It's an old West town that predates even the Gold Rush. Sutter Creek began in 1846 when John Sutter (whose mill on American River was where gold was first discovered) sent a number of men out from his fort on the American River to search for a source of timber. One such party discovered an excellent stand of sugar pine about 45 miles south-southeast of the fort on a ridge above two creeks.

The southern of the two creeks was called Sutter's Creek, and by the mid-1850's it was a full-fledged mining town, with some of the richest "deep rock" mines in the Mother Lode.A century and a half later, Sutter Creek maintains its Gold Rush heritage and Old West facade. It's also become a great weekend getaway for valley visitors drawn by its small-town hospitality, its history, and much more. We'll explore a real gold mine and wander through an authentic dry goods store.

The town offers a surprising variety of excellent restaurants, antique and gift stores, and accommodations. Our Bette Vasquez will introduce us to the abundance of B&Bs and the immense diversity of dining choices available downtown. We'll sample everything from Mediterranean, Continental and California cuisines to pizza, local wines and fresh-baked goodies.

Sutter Creek Visitors Center
P.O. Box 1234
Sutter Creek, CA. 95685
(800) 400-0305
www.suttercreek.org

Accommodations:

Eureka Street Inn
55 Eureka Street
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
(800) 399-2389
www.eurekastreetinn.com

Hanford House
61 Hanford Street
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
(800) 871-5839
www.hanfordhouse.com

Grey Gables Bed & Breakfast
161 Hanford St.
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
(800) 473-9422
www.greygables.com

Foxes Bed & Breakfast
77 Main Street
Sutter Creek, CA. 95685
(800) 987-3344
www.foxesinn.com

Sutter Creek Inn
75 Main Street
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
(209) 267-5606
www.suttercreekinn.com

Restaurants:
Sutter Creek Palace
76 Main Street
Sutter Creek, CA. 95685
(209) 267-1300

Zinfandels
51 Hanford St.
Sutter Creek, CA. 95685
(209) 267-5008

Café Via d'Oro
36 Main St.
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
(209) 267-0535