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A golfer’s paradise hidden in the foothills

Spring in Calaveras:  Unwind, indulge…and golf.

The next time you come for a visit, make sure to bring your clubs.  There are 5 scenic golf courses in Calaveras that are all worth the visit.  If you only have a weekend, here is the perfect itinerary so you can make the most of your visit with a day of golf, an afternoon of art, great food and lodging options near the green.

In the fall, crisp mornings make way for soothing sunshine in the foothills. Sign up for a tee time at one of the area’s challenging and scenic golf courses. Try the championship course at The Golf Club at Copper Valley, which has received recognition from both Golf Digest and Golf Week Magazine.

If the weather is cooperating, head over to Gold Dust Pizza for a pizza on the patio. Meat-lovers will want to order up Mother Lode Meat, topped with cheese, salami, pepperoni, ham, linguica, bacon, and  sausage. This is a serious pizza.

Spend the afternoon hopping from town to town and tapping into the local art scene. Make your first stop Allegorie Art and Wine in Murphys, featuring rotating exhibits from two local artists, as well as hand-crafted wines at their unique tasting bar (we won’t reveal what’s so special about their tasting bar here). For the cheese lovers, check out Lavender Ridge where your wine tasting includes cheese from around the world.  Wine, cheese, and, of course, anything lavender is available for purchase in their tasting room.

Next, make your way to Gallery Calaveras. Housed in a historic building in San Andreas dating back to 1858, Gallery Calaveras features a new exhibit every two months ranging from watercolor and photography to glass and ceramics. If you have time, stop in at the Calaveras County Museum to learn about the rich gold rush history right here in Calaveras. It’s a definite must-see for history buffs!

Finish your tour at the Petroglyphe Gallery in Mokelumne Hill which features the work of over 20 artists from California and beyond. Time it right and you might be able to observe an artist in action at one of their frequent demonstrations.

Wrap up your day in the same place it started. Settle in to a table overlooking the 18th green at Verona 18, only a few steps away from the golf course. The grill, with its Frank Lloyd Wright inspired vibe, combines local, farm-raised products with other international treasures to create an exceptional dining experience.

Want more golf? Check out one of these stunning nearby courses: Greenhorn Creek Resort, La Contenta Golf Club, Forest Meadows Golf Course or Sequoia Woods Country Club.

Area lodging: Stay where you play at The Golf Club at Copper Valley, Greenhorn Creek – Villas, or the newly opened Caddy Shack (great for a big group).

Have more time in the area? Here are a few other suggestions…

Grab your pole. Nothing is more serene than a peaceful morning on a calm lake, fishing pole in hand. Rise and shine early to get to New Hogan Lake for some of the year’s best fishing, when the striped bass are plentiful.

Go for a stroll. Park your car at Murphys Community Park and head out for a stroll on 6 Mile Road towards Ironstone Vineyards, a favorite early morning route among locals. Pass by budding vineyards, blooming daffodils and the greenest fields you’ll ever see. Or, drive down Highway 49 for just a small bit to discover historic Mokelumne Hill.

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