2020 taught me some valuable lessons. The biggest lesson was that I didn’t have to travel far from home to experience adventure. In late October, I took a road trip through California’s Gold Country region and discovered an ideal weekend getaway to the small but action packed town of Murphys, California. Below, I list out the best things to do on your weekend getaway to what might be one of America’s coolest small towns!
How do I get to Murphys for a weekend getaway
Although I have lived in Northern California since I was a kid, I had never heard of Murphys until the pandemic hit. I was forced to stay home, unable to travel internationally like normal. That’s when I began to research what was around me. And that’s how I discovered Gold Country. An entire region of small historic towns and the outdoors waiting to be explored.
When you see the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada, you know you’re in Gold Country. A drive through this region will take you through mining towns with 19th-century architecture, wineries, and giant sequoias. Murphys is at the heart of Gold Country, just under 3 hours from San Francisco, in Calveras County. The proximity of this town makes for an easy weekend getaway from anywhere in the Bay Area.
Best time to visit Murphys for a weekend getaway
The hottest months in Murphys have historically been July, August, and then September, with temps reaching up well into the 90s. The weather from January-March tends to be in the high 50s-60s. As the months progress toward June, temperatures start to climb and the region gets warmer. Winter and spring can be the perfect weekend getaway for escaping the summer crowds.
What to do in and around Murphys for a weekend getaway
Wine Tasting
Did you know Murphys was voted one of the top ten coolest small towns in America by Budget Travel Magazine? And strolling down the main street into the tasting room at Newsome Harlow Wines, I can see why! This might very well have been what Carmel looked like 20 years ago! A weekend getaway that includes wine tasting?! Sign me up!
I met with Newsome Harlow Wines’ owner and winemaker, Scott Klann’s to understand how the historic gold rush town of Murphys turned into wine country.
From Mining, to Ranching, to Wine Making
Scott traces the history of winemaking back to the gold rush era. The Italians and French immigrants who came looking for gold brought their knowledge of winemaking and continued to produce wine here. Families that stayed on long past the gold rush segued from mining to ranching to wine making.
Murhpys is home to 25 tasting rooms and some of the benefits of visiting here include interacting with small family owners who make high quality wines in small quantities, artisan style. Scott has a reputation for knowing his art, and works with some of the greatest Zinfandel vineyards in the Sierra Foothills. He says, “Spanish varietals do great here and while you’ll find the Cabs and the Merlots, Spanish varietals and Zinfandels are the stars.”
While Scott’s tasting room is open by appointment only (in response to the pandemic), you can also order cases online. Tune into his social media for frequent live updates and virtual tastings!
Visiting Ironstone Vineyards
A 4 minute drive from downtown Murphys will bring you to Ironstone Vineyards. Strolling through this Vineyard, watching the fall colors take over the lake, I thought I was somewhere in Napa. I definitely did not expect to encounter a winery of this grandeur in the small Gold Rush town of Murphys.
Ironestone focuses on the practice of Sustainable Viticulture, through which it conserves water use, builds healthy soil, and maintains its surrounding wildlife habitat. Their wines are from the nearby Lodi and Sierra Foothills.
What’s Unqiue About Ironstone Vineyards
What stood out to me about this winery is the Alhambra Music Room. I have never seen anything like this in a winery before. The room transports you back to the opulent formal ballrooms of the Gold Rush Era, with one end home to the MGM Studio Lions and the other end sporting the fully functional Alhambra Theatre Pipe Organ. Many events are hosted in this room, from winemaker dinners, to silent movies which feature live accompaniment on the Alhambra Theatre Pipe Organ! This is definitely a must-attend event during your weekend getaway to Murphys, if your visit aligns with the events schedule.
The vineyard also has an impressive outdoor amphitheater which has been home to a number of world-class concerts, the Heritage Museum (featuring their 44 pound crystalline gold piece), a lake and an extensive outdoor patio perfect for social distancing.
Boutique Shopping
My favorite boutique discovery during my weekend getaway to Murphys was Moon Alley. The handcrafted candles have the most unique designs I have seen in candles. Combining beauty and functionality when lit up, these candles are worth the buy. They have different sizes so make sure you stop by and get a few for yourself. They also make great gifts!
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
If you’re craving some nature by now, fear not. Just 20 minutes away, the Calaveras Big Trees State Park awaits you. Giant sequoias in the North and South groves are the stars here. I hiked the North Grove trail early morning through the Sequoias, marveling at the world’s largest trees.
What to see on the trail
The trail through the North Grove is a gentle, well-marked loop about 1.5 miles long. Allow one to two hours for your walk through this magnificent,
historically significant grove. Below is a list of interesting sights on this trail:
- Discovery Tree: The stump was planed smooth to serve as a dance floor, and a two lane bowling alley and bar were built on the fallen trunk. Today all that is remaining is just the smooth stump.
- The Empire State: The largest Sierra redwood in the North Grove, this tree twists noticeably to the right.
- Granite State Tree: You can’t miss the huge base of this tree.
- The Siamese Twins: The first 50 feet of their trunks have merged and now appear to be one tree.
- The “Father of the Forest”: You can actually walk into this tree.
- The Mother of the Forest: One of several trees harmed by human activity.
To view all the sights along the North Grove trail, check out this map. This park is open daily, year around, 10:00am-4:00pm. The hike itself will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. I recommend an early morning hike as part of your weekend getaway to Murphys!
Sourgrass Recreation Area
Just few minutes from the Big Trees State Park lies the Sourgrass Recreation Area. With its numerous fishing spots, swimming holes, picnic tables and BBQs, it’s easy to social distance here. I came equipped with a hammock, ready to lounge away the afternoon!
Angel’s Camp
The largest human migration in history was the California Gold Rush. After the gold was found, those who stayed back established communities, buildings, churches, and schools in the mining towns like Murphys. Much of that is evident today as you drive through these towns.
The Angels Camp museum houses a fantastic display of carriages used in the Gold Rush era and will give you insight into the history, as well as Mark Twain’s influence in this region. Be sure to stop by on your weekend getaway to Murphys.
Where to eat in Murphys for a weekend getaway
Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen
I didn’t expect to have great food in Murphys. But restaurants like Sarafina’s Italian Kitchen proved me wrong. I will venture to say it was in fact the best Italian food I’ve had in the Bay Area. Their Puttanesca is delicious and their outdoor patio comes with heaters, although I would still recommend you bundle up if you are visiting during Winter and Spring. They also have vegetarian options.
Lunch at Ironstone Vineyards
Their lunch menu is quite delicious. I had a large mixed greens salad paired with some yummy pizza!
Aria Bakery
If you’re in the mood for pastries, muffins, sandwiches, etc this is the best place to go.
Murphys Pourhouse
If you’re looking for a wide selection of craft beers, this place is it. Along with two outdoors patios, you can’t go wrong spending a few hours here during your weekend getaway to Murphys.
Where to stay in Murphys for a weekend getaway
If you enjoy staying in downtown, then choose from charming historic hotels, cottages, or motels on Main Street. If you prefer something quieter, then you have plenty of B&B options a little further away. I toured a B&B that was located on a little hill called La Villeta. The house is large and perfect for a couple or a family and the views overlooking the Sierra range are breathtaking.
The Murphys Historic Hotel in downtown has been in continuous operation since the Gold Rush era and is reportedly known for its ghosts. If you stay there, drop me a comment here or send me an email and let me know if you saw any!
The Murphy Suites is another great alternative a few minutes from downtown. It’s a modern hotel and while the furniture and decor are dated, the cost and location are both attractive. I was assured the hotel is following stringent cleaning protocols in light of the pandemic.
What to know before you visit Murphys for a weekend getaway
Conclusion
Before you head out on your weekend getaway to Murphys, you need to know that California has a Responsible Travel Code. Respect is the key to keeping each other safe during this pandemic. It is also the key to protecting California’s precious and fragile beauty. So familiarize yourself with this code before setting out on your weekend getaway to Murphys and experience the magic of California!
7 Responses
Beautiful photos , in nature but also of the small town. Looks all so cozy and laid back. The winetasting sounds great!
Thanks Anjali for taking the time to read and comment I appreciate it 🙂 And yes that’s one of the things that stood out to me about this destination: it has a little something for everyone I feel 🙂
Always wanted to go there. Did you see the beautiful waterfalls? Is this trip good for a solo journey?
It’s great for solo !! The town is small and compact , the sequoias are easy to hike through and Sourgass Recreation has beautiful waterfalls and you can picnic/hike there solo as well! 🙂
Nice, well rounded and written article on Murphys and hwy 4 Ebbetts Pass, which, by the way from Arnold over the Ebbetts Pass in the summer is a National Scenic Byway! I’ve read many articles on our area in 51 years and you did a great job, so thank you and I hope you return to spend some more time when all our activities are available in addition to our breathtaking nature beauty.