Welcome to Wander Wednesdays! Where each week we highlight a business in Tuolumne County that is new, adaptive, or inspiring to bring a little brightness to your day. Let us wander Tuolumne County for you!
Wander with us this Wednesday to Flappy's Pizza Co in downtown Sonora! 🍕 This brand new pizzeria is hosting their grand opening this Saturday, September 4th! First of all, you can get any of their inventive pizzas like The Colonel (an elote inspired pizza) as toppings on not only pizza but also burgers, calzones, or on fries! Those looking for a fast-casual lunch can rejoice, because Flappy’s is selling slices and salads out of their Washington Street facing window! They are also about to become your favorite night out hot spot because after 10pm Flappy’s Pizza Co. transforms into Flappy’s Lounge which serves specialty cocktails, small plates, and even hosts karaoke!
There is so much more to dive into and get excited about! Follow along @flappyspizzaco to see all the fun plans they have in store! Open daily
P.S. If you get the Flappy Pizza icon tattooed on you, you’ll get free pizza FOREVER! 😳🍕
Wander with us this Wednesday to Savage & Scout in Downtown Sonora! Opened recently by business partners, Bobbi & Malachi, Savage & Scout is a homebase for their respective ventures, Scout Provisions and Savage Fly Fishing. It is also Sonora’s newest destination for expertly curated vintage wares and modern apparel for the ladies & gents in your life (or for yourself!) They have done the hard work for you, all you have to do is decide how many pieces to take home!
There is SO much to look forward to this summer and beyond from Savage & Scout! They are creating a marketplace (savageandscoutmarketplace on Instagram) where their expertly sourced goods can be shipped to you. They are also launching new apparel from Scout Provisions, all you adventurous women out there are sure to love. Finally, Savage Fly Fishing is beginning full guide service fly fishing excursions in Tuolumne County. Swing by Savage & Scout’s brick and mortar location Wednesday-Saturday!
📍59 N Washington St. Sonora
Wander with us this Wednesday to Golden Chain Climbing Gear in Jamestown! Having opened this past fall, Golden Chain is dedicated to all things climbing! From amateur rock climbers to advanced mountaineers, you can find it there; they even recently started carrying professional tree climbing gear.
The owners are avid rock climbers who are happy to offer advice and point you in the right direction. They also have weekly meetups (typically on Saturdays) if you are looking to watch or participate in different types of rock climbing in Tuolumne County. Back behind the shop is also a new rock-climbing wall where you can test out gear before you buy it or get a feel for what some of the local climbing is like.
Whether you have always wanted to try bouldering in Columbia or trad in Yosemite, Golden Chain Climbing Gear has the equipment and knowledge to help you wander vertically! Stop by their shop Wednesday-Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm or Sunday 12-3pm!
📍18204 Main St, Jamestown
Wander with us this Wednesday to Mountain Sage Coffee in Groveland! Beloved by locals and Yosemite National Park visitors, Mountain Sage is the perfect pit stop for your morning coffee. There are four separate businesses operating on the Mountain Sage property; the coffee shop, nursery, gallery/shop, and watershed program, however they are all one community so you can enjoy your homemade ginger ale at tables in the nursery.
At the heart of Mountain Sage Coffee is whole food that is nourishing. They make all of their syrups from scratch and source organic and local ingredients. Look for their new overnight oats and chia seed puddings coming soon, and you have to try the orange dark chocolate latte which is worthy of a stop on its own!
There are so many exciting things on the horizon for Mountain Sage Coffee and Nursery, in May the coffee shop hours will expand to 7am-5pm, 7 days a week! Last week the nursery also received new plants for the season so stop by to get your garden going! You can reserve the gardens for catered private parties as well anything from bridal showers to book club lunches. Also keep an eye out for outdoor concerts in the coming months!
You won’t want to miss Mountain Sage Coffee and Nursery the next time you’re in Groveland!
Wander with us this Wednesday to Foxy Roxy's Dogge Shoppe, your new destination for the dogs in your life in downtown Sonora! Opened by the Hailey family, who have years of experience in the pet service industry, Foxy Roxy's is the place to find accessories, toys, and clothes for your favorite doggo. For over 15 years, opening a shop was the Hailey’s dream, and now they have been able to make it a reality. Spoil the furry friend in your life with a “White Paw” chew toy or an adorable dog cookie from the treats bar! They also have a selection of home goods for the dog-lover and human clothes to show off your affection for your four-legged BFF.
Stop by your puppy’s new favorite store, from 10am-6pm daily, or 11am-5pm on Sundays.
Wander with us this Wednesday to The Harte of the Kitchen in Twain Harte! 👩🍳 Opened by Carol and Allan Hancock in 2011, they knew Twain Harte would be the perfect place for a kitchen shop. For amateur cooks and gourmet chefs alike, Harte of the Kitchen has you covered for all your cooking needs! Find everything from pots and pans to the latest gadgets, like the customer favorite pot minder, which prevents your dishes from boiling over! The Harte of the Kitchen makes home cooking fun and easy! Stock up on supplies to surprise your partner with a home cooked meal for a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day.
Stop by for their annual President’s Day Weekend sale starting Friday! They are offering 15% off storewide under $100 and 20% off over $100! Open 7 days a week, they are located right next to the Twain Harte Arch. Also, look out in the coming months for the return of the Harte of the Kitchen’s cooking classes from gourmet chefs and their weekly happy hours!
Wander with us this Wednesday to Seven Sisters Soap & Candle Co. in Columbia State Historic Park! In 2012 Glinda, who is one of seven sisters, turned her peace-of-mind passion project of making goat's milk soap into a reality. Now Seven Sisters provides soaps, candles, classes, and kits to visitors. With an ever-changing selection of seasonal scents, there are always new soaps and candles to choose from. They even carry specially painted candles (like Baby Yoda!) for one-of-a-kind gifts. Their historically inspired candle dipping station is also open for the public or available to rent for private parties.
Open 7 days a week, swing by Seven Sisters for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone or purchase one of their candle kits for a romantic date night at home. Always wanted to learn how to make soaps and candles? Keep an eye out for in-person classes returning in the coming months!
P.S. Did you know they have an online store? ALL products are 15% off when ordered online!
📍 22719 Broadway Street, Columbia
Wander with us this Wednesday to Yoshoku and Formosa in Downtown Sonora! Having just celebrated their 4th anniversary on January 12th, Yoshoku, is Tuolumne County’s destination for out-of-this-world ramen. Their sister establishment, Formosa, is the perfect place for an afternoon treat of milk tea or boba.
There is a little something for everyone at Yoshoku! Their Japanese ramen and poke are influenced by contemporary flavors. Perfect for these cold winter days, try the more traditional spicy tonkotsu ramen or modern take on basil pesto ramen. Order online for ease of pickup and don’t skip on their daily buy-one-get-one deal on thai tea from 11am-2pm! Keep up with Yoshoku and Formosa on social media to be in the know for upcoming news and specials!
Enjoy international cuisine throughout Tuolumne County. Dining locally while dreaming globally helps support our local restaurants.
Wander with us this Wednesday to Fittin' Pretty Bras & Boutique in downtown Sonora! After years of working in industries centered around helping people look and feel their best, Shanna Huber took over a local boutique and opened Fittin’ Pretty. Their goal is to be a welcoming and comfortable place where you can leave feeling good about yourself with correctly fitting garments. The front half of the store houses everyday clothing and accessories, with an inclusive size range from 0-24. The back half is where you can find bras and lingerie in a tasteful environment. It can be tough to find fun and unique clothes that match your personality and make you feel great in your own skin, but Fittin’ Pretty is here to help! Shanna and her team will go above and beyond to find or customize pieces just for you!
In the next couple months, Fittin’ Pretty will also be certified to offer mastectomy bra fittings to continue their journey of helping all women find clothing and undergarments that fit well. Stop in or shop online and get ready to hear your friends start asking “where did you get that??”
📍 54 S Washington St, Sonora
Wander with us this Wednesday to the newest shop in downtown Sonora, Local Collective! It was opened by mother and daughter duo April Wold and Madilyn Broxham who wanted to create a space for local makers to showcase their goods for everyone to enjoy. As Madilyn is a local artisan herself, highlighting the makers of the Mother Lode is a core goal.
There is always something new and exciting to discover at Local Collective, like handmade cutting boards and candles, which are sourced primarily from local artisans or small businesses in the USA. At the heart of Local Collective is locals supporting locals, whether that is purchasing a gift for a loved one, stopping to enjoy a sweet treat, or finding unique goods to fill your home. They also have a vegan soft-serve and espresso bar, which is open late so you can pick up a snack during an afternoon stroll downtown. You cannot skip their family favorite affogatos! Looking forward, keep an eye out for more events like their previous mini holiday market and workshops by local makers! You can always find a meaningful and lasting gift at Local Collective! For last minute Christmas shopping they are open from 11-7 today and 9-3 on Christmas Eve Day!
Wander with us this Wednesday to The Walk-In Closet Boutique in Twain Harte! 👗 Opened by Twain Harte local, Kyra Johnson who has combined her passion for fashion with her love of giving back. She calls The Walk-in Closet a ‘mixed boutique’ of generally 75% consignment and 25% new women's and men's clothing and accessories, where you can shop local while supporting the small businesses Kyra sources for items. One of the best parts of consignment shopping is creating a style that is uniquely yours or finding the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. Every Thursday, The Walk-in Closet receives roughly 300 new items and every Sunday many pieces are 50% off, so there is always something new to discover.
Since September, The Walk-in Closet has been in a new bigger location right at The Twain Harte Arch! Knowing everyone has different comfort levels, The Walk-in Closet is happy to accommodate, from in-person shopping, online sales, to even Zoom appointments for virtual shopping. You can also have items wrapped and shipped directly to your loved ones without having to set foot in the store! Looking forward to 2021, The Walk-in Closet is excited for the return of Giveback Evenings, where the entire store is 25% off and a local charity is selected to receive 25% of the profits. Find unique gifts for the holidays every Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 11am-4pm at The Walk-in Closet!
Wander with us this Wednesday to Brush & Cork in Sonora! Opened by Judy Grossman, Brush and Cork is a place to express your creativity with friends and family through paint parties. Bring snacks and drinks of your choice and follow along with an artist's instructions to become the painter you have always wanted. While 2020 has thrown a lot of curve balls, Brush and Cork has risen to the occasion to continue to give locals a place to come together, virtually. With a new state of the art set-up you can now join in the painting fun through Zoom. This is perfect for hosting holiday parties with friends and family across the country or down the street. Brush and Cork is also available to those across the U.S.A.! As the season for coming together is arriving, stay safe and join one of Brush and Cork’s parties like the annual snow globe on December 4th or plan a private party with a painting of your choice!
Either in person, online or a combination, Brush and Cork is willing to think out of the box to help you and your loved ones express your creativity and take a moment to be together. Find out more about Brush and Cork schedule or plan your own private party at brushandcork.com.
Wander with us this Wednesday to Sonora School of Sewing & Apparel Construction located in downtown Sonora! 🧵Established in 2011 the School began as a project to teach “at risk” youth basic clothing construction and has developed into a full-service sewing school including classes, alterations, manufacturing, and a haberdashery. The focus of Sonora School of Sewing continues to be rooted in teaching people of ages 4 and up traditional methods of apparel construction and design. No matter your skill level, in their classes you will be able to work on a project of your choosing so that you can walk away having made something you truly love. At the core of the School is community enrichment for Tuolumne County locals.
There is so much more to Sonora School of Sewing than meets the eye! This year they created an online store which sells fabrics, patterns, and kits all of which are available for purchase in store as well. The school offers seasonal classes and workshops for those looking to dip their toe in. Make gifts for the holidays you can cherish for years to come at their upcoming workshops for things like knit dresses and stuffed animals. They even offer a face mask workshop! Local businesses can support local too because the School designs prototypes and will manufacture the items for you. Create giveaway bags, banners or Christmas stockings, the sky’s limit! Swing by the Sonora School of Sewing to learn more about all the wonderful services they offer!
Wander with us this Wednesday to the new mountain bike trail in Stanislaus National Forest created by Groveland Trail Heads! 🚴 Co-creator of the trail, Dwight Follien’s goal was to create a route that could be a destination for mountain bikers. Other trails intertwine at this location and are multipurpose for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking, however this new trail, affectionately named Tap 5, is strictly for mountain biking and it is awesome! This path is perfect for all skill levels and families at around 1.3 miles in length. Tap 5 is home to fun jumps, berms, rollers, and our favorite--the double sneaky log drop. Each feature has a go-around so they can be avoided by beginners. Tap 5 can also be ridden in either direction with lines of sight throughout the trail for a safe new experience. As with most places to mountain bike in Tuolumne County, Tap 5 is open year-round!
Only a few minutes off Highway 120, it can be hard to spot the entrance your first time out. Located off Ferretti Road, just outside of Groveland, it is at the coordinates (37.8386317, -120.1251394). All skill levels are welcome to come enjoy this fun new trail!
Groveland Trail Heads is a non-profit organization that is always looking for volunteers and donors to help create, preserve, and protect mountain bike trails throughout Tuolumne County and neighboring counties. Find out how to get involved at grovelandtrailheads.org.
Wander with us this Wednesday to The Independent Wine Co located in downtown Sonora! 🍷 Opened by Eric and Gardner Davis, father and son duo and longtime Sonora locals, The Independent Wine Co. blends their passion for delicious wine and innovative small plates. The Independent Wine Co. is a community wine bar, bringing food friendly wines with low acidity knowledgeably found from all over the world to the locals of Tuolumne County. Celebrating their first anniversary a couple weeks ago, it has been an eventful year for The Independent Wine Co. As with many, pivoting has been the name of the game, and The Independent Wine Co. has risen to meet these challenging times. They started with to-go meal kits and expanded their retail options to create a beautiful back patio for outdoor dining and recently introduced their indoor seating again. The Independent Wine Co. was created to bring fun and levity into the world of wine tasting. No more white table clothes! Gather with friends and family to enjoy a relaxing evening. If you are looking to expand your wine knowledge Eric and Gardner are experts and are happy to make learning about wine less intimidating.
There is always something fun to look forward to at The Independent Wine Co. They have an always adapting wine selection so you may not always see your favorite, but Eric and Gardner skillfully pick wines for every taste. They also have introduced a monthly wine tasting, and if you cannot get enough, they have a wine club too! Stop by Wednesday-Saturday 3-8:30pm to pick up a bottle to take home for dinner or grab a glass and a seasonal snack.
Wander with us this Wednesday to Tiny Birds Tiny Bees, the new shop in Jamestown offering unique goods for babies and moms! Opened by longtime Jamestown local, Dena, she made her vision of designing children’s clothing and thoughtfully sourcing items a reality with Tiny Birds Tiny Bees. Launching online in 2018, she continued to see her online sales grow as she carefully curated all the products she loved for kid’s clothing and accessories for moms. Opening her storefront in Jamestown this summer, Dena is fulfilling the local need for a children’s clothing store. The goods Dena designs, with her graphic artist brother, include the lost in otter space swaddle and a whole home-grown veggie collection complete with swaddle blankets, outfits, and stickers! Products at Tiny Birds Tiny Bees come with an origin story you can stand behind whether it is fair trade or supporting women, these goods are made for you to cherish.
By shopping at Tiny Birds Tiny Bees you are supporting a small mom-run business. With hours that are “mommy friendly”, Tiny Birds Tiny Bees is currently open Thursday-Friday 11-4 and Saturday 11-5 with added Sunday hours closer to the holidays. Look out for new winter clothing items and toys with purpose coming soon. Order online or stop by Tiny Birds Tiny Bees in Jamestown for the perfect gift for the moms and kids in your life!
Wander with us this Wednesday to the newly revamped Columbia Frosty! 🍦 Longtime locals Matt and Christin always joked that they would buy the Columbia Frosty when they retired, but when they were ready for a career change earlier this year, they made their dreams a reality. The Columbia Frosty is remembered fondly from Christin’s childhood where her favorite shake was the blackberry, which is still on the menu today! Their opening was delayed, as many were, but were finally able to open last month!
They are currently open for outdoor dining and are excited to open the indoors, which is filled with old school blue diner booths, soon. The Tuolumne County community has been so kind and welcoming to the Columbia Frosty, many harkening back to memories they made at the old Frosty when they were kids. Family is at the heart of their business where Matt and Christin want to provide family time not only for themselves but their employees too. Open 11-5 Wednesday-Sunday, stop by for a local’s favorite double gold rush burger and swirl soft serve ice cream which lives up to the hype!
Wander with us this Wednesday to Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp in Columbia! Inner Sanctum has been a leader on how to adapt a business for these changing times in Tuolumne County. They moved their wine tasting outdoors, created wine flight, and even host socially distant weekend entertainment with local musicians (and invented our favorite wine margaritas!) While 2020 has given most people a kick in the pants, Karen and Pete Luckhardt used it as an opportunity to think outside of the box and give people a way to enjoy themselves when times are tough. Locals supporting locals is at the heart of Inner Sanctum and they are finding ways to help the Tuolumne County community find a safe place to relax and have a good time while enjoying their delicious wines.
There is so much to look forward to at Inner Sanctum! Beer lovers can rejoice because not only do they have their beer license and currently sell beer, but they are opening a tap room in coming months. New wines are launching this fall as well as four sparkling wines in time for the holiday season. They even went to ‘cheese school’ so now you can enjoy expertly paired cheeses with their award-winning wines. Everyone could use an excuse for a fun time and Inner Sanctum is here to provide it to locals while keeping safety as their top priority.
Wander with us this Wednesday to Echo Adventure Cooperative, in Groveland! 🥾 Echo Adventure is a truly inspiring organization, which has risen to meet these challenging times. They began as an excursion cooperative, providing fair wages to guides and no gimmicks to guests while protecting the environment. ECHO Adventure’s journey has led them to develop into so much more than what they envisioned early-on, offering tours of Yosemite and Tuolumne County. Their Basecamp, a sustainable and used outdoor gear shop, had a slow start, slated to open March 20th, 2020, but ECHO Adventure did not let the current circumstances slow them down. Stepping up to help their local community in Groveland, they used their tour vehicles to delivery groceries to locals. This program continues now as the Groveland Grocery Fund, set to provide food to the people of Groveland when times get tough.
There is no shortage of things to look forward to at ECHO Adventure as they continue to flex their creative muscle and lead by example. Even when it is tiring, they continue to pivot and create new ways to serve Tuolumne County. Shop for sustainable and used outdoor gear at their Basecamp. Get some peace and quiet at their aptly named Adventure Loft, the ultimate secret getaway in downtown Groveland. While the yoga, massage, and reiki studios are currently closed, outdoor yoga is being offered. Also keep your eye out for paddle board classes and floating yoga in 2021.
AND get excited because ECHO Adventure is opening their second storefront this spring dedicated to sustainable and locally-made souvenirs! ECHO Adventure’s members have poured their heart and soul into being the change they always wanted in the tourism and excursion industry. There is always something new happening at ECHO Adventure, stop by their Basecamp or book a tour to see Tuolumne County like you never have before!
Wander with us this Wednesday to Revive Coffee in the town of Tuolumne! Owners Dan and Sophia did not want to see their dreams pass them by. They packed up their lives and moved back home to the foothills of the Sierra to follow their longtime aspiration to run a community-driven coffee shop. Revive Coffee’s goal is to bring more intention to the drink most of us have every morning. As a people-first business, Revive Coffee wants to share joy with folks one cup at a time. There is a real sense of local support and community throughout Revive with the coffee being named after local landmarks like Columbia.
Like a fine wine there is depth to the coffee at Revive. Stop by or order on their app to try their coffee, tea, and delicious foods made primarily with locally-sourced and organic ingredients. Other ways to bring Revive’s amazing coffee into your life: rent their mobile station for weddings and events, try their coffee catering for meetings, or pick up some of their single serving steeped bags for your next backpacking trip. There is so much to look forward to with Revive from tasting events to social media takeovers and giveaways. Swing by Revive Coffee for your daily brew and to learn more about the origins and process that go into each cup of coffee.
Wander this Wednesday with us to Sonora’s newest B&B, The Royal Olive Manor! 💐 Opened by longtime Tuolumne County locals, Steve and Cindy Zelinsky and their daughter Parkyre Zelinksy-Salcedo, The Royal Olive Manor is rich with local history. The Zelinsky’s had been dreaming about what was inside the well-recognized Victorian house on Washington Street and when it came up for sale Parkyre said she knew it was meant to be. Named for original owners’ daughter, Olive Sarah Hale Knudsen, who was known for being a gracious and welcoming host, it was a perfect match for the Zelinsky’s whose partner businesses include Lazy Z Resort and Emberz.
Each room in the Royal Olive Manor is named after a captivating woman who once lived in on site, since it was built with local lumber in the late 1800’s. The Zelinsky’s goal is to keep the history alive, seen also with much of the décor also holding a special place in Tuolumne County’s history, while also adding modern day touches like a pizza oven. It is all the attention to detail around The Royal Olive Manor that really makes the space something special. Currently the rooms are available to stay in with meals provided many using produce grown on the estate. Even for locals to take a staycation, for being in downtown Sonora, it feels worlds away. It is also available for photo shoots. In the future they are looking forward to hosting events like bridal showers and helping the local community connect more to its history. If you have time, swing by to chat, their doors are always open to learn about The Royal Olive Manor’s history. Also don’t forget to say hi to the friendly spirits, like Peter who leaves handprints around the property when you visit.
Wander this Wednesday with us to Around The Horn Brewing Company, Groveland’s new brewery! 🍻 Opening a brewery close to Yosemite and for the people of Tuolumne County has been a longtime plan for owners Andrew Sabatine, Rachel Joy Sabatine, and Shirley Horn. With a passion for beer, country music concerts, and the High Sierra, Groveland was the perfect match. The goal of Around the Horn is to make a beer for everyone. Visit with an open mind and get ready to try some out-of-this-world beer, and delicious innovative food to match. They offer a rotating beer selection so you will never get bored, although we are currently obsessed with their Tip Top Lollipop in Raspberry Black Current Vanilla. “Crowlers” their solution to growlers, allow you can take your favorite beer, like Hetch Hetchy Haze, on your hike through Yosemite or to enjoy at home. Their use of local artisans and commitment to preserving the history of the building shine through in areas like their restored bar. You will always find something new and exciting to try at Around the Horn. Be sure to say hi to their “bar-madillo” and enjoy a cold one on your next adventure in Groveland.🍺
Wander with us this week to Joyful heart gardens! New to Jamestown, it is the locally driven place for plants and so much more to make your home a sanctuary, especially now. The goal for Joyful Heart Gardens is right in the name, to bring joy to people’s hearts. Owner Malania Taylor’s passion for plants and the Tuolumne County community inspiring. Malania wants to encourage having pride in your home and town. She shares that, “Jamestown made this happen” through the steps that led to Joyful Heart Gardens being stunning garden it is today.
Joyful Heart Gardens is all about locals supporting locals, from locally sourced plants and goods to local artists work covering the walls and for sale. Ever wonder what plants deer will not eat (hint: rosemary), what should you be planting now, or can this live in a pot? Joyful Heart Gardens has the answers for you! In coming months, you can look forward to Joyful Heart Gardens being on the forefront of making Jamestown a more beautiful and safer place, hosting more socially distant events, and of course getting new winter produce and flowers.
Wander this Wednesday with us to Sonora Fly Co. in downtown Sonora! 🎣 Opened recently by longtime Sonora local and avid angler Brian, he hopes to bring his passion for fly-fishing in Tuolumne County’s lakes and rivers to locals and visitors alike. Tuolumne County is the ultimate under the radar destination for its year-round fishing access, diversity of fish, and uncrowded variety of waters. Stop by Sonora Fly Co to schedule an excursion for drift and walk/wade trips or pick the knowledgeable staff’s brains about practical advice for catching fish in the area and finding the right gear for the right job. Novices and advanced anglers welcome! Above all Sonora Fly Co just wants you to keep fishing!
