Thursday, July 20, 2017

Summer Adventures in Calaveras County, CA



Calaveras County offers a huge variety of things to see and do, both for the weekend visitor and those lucky locals who get to call this beautiful place “home.” Whether your idea of the perfect day involves lots of outdoor activity and exercise, or maybe a more relaxing one of wine-tasting and classical music, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to come back again and again! Here are just a few of our favorite things to do here in scenic Calaveras County.

Visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Located just four miles outside of Arnold, CA, Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers visitors the chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of two groves of giant sequoias. This award-winning attraction features miles of trails for summer hiking and biking, and the on-site Interpretive Center offers ranger talks, environmental educational programming, and activities for all ages. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is one of the major tourist attractions in the area, offering a truly “must-see” opportunity!

Hear Some Great Music
Running from late July through early August, the Bear Valley Music Festival features a lineup of musicians that you won’t want to miss! With offerings from country music, rock tribute bands, chamber music, jazz, and classical, you’re sure to hear some of your favorites, and maybe even discover new ones! For even more musical offerings, check out First Fridays in the Park every month from June through September at Murphy’s Community Park, or the summer concert series at Ironstone Vineyards!

Explore History
Dating back to 1848 and the Gold Rush days, Angels Camp feels like a trip back in time! Learn about early mining techniques and check out the restored wagons and buggies in the restored Carriage House. At the Calaveras County Historical Society and Museum, see the jail where the infamous Black Bart waited for his trial,  experience the Mi-Wuk Indian exhibit, and learn about the hard-rock mining process.

Explore the Caverns
On a hot summer day, nothing feels better than a blast of cool air! Chill out and see the world’s largest formation of Aragonite Flos Ferri, a rare white crystal. Mercer Caverns, located in Murphys, CA, offers tours from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day between 9am and 5pm. Moaning Caverns, also located in Murphys, offers daily tours as well as challenging caving Adventure Trips, a zip line, and a climbing tower.

Visit Calaveras Wine Country
Calaveras Wine Country is comprised of over 30 wineries where the winemakers are eager to share their love of wine with you! You’ll love the casual atmosphere, affordable prices, and short walking distance between most of the wineries. You may even find your new favorite wine!

Looking to sell or purchase a home in or around Calaveras County? The Realtors at Century 21 Sierra Properties have expertise in the high country of Arnold to Bear Valley and the wine regions of Murphys, Angels Camp and beyond. Visit us online today!

Friday, June 2, 2017

Celebrate Murphys 25th Annual Chicken in a Barrel Festival!


There’s something about small towns you just can’t quite find when living in a big city. Maybe it’s the feel of living in a tight knit community where everyone knows everyone. Maybe it’s having the knowledge that when a problem arises, a neighbor or community member will always be there to help or fix it. Or maybe it’s that feeling of excitement everyone from a small town feels when the the tents and lights go up for a town celebration. Summer festival season is in full swing in Murphys and we want you to join us! This Saturday, June 3rd, Murphys will be hosting the 25th annual Chicken in a Barrel event in Murphys Community Park. This idyllic small town family festival will provide a day full of food, fun and music for the whole family.

For the Kids
Chicken in a Barrel FestivalThe Chicken in a Barrel festival benefits the Michelson Elementary Parent’s club and offers tons of activities and even prizes for attendees. Bring the kids for some classic carnival games or let them slide down the giant inflatable slide. Let them burn off some energy in the bouncy house or get their face painted. Then visit the shaved ice cart and cool off with a sweet frozen treat. Finish the day and bring home a souvenir by getting balloon animals made or taking some funny pictures in the photo booth.

For the Adults
For the parents and adults, visit the snack shack for some classic festival food and then sit back and enjoy some music from our DJ. We’ll also be serving all types of local beer and wine. The festival is why you’re coming, but our silent auction is why you’ll stay. Each year our prizes get better and better. Last years silent auction included items like:

  • Bear Valley Family Ski Package with 2 adult season passes, 2 child season passes and $200 in fun bucks
  • 2 day Rafting Trip on the American river for four with OARS
  • Unique Wine and Dine experiences featuring local wineries and restaurants
  • 4 one-day hopper passes for Disneyland
  • Beautiful custom furniture and art from local artists
  • Exclusive wine education and food pairing package

Join us at Murphys Community Park, this Saturday, June 3rd for a spectacular day. For more information on the event visit our facebook page. We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Jump on over to the Calaveras County Fair


County Fairs are a time honored tradition where communities gather to celebrate the things that make them unique. The Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is no exception to this rule.
History
Frog JumpingThe frog jumping event is one of the longest in the State of California, dating back to 1893.  The first frog jumping competition was held in Copperopolis, but it eventually found a permanent home outside of Angels Camp in Calaveras County.   
Event Details
The Frog Jumping Competition begins on the first day of the Fair. Entrants can choose two levels of competition – jumping for fun on the Lily Pad stage or more serious jumping to qualify for the International Frog Jump Finals. Contestants seek the perfect jump to qualify in competitions that run through Sunday morning of the Fair. The International Frog Jump Grand Finals are held Sunday afternoon with the top fifty jumps from the four days of competition as well as a few other sanctioned jumps. Contestants are able to enter their own frog, or use one of the local California bullfrogs housed at the Fair’s famed” Frog Spa.”
The Frog Spa
The Frog Spa is open for fair-goer tours daily throughout the run of the fair. All frogs housed at the spa are pampered and treated with the utmost care and respect. The spa is overseen by the California Fish and Game Commission, which became involved in the event in 1933 to regulate and protect the welfare of the California bullfrog. In 1995 the Board of Directors of the 39th District Agricultural Association adopted the Frog Welfare Policy underscoring the Fair’s commitment to humane treatment of the frogs.

Winners
In addition to accolades from the local media and jumping fans, winners of the frog jump competition take home a plaque commemorating their achievements and are inducted into the Angels Camp’s Frog Hop Hall of Fame. They also receive $900 in cash winnings and a trophy. If the winner beats the world record jump of 21-feet 5-3/4 inches, held since 1986 by Lee Guidici and his frog Rosie the Ribiter, they will become the new National Champion and win $5,000 in cash.

The County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee is just one reason why Calaveras County is such a great place to live. Contact Century 21 Sierra Properties to learn more about this amazing community.  

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Saying “I Do” to Calaveras: The Perfect Destination for Any Wedding


Saying "I Do"

A lot goes into planning and carrying out a wedding. Most engaged couples have an idea of what they want their “big day” to look and feel like and possibly who they want to invite, but it usually ends there. Finding the right vendors and a memorable location can be a tedious process...until now. Everything needed for a dream wedding is available in lovely Calaveras, down to the very last detail.

Planning

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and time consuming. Hiring a Calaveras wedding planner means you get to relax and enjoy your special day, hassle-free. Plus, wedding planners usually have relationships and insights about vendors that others don’t.

Place

Wedding VenuesCalaveras County offers a wide variety of wonderful wedding venues. Image saying “I do” set against a backdrop of scenic vineyards, on the grounds of an Italian villa, in a rustic lodge amidst pines and cedar, or at an elegant country club. No matter what style suits you, it’s available in Calaveras.  

Food

If your wedding venue doesn’t offer its own catering service, no need to worry. Calaveras County has many talented caterers that will wow you with their flavors, creative flair, and attention to detail.

Sweets

The wedding cake takes center stage in the traditional cake cutting ceremony, and is arguably one of the most important parts of a wedding reception. This meaning, you want your cake to be beautiful and delicious for you and your guests. Thankfully, Calaveras is home to many talented bakers, cake decorators, and pastry chefs.

Flowers

FlowersWhat is wedding without flowers? From the bridal bouquet to the boutonniere, flowers add fragrance and color to both the ceremony and reception. Let the passionate florists of Calaveras help is selecting and designing the perfect blooms for your nuptials.

Photos

Capturing special moments throughout your wedding day is a wonderful way to preserve memories for years to come. Finding the right photographer is important. Rest easy knowing their are talented photographers in Calaveras, specializing in weddings.

Entertainment & Transportation

Whether you’re looking to book a band or a DJ, Calaveras County has a range of lively music options to entertain guests of all ages. And when the night is over, arrange for safe transportation with one of many options Calaveras has to choose from.

With its rich, colorful history, its beautiful scenery, and fantastic wedding vendors and accommodations, Calaveras County is a wonderful place for saying “I do”.

Thinking about staying in Calaveras County permanently? Learn more about home listings by visiting Century 21 Sierra Properties website or calling (209) 736-9191: Angels Camp, (209) 795-4485: Arnold, or (209) 728-8870: Murphys.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Modern Gold Rush: Murphys 25th Annual Irish Day Celebration


This year, the 25th annual Murphys Irish Day festivities will be held on Saturday, March 18th, rain or shine. Sponsored by the Murphys Business Association, Murphys Irish Day is not only an excuse to celebrate Irish heritage, but an invaluable fundraiser for many community projects and non-profit organizations in the area.
In Calaveras County, you can have it all. A cabin in the fresh mountain air, a ranch overlooking a vineyard, a quick road trip to Lake Tahoe and endless opportunities to learn and explore in an area rich with California history, like the gold rush. Speaking of gold - March is the time of year is Calaveras County where a different sort of gold rush happens. Murphys Irish Day! A beloved Calaveras County tradition since 1992, Murphys Irish Day brings celtic pride and tradition to the area with endless food, drinks, music and celebrating.

Murphys 25th Irish Day CelebrationAlready known as one of the finest small towns in America, each year on Irish Day, crowds fill Murphys Main Street to peruse unique hand-crafted art pieces and stunning original photographs showcased by local creatives and vendors With a pancake breakfast kicking off the event, attendees also have the opportunity to try delicious culinary fare provided by local chefs and restaurants. Even more important, guests can cool off or warm up while trying an assortment of beers, wines and other interesting beverages.

The real show begins at 11 a.m. when the Murphys Irish Day parade fills Main Street with the sound of bagpipes, marching bands, laughter and cheers. Moving down main street with the uproar of music and song, classic cars, stunning horses, and countless community organizations entertain spectators. After the parade, Murphys Irish Day turns into a celtic celebration filled with non-stop music and dancing by bands and entertainers dedicated to honoring and celebrating Irish heritage.

Murphys Irish Day is the reason you’ll visit, but Calaveras County is the reason you’ll stay. With it’s breathtaking views, charming towns and accessibility to all types of outdoor entertainment, Calaveras County is a place you want as a vacation spot, or even a place to call home. Century 21 Sierra Properties can work with you to find your dream home. We work with you and for you to find your perfect spot. Visit our site and view listings for Murphys and surrounding areas.

*image courtesy of gocalaveras.com

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Exploring Angel’s Camp


Angel's CampHomeowners looking for historic charm in a beautiful setting will find exactly what they’re looking for in Angel’s Camp!  Founded in 1848 during the booming gold rush, Angel’s Camp grew from mining camp to prosperous mill town. Residents have easy access to explore the charm of historic Main Street, with its antique shops, art galleries and cafes.  Located only two hours from the Bay Area and Sacramento, Angels’ Camp is mere minutes from outdoor pursuits on Lake Tulloch, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Stanislaus National Forest, and Bear Valley Ski Resort.  

Life on the Golf Course
Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort is located in the heart of Angel’s Camp.  This upscale community offers exciting amenities to members.  Regular golfers may be interested in a property situated on the first green. Owners looking for versatility may appreciate a home with a convertible entertainment space or the option for an in-law apartment.

Four Bedroom Families
Families with children or frequent guests may need space to spread out.  Consider this 10 acre ranch with amenities including a jacuzzi, game room, and solar power.  Closer to town, this well-maintained budget option offers a convenient location coupled with a private backyard and scenic views.  Larger properties in Greenhorn Creek include this 6,500 square foot luxury home, another with gorgeous views over the 12th fairway, or this classic home with two master suites.

Angel's CampThe Great Outdoors
Those moving to Angel’s Camp to “get away from it all” will find excellent options in the surrounding foothills.  Take in sweeping views from the solitude of your porch.  If you’re looking for a project, this 20-acre plot has a two-bedroom fixer-upper. For even more space, this property includes a gorgeous home situated with two 14-acre parcels. You don’t need to go far to have room to breathe with this lovely home on ten acres, with three already fenced in for horses.

Build Your Own
Though the town has grown for a few decades shy of two centuries, there are still vast opportunities to build your dream home.  Whether you’re interested wide open spaces, proximity to wineries, a quiet cul-de-sac, or living on the fairway, Century 21 Sierra has countless options to fit your wants and needs.

Our listings extend beyond what is mentioned here.  Search our Angel’s Camp listings online and contact us for help finding the perfect property for you!
Angel's Camp
















Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Winter Fun in Calaveras County


When looking for a new home, it is all about location, location, location. For individuals seeking a beautiful, four-season location in California, Calaveras county is the perfect destination. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, this picturesque area of Northern California offers residents the benefits of mild and snowy winters as well as comfortable summer days. Calaveras County is known for its amazing winter activities. Here are several to consider:

  • Mercer Caverns – Are you looking for outdoor fun that is actually inside? Consider a trip to the Mercer Caverns. Originally known as the New Calaveras Cave, this prehistoric cave offers visitors a peak into a bygone era. The caves are a comfortable 55 degrees, year round so they are the perfect destination if the weather outside is frightful.
  • Calaveras CountySierra Nevada Adventure Company – Perhaps you are seeking an active adventure. The outfitters at the Sierra Nevada Adventure Company have everything you need for a winter day trip. Rent some snowshoes and take a trek through one of the California Snow Parks. Or rent some skis and try your luck on the area trails and slopes.
  • Big Tree State Park – The Big Tree State Park is one of Calaveras County’s most popular year-round destinations. In addition to awe inspiring giant sequoias, the park offers a variety of winter activities including snowshoeing and cross country skiing on one of the many park trails. Or, bring your sled and make your own fun.
  • Bear Valley Ski Area – Enjoy a day of downhill skiing at Bear Valley. Located right off of Scenic Highway 4, this fun winter destination includes over 1,500 acres of ski trails. Bear Valley offers ski and snowboard rentals as well safety equipment including helmets and wrist guards.
  • Bear Valley Cross Country – If you are looking for a slower paced ski activity, get out and enjoy the trails and scenery at Bear Valley Cross Country. There is plenty to explore with over 3,000 acres and 38 groomed trails. Bring your own skis or rent a pair.
Are you looking for the perfect property in Calaveras county? Contact the team at Century 21 Sierra Properties to find your dream home. We offer three convenient locations in Angels Camp, Arnold and Murphys. Let one of our trusted real estate professionals guide you through the home buying experience. Contact our team today.