One of the most unexpected sights in Gold Country is a spanking-new, pedestrian-oriented development that looks like a Western movie set rising from the rolling hills alongside Highway 4.
Keep an eye on it, because Copperopolis Town Square, intended to evoke Hollywood-esque nostalgia for the 19th century mining era that put the real Copperopolis on the map, is sure to become a tourist magnet. It's also the centerpiece of a 3,000-home Castle & Cook residential development targeting Bay Area retirees.
Already several shops are open, loft-style residences are ready for buyers, and curious sightseers, drawn by the sight of the four-story Town Hall building, are turning in and checking out the buzz.
For early tenants like Donna Evans, whose Fancy Pans store can be likened to an outdoorsy Williams Sonoma, there's a feeling of being pioneers.
"In this very flat economy, we thought, 'Is there a worse time to open a business?' But we're holding our own, and we're very encouraged," she said.
Business is sure to get a boost by late summer or early fall, when several restaurants, including a high-end Italian place, a Mexican grill and a coffeehouse-wine bar, are scheduled to open. Sure to turn heads as well is Copper Custom Motorcycles, a retailer specializing in clothing and accessories for bikers.
That's the new Copperopolis.
For a glimpse of the old, make a short detour to 665 O'Byrnes Ferry Road, where Calaveras Olive Oil, a boutique olive oil producer, operates out of a building that really does date to the 19th century.
The translucent bottles of brightly colored oil on the tasting counter give the place the feel of an antique apothecary. Owner Ed Rich and his staff delight in instructing visitors on the subtleties of the many varieties of oils pressed and blended from local produce.
Three miles on the other side of Copperopolis Town Square, tucked into a region of rolling, oak-studded hills, is Castle & Cook's Saddle Creek Resort. Its Carter Morrish-designed golf course, ranked by Golf Week Magazine as among the top 10 public-access courses in the state, is the centerpiece of a high-end residential community.
The resort restaurant, Copper Grille, is an amazing find considering the relative remoteness of the location. Elizabeth Kailo, who recently came aboard as head chef, is introducing a market menu that will rotate with the seasons.
You don't have to be a golfer or club member to enjoy this beautiful resort setting: Saddle Creek's 17 beautifully furnished bungalows are available to the public and constitute perhaps the best-kept lodging secret in the region. A number of lodging packages are available, including one that includes premium seating and shuttle service to the summer and fall concert series at Ironstone Vineyards.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Copperopolis Town Square: 100 Town Square Road, Copperopolis; www.copperopolistownsquare.com; (866) 276-4235
Saddle Creek Resort and Copper Grille: 1001 Saddle Creek Drive, (209) 785-7400
Calaveras Olive Oil: 665 O'Byrnes Ferry Road, Copperopolis; www.calaverasoliveoil.com; (209) 785-1000
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