The city in the heart of the Mother Lode is now known for its Spring Festival, and Mother Lode Round-up and Parade making Sonora the place to be on Mothers Day Week-end. The Parade itself is the second largest in the state, only to the famed Rose Parade and has almost as many entries.

Of the many historic places and museums listed on the Sonora walking tour guide, the two I found most fascinating and unexpected were the Veterans Memorial Military Museum, and Legends.

Military Museum

The Military Museum is housed in a small historic building, yet it houses so many items from the Civil War though present day conflicts, ones eyes can hardly take it all in. The man in charge on the day we were there was a civil war buff and we learned astonishing facts about the Civil War. Here the focus was not upon the museum, but what it contained and why.

Legends

This is one of many antiques shops in Sonora. It also specializes in rare books, antiques and books that are not especially unique, but what is extraordinary is the building in which the shop is located. The building was a saloon for many years; in fact it was such a rowdy place it was shut down by authorities.

The circa 1800s huge beautiful wood bar and back bar remain today. It is now a soda fountain and the shop is still a place where locals meet. Their old fashion sundaes and sodas are a taste of nostalgia to the older generation and enlighten the taste buds of the younger. Near the bar is an old piano and a guitar, visitors young and old are encouraged to play. The rear of the shop is filled with antiques, but the real treasure for me is down stairs in the basement. The used hardback books are found here, along with nicely arranged easy chairs in cozy settings.

As with most mining towns there is an underground that was established in the mining era. At either end of the cellar nicely screened off for safety, yet allowing one to see, the tunnels and the mining equipment that was left behind. One hears and sees the water that still runs through one of the tunnels, creating a most unique atmosphere. Legends has to be the rarest book and or antique shop I have been in. When in Sonora you do not want to miss this experience.

Staying in Sonora

The lovely B& B, Barretta Gardens Inn we stayed at while visiting the Sonora area, sits on a hill above town, and is owned by an enterprising couple who make your stay very relaxing. The Inn is very Victorian but modernized even to wireless internet in the charming B& B style decorated rooms. The gourmet breakfast is served on the outdoor porch overlooking the pretty gardens surrounded by greenery and trees, weather permitting.

If asked, they will show you their unique garage. The original owner having built the house on a hillside did not have enough room in the drive way to turn his car around and apparently did not want to back it out and solved his problem by installing a roundabout turntable in his garage. Pull in turn the table with the car on it and drive out front first. A little American ingenuity at work here, I’d say. Again a word of caution these older hotels and B& Bs do not have elevator or bellman. You must carry your own luggage upstairs, so pack lightly; of course Dan at Barretta Gardens will help you, if he is there when you arrive.

 

Read more about California Gold Rush Towns

• California Gold Rush: Columbia
• California Gold Rush: Jamestown and Angels Camp

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