Sutter Creek, California

By Berylee Baker

Sutter Creek is filled with ambiance. This little town in the Mother Lode had Mother and Father Christmas walking through town when we visited during the annual Christmas Open House held the first weekend in December. They say, "Happy Christmas" where as Santa says, "Merry Christmas".

Sutter Creek hosted a beverage night with hot chocolate, cookies, cake, cider and coffee. The town had a wagon pulled by two mules giving rides around the town for free.

The City Hall building has small kiosks with paintings, hand crafted jewelry, candles, soaps and postcards made by local people, and many Antique shops.

The only problem was when it came to dinner, no reservations, no dinner so call for reservations at the JD's Steak House, Twisted Fork, or the Mexican Restaurant that has "Fresh Mexican Food" on the window. All of those were booked until 8:00 at night. We were hungry NOW so we went to the restaurant called "Pizza Plus". They make a fantastic pizza! An extra large pizza with your choice of two toppings, your choice of beverage and four glasses, fantastic cheese bread with either parmesan or mozzarella and your choice of Marinara or Ranch dressing to dip it in cost $25. Six of us ate it and were stuffed. YUMMMM! They also have huge Calzones, salads and chicken wings. They were hopping in there. It was definitely a fun time.

The people in Sutter Creek were very nice and accommodating--except, if you needed a restroom. The restaurants have them but there are none in the shops. Fortunately, no matter where you are in the town it's never too far from them. They also have lots of parking lots (free).

About Sutter Creek: The Gold Rush town is located in Sierra Nevada foothills approx. an hour's drive from Sacramento along California State Highway 49, which runs 350 miles through California's historic Gold Country. There are several hotels and inns where you can spend the night, and Sutter Creek Visitors Center is staffed with volunteers to help you plan your trip. exploring Sutter Creek's historic downtown and residential buildings dating from the late 1800′s. The Visitors Center is open daily. Location: Sutter Creek Visitors Center, 71A Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA. Call: (209) 267-1344 Web: suttercreek.org

HOTELS:

Sutter Creek, Gold Country, CA - Cottages and Vacation Homes
The Carriage House at Avio Vineyards
The Fournier House
Gold Creek Cabin
Motto Ros's Creekside Cottage
Sutter Creek Cottage
Sutter Creek, Gold Country, CA - Hotel
American Exchange Hotel
Best Western Amador Inn
Days Inn of Sutter Creek
Holiday Inn Express
Imperial Hotel
The Room Upstairs
Sutter Creek Inn