First stay in CA for a middle-aged couple, September 2008. Accom are at RCI Mountain Retreat in Arnold. Don't want to miss a THING! First on our list is Yosemite.

What else is "not to miss" besides Yosemite?

Would love recommendations for good mid-priced restaurants (love Italian, American, German food) in the Yosemite area (or to/from Yosemite/Arnold).

There may already be a thread on this, would appreciate links too.

You'll enjoy the nearby town of Columbia which is a little "Gold Rush" themed town. And on your way up the hill to Arnold you will love the town of Murphy's.

The wineries in the area are fun. I'm sure there is a thread on here about them.

I meant to add that the weather will be HOT and wonderful!

Don't miss the Big Trees State Park. Also, not far away is Jamestown and a neat railroad museum.

Depending on the timing, you may also get to see the crush at the foothill wineries.

MY

The crush may well be going on-was there last Sept and enjoyed lots of the grapes--best part is most of the wineries in the area don't charge to taste(as opposed to Napa/Sonoma).

My FIL own's a week at Mt. Retreat Timeshare in Arnold and we have been many times. Great place! They even have wifi in the club house.

Yosemite is a LONG drive from Arnold! You're looking at 100 miles and over 2 1/2 hours each way to Yosemite Valley! But it can be done!

Calaveras Big Trees State Park is just 4 miles north of Arnold and it's one of our favorite places. You can get down to the Stanislaus River in the park.

Take a drive up Hwy 4 to Lake Alpine and take your bathing suits. The lake is cold..but will feel good in August.

Another place we like to go to get into the Stanislaus River is just out of Dorrington on Boards Crossing Road that takes you down to Sourgrass Crossing. Ask at Mt. Retreat or ask the locals for directions.

If you like curvey mountain drives, go over Ebbitts Pass (Hwy4). (Pass Lake Alpine)

There's a lot of history on the Mother Lode/Gold Rush Hwy 49.

We have made it a tradition to have Pizza at Round Table Pizza in Arnold. Otherwise we generaly don't eat out.

Utahtea

Oh forgot...when you drive up to Lake Alpine, make a short detour up to Mt. Reba...just for the views!

Utahtea

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

You can drive north to Jackson and South to Sonora. Both old mining towns with some restaurants and shopping. Just a diversion.

There are a couple of underground cavern tours that are pretty awesome. They are great if it is hot outside as the caverns stay about 68 all year round.

You can drive north on Hwy 49 to Auburn and tour the old courthouse.

Bodie California State Park is about 130 miles (3 hrs) over Hwy 4 toward Nevada. Bodie is an old ghost town left the way it was found. Very interesting.

The drive itself would be pretty awesome, but allow the entire day. Check the California State Parks www site for information.