Yosemite

Sonora is an hour-and-a-half away from one of the most spectacular National Parks in the country! If you only have a day, stay in Yosemite Valley and see Half Dome, El Capitan and the many Falls. Short day hikes will take you to Vernal and Nevada Falls or up to the top of Yosemite Falls. If you want to camp or ski, reservations are advised, there is a 24 hour recorded message with general park information and road conditions (especially important during the winter). Ph: 372-0200

Other Activities

There are a lot of outdoor activities in our mountains, lakes and streams. Boat rental is available at Pinecrest Lake east on Hwy 108 from the East Sonora theatre. New Melones reservoir is much larger than Pinecrest Lake and boats are available at the Glory Hole Marina.

Fitness

Sonora Sports and Fitness Center- 13760 Mono Way; Ph: 532-1202, www.sonorasportsandfitness.com

Shaun Elizabeth Herbst, Certified Massage Therapist Specializing in healing arts, such as reflexology, massage, and integration of body/mind medicine. Sessions times may vary and rates run from $35 to $100, depending on length and services requested. Ph: 209-212-0531, Email: liziemoon@hotmail.com Shopping

The Junction: Starbucks, TJ Maxx, Subway and much more

Timberhills Center: Ross, Save Mart, Schnoog's and Baskin Robbin's, Carl's Junior

Crossroads Center: Wal Mart, Pak N Save (Safeway), Staples, Big 5, Blockbuster and the movie theatre.

Downtown: Aria 51

Dining Out and Late Nights

Businesses close rather early. However, there are several places that stay open later for a bite or a drink after a show.

Mexican

El Jardin- A local favorite, has locations In Columbia, Sonora and Twain Harte.

Alfredo's-Has good food and a nice bar. Located downtown Sonora. Ph: 532-8332

Not quite fast food

Denny's on Mono Way in the Timberhills is not like those in the cities - this one closes pretty early. Call before going: 533-3933.

Perko's, on Mono Way is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Good for breakfast or a quick meal. Ph: 532-2718. www.perkoscafe.com

The Peppery Gar and Brill (yes, this isn't a typo) is near East Sonora and has reasonable food and prices. Ph: 533-9033

Chinese

The New Great Wall- Good food and close to the East Sonora theatre. Ph: 533-0633

Hong Kong Restaurant- Great portions for the money. Located downtown. Ph: 532-1544

Mandarin Palace- the only Chinese lunch and dinner buffet in town. Located in the Timberhills Shopping Center, Ph: 536-9887

Italian

Talulahs- A new restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes. Located on Washington Street. Ph: 532-7278

Mike's Pizza of Sonora- Located on Mono Way east of the theatre. Ph: 736-9246

Other

Diamondback Grill & Wine Bar - Serves delicious, varied, and interesting dishes, a great wine and beer selection. Located on Washington St. Ph: 532-6661

Banny's Cafe & Wine Bar - is an upscale establishment with interesting food on Stewart St. (one block up from Washington) in Sonora. Ph: 533-4709 www.bannyscafe.com

Bon Appetite- a French bakery and bistro open for breakfast and lunch daily. Their hours are limited- call ahead. Ph: 532-2355 www.frenchbakerybistro.com

Bombay Pizzeria- Serves Indian Cuisine. Located on Washington St. Ph: 532-5800

Villa D'Oro Restaurant, 23036 Joaquin Gulley Road, Twain Harte, CA 209-586-2182

Mike's Pizza of Sonora, 14721 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 209-532-1097

Bars

Zane's Iron Horse- A (smoking) bar that has been popular with numerous guests. Ph:532-4482

The Pine Tree Inn- is a bar/restaurant in the Best Western-Sonora Oaks parking lot on Mono Way about 1/4 mile east of the East Sonora theatre. The restaurant closes early, but on weekends the bar is open late and features karaoke. They love anyone who comes over from the theatre and are a great audience if you decide to sing along.

Black Oak Casino- Even if you don't gamble, the casino has many attractions, not the least of which it is open 24 hours a day. It has a bowling alley, an arcade and a sports bar. The Black Oak Cafe and the Oak Tree Lounge are on the main floor. The Lounge closes at 2 am, but the cafe is open all night with a breakfast buffet after midnight on Thursday evenings. Seven Sisters, a true four star restaurant is on the top floor. Reservations are needed at Seven Sisters at 928-9363. The casino's main number is 877-747-8777. www.blackoakcasino.com

This list is not comprehensive. Visit www.mymotherlode.com for other information.