Pesce's Garden
Mark and Judy Pesce
862 Shaw's Flat Road
Sonora CA, 95370
For Reservations and Information
(866) 957-3723
Office: (209) 532-2678
E-mail: Pescesgarden@sbcglobal.net
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Local Attractions
Sonora
The ravines and hillsides now know as Sonora were once the domain of the Me-wuk Indians, but the arrival of the 49’ers changed this section of the Sierra Nevada foothills into a bustling mining camp. The Gold Rush touched off one of the greatest migrations in world history and thousands of Argonauts poured into the interior of California. In its Gold Rush heyday, Sonora was a cosmopolitan and often lawless settlement composed of people from throughout the world: Mexico, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Canada, the South Pacific, Australia and China. The sounds of picks and shovels echoed throughout Sonora and Tuolumne County as the miners worked their way along treasure laden creeks and rivers and tunneled into countless hillsides.
After the City of Sonora was incorporated in May 1851, the hastily assembled mining camp took on the appearance of a community. As the gateway to California’s southern mining region, Sonora became an important commercial center. Today’s economy is based on tourism, timber and the activity associated with being the county seat.
Although the gamblers, outlaws, painted ladies and most of the miners have gone, many traces of those exciting frontier days remain. In fact, a walk along just about any street in Sonora is a visit with yesterday – a brick building, an iron shutter, an old home, a rock wall, an ancient shade tree in the midst of an old fashioned garden – all are reminders of the pioneers. History surrounds you in Sonora.
Today’s visitors can still enjoy many fine examples of the city’s historic architecture and heritage while shopping in the may specialty shops featuring antiques and collectibles, clothing and accessories, fine jewelry and gifts, including fine arts and crafts.
Here is a sample listing of some of the historic buildings of Sonora by number and street address.
SOUTH BARRETTA STREET
251 1909. The old Sonora Grammar School.
683 1890s. Victorian residence.
700 1904. Home with sun porch overlooking Sonora.
WEST BRADFORD AVENUE
56 1889. Keil-Burgson Home.
78 1921. Wrigley Home.
88 1908. Symons Home.
115 1890s. Victorian home with decorative metal roof.
COLUMBIA WAY
90 1897. Home of John Barry Curtin, Attorney, State Senator and 1914 Democratic nominee for Governor.
EAST DODGE STREET
18 1890s. Former Presbyterian church parsonage.
WEST DODGE STREET
12 1852. Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge.
EAST ELKIN STREET
37 1860s. Originally a Baptist church, now home of the Aronos Club. Aronos is Sonora spelled backwards.
SOUTH SHEPHERD STREET
153 1855. Ryan family home over 128 years.
225 1886. Built by John Rother for his family.
SOUTH STEWART STREET
257 1905. Post-Victorian home of the Harry Hartvig family.
571 1880s. Built for John Van Harlingen, publisher of the Union Democrat newspaper from 1888 to 1928.
NORTH WASHINGTON STREET
1860. St. James Episcopal Church.
21 1850s. Brick office building.
218 1890s. Grayson family home.
430 1939. Sonora High School Auditorium.
Visitors and locals alike are drawn to the numerous art galleries that feature the work of the Mother Lode’s fine artisans. Professional live theater companies offer a year-around selection of comedies, dramas and musicals. Sonora is also home to the region’s art center housing year-round diverse exhibitions and events.
Each season brings a vibrant mix of special events in Sonora.
The Spring Festival brings music, art and fun to celebrate the season. A longstanding tradition on Mother’s Day weekend, The Mother Lode Roundup, includes a parade and rodeo.
Summer is packed full of family events like the Mother Lode Fair, Magic of the Night, The Blues Festival, Rock-N-Roll is Here to Stay and the Farmer’s Market.
Fall includes the Sonora Celtic Fair, Bach Festival, an Annual Quilt & Thread Show and a variety of art exhibitions and events.
In Winter, The Sonora Christmas Parade and Merchants’ Open House light up the night and put everyone in the holiday mood. Holiday craft fairs, street music and concerts add to the season’s spirit.
From Rock-N-Roll to Bluegrass, Country to Celtic, street dancing to art festivals, Sonora’s events bring visitors from near and far. Its historic charm and hospitality are what make visitors return again and again.
Columbia State Historical Park
Just outside of Sonora visit Columbia State Historic Park and experience the sights and sounds of a living gold-rush town.
- Feel the spirit of a bygone era
- Ride a 100-year-old stagecoach
- Pan for gold
- Tour an active gold mine
- Taste hand-dipped chocolates
- Savor fine dining, family fare and picnic provisions
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
(209) 536-1672
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Columbia State Park
(209) 588-9128
New Melones Lake
Nestled in the foothills of California's Gold Country is the perfect place to escape. Experience secluded coves, wide open water, vast skies and unique rock formations.
320 Campsites are available on a first come first served basis, with showers, restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, barbecues and playgrounds. Group camping is available by reservation.
With 12,500 surface acres of water, houseboaters, fishermen, skiers and personal water craft operators will find wide open spaces for their enjoyment.
Magnificent scenery, fantastic fishing and miles of secluded shoreline make New Melones the perfect place for a perfect vacation.
New Melones Lake Marina
Phone (209) 785-3300
Straight Lines Fishing Adventures
George Ambrose, Guide
(209) 532-6792
Cell: (209) 770-6793
Fax: (209) 532-8672
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