A Visit to Murphy’s and the Giant Sequoia Trees
I will freely admit that I am a tree hugger. Even at the expense of getting bark and ‘nature’ all over the front of my new sweater. Sunday, we took a short road trip for a visit to Murphy’s and the giant sequoia trees. Murphy’s is an adorable little town, but the real goal was to soak up nature. These trees are magnificent and simply take your breath away.
Murphy’s is a charming historic town in the heart of California Gold Country. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s just a 14-mile drive to the Calaveras Big Trees State Park which has two groves of giant sequoias, the world’s largest trees. The town is chock-a-block filled with cute boutiques, wine tasting, and an atmosphere that just doesn’t quit.
We stayed at The Victoria Inn, on Main Street which is smack dab in the middle of everything. We wandered around town before anyone was up Monday morning and just enjoyed the quiet. Weekends are packed here, but Mondays and Tuesdays are pretty quiet with some restaurants closed. I recommend you ask for a room over the driveway because the courtyard can get pretty loud in the evening.
My black cashmere sweater is from Quince, and no, it’s not my most flattering color, but I love it! I’m beyond delighted with their quality and for $50, I couldn’t resist it. These booties are another of Eileen Fisher’s knit footwear that’s made from recycled plastic bottles and super comfy.
Everything was getting decked out for the holidays and covered with lights which made me rack my brain, wondering where we’d stored our holiday decorations from last year. The shops were playing Christmas Carols and looked so darn cute.
It seems like every other shop is a wine tasting establishment, but I’m sure that’s a slight exaggeration:) We were sipping tea and coffee for our morning explore.
Visiting the giant sequoias
I didn’t get many pictures of the trees because I was so intoxicated by them. My husband grabbed photos but I just soaked the experience in. We walked the path, reading about the history of the trees, and I was again reminded of how very small we are.
These trees have been here for thousands of years, unlike the empty plastic water bottle I saw discarded along the North Grove trail. I won’t subject you to the rant my husband heard about the careless, selfish people who litter but suffice it to say, I was disappointed and annoyed.
The weather was warmer than expected so the coat I brought, never got worn, but I did need a warm vest in the evening. Tuesday I popped in and out of several little boutiques and did my best to support the local economy. I found these slippers and decided they were too darn cute to leave at the store. Could I have bought them for a few dollars less online? Sure, but I like to support small businesses when I can.
These Truffle Potato Chips are a dedacant treat and beyond amazing. Since they’re my daughter’s favorite, we bought two bags, but only one made it home.
Sutter Creek was a fun stop on our way home and even more decked out for the holidays. These cute little towns are fun to visit any time of year, but even more so around the holidays.
The temperature drops when the sun goes down so you need to bring layers and be prepared to bundle up. I packed nice pants to dress for dinner, but we found that jeans were totally acceptable everywhere. Murphy’s is a great place to spend the weekend, and if you get a chance, I recommend you see these amazing trees.
Are you a tree hugger?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
You said the black cashmere sweater isn’t the most flattering on you. I disagree.! You looked amazing in the black sweater and jeans outfit. The cashmere elevates the tree hugging look! I have fallen heavily for Quince cashmere, as well. Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, Lynn. I’m anxious to try their other items now that I know how great their cashmere is:)
I absolutely LOVE the giant Sequoia trees, Jennifer! These pictures bring back happy memories of the trips we have taken to that area. I just love when you visit quaint/cute small towns. I add them to the list of places to visit when we are in California again. So sorry to hear you are having problems with your hand. You are always so positive.
Thanks, Ruth. Few of us don’t struggle with body parts as we age:)
As a native born Californian who now lives in Florida, I love your travel posts around California. Born in San Francisco and lived in the Bay Area for decades, it’s nice to go back to the places I’ve been. So many memories. I used to think I’d move back there in a heartbeat, but not now. It has gotten too crazy for me. My granddaughter’s middle name is Sequoia — in honor of those huge trees!
What a fabulous middle name!!
Thank you for sharing the pictures of the trees. I like the one with you by the tree-shows how big they are- you look so tiny,
I think you look fantastic in black—so sophisticated with your blond hair! My personal preference is strong, saturated shades of colors on either the top or bottom and think most people look better in, for example, charcoal gray instead of heather gray. And yes, the trees are incredible!
I love the drama of black:)
Have not actually hugged a tree, but do love admiring them. On a past vacation to SF and wine country, we took a side trip to Muir Woods and admired those Redwoods. It’s like communing with God. I feel the same way about the mountains. They put things in perspective, and keeps these anxious thoughts at bay. These trees and mountains have weathered many tough times and seen difficulties and have persevered. Reminds me that this too shall pass. Thanks for your post.
Good point. They have endured, and so will we.
The trees are indeed magnificent. I would love to be able to hug one of those treasures of the forest….maybe someday! The little towns you visited seem so inviting. Bravo for buying local and supporting these businesses. Your outfits were so casual but beautiful! Have a great weekend Jennifer 🤩
Thank you for showing me this beautiful part of your country. I am also a tree hugger. I live in the south west of Western Australia where we are also lucky enough to have some magnificent old trees remaining in old growth forests. Nature is a wonderful thing and I also am disappointed at times when people leave their rubbish behind or when beautiful old trees are destroyed for so called progress. I hope to visit your country one day. Your outfits were perfect for the occasion and I loved each of them. I love reading you posts even though the seasons are different for us here with it now being summer time. Thank you again for sharing your life and your ideas.
Thanks for being here with us, Jan
My parents took us on a once-in -a- lifetime Easter holiday when I was at the perfect age to remember it. We saw sea lions and sand dunes in Oregon, dug for clams as the tide went out, then ate them in a homemade clam chowder. The whole trip was spent in nature playing, breathing and eating food the ocean had provided for us. A highlight was the incredible giant redwoods in northern California. Very few people were around. It was us and those amazing trees.
Time has moved on. My great aunt and uncle who went with us to the forest, and my parents have passed away. My parents wanted us to see the world beyond our own doorstep. We saw mountains and those trees that came before us and will be here after we are gone (I hope). Nature is our home, and we are the small guardians of this beautiful place — a trip with lessons that changed my life.
Beautiful, thanks for sharing your story with us.
Love the photo of you at the bottom of the tree. Those trees are absolutely astounding!
You look great in your hats!
Thanks, Beth, I do love hats
The trees are beautiful and your outfits perfect. Really like the sweaters. As a kid I loved th3 petrified forest!
I am a tree hugger. Also, I love Murphy’s! Several years ago, 8 long time friends and I made a road trip from SoCal to Murphy’s to surprise our former Girl Scout leader for her 90th birthday. She and her hubby had moved to Murphy’s upon retiring many years prior. We had 2 wonderful days reminiscing and exploring Murphy’s and the surrounding area.
Your outfit is perfect for tree hugging and exploring small towns like Murphy’s. Although, I would not wear cashmere, but some other soft sweater knit. Otherwise, that would be my outfit…even the hat! The past few years, I have become even more obsessed with hats and I still have a few from back in my teen years.
What a great trip you had. How fun. I bet she was thrilled to see you all.
I live in Auburn, so it’s fun to see pictures of my town and areas near me. After seeing your pics of Murphy’s, I think I will take a trip there this month. Looks like fun! I also would like to take my grandsons to see the trees. They are awesome! Thank you for sharing the places you visit and your thoughts on what to wear.
Great idea. I want to take my grandson too.