By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
SIERRA FOOTHILLS BED & BREAKFAST INNS
For those seeking historic, romantic settings with plenty of modern amenities
209VictorianGoldBB-11
This view of The Victorian Gold Bed and Breakfast Inn in Jamestown shows the imposing faade of the 1890 building. At one time, the inn was called The Palm because of towering palm tree in front which is partly seen in this picture. - photo by Photo Contributed

The name exudes romance, Old World charm, tradition, and history – The Victorian Gold Bed and Breakfast. This eight-bedroom inn located in the heart of historic Jamestown in the Sierra Foothills was built in the 1890s, but offers every modern amenity there is to make your visit both memorable and comfortable. These creature comforts include central heating and air conditioning, private baths, plus television and Internet access. Even the rooms are named after different rose varieties which further heighten the romantic ambience of the Victorian Gold. In fact, the inn has been the setting for weddings with complete packages to suit every couple’s desire and pocketbook.

There is no shortage of tourist and historical destinations, both within a few minutes’ driving and walking distance from The Victorian.

“The Railtown (1897 State Historic Park) is just up the street from us. It’s an old railroad museum and they filmed movies there such as ‘Back to the Future.’ A lot of people come to see that,” said Anita Spencer who, with husband Ken, took over the inn formerly called The Palm and opened it as The Victorian Gold in 2005. Husband and wife are not just the owners of the bread and breakfast. They are also the innkeepers.

“We’re off the main street so it’s pretty quiet here, but everything within Jamestown is within walking distance,” added Anita.

For other sightseeing adventures, Yosemite National Park is just half an a 45-minute drive from Jamestown. On your way there, you can also stop in Groveland which touts itself as the “gate to Yosemite,” and visit the Groveland Museum for a visual treat on the region’s historical highpoints that include several outdoor displays. Historic Columbia State Park is even close. It’s just 15 minutes away by car, said Anita.

It’s this wealth of scenic, historic, and recreational destinations which makes staying at bed and breakfast inns in the Sierra Foothills inviting to all kinds of visitors. Bed and breakfast lodgings like The Foxes Inn of Sutter Creek, the 1859 Historic National Hotel, a country inn also located in Jamestown, the Cooper House Bed & Breakfast Inn in Angels Camp, The Dunbar House 1880 and The Victorian Inn, both in Murphys, the Bradford Place Inn and Gardens in Sonora, The Harlan House and the Fallon Hotel, both in Columbia, are all in the vicinity of major historic and scenic attractions of state and national caliber, not to mention the many wineries that offer wine tasting and a host of other activities to tantalize and entertain visitors. In fact, the Gold Country has come to be known as “the other wine country,” with many of the region’s fine wines winning top awards in major wine-tasting competitions. One of these award-winning wineries is Jamestown’s own Gianelli Vineyards.

Other attractions found in the Gold Country that makes your bed and breakfast stay all worthwhile:

• Skiing – The Sierra Mountains make the Gold Country an ideal winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding opportunities. The area is within short-driving distance to many ski resorts such as Bear Valley and Dodge Ridge.

• Golf – There are many golf courses in the Sierra foothills. The area has six championship golf courses which include Mountain Springs Golf Club, Greenhorn Creek, Pine Mountain Lake near Groveland, Forest Meadows, and Saddlecreek Golf Resort.

• Theater – For the finer things in life, the Sierra foothills offers several professional theaters with live performances. These include The Fallon House Theatre in Columbia (tel. 209/532-3120 or 532-4644), The Stage 3 Theatre Company in Sonora (209/586-1778), and Sonora’s oldest live theatre, the Sierra Repertory Theatre (209)/532-3120).

Directions to Jamestown:

From Highway 99 North: In Stockton, take the Hwy 4 exit east toward Angels Camp. At the town of Copperopolis (before Angels Camp), turn right on O’Byrnes Ferry Road, stay on this road past the lake and over the hills until it ends at Hwy 108. Turn left and you are now 7 miles from Main Street Jamestown



— ROSE ALBANO RISSO

209 staff reporter