How to Enjoy Murphys, California
Near Angels Camp, on Highway 4, Murphys, California is an old western town in the center of the state that experienced the gold rush in the 1850s. It's a one-street town with no stop lights, but it buzzes with activities, particularly in the summer and on the weekends. Recent years have seen the growth of wineries nearby. The bar of the historic hotel is the place to be on a weekend.
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Things You'll Need
- A little time--a few hours at least
- A little relaxation
- Have a little money in your pocket. If it's a hot day, you'll want ice cream.
- A car
Instructions
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Pass through California's Central Valley from Stockton or Manteca, proceed on Highway 4 to reach the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The town of Angels Camp is nearby. It's famous for its frog-jumping contest. A few miles more and you reach Murphys. It's built up a good deal since the 1980s, with wineries, upscale restaurants, and other places to spend money. It's worth a stop or an overnight, just to relax and mosey around.
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Pass through California's Central Valley from Stockton or Manteca, proceed on Highway 4 to reach the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The town of Angels Camp is nearby. It's famous for its frog-jumping contest. A few miles more and you reach Murphys. It's built up a good deal since the 1980s, with wineries, upscale restaurants, and other places to spend money. It's worth a stop or an overnight, just to relax and mosey around.
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You can stay in one of the rooms at Murphys Historic Hotel and Lodge, a registered State Historic Landmark or in the somewhat less historic rooms across the parking lot. The hotel is a kick! The bar is large, filled with wooden tables, a fireplace, a long bar where patrons and bartenders kibitz. Behind that, is a dining room, with white tablecloths, good food and friendly service. It's just a down-home type of place that makes you want to hang around and, come back soon, once you've left.
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There's live music, theatre, celebrations, wine tasting, and golf nearby. Celebrations take place throughout the year. Check the website. Calaveras County, where Murphys is situated has a number of caves and caverns. Mercer Caves is in Murphys. That's worth checking out!
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Murphys is on State Highway 4, a few miles from Angels Camp which is at the junction of Highway 4 and 49. Highway 49 meanders through the foothills, passing through many Gold Rush towns. It's a nice drive. If you go east on Highway 4, you soon reach Arnold, which is a couple thousand feet higher than Murphys. Arnold is in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. You can continue on Highway 4 across Ebbett's Pass which crosses the mountains and connects to Highway 395 near the Nevada border.
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Tips & Warnings
Murphys is on State Highway 4, a few miles from Angels Camp which is at the junction of Highway 4 and 49. Highway 49 meanders through the foothills, passing through many Gold Rush towns. It's a nice drive. If you go east on Highway 4, you soon reach Arnold, which is a couple thousand feet higher than Murphys. Arnold is in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. You can continue on Highway 4 across Ebbett's Pass which crosses the mountains and connects to Highway 395 near the Nevada border.
For history: Old West Magazine, Summer 1987--THe Rip-Roaringest Gold Mining Camp in the World
If you drive over Highway 4, Ebbett's Pass, be aware that there are few services. Pay attention to how much gas you have and make sure your car is in good condition. Ebbett's Pass is closed in winter.
