About Calaveras County, CA

Route to remember

Hwy 4 Sierra-Nevada drive rich in history, scenery

Just northeast of California's Gold Country, the roadways heading toward Lake Tahoe reveal a wonderland of outdoor scenery and recreational opportunities. Closed to cross-mountain travel in winter, Highway 4 opens in summer to connect with Highway 89, completing a mountain-lover's route to remember.

This route will take you from the well-known Gold Country destination of Angels Camp through the charming town of Murphys, right by Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the recreation-oriented town of Arnold and then up through heavily wooded mountain areas where you'll find Bear Valley Ski Area, the quaint little berg of Markleeville and then another world of recreational possibilities in Hope Valley.

It's a lot to see for a Sunday drive, so the first bit of planning is to set up accommodations along the way. We've enjoyed two different kinds of lodgings in this area - a modern, well-furnished and luxurious vacation home near Arnold, and the simpler, more rustic small cabins offered by Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley.

The route begins in Angels Camp, in the heart of Gold Country, where the Old West historic downtown is worth spending an hour or two just exploring. One of several Gold Rush towns, there were as many as 4,000 miners who once mined the surface gold, while hardrock mining accounted for even more miners and a series of tunnels all over the area. The downtown area now has a number of quaint shops, a few restaurants and a historical feel that is inescapable.

About 10 miles northeast on Highway 4, you come to Murphys, another historic town known for its art galleries, eclectic shops and Victorian architecture. Today there are 2,000 residents, although on a summer day the tourists no doubt outnumber the locals as travelers find the town the perfect place for a stroll through history. Many Gold Rush era buildings are still in use today, including the Murphys Historic Hotel and Lodge that once hosted General Ulysses S. Grant, Horatio Alger, "Black Bart" and Mark Twain. Completing the picture are the towering Elm trees along Main Street that contribute mightily to the town's ambience.

Another 10 miles up Highway 4 and you reach Arnold, a cluster of businesses just off Highway 4 that is probably best known for the nearby recreational attractions of Calaveras Big Trees State Park and the Bear Valley ski area. It's also home to hundreds of vacation homes that offer excellent proximity to both winter and summer mountain recreational activities.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park is about three miles north of Arnold and, as you might suspect, has a lot of "big trees." These giant Sequoias can reach a height of 325 feet and a diameter of 33 feet and have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. The forest is thick in this part of the mountains with not only the sequoias but a mix of ponderosa pines, sugar pines, incense cedars and white fir.

This state park offers camping but also self-guided trails that take visitors to some of the biggest trees and to the Stanislaus River where you'll find an especially scenic view overlooking the canyon. We're forest-lovers and enjoyed hours in the park - a great place to get your fix of trees, wildlife and natural surroundings.

It also was in this general area that we rented a vacation home for the night from Sierra Vacation Rentals. We stopped in Arnold to pick up our keys and map and then drove a few miles into a development of luxury vacation homes, each built among the trees with extensive acreage. While we were just stopping over for the night, it was apparent that these homes would be especially well-suited to the family who would like to spend a week or two in the woods, but leave absolutely none of the comforts of home behind.

Our vacation home had an outdoors feel with liberal use of wood, wide decks, a brick fireplace and a hot tub outdoors under the trees. Snowshoes were on the wall of the living room with a fun fake bear rug in front of the fireplace and a stuffed animal doubling as a deer head with antlers protruding from the bricks above the fireplace. The private owners of this home obviously have a great sense of humor.

They also put a lot of emphasis on games and recreation with a spacious game room, with pool table, adjacent to the open, modern kitchen. The stove top and sink were built right into the island, and there was plenty of room for meal preparation for the largest of families. And there was also plenty of room for the family to sleep - four bedrooms altogether.

Just northeast from Arnold is the Bear Valley Ski Area. While not on a par with Squaw Valley or Heavenly, the Bear Valley ski area is still a prime candidate for a weekend or even an extended skiing vacation. We sampled the area one time and found that Bear Valley offers a surprisingly complete ski vacation experience.

Further up Highway 4, you'll connect with Highway 89, which will take you to the many recreation areas just south of Lake Tahoe. Be sure to stop by the historic town of Markleeville and nearby Grover Hot Springs State Park. Markleeville is the seat of Alpine County, the least populated county in California and, although tiny, this town is a fun stroll - especially if you enjoy historic buildings. The state park is a few miles out of town and offers a hot springs pool where adults can enjoy the effects of a soak in hot mineral water. The water is 104 degrees, but nearby you can also take a plunge into cooler water in a large swimming pool.

It's not too much further to another place where we have found the accmmodations extra-special - Sorensen's Resort. Out here where the mountains are high and the stress is low, Sorensen's Resort sells what owner John Brissenden describes as "the magic of the surrounding wilderness area." In fact, this wilderness is like staying in a national park without the bumper-to-bumper RVs. A network of trails and lakes are just minutes away in any direction, with the Carson mountain range always close at hand, just waiting to provide the perfect backdrop for your next family photo.

Just in case you big-city types suffer serious withdrawal, South Lake Tahoe is just a short scenic drive away - 16 miles to be precise. You can pop into town, get a fix of glitz at one of the major casinos and be back just in time to watch the deer feeding as you enjoy a quite glass of wine and a wilderness sunset.

When we arrived after dark, our cabin was already unlocked, the lights on to welcome us and an incredibly comfortable, fluffy bed was beckoning these weary travelers to a quiet, restful sleep in the woods. After all, that really is the Sorensen's calling card: the "cabin in the woods" experience that just happens to have a few extra amenities - such as gourmet dining.

At daybreak, we got a little better look at Sorensen's, and our awe-inspiring natural surroundings. The only resort in the Hope Valley, Sorensen's was built adjacent to the Carson River, a favorite for anglers. Out back of our cabin, boulders of all sizes were strewn along the sloping mountainside providing a tempting, woodsy area to explore and climb to our heart's content.

We were staying in a simple, but modern log cabin with a loft and bathroom area. The kitchen, complete with microwave, two-burner stove and a small refrigerator, was along one wall of the main cabin area. Nearby, a queen bed was covered with charming home-made quilts. The main room also included a sitting area and a dining area, as well as a free-standing wood stove with plenty of wood at the ready even though it was not needed this warm summer night.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: his Sierra-Nevada drive starts in Angel's Camp, about 134 miles east of San Francisco and a half-hour drive east from Stockton and Interstate 5 on Highway 4.

WHAT: This stretch of Highway 4 and Highway 89 offers some of California's best mountain scenery and most interesting attractions.

WHEN: This is a summertime trip - Highway 4 is closed east of Bear Valley ski area in winter.

WHY: The drive is a fix for mountain-lovers and history buffs, with ample attractions for both.

HOW: For more information on vacation rentals near Arnold, visit www.sierravacationrentals.com or phone 209-795-4712.

If you would like to discuss the dynamics of what is happening in the market or would like information and real estate opportunities in the Bear Valley, Arnold, Murphy's, Angels Camp and Copperopolis area please email me at Daniel@BigTreesRealty.com or go to www.BigTreesRealty.com call me at 1 209 795-4218 By clicking here you can search like a Realtor.

There are are few opportunities left anywhere in California to live right on a lake, but now, thanks to a real estate market focused away from second homes, a rare opportunity exists to own a Lake Tulloch waterfront property.

If you ever wanted to live on a lake, don't let this opportunity disappear.

The cool clear pristine waters of Lake Tulloch offer Californians a rare chance to own water front property complete with a private boat dock.

Combine this with a location in the quaint gold rush town of Copperopolis, (a mere 2 hours from the Bay Area), and you will find the perfect location for a second home, a retirement home, or simply a magical place to live full time.

I know because I have owned a waterfront property on the shores of Lake Tulloch for a decade.

To walk down to your own boat dock, cruise the lake, do a little wakeboarding, watch the wildlife, and swim through the crystal clean water whenever you want, is something close to heaven on earth.

I confess my favorite part of owning a waterfront property is simply sitting on the deck, looking over Lake Tulloch, with the golden Sierra foothills as the backdrop.

WHY THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO ACQUIRE WATERFRONT PROPERTY AT LAKE TULLOCH

The current economic climate has exposed once in a lifetime opportunities to own your own waterfront paradise. Have you ever wondered exactly HOW a family came to own something as special as a house on a lake? Many of them dreamed for years (just like you?) then took the plunge when they recognized an opportunity that might never pass their way again.

Why do I believe the timing is near perfect to acquire a Lake Tulloch waterfront home?

1. Prices have fallen dramatically, bringing the actual cost of ownership down by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
   
2. There is a good supply of waterfront homes currently for sale surrounding Lake Tulloch. Just a few years back, only a few homes periodically came available for sale. In times of economic hardship, more second homes than ever become available for sale.
   
3. Mortgages rates have fallen. Yes, there are fixed rate mortgages for second homes, AND for jumbo loans, and they will probably not be this low again.
   
4. They aren't making any more waterfront properties. This makes your chances for appreciation excellent in my opinion.
   
5. Lake Tulloch is still somewhat undiscovered. That will not be the case for long. A world premier golf course, a new Town Square, and plans to build upscale homes in the area will attract a wave of Bay Area baby boomers ready to retire.
6. Owning a second home has specific TAX BENEFITS. Buying a second home when prices are this low will lock in lower property taxes. With higher taxes in the future for all Californians, buying a property at Lake Tulloch could benefit you tax-wise.
7. Here is a strategy to consider: Buy your second home at Lake Tulloch with a mortgage. Sell your main home when you retire. With your equity, pay off the loan on your second home and be mortgage free while you live on the water and enjoy all the amenities of Lake Tulloch.

This is the first in a series of articles about owning real estate at Lake Tulloch, located in the town of Copperopolis, in the California foothills of Calaveras County.

Want to know more about owning a waterfront property on Lake Tulloch?

Would you like to discuss mortgage options for buying a first or second home at Lake Tulloch?

Do you need a referral to a Realtor that can show you waterfront homes at Lake Tulloch?

I am Janet Guilbault, your Lake Tulloch Mortgage Specialist. I own a Lake Tulloch waterfront property myself, and have had the privilege of helping people just like you realize their dream of owning a piece of waterfront paradise. Call, text, or e-mail me today. My contact information appears below.

Activities for Murphys and Calaveras County

If you would like to discuss the dynamics of what is happening in the market or would like information and real estate opportunities in the Bear Valley, Arnold, Murphy's, Angels Camp and Copperopolis area please email me at Daniel@BigTreesRealty.com or go to www.BigTreesRealty.com call me at 1 209 795-4218 By clicking here you can search like a Realtor.

July 9, 2009 - The Murphys Farmers Market at the Vina Moda Winery,

634 French Gulch Rd., Murphys, Thursdays

from 3:30 pm until dusk. For more information, call Katie at 209-728-9112.

July 10, 2009 - Fridays At Alchemy.

Don't forget to check out classic Jazz standards by Matt

Cullen every Friday on our patio from 5:30-8. The music is free, and there's room to dance if you

wish. Call 209-728-0700 for more information.

July 10-August 8, 2009 - Murphys Creek Theatre presents the Merchant of Venice at the Cornelia Stevenot

Memorial Amphitheatre.

With all his fortunes tied up at sea, Antonio borrows money from Shylock for his friend

Bassanio. Amused by Shylock's request of 1 pound of flesh if the loan is default, Antonio gladly accepts the money lender's

proposition. Fate turns against him, however, and Shylock comes to claim his due. Unable to intervene on Antonio's behalf,

the distraught Bassanio, finds an advocate in his love, Portia, skilled enough to sway the Venetian council and spare

Antonio's life. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm. Call 209-728-8422 for more information.

July 11, 2009

- Join us in Downtown Murphys for our monthly

ARTWALK

sponsored by Murphys Business Association. The afternoon

features art galleries, shops and winery tasting rooms hosting outstanding

local artists every second Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Other local

businesses offer added shopping, eating, wine tasting and festivities.

Contact the MBA for more information or visit www.visitmurphys.com.

July 11, 2009

- Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Murphys are available at no charge on Saturday mornings at

10am leaving from the Old Timers Museum across from the Murphys Hotel. Please contact Bob Buchanan at 209-728-3517

to confirm dates and times or to set up a tour for a group of 12 or more.

July 11, 2009 - Chatom Wine Dinner.

Come enjoy a scrumptious dinner created by Wren Creative Foods and paired

with Chatom Vineyard wines. Live music by Schiraz. Cost is $75 per person (wine club members $65) and begins at 6:00

pm. RSVP Chatom Vineyards 209-736-6500

July 11, 2009 - Pog Mo Thoin release Party, Irish Vineyards- 209-736-1299.

Black Irish Band, Dinner, New wine

release & discounts. Don't miss this great party. 6:30 pm - 9:30pm $38.00 each - CALL TODAY TO BOOK YOUR SPACE!

July 15, 2009 - Wednesdays at Tanners

. Barbeque in a Barrel at the Tanner Vineyards Tasting Room at 202 Main

Street from 6-7:30 pm. Call 209-728-8229 for information and reservations or visit the website at

www.tannervineyards.com.

July 16, 2009 - The Murphys Farmers Market at the Vina Moda Winery,

634 French Gulch Rd., Murphys, Thursdays

from 3:30 pm until dusk. For more information, call Katie at 209-728-9112.

July 16, 2009 - Murphys Classic Car Cruise Nights- 209-728-9971.

Come join the fun for the "Murphys Classic Car

Cruise Nights" Thursday Nights on July 16 and August 20 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in downtown Main St, Murphys. Bring

your Classic Car or just come and hangout and enjoy looking at them. Some restaurants will be open or enjoy ice cream

and DJ music by Decade Music. Also enjoy cash raffle prizes and lots of fun.

July 17, 2009 - Fridays At Alchemy.

Don't forget to check out classic Jazz standards by

Matt Cullen every Friday on our patio from 5:30-8. The music is free, and there's room to

dance if you wish. Call 209-728-0700 for more information.

July 18, 2009

- Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Murphys are available at no charge on Saturday mornings at

10am leaving from the Old Timers Museum across from the Murphys Hotel. Please contact Bob Buchanan at 209-728-3517

to confirm dates and times or to set up a tour for a group of 12 or more.

July 18, 2009 - Murphys Homecoming 60th Anniversary from 10:30am - 4pm.

Join your friends and neighbors in an old fashioned parade and promenade to the Park.

Enjoy a concert performance by the Calaveras Community Band at 11am. The Nostalgia

Luncheon, for Murphys area residents 70 years and older who lived in the area for 10

years or more, will take place at noon. No charge for luncheon but reservations are

required. Sponsored by the Murphys Community Club, call 209-728-8392 for reservations

for luncheon.

July 18, 2009 - Murphys Annual Duck Races

from 1pm to 5pm Sponsored by the

Murphys Volunteer Library. All proceeds benefit the library.

18 July, 2009 - Chatom Vineyards Wine Club Event.

A special event for wine club members and their guests at

Chatom Vineyards beginning at 5:00 pm. Cost: Free RSVP to Chatom Vineyards at 209-736-6500.

July 18, 2009 - Plan B will be playing at the Camp Connell General Store 4p - 8pm

July 18, 2009 - Ironstone Vineyards Summer Concert Series! MICHAEL McDONALD & BOZ SCAGGS

! The first

concert of the season is going to be an excellent one with Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs. McDonald has played with

many renown groups, and Scaggs 1976 record "Silk Degrees" was the music of a generation. All tickets are sold through

www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.ironstonevineyards.com/concert_2009/ for more info!

July 23, 2009 - The Murphys Farmers Market at the Vina Moda Winery,

634 French Gulch Rd., Murphys, Thursdays

from 3:30 pm until dusk. For more information, call Katie at 209-728-9112.

If you would like to discuss the dynamics of what is happening in the market or would like information and real estate opportunities in the Bear Valley, Arnold, Murphy's, Angels Camp and Copperopolis area please email me at Daniel@BigTreesRealty.com or go to www.BigTreesRealty.com call me at 1 209 795-4218 By clicking here you can search like a Realtor.

I've got the latest Calaveras County / Lake Tulloch area residential sales statistics for you to see in four clickable graphs. As usual, the first three graphs cover three years including 2007, 2008 and 2009. The first graph spells out the Residential Unit Sales. The second graph highlights Residential Sales Volume. And the third graph shows Residential Average Sales Price. And finally, the fourth graph focuses on the price range breakdown of Residential Units Sold through July 6, 2009. Before you click on the graphs, here are some of the numbers in simple black and white...

Total Residential Unit Sales: June 2009 = 78; June 2008 = 52; June 2007 = 75

Total Residential Sales Volume: June 2009 = $23,225,750; June 2008 = $18,330,150; June 2007 = $32,922,564

Total Residential Average Sales Price: June 2009 = $297,766; June 2008 = $352,503; June 2007 = $438,968

For more market information and help with buying or selling, contact your Sugar Pine Realty Lake Tulloch / Copperopolis real estate professional today. Call 209-785-5757. (The data used in this post comes from the Calaveras Multiple Listing Service and is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.)

Total Residential Unit Sales:



Total Residential Volume Sales:

Total Residential Average Sale Price:

Residential Market Facts & Figures:

Activities for Murphys and Calaveras County

If you would like to discuss the dynamics of what is happening in the market or would like information and real estate opportunities in the Bear Valley, Arnold, Murphy's, Angels Camp and Copperopolis area please email me at Daniel@BigTreesRealty.com or go to www.BigTreesRealty.com call me at 1 209 795-4218 By clicking here you can search like a Realtor.

June 26, 2009 - Fridays At Alchemy. Don't forget to check out classic Jazz standards by Matt Cullen every Friday on our patio from 5:30-8. The music is free, and there's room to dance if you wish. Call 209-728-0700 for more information.

June 26 - 28, 2009 - Calaveras Passport Weekend. This exciting weekend kicks off on Friday night at Murphys Community Park, with a "mini-Passport" event, "Taste the World of Calaveras!" The park will be divided into five "regions" of the world, and in each of these regions, you will have the opportunity to taste wines made from grapes with their origins in those "regions" and each region will showcase corresponding cuisine. Participants are issued a commemorative glass and "passport" that is stamped at each of the wineries visited on Saturday and Sunday, and if completed, entered in drawings for some fun prizes. All participants must be 21 years or older, designated drivers are encouraged and receive free non-alcoholic beverages. For info contact the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance: 209-728-9467 or cwa@goldrush.com. Website: http://www.calaveraswines.org

June 27, 2009 - Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Murphys are available at no charge on Saturday mornings at 10am leaving from the Old Timers Museum across from the Murphys Hotel. Please contact Bob Buchanan at 209-728-3517 to confirm dates and times or to set up a tour for a group of 12 or more.

July 1, 2009 - Wednesdays at Tanners. Artisan Cheese Pairings at the Tanner Vineyards Tasting Room at 202 Main Street from 6-7:30 pm. Call 209-728-8229 for information and reservations or visit the website at www.tannervineyards.com.

July 2, 2009 - The Murphys Farmers Market at the Vina Moda Winery, 634 French Gulch Rd., Murphys, Thursdays from 3:30 pm until dusk. For more information, call Katie at 209-728-9112.

July 2-August 8 - Murphys Creek Theatre presents the Merchant of Venice. Playing in the picturesque amphitheatre at 2690 San Domingo Road, Murphys, "The Merchant of Venice" opens July 2 and plays Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 8. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and wine, or purchase some from the box office. Tickets cost $15 and are available at murphyscreektheatre.org or at the door. For more information call 728-8422.

July 3, 2009 - First Friday in the Park from 5:30 - 8 pm. Fun for the entire family. Free live entertainment by Swing Gitane. Food provided by local caterers and restaurants and beverages will be available for purchase. Sponsored by the Calaveras Community Club. Proceeds go to help maintain the park.

July 3, 2009 - Fridays At Alchemy. Don't forget to check out classic Jazz standards by Matt Cullen every Friday on our patio from 5:30-8. The music is free, and there's room to dance if you wish. Call 209-728-0700 for more information.

July 3, 2009 - Twisted Oak's 6th Anniversary Birthday BBQ Bash. 6:31pm - 9:02pm at 4280 Red Hill Road, Vallecito. Mark your calendar now for our 6th Anniversary Birthday BBQ Bash on July 3rd 2009. You'll get real pit BBQ (cooked in our, um, real BBQ pit). You'll get salads and rolls and beans and stuff like that. You'll get your choice of all of our currently available (and quite delicious) Twisted Oak wines. We're also opening up the cellar and opening every wine from our library - all the way back to 2002. Check out the list! The price per person is only $25 for Twisted Few members and their guests, $35 for everyone else. Call the winery at 209-736-9080 to reserve your tickets.

July 4, 2009 - It is time for our spectacular annual Independence Day Celebration at Ironstone Vineyards. This event is fun for the whole family with great food to purchase, bounce houses, climbing walls and games throughout the whole grounds. Live music performances by "Over the Edge" and others. The fireworks begin at dark and last about 30 minutes. Gates open at 4:30. Admission for Adults is$10.00; 6 to 12 yrs is$ 5.00; 5 & under is FREE. No outside food or beverage allowed. Call 728-1251 for more information.

July 4, 2009 - Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Murphys are available at no charge on Saturday mornings at 10am leaving from the Old Timers Museum across from the Murphys Hotel. Please contact Bob Buchanan at 209-728-3517 to confirm dates and times or to set up a tour for a group of 12 or more.

July 4, 2009 - Join Renewal and Releaf in celebrating the 4^th with Fabulous Fun at Fran's at 7 pm at 984 Crestview Drive. Hot dogs, burgers and soft drinks or you can bring your own meat to barbeque. Bring your swimsuit and a chair so you can enjoy live music with Matt Cullen and the Shades of Swing as well as a view of the fireworks at Ironstone starting at dark. $30 per person ($10 for kids) in advance; 75 person limit. Parking is limited so please carpool if you can. RSVP to coffeecupforyou@yahoo.com or 209-728-2669.

July 4, 2009 - Peddlers Faire Parking Lot Sale. The Arbors "Peddlers Faire" parking lot sale will be held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. It will be located across from the Native Daughters Hall in the parking lot of The Arbors stores on east main street Murphys. Starting in June the faire will be held on the first Saturday of each month through the month of October. Look for great bargains. Fore more information, please leave a contact number at Villa Mia Antiques 209-728-1600.

July 4, 2009 - Fireworks - Join the fun at the Murphys Historic Hotel for the annual 4th of July celebration. Enjoy some history and enjoy food for the whole family. Bring your fireworks to the hotel on the 4th and light them in the back on the cement parking lot for a fun show everyone can enjoy.

July 05, 2009 - Hernia Hill at Twisted Oak Winery from 7:00am - 1:00pm at 4280 Red Hill Road, Vallecito. Join Twisted Oak and On Your Mark Events for the 22nd Annual Hernia Hill 5K, 10K, and Half-Marathon. It's the 22nd running (so to speak) and the second year this event will be at Twisted Oak in Vallecito! Registration begins at 7AM, the running starts at 8AM, with the Post-Race Barbecue starting at 11:30AM. For more information, including pre-registration and race fees, visit On Your Mark Events or call 209-795-7832.

If you would like to discuss the dynamics of what is happening in the market or would like information and real estate opportunities in the Bear Valley, Arnold, Murphy's, Angels Camp and Copperopolis area please email me at Daniel@BigTreesRealty.com or go to www.BigTreesRealty.com call me at 1 209 795-4218 By clicking here you can search like a Realtor.