These Towns in California Have Rich Cultural Heritage
The state of California is known for having the best climate in the 海角社区, its plentiful natural resources, and the beauty of its landscapes. Bounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Golden State is home to many natives and immigrants who have come to know the multifold blessings it offers.
From the Native American civilizations that lived off the land to the Spanish rule to the Gold Rush era, many have called this place home. Each people group has added to the heritage of the region and to the fabric of the culture. Join us on a journey to explore several California towns that are dripping with rich cultural heritage. From their preserved historic districts and buildings to their museums, theaters, mines, and missions, there鈥檚 so much to unearth.听
Nevada City
At the base of the Sierra Nevada, Nevada City, is arguably one of the best preserved mid-1800s Gold Rush towns. During the Gold Rush-era the population of the town swelled to roughly 10,000, placing it just behind cities like Sacramento and San Francisco. The entire downtown is a registered historic district and is replete with period buildings to explore. The Nevada Theater, which was built at the time of Abraham Lincoln鈥�s death, is one such landmark. The brick building which is nearly 160 years old (at the time of this article), saw a lot of the town鈥檚 action during its heyday. In fact, this was the theater where Mark Twain gave some of his early speeches The South Yuba Canal Office, which can be toured, is home to the largest water channels and ditches in the state and represents a major engineering accomplishment of the period.
The Firehouse No. 1 Museum is another historical site worth visiting. Be sure to take a walk down Broad Street and stop into shops like J.J. Jackson鈥檚, a specialty gift shop. Consider a tasting with some friends at the Nevada City Winery. The town offers a lot for outdoor enthusiasts as well, as one is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and in close proximity to the South Yuba River.听
Solvang
Enveloped by rolling hills and vineyards and located in the Santa Ynez Valley is the town of Solvang. Blessed with a mild climate, this village can be appreciated year-round. Prior to the town鈥檚 establishment, the area was the site of one of 21 Spanish Missions in the state. The Old Mission Santa In茅s mission was built in the early 1880s and is a must-see landmark. Solvang was later settled by Dutch immigrants in the early 1900s. The Elverh酶j Museum of History and Art where one can learn more about the town's Danish influence. One of the most iconic images of the town is its Danish-style windmill, which should be explored up close. One will find excellent Danish bakeries and other eateries downtown. Olsen鈥檚 Danish Village Bakery is one of the best or experience a tasting at Rideau Vineyard. Why not do both?!
Murphys
Pioneer brothers John and Daniel, braved the wagon trail over the Sierra Nevada in 1844 and discovered gold. They became millionaires before the age of 25. Although the brothers only spent a short season in the area, the town of Murphys would later be named after them in dedication to their pioneering spirit. The Murphys Hotel has operated since 1856 and is one of the oldest hotels in California. This historic landmark is a great place to stay or at least visit. Ironside Vineyards offers a historic mansion and gardens that are worth touring. To learn more about the gold rush history of the town stop by the Old Timers Museum. The quaint, tree lined Main Street boasts a boutique shopping and dining experience. One commercial site to visit is the Independent Mercantile. Nature is abundant in this town, and one will be greeted with views of oak trees, rolling hills and vineyards.听
Ferndale
Nestled in a lush valley, the town of Ferndale was settled in the mid-1800s. One of the natural attractions that draws tourists is the town鈥檚 proximity to the Redwoods. Ferndale would go on to become a prosperous hub of the regional dairy industry. Besides being known as 鈥淐ream City,鈥� Ferndale鈥檚 Main Street offers a well-preserved Victorian village. The downtown is like an architectural museum. Another landmark is the Ferndale Cemetery, where one can discover something about the town鈥檚 history and its former residents. There is a Chinese section to visit. The Shaw House Inn is a historic bed and breakfast to stay at or at least tour. The Ferndale Emporium is one of many boutique shops along Main Street, with antique treasures to be uncovered.听
Sonoma
Sonoma is a small northern California town in the center of the famous wine region of Sonoma Valley. Today Sonoma is known for its wineries, but the town has a rich history. In 1823 the area was settled by Padre Jose and the Mission San Francisco solano de Sonoma was built. This was the last mission built in California and deserves a tour. Another landmark is Sonoma Plaza, which was the site of the Bear Flag Revolt, when Californians resisted Mexican control. Buena Vista Winery claims the title of California鈥檚 oldest winery and not only is it a fine place to sample the local wines, it offers a historical experience. The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley is a great commercial attraction that allows visitors an easy way to tour the popular wineries of the region. One restaurant to try is The Girl and the Fig, which can be found in the plaza. The green hills and Mediterranean climate make this an excellent getaway spot that is full of history.听
Auburn
Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the town of Auburn is another Gold Rush town that attracted miners, gamblers and those that served them. Auburn is known to have been one of the first sites to discover gold in the area and today lies along Highway 49, which covers nine-counties that 170-some years ago were home to 2,500 gold mining camps. This town is full of historical sites that should be on a visitor鈥檚 must-see list. Placer County Courthouse dates to the late 1800s. Bernhard Museum Complex is the place to discover more about the heritage of the town. Old Town Auburn is full of Gold Rush-era architecture that鈥檚 been well maintained. The Auburn Alehouse is an excellent brewery with its own history. Auburn State Recreation Area offers access to the American River.听
Ojai
Today, the town of Ojai is known as a spiritual center for those interested in a quiet nature retreat. The name of the town means 鈥渧alley of the moon鈥� from the Chumash language. Later, under Spanish rule, a mission was built, now known as St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel; it is a museum (Ojai Valley Museum), research library and historical society. This is a must-see historical site. The Libbey Bowl outdoor amphitheater is another with a rich history. The Krishnamurti Library explores the teachings of Jiddu Krishnamurti. Besides all the nature hikes and horseback riding, some commercial attractions include the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa and the Ojai Arcade.听
Towns Rich in Heritage聽
These California towns have many natural and commercial attractions, which make them popular destinations for tourists. However, for those who appreciate culture and tradition, who want to understand something about the people who shaped and settled these areas, consider going deeper and making the most of the museums and historical landmarks.听
