Jonathan & Molly
Things To Do & Places To Eat
Yosemite National Park
**A reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite National Park this summer during peak hours. Reservations can be made starting March 23rd. Please the website listed above for more information.** The drive to Yosemite is a little over an hour from Downtown Sonora. We recommend doing this in the days before or after the wedding. If you are feeling adventurous, camp a night or two at the many campgrounds (reservations required). If you want the outdoorsy experience without having to sleep on the ground, stay at the Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite Valley or one of the surrounding resorts. We recommend getting off the beaten path and going to Tuolumne Meadows (a slightly further drive). Take a dip in Tenaya Lake, hike along Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail (watch out for bears) or grab a burger and some ice cream at the Tuolumne Meadows Grill! If you can't get that far, Yosemite valley is still beautiful. Be warned it is summer, so it will be crowded (with bears and people alike).
Pinecrest Lake
Eagles, fishing, kayaks, party boats, leisurely nature walks, or rock scrambles! Pinecrest lake has it all. In the summer, the beach area can fill up quickly, so if you want to spend the day lounging, we recommend getting to the lake early. If you are more interested in getting some exercise, rent a kayak from the marina, and paddle across the lake to your own private rock. Don't forget snacks and beers. You can also do a nice walk all the way around the lake (approximately 4 miles) or do a more advanced climb to Cleo's bath (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/cleos-bath-trail-via-pinecrest-lake-loop). Molly highly recommends ending the day with a frosty from the snack shack.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Big Trees! Some of the oldest in the world. Easy day trip from Downtown Sonora. Stop in Murphys on the way home for some wine tasting. North grove offers a flat easy trail, while the South grove is a bit further and a slightly longer hike. Either way, you'll be impressed!
Wine tasting in Murphys, CA
Murphys is Sonora's fancier cousin. Home to many winerys and vineyards, the main street is full of tasting rooms and restaurants, but still maintains that gold country charm. Nate Bender (Molly's brother from another mother and former industry player) says Lavender Ridge is his "personal favorite for all Rhone varietals. Definitely a must visit." He also recommends Newsome Harlow "for your big Calaveras zins... a benchmark." We hear that Hovey has a great tasting room with good outdoor space, and Villa Vallecito (the youngest, newest people on the block) are also fun. Ironstone Winery and Bryce Station Winery also offer tastings with big impressive outdoor spaces for those who have children who need to run around while parents are enjoying some of California's finest.
Columbia State Park
A preserved historic gold rush town, Columbia State Park has lots of kid friendly activities, from mining for gold and stage coach rides (watch out for robbers), to visiting the candy kitchen for some hand made candies or stopping by Columbia Soda Works for some Sarsaparilla. It won't disappoint! Fun fact: Kate and John (Molly's parents) held their wedding reception at Angelos Dance Hall in 1976.
A stroll through Downtown Sonora
See the famous Red Church, stop into one of the many antique shops, grab a brew at the Sonora Tap Room or a glass of wine at Serventes (they have a shuffleboard table preserved from the original bar and convenience store). For the NRA supporting/gun toting type, stop by The Sportsman for a cold beer and some guns and ammo. DISCLAIMER: we actually don't recommend going to The Sportsman, but it is a spectacle.
The Standard Pour
Try some local beers and typical bar fare in the old company town of Standard!
The Independent Wine Co.
Probably the best restaurant in Sonora (slim pickins'). Offering a rotating list of some of California's finest wines and delicious tapas. Highly recommended!
Taqueria Sonora
if you are in the mood for California Mexican cuisine, look no further than Taqueria Sonora. Jonathan recommends the carnitas burrito - don't forget to sample all the salsas!
Cocina Michoacana Sonora
Another California Mexican food joint with big platters of rice, beans and meat. We recommend the Chili Colorado. Come hungry, leave very full.
Woods Creek Café
Looking for a classic artery-clogging breakfast? Look no further than Woods Creek Cafe. Take in their bovine themed dining room, while enjoying their famous breakfast in a superbowl (read: eggs, breakfast meat, breakfast gravy, and potatoes all in a sourdough bread bowl topped with melted cheddar cheese). But seriously, their biscuits and gravy are delicious as are their more standard breakfast items. A Jamestown classic.
The Watering Hole
Per Josee Nesper, this place has an amazing selcection of beer, both on tap and in bottles/cans (West coast beer is always the best per Molly), good food with vegetarian options, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Murphys Pourhouse
Great beers, sandwiches, wraps and snacks!
The Armory
The newest, hippest, place on the block (in downtown sonora) so we hear. Lots of beers on tap, good wine selection (per Kate Hack, mother of the bride), and some batched cocktails. Also some good looking bar food.