Head over to Murphys and let the enjoyment begin

The tourism heart of Calaveras County is Murphys, a former mining town that recently has morphed into a place so hip that some are calling it the "Carmel of the Mother Lode." Much of the fun at Moaning Cavern is well above ground – the state's first zip line offers a 30-second thrill ride. Another, longer run is planned. The Murphys Historic Hotel is one of the state's oldest operating hotels. Many 19th century movers and shakers stayed here, and some spirits, it is said, still go bump in the night. Gold, and lots of it, populated Calaveras County. Picturedt, the world's largest specimen of crystalline gold leaf, 44 pounds, is on display at the Heritage Museum, in a vault and behind bulletproof glass. The new gold, wine grapes: a Stevenot Vineyardsplot, one of many vineyards in the area producing mostly red wines. Wine tasting in Murphys. Splashing at Murphys Community Park.