This review is for the polar express train ride. Let's cut right to the sleigh bells: At a cool $85…read morea pop, this ride definitely costs more than a lump of coal. For my family of three, we signed up for the holiday hype, and while it wasn't exactly perfect, it was certainly an event to remember! Singing Christmas carols was an absolute delight! My personal highlight? The hot chocolate scene. The performers were fantastic, and the cocoa itself was surprisingly delicious & paired with a yummy snickerdoodle cookie. The trip to the North Pole, while blessedly short, felt truly magical. Watching all the kids scramble to one side of the train to catch a glimpse of Santa's HQ was a sight. Now, for the "improvements" section. The train apparently needs a gallon of WD-40. Parts of the ride were punctuated by a noise I can only describe as "ears-piercing squeaky"--a sound that could shatter a candy cane. Also, when the classic Polar Express story was being read, those of us in the back were left playing a fun game called "Can You Hear Me Now?" (Spoiler: We could not). Finally, the outside scenery was less "winter wonderland" and more "passing landscape." It would have been brilliant if they had just added a few festive Christmas decorations along the route. Just a few! We aren't asking for a full-scale holiday village, just something besides barren trees. While our ride came with a few minor mechanical and auditory "features," we still had a magical time. It wasn't perfect, but what ever is?

This review is strictly for the 'Polar Express' holiday ride…read more Our family had high expectations for the polar express train ride. We were looking forward to a "magical" evening for the kids but the experience turned out to be what a huge disappointment and waste of money!! 45 minutes of the one hour ride was a slow churn in darkness through unkept brush. for $80 a person ($720 for the family), it is an insult to people and to the holiday! Shame on these people! Wow!! Wow!! Wooow!! That is what we kept saying as we approached the 'north pole' which was some farm equipment with lights on them, crudely painted wood and cardboard cutouts of reindeer and other christmas figures, horrible lighting, and a couple of people standing in costumes waiving. At $80 a person, this is a complete RIP OFF! We all agreed that at best it is not worth more than $20, Avoid this scam at all costs.

We always love hiking here. It's easy to hike with kids, even though it can get a little rocky and…read morea little muddy. The cave is always beautiful, especially when the water is flowing. Today, there are still descent of people hiking, and we came around 12:30 Easy Hike!Gonna come back again soon. P. S please leave no trace

I went here on a weekday, and when I arrived in the parking lot, I was shocked by how much was…read moregoing on. It definitely did not feel like a safe place to leave a car or to walk alone. There appeared to be drug activity, and there were people living in their cars. It felt more like a place for people to hang out and purchase drugs than a normal parking lot. I observed this as I drove through, which was very concerning. This was a bummer, especially since the trail itself looked beautiful. I'm surprised that law enforcement hasn't been called by the neighborhood, but then again, I understand that people can sometimes become used to these conditions.

My family and I were early to check in into our bnb so we decided to take our kids to the park…read more Mixed review with this park. I do like how it has bathrooms. Always a plus for me. Plenty of parking , places to sit, and shade. I think the park needs fixing up as some of the items are damaged so that's a safety concern. Some of the play structure like the swinging monkey bars and the one where you hang on a glide across is too tall for children to reach. It would be great if it was lowered to the children could reach it. It was an okay park.

This playground really needs some attention. I was there yesterday and it's not looking good. I…read morewill not be bringing my granddaughter to this park anymore and I advise everybody to stay clear of this place. There are too many dangers and sharp screws protruding out. It's not good. It needs attention right now.

A great park to lounge and enjoy a picnic before or after embarking on the Dragoon Gulch trail…read more Woods Creek Rotary Park is a fantastic park for all ages. It has a playground, BBQ pits, picnic tables, and a baseball field. It's lined by elms - as well as a year-round creek. I came here a couple of weeks back to meet up with some friends and I was thoroughly impressed with it's accessibility. I was particularly appreciative of their public bathrooms. The grounds are well maintained, it's fairly easy to park nearby, and there's a nice combination of shady and sunny areas. I look forward to manifesting more adventures here. Trust.

Very very short trail more like a stroll. Lots of mushrooms, very beautiful. Easy sorta confusing…read moreat the end thought it would longer and didn't realize it was trail in and out not round back. Went left after the bridge wonder if we were supposed to go right instead . Next time

Such a great hike that can be made easy or more difficult depending on which route you take and…read morewhat you are up for. Absolutely beautiful in the fall!

Nice park BUT folks need to pick up after their dogs. SO much poop everywhere. There are bags and…read moretrash cans therefore no excuse for that. The area is on a hill and all dirt. If you have mobility issues this is not the park for you.

We accidentally went to this park - in search of the other Rotary park in Sonora. I am so glad that…read morewe did. Sunrise Rotary Dog Park is quite lovely. There are dividers for the dog park - so if you have a small dog or bigger dog - you can pick which side you think would be best. The park also features a rock climbing area for kids and a community garden.  You must have a dog to access the dog run area, but there were some comfortable benches outside of the fenced in areas, that offered beautiful views of the landscape if you wanted to just enjoy the nearby scenery. There are also shaded picnic benches nearby - if you plan on enjoying a mellow afternoon here. I talked with some of the dog owners during my brief time at this dog park - and everyone seemed very friendly. If you have a dog and are looking to meet fellow dog owners - I highly suggest you checking out this peaceful dog park. If are you are looking to test out your green thumb - you can also apply to be part of the Sonora Rotary community garden here - http://nebula.wsimg.com/244db779a6a0f5fbedbb56c7570ecdb1?AccessKeyId=CEDA253B1864EADD0AB2&disposition=0&alloworigin=1 . Trust.

What an amazing day at Columbia State Park. Weather was good but starting to warm up in the…read moreafternoon , so was super nice most of the day. Bring a hat, and sunscreen Took my wife for mother's day up to Tuolumne county, While there tonight we would go to Columbia state park, my old stomping ground with the fire dept and working with cal fire, and there air retardant planes. Been along while but some of the memories are there. Meanwhile back at the trip forgive my ADHD brain. lol Columbia State park is awesome. If you like history of California and a lot of the gold rush , a good part is here and can learn and shop like you are in the old west. Yes that's right! The staff and such all wear clothing from that time. There is even a stage coach with beautiful huge horses. (If you are allergic they are easily avoidable, but from afar they are gorgeous. Yes I'm allergic, it sucks I love animals. If you are allergic just fyi) Anyways, if you never have gone, ? GO! If you like theater / Live Plays, be sure to check out the "Fallon House Theater", so you might be planning a nice little romantic date night, theater , and icecream .. Or a day trip with the family , there is some good restaurants in town and lots to do with familiy or loved one, candle making, which is a different shop, from the candle store... But you get my drift, theres lots to do, date night / day, or day out with the family....

Amazing place! Super neat gold rush era educational visit. Lots to learn and see! Wow the theming…read moreis incredible and there are businesses inside of these historical buildings. They're real operating restaurants, bars, coffee shop, candy stores. Spend a few hours here and slowly take your time checking out all the buildings and activities and museum spaces

I've hiked Yosemite my whole life, but the one thing I hadn't experienced was the Yosemite Valley…read morefire falls which occurs every year, if the conditions are just right. I never knew the best place to view them from so didn't try in previous years. We scheduled time with Gabe from Wild Yosemite and he took us to a spot to view the falls from that is kind of a secret spot where only a few serious photographers were located. My wife and I watched the fire falls and sipped wine from about 700 feet above the valley floor. It was amazing. Gabe at Wild Yosemite scouts out the best hikes, best viewing locations that only come with constant exploring of Yosemite. Gabe's knowledge of Yosemite, and his warm and caring personality make him stand out among guides.

Gabe helped make our trip absolutely unforgettable! From stunning hikes to engaging conversations…read moreGabe only exceeded expectations. His knowledge of the park is vast, he knows all the best views and the local intel. Got a question about a certain rock formation or tree? Gabe knows the answer. He makes sure to curate the trip based on your interest and ability, while providing the overall best experience the park can offer you. Absolutely will be returning to hike with Gabe again!

Wow way way up there. It was August so the conditions were good albeit. a bit cold this early…read more Awesome views down the West and East sides of the Sierras and quite the steep windy road as well. Its easy to see why this is closed int he wionter as driving conditions would be brutal up here on a normal day let alone during. . storm. There appeared to be several trails but having blasted up there from sea level I did not try my luck

Fun experience ! We cut our first Christmas Tree down today . The kids loved it it was a bit…read morechallenging to find the perfect one. Definitely give yourself plenty of time . It took us 3 hrs to find our tree.

Unless you are a major Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) fan this is not somewhere you really need to…read morevisit. It's a little over a mile up a residential road that is somewhat steep and very poorly maintained (4wd not required but it's bumpy). The cabin itself is a replica that was built in 1922 and renovated in 2002. The only piece of the original cabin is the stone fireplace and chimney. Even the land around the property has been developed to an unrecognizable state as to when he stayed here. Yes, in this very spot he supposedly wrote "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" but it's more of an idea of what he lived like. There is parking in the lot for about 5-6 cars but even on a weekend you most likely won't see anyone else. You can't get in to the cabin, as there is a fence around it, which seems silly since it's not authentic. It is open sunrise to sunset. There are no seats, tables, or anything to do other than take a quick picture. It's an important footnote in the history of the American West but if you are looking for better preserved structures with historical significance it's better to explore nearby Columbia State Park.

Do you know who is Samuel Clemons? If you guessed him by his author pen name, Mark Twain... you…read moreguessed right. Did you know California's historic landmark #138 is no other than Mark Twain's cabin. Well, it's a replica with the original fireplace and chimney. It's in Tuttletown on Jackass Hill Road off Highway 49 in Tuolumne County. It's about one mile up the road. The replica was built in 1922 and again in 2002. The cabin is next to residential homes. I could imagine back in the day, the view must have been awesome! The lot has room for parking. The cabin itself is gated and not accessible. But the door is open and you can peek inside from afar. I couldn't see much because it was dark inside. There are a few information boards on site with historical information. There is not much to look at. I soaked up everything in less than 15 minutes. There are no seating or viewing platforms. From the info boards, I learned that Samuel Clemens happen to be traveling from Virginia City, Nevada, to San Francisco with some friends and stopped here in December 1864. He stayed until the end of February 1865. While there, he wrote "The Celebrated Story of the Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". He got the idea after hearing the story of a jumping frog contest in a saloon in the nearby town of Angels Camp. I goggled this info.. In 1867, he went on to publish that story as the cover story for his book of collective short stories. The book included previously published stories. The book turned out to be a success with rave reviews about the "Jumping Frog". So some may say, his time spent in this area with the colorful townsfolk launched his career.