Take a drive through rustic countryside to the historic town of Ione, California

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 85 miles / 137 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Ione (pronounced 'eye-own') is a historic town in Amador County, California. It is well preserved and if feels like a city where time has frozen. Saloons, vineyards, Victorian era buildings and a pastoral countryside all come together to give this town charm. It's historical significance is owed to it's proximity to the gold mines. Ione's location on the main road made it an ideal supply center for prospectors on their way to the Mother Lode. Today it's proximity to Sacramento, Placerville and the bay area make it an ideal destination for a no-hassle "staycation".

Half the fun of visiting Ione is getting there. All roads into town involve a windy, pastoral drive. For those driving in on highway 49, the quaint towns of Plymoth and Pokertown offer plenty of places to stop for a drink. If you come from the east on the 88 then you'll pass through Fiddletown (population: ~200). This, blink-and-you'll-miss-it little burg only occupies a postage stamp stretch of road. Its bucolic setting makes it look like a set from the Andy Griffith show. For shutter-bugs, the lighting during the "golden hour" lends itself to postcard worthy photography. Whichever part of California you are coming from these little towns are all close enough to Ione that you can visit them without putting more than another 60 miles on your odometer.

Once in Ione, there's a number of buildings that call attention to themselves. Of these, The Preston Castle is certainly the most attention grabbing. "The Castle," as it's known locally, is an imposing building. It was built in the 1890s and is known for its detailed craftsmanship. This building used to be a school for convicted juveniles. The Castle has a notorious history. A graveyard on the premises has 23 graves where former inmates were buried. The Castle is said to be haunted.

If you're in Northern California this rural route into Ione is a good choice for a cheap all day getaway.

Tips: Bring your camera, sun screen and at least $20 per person if you're going to tour the castle. The tours, led by volunteer docents, cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-12. There's more details on the castle at included PrestonCastle dot com link.

Be sure to check the weather forecast on your way in. This drive is usually best in the morning when it's cool.

Points of Interest

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Start your trip at the Preston Castle in Ione

"The Castle", as it's known locally, was built over 100 years ago and was intended as a school for juveniles who were referred there by the courts.

Jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck, was raised in Ione and made a video about the building called "A Castle's Song" (Available from KVIE) to help fund restoration efforts.

Preston Castle's visiting hours vary. It's $10 or less to have a tour and the proceeds go the group that is attempting the restoration. Check PrestonCastle dot com for exact tour schedules and costs during the time of your visit.

Preston Castle in Ione: www.PrestonCastle.com Photo

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Drop by Fran & Kathleen's Grill for a meal

Ambiance: Frank and Kathleen's is a small restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. They have a walk-up window where you place your order. Parking is plentiful. Pets are welcome at the picnic tables outside.

Food and Drinks: Tri-tip, turkey, hamburgers, wraps, and homemade potato chips are most popular. Although not on the menu their vegan/vegetarian wraps are truly inspired. Sodas, beer, ice cream and milk shakes are in demand at Fran & Kathleen's during the hot summer months. Complete meals are affordable at around $7.

Service: One staff person takes orders and the other cooks. Consequently, there may be a bit of a wait for food. No worries; it'll be worth it.

Great vegi wraps and home made potato chips here Photo

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Meander into downtown Ione

Stretch your legs and take a walking tour of this charming old street. The entire area is only one city block in length but there's still plenty to see and do. Start with some drinks at The Golden Star Saloon.

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Clos du Lac Cellars

If wine is your cup of tea then Clos du Lac is probably a worthwhile place to visit while in Ione. Reviews found on the net are excellent. Their Sangiovese and Petite Syrah come highly recommended. Hours of operation are listed online at closdulac dot com or call 209-274-2238.

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Optionally, make a stop in Fiddletown, California

A tiny countryside town that is somehow quite memorable. A quick excerpt from wikipedia: "The town was first settled by Missourians in 1849 and in the 1850s served as a trading center for a number of mining camps in the area. The town also had one of the largest Chinese communities in the state (over 2,000 in the 1860 census)."

Pictures in this guide taken by: Athonia, Athonia, Killiondude (licensed under Creative Commons)

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