I personally love history, so every historical site can keep me spellbound for an inordinate period of time. The tiny former gold-mining town of Volcano is a treasure trove for history nuts, but there's some "modern day" fun to be had too.
It was the Mi-Wok Indians that first inhabited the Volcano valley, and not until 1848 did white men settle into the forested Mother Lode area and begin mining for gold.
If you come in from Hwy 88, the first building you see is the St. George Hotel & Bar (see the picture of the front porch and watch for a coming story on it), followed by a general store and gift shops. Across the street is an open-air amphitheater (where they still stage productions)and dilapidated buildings that interest and inspire, along with a gallery or two. Round the corner at the end of the street and you'll find the Union Inn, where I picked up a walking tour map. The slogan for Volcano is "The Gem of the Mother Lode" and the offerings include things like the "Old Abe Cannon" and a schoolhouse dating from 1855.
Step into the shops of Nancy's Handcrafted Gifts, the little octagon shop pictured here and the one beside it, and you're likely to find something you just have to have. She carries her own handmade items and some wonderful handcrafted glass beads made by Vickie Lee. She's open from Friday through Sunday year round, but if you need more information call her at (209)296-4141.
At the Union Inn bar you'll find two spunky ladies, Proprietress Laurie Lockhart (at right in the picture) and Kimberely Milo, her assistant manager (the blonde). Sidle up to the bar for a cocktail or a soda, and they'll welcome you with big smiles. For more information on the hotel, give them a call at (209)296-7711 or visit their website at this link Volcano Union Inn.
These are just a few of the things that you can experience in Volcano, population 102 plus or minus!
Keep watching this site for more blurbs, articles and musings on the Gold Country and more.
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