and online through Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book shopping sites. Books and illustrations from the artist are available at www.wildeartpress.com

About the Author

Kristie Wilde's new book is called "It’s a Jungle in Here!

Kristie Wilde reports that this picture book is for children ages 1-6 years old. It will be her third book in the Joyful Creation Series, following Made for a Purpose, and So Great a Love.

Her books illustrate how everything has a purpose – like, frogs with eyes on top of their heads, so they can hide underwater and still see out. Kristie Wilde said about her new book that "God loves variety", and I wanted to let readers explore some of the variety found in the jungle – ending with the message that He is happy with how He made everything, especially the way He made you!"

Bed & Breakfast Inns | History

by Writers Workshop

Dunbar House - Murphys, California

The History of the Bed and Breakfast Inns

A bed and breakfast (typically shortened to B&B) is a small lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations and includes breakfast. Most B&Bs do not offer other meals and are private family homes offering accommodations with fewer than ten bedrooms.

Today guests are accommodated in private bedrooms with private bathrooms or a suite of rooms. Breakfast is in the bedroom, a dining room, or the host's kitchen. B&Bs may be a secondary source of income or a primary occupation for the property owner. Often the owners themselves prepare the breakfast and clean the rooms, but some B&Bs hire staff for cleaning or cooking. Properties with hired professional management are uncommon (unlike inns or hotels) but may exist if the same owner operates multiple B&Bs.

Most of the B&Bs in the Sierra Gold Country started as private homes and were inspired to open B&Bs to tourists. The private homeowners update their properties as a B&B. The advent of the renewed interest in B&Bs and the increasing interest in historic preservation.

B&Bs increased rapidly and evolved from homestay B&Bs with shared baths and simple furnishings to beautifully renovated historic mansions with luxurious décor and amenities. Many B&Bs created a historical ambiance by adapting historical properties decorated with antique furniture. One can now travel back in time.

Mardi Gras Parade & Street Fair | Nevada City

by Writers Workshop

Past Mardi Gras Parade in Nevada City

Mardi Gras Parade & Street Faire in Nevada City is on February 10th, 2024

The anniversary of Nevada City’s annual Mardi Gras Celebration is set to happen on Sunday the 19th of February. The event, hosted by the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, features a colorful & festive parade & street fair throughout the streets of historic downtown Nevada City.

The Street Faire on N. Pine & Commercial Streets will be open from 11 am-4 pm. Beads, masks, and Mardi Gras shirts will be available for sale, along with a wide array of vendors selling food, drinks, crafts & more!

Spectators will crowd the streets to enjoy the floats & revelers at the parade at 2 pm on Broad Street, Nevada City. Everyone is encouraged to attend in festive Mardi Gras attire.

Every Year the Mardi Gras Planning Committee chooses four individuals that have impacted our community positively to serve as the Mardi Gras King & Queen and the Grand Duke & Grand Duchess. The committee also honors a Grand Marshal, who leads the parade in a horse-drawn carriage.

For more information: Nevada City Chamber of Commerce

Nevada City Wedding | The Stone House Restaurant is a great venue

by Writers Workshop

The Stone House Restaurant
A great venue for your Sierra Wedding

The Crown Jewel of the Gold country is now available for weddings and special events! This fully restored 1857 hot spot radiates nineteenth-century romance while delivering behind the scenes state-of-the-art technology in this charming historical building that will surprise you with its first class renovation. If you are looking for a unique venue to hold your upcoming wedding,

The Stone House Restaurant is a full-service venue for your welcomed guests! They offer an enriched wedding package that will allow you and your entourage exclusive access to all of the 10,000 square foot facility. Relish in the cascading vines on the stone courtyard and dine in a 3,000 square foot Granite Hall with top-shelf libations and cuisine. DJ's or bands can perform on a premier stage while you take over the dance floor! This venue will transport you and your guest back in time on every level, creating an experience that will keep everyone reminiscing and memories for a lifetime.

For more information, contact them at [email protected] or call them at (530) 265-5050

A Sierra Wedding at The Stone House

Sierra Weddings | A Sierra wedding

by Writers Workshop

A Special Wedding Day

Make your special day even better!

To help you celebrate your special wedding day, you might want to think about a Sierra Wedding at a winery or historic inn. We have compiled a list of different venues and locations that have the experience to help you plan your wedding with the settings and amenities for a dream wedding in the Sierra.

The locations we found offer different looks and feelings. We looked at several wineries, vineyards, and special one of kind locations.

These locations can offer open space, and lush green areas with lots of outdoor golden colors. Historic inns also offer different wedding styles and their grounds will surround you and your guest with a look and feel that makes your wedding stands out. Make sure your location will fit the needs of all your guests too.

Make sure your location is conveniently situated next to or near your reception location. All of our suggested locations will have a staff and lots of ideas for a great wedding. You want to pick a pace that will serve your needs, a staging area for rehearsals, a reception or event site to handle all your guests, or accommodate a rehearsal dinner. Make sure there is adequate lodging for the you and your new partner, family and friends. Have a great wedding!

Traveling Along Hwy 120 | Big Oak Flat to Yosemite National Park

by Writers Workshop

Your Highway 120 Adventure
Along your way to Yosemite National Park

After cresting the grade, you arrive at Big Oak Flat. Your first stop for a bite to eat is Old Priest Station. Make sure to fill up your gas tank or auto repair is available too.

Your next stop on Highway 120 will be Groveland. Here you can enjoy a picnic in the garden next to the historic Jail House. Yes, you can charge your electric car there too. Groveland has two charging stations. There is a community park in the center of town next to the Museum & Library. Well known in town are several restaurants, lodging, and B&B's, and a lot of unique retail shops. The community of Pine Mountain Lake with public golf and riding stables, and a general aviation airport is just down the road.

See Rural Airport News for more information on Pine Mountain Lake airport). Several businesses offer shopping and dining.

The small town of Buck Meadows is surrounded by the Stanislaus National Forest and is close by to a favorite swimming hole called Rainbow Pool. Far below is the main Tuolumne River with its “Wild and Scenic Waterway” designation and Class III, IV, and V whitewater rafting and kayaking.

The Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park is at an elevation of 4,872 feet and is known as the north gateway to Yosemite.

Yosemite is the first land in the USA set aside for public enjoyment by President Lincoln. The Lincoln Administration was the founding legislation for the National Park Service. So much has been written about Yosemite, so allow time to enjoy the glacial beauty, hiking, picnicking, and sparkling rivers and lakes.

My Favorite Restaurant | Find patio dining in the Sierra

by Writers Workshop

My favorite restaurant

My Favorite Restaurant
“Where would you like to eat?”

When that question comes up, here are some suggestions. You have lots of choices for restaurants with patios in the Sierra Foothills. You have many different cuisines that the Sierra offers. However, you want one that has patio dining.

We are providing a guide to our recommended Sierra favorite restaurants. You can eat outside in quaint patios watching the world go by or in very historical locations that date back to the gold rush era. When you add good food and company together, the experience becomes a delight, from sitting on a side street in a historic town enjoying coffee to visiting the high country to take advantage of the incomparable calm and cool of what the Sierra gold country has to offer.

It's time to start thinking about patio dining. We found that there are many locations in the Sierra Foothills. Patio dining is as individual as the foods served, and every outdoor space offers a slightly different way to enjoy patio dining. The Sierra's patio and deck dining options will keep you busy enjoying the world walking by for a very long time.

In Murphys, several restaurants have an outdoor space that includes an outdoor seating area. On your way to Yosemite National Park, you will find a wide variety of patio dining places with a variety of views. One that combines both history and a sense of adventure is the Priest Station Café in 'Big Oak Flat.

The cafe is perched at the top of Priest Grade and is an excellent patio restaurant with a spectacular view.The property was purchased by Margaret & Alexander Kirkwood in 1853. A few years later, Alexander passed away and left Margaret, a young widow. Margaret remarried William Priest; hence the name Priest Station. Old Priest Station eventually grew into a stagecoach stop and was developed into a 22-building complex at the top of the grade. The station is in its sixth generation of family ownership.

Yosemite Village | A must stop on the valley floor

by Writers Workshop

Yosemite Village Plazza

Yosemite Village is located in Yosemite National Park at an elevation of 3996 feet (1218 m) and was primarily developed to house federal offices and commercial business that wanted to be located in Yosemite Valley. Situated along the north side of the valley floor, its permanent population includes National Park Service staff and some concession employee.

The Village is the site of some useful facilities, such as a fire station, a post office, a medical clinic, a convenience store, restaurants, gift shops, a school (kindergarten through eighth grade), and the park's headquarters facilities, and main visitor center.

The Yosemite Lodge is located on the west end of the village near Yosemite Falls. The Ahwahnee Hotel is a few blocks to the north. Like Camp Curry, Yosemite Village is characterized by shed style architecture making heavy use of native wood.

A post office opened in 1869, originally named Yo Semite, with its name changed its name to Yosemite in 1908 and to Yosemite National Park in 1922. In 1906, Major H.C. Benson started Fort Yosemite at the site of what became the Yosemite Lodge. Federal troops were stationed at Fort Yosemite until 1916, with the creation of the National Park Service.

Yosemite Village was designed by National Park Service landscape architect Charles Punchard, Jr., among others.