Old Town Columbia is the perfect place to discover California’s past because it is the best preserved Gold Rush town. With many events going on throughout the year and so many things to do on a daily basis, Old Town Columbia is a great place to spend the day. In 1850, Dr. Thaddeus Hildreth, his brother George and a handful of other people discovered gold. People flocked into the area to try and get a piece of the gold for himself. There isn’t an natural [...]

Columbia, California is located about 20 minutes from Twain Harte. Once you enter the Columbia Historic State park, you’ll immediately feel like you’re walking back in time.  Old shops line each side of the ‘western gold mining town’.  You may get an old picture taken as an outlaw or saloon girl, or treat yourself to some delicious old western candies.  Try a root beer float or stop by and buy an historic costume.  Each store is unique and gives you insight into what it was like the 1850s in California.
There [...]