Columbia State Park

The sun made an appearance yesterday

in honor of Valentines Day.

We took advantage of the spring like weather

and paid a visit to our local State Park in Columbia.

It was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the warm weather and smell the new grass.

The birds had the same idea.

The Columbia Firehouse.

The St. Charles Saloon is still in operation.

Girls in period clothing having fun on the wagon.

The Chinese Herbalist.

Established in 1856, the City Hotel was restored in 1975 by the state of California,

the nonprofit City Hotel Corporation, and Columbia College.

For many years the City Hotel was part of the

Columbia College culinary program.

Heading over to Columbia Candy Kitchen with my Valentine.

She worked at the candy store during her college years.

It is still owned and operated by the same family.

Their hand dipped chocolates are incredible.

Our kids loved riding the stagecoach when they were young.

Their favorite part was when we were held up by bandits on horseback.

It was a little frightening for our youngest son who was two at the time.

The Fallon House Theatre. Visit their website here.

Dial M For Murder starts March 26.

Once upon a time when our kids were very young, we lived in Juneau, Alaska.

When things became too hectic around the house, we'd load the kids into our mini-van and take a drive. Eventually, the boys would all fall asleep and my wife and I had a moment or two of quiet. Often times, we'd drive around just looking at homes in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Our kids are grown now but we still enjoy spending an afternoon driving through different neighborhoods in Sonora admiring the many different architectural styles of homes in the area.

I'm always amazed at the diversity in the older neighborhoods. Most of the photographs below are from the Meyers Hill area.

From Spanish style ...

to colonial.

Arts and Crafts era bungalows...

to mid century modern.

This looks very much like an Eichler home from the 50's.

All of these beautiful homes in one neighborhood.

Take a drive around your area. See how many different styles of homes you can find.

If you have young children, you may even get the added bonus of some quiet time.