More than a 150 years ago the bustling and rowdy gold mining camp of Sonora, California could hardly have been called a town. There were no respectable folk and there was no civilized government. Alot has changed since then and today this pretty little gold rush town wedged into a narrow valley along California Highway 49 is called the “Queen of the Southern Mines”. In the ten or fifteen blocks that make up Sonora’s historic district you’ll find excellent antiquing, dining, shopping and an awesome art gallery or two tucked in admist the clapboard and western store fronts. There is even a French bakery to try out -- just about where Sonora Creek cuts through downtown. The area boasts an 11-month professional theatre season with cast members coming from as far away as New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. There are numerous fine-tuned bed and breakfast inns and exquisitely restored old hotels, spa salons and unbelievably wonderful places to eat. Sonora, California is a great place for year round recreation. Nearby is Black Oak Casino with 24-hour gaming, world class golfing, water skiing, downhill and cross country skiing, river rafting, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, spelunking and cavern tours -- not to mention several gold rush towns to explore including Columbia Historic State Park, Railtown State Park, Jamestown and Murphys. There are several wineries to enjoy and name entertainment in the summer. Of course, Yosemite National Park is just an hour away. Sonora, California makes a fabulous getaway. So what are you waiting for?