Tuolumne, California Visitors Attractions and Points of Interest

Maples by Design is a Tuolumne County (California Gold Rush region) business dedicated to growing and selling the largest selection of maple trees anywhere in the world. Only one place surpasses this grower's inventory--and that's Holland. Maples by Design is one business visitors can explore in Tuolumne County. For additional farm shopping close by, sure to check out: farmsoftuolumnecounty.org/

If you don't know your maples from your oaks or elms, a new appreciation for one of nature's loveliest trees is on the way via an arboretum / business known as Maples by Design. Located in the rich, rolling hills outside the city of Sonora in a small town called Tuolumne (twa-lu-me), visitors can call ahead and stop by to look at, enjoy and even purchase their favorite maple trees sold by a gent who's been growing maples for well over a decade.

Location: Maples By Design, 18197 Apple Colony Rd. Tuolumne, CA 95379.  maplesbydesign.com

Cost of Admission: Free

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday (Sundays by appointment), call first before visiting. Tel: (209) 928-3991.

Three sprawling acres of trees allow guests to wander along paths requiring comfortable shoes. While the public is invited to visit (school tours and group tours are offered by arrangement,) you are not expected to purchase a tree, though tree sales do support this working business. For those interested in acquiring specific types of maple trees, you'll find no better resource than Maples by Design.

California's Gold Rush era is rekindled in thriving businesses launched by entrepreneurs who have migrated to the Sierra foothills . Many have come either to rest and reflect, relax, or regroup from some previous lifestyle and career. And most find they can't sit still. The spirit of adventure that once brought folks from around the world to find fortune in stream beds, gold mines and hills of Central California, seems to inspire individuals today. Maples by Design is one perfect example of a business that began as a thought, then blossomed into a thriving enterprise that rivals any such company worldwide.

Things to see & do: One of the best events to take in during the summer months in Tuolumne County is the Sonora Farmer's Market each Saturday. Live entertainment and locally grown, farm fresh produce are highlights of this weekly town gathering.

When visiting, you may wish to stay in nearby Sonora, which features approx. five hotels, shopping, theater, movies and a weekly Farmers' Market that locals consider the town meeting spot for socializing and seeing one's friends and neighbors.