California's 'Jewel Of The Motherlode' Is An Underrated Shopping Hotspot Blending Art, Wine, And Scenery

Located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Northern California's Gold Country is a particularly gorgeous, historic, and adventure-filled region of the state. Also known as Mother Lode Country, a large amount of gold was found there in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, prompting many to move there and seek their fortune. While there is much natural beauty in Gold Country, like the scenic American River near Sacramento, Sutter Creek, nicknamed the "Jewel of the Motherlode", is known not only for its verdant surroundings, but also for the stately architecture of its buildings. Many of these original structures have been meticulously preserved on Main Street alongside a score of cute boutique stores and restaurants, making the downtown area one of the most noteworthy Main Streets in California.

Sutter Creek also lies in Amador County, which is one of the most prominent wine regions in Northern California. Zinfandel is the main varietal known to thrive in Sutter Creek, but one can find a variety of red and white grapes grown there as well. In order to visit the plethora of tasting rooms the town has to offer, a stay in the historic Hotel Sutter, established in the 1800s on Main Street, might be in order. In fact, a trip to Sutter Creek is just as attractive for those looking for a lovely shopping day as for those looking to get a sense of California's history.

The main drag of Sutter Creek hosts an impressive variety of shops, art galleries, and restaurants, as well as some buildings dating back to the 19th century. Located in a historic house, The Antique Gardener is an essential stop for shopping on Main Street. With a lush garden to stroll through behind the house, the store features a wide variety of plants and gardening tools, antiques, furniture, and children's clothing. Cozy Collectibles is another fun stop on Main where one can peruse a variety of collectibles like sports cards and coins, while also obtaining equipment like metal detectors to find their own fortune in the hills of the surrounding Gold Country.

There are a wealth of art galleries all over town, showcasing the artsy vibe that has been cultivated in Sutter Creek. Sutter Creek Gallery showcases the works of 20 celebrated local artists, with the occasional contribution from artists outside of the collective, that specialize in paintings, pottery, glass art, and photography. These works are available at affordable rates. The Fine Eye Gallery on Main also provides a fine selection of paintings from local artists, but also offers items like furniture and jewelry for a complete aesthetic experience.

One of the main attractions of the region is the nearby Amador County wine country, which features a plethora of lush vineyards, some situated in the high mountains, that specialize in varietals such as Zinfandel and Barbera. Many of the tasting rooms for these vineyards can be found in downtown Sutter Creek, such as the Bella Grace Vineyards, located in another historic house that was constructed during the 1860's. Here, a wide variety of reds, whites, and bubbles harvested from their vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley in nearby Plymouth are sold, as well as olive oils, vinegars, and a variety of salts. For delicious Syrah and a collection of canned wines with artistic labeling, Scott Harvey Wines on Main Street is worth investigating.

Those looking to get a glimpse into one of the longest lasting industrial sites in California should visit the Knight Foundry. As the last water-powered foundry and machine shop in the state, Knight Foundry is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They also offer self-guided and private tours. To view the sites where the reputation of the town, and indeed much of California, was made, the Gold Mine Trail features 18 locations of centuries-old gold mines now preserved as historical artifacts. 

While there are many delightful secret towns across California, like Sierra City hidden in the Sierra Mountains, Sutter Creek stands out as a must-see. Whether to experience a part of California's illustrious history or pick up some great antiques and bottles of wine, Sutter Creek is a gem in Northern California.