Copperopolis California is located in
the gently sloped foothills of
the Sierra Nevada Mountain range of Central California. Named for
the copper that was discovered during the 1840's-50's, the gold rush
town has transformed into a modern day luxury resort that embraces
its reminders and of the past.
Copperopolis in Calaveras County
(home to the Jumping Frog Jubilee,) offers scenic beauty with hills
that turn lush green in the spring, then fade to pale, wheat shades
in the autumn as days become cool. Fall is an ideal time to visit
this region, and Copperopolis offers the perfect home base for
exploration.
In addition to the leaves turning
brilliant colors during the fall foliage season, the number of days
of rain is fairly low and the daytime temperatures are a pleasant 70
something, perfect shirt sleeve weather. You can feel the change in
the air as the nights become crisp and cool, so be sure to pack a
jacket for evening strolls, or even concerts, as the temps can reach
the 30's.
I selected a visit and stay at
Copperopolis for one reason--Saddle Creek Resort. Writing about
California is my business, so I take my hotel stays and time away
from my high speed FIOS Internet connection seriously. I can spend
hours or days examining hotels on the Internet before
departing for my journey, and I have simple thoughts about choosing
what to visit and where to stay. California gold country in which
Copperopolis is located has more than its share of budget chain
hotels, but that's not my thing. I personally prefer luxury whenever
I can find it, so having lucked upon this offering, I added an
additional day's visit to a travel writer conference in Murphys,
another Calaveras County city less than an hour by car from
Copperopolis. It was all meant to be. A wedding at Saddle Creek had
the place fully booked, except for one suite that I heard a guest
say she was unable to fill with a reservation for the wedding group
she was with. How lucky was that for me?
Saddle Creek Resort offers a club
atmosphere and a casual, comfortable appeal in the vein of Carmel
Valley Ranch on the Monterey coast. It's like apples and oranges to
compare them, because each residential golf resort perfectly fits
its location. Awaking in your condo at Saddle Creek Resort,
you can see the steam rise from the golf course as golfers tee off
in the morning mist from greens near your personal condo. Drinking
fresh brewed coffee from a pot available in your kitchen, go check
the front doormat where you'll find the San Francisco Chronicle
awaiting. After a comfortable night's sleep on luxury bedding with
down comforters, what can be better than a shower and fresh
bathrobe? For me it was the Bulgari soaps, lotions and
shampoos in a little basket in the bathroom that really made my day.
I had not worn my Bulgari parfum for months, but just before I left
for my trip, I found the lime green bottle and sprayed a bit on for
enjoyment. It was a precursor to my arrival at Saddle Creek, and yet
another sign that it was meant to be.
I tried the cobb salad offered on
the luncheon menu at the Copper Grille Restaurant, and found it was
perfect, all the way down to the bleu cheese dressing. More than enough grilled chicken on my plate, I simply
couldn't finish it. Stunning golf course views make dining in
the golf resort restaurant a must. The food is good, the views are outstanding,
and everyone who works there is top notch. I was sorry I had
to leave before checking out the weight room and swimming pool.
But off I went to Murphys Suites
and Ironstone Vineyards, home base for the conference. Nothing in
the region could compare with Saddle Creek as far as I was
concerned. There was only one problem I had during my stay--the
wi-fi signal to my suite was "very low" and I couldn't check my
email. That makes any trip a challenge. For some reason, my back-up
system of dial-up on a toll free number also wouldn't connect.
Nevertheless, I'd love to go back and stay longer at the resort.
My overnighter was one of many highlights to a drive tour filled
with views of the world's biggest trees, alpine lakes, mountain ski
resorts, balancing rocks and bristle pines. If you live in L.A. or
the San Francisco Bay
area, a trip like this is what you need from time to time.
Saddle Creek Resort
Location: 1001 Saddle Creek Drive, Copperopolis, CA
Cost: Varies but minimum is above
$100, call for details or check web site.
Call toll free: (800) 611-7722
Web: saddlecreeck.com
calsite |
