Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rock hounds should drive to the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, 2 miles south of town
on Hwy 49, to see the 13-pound 'Fricot Nugget' - the largest crystallized gold specimen
from the California Gold Rush era - and other gems and machinery at the California
State Mining & Mineral Museum ( 209-742-7625; www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=588 ; admis-
sion $4; 10am-5pm Thu-Sun May-Sep, to 4pm Oct-Apr) . An exhibit on glow-in-the-dark min-
erals is also very cool.
Sleeping & Eating
River Rock Inn MOTEL
( 209-966-5793; www.riverrockmariposa.com ; 4993 7th St; r incl breakfast $110-154; )
A bold splash of psychedelic purple and dusty-orange paint spruces up what claims to be
the oldest motel in town. Kitchenette rooms done up in artsy earth tones have TVs but no
phones, and calming ceiling fans resemble lily pads. A block removed from Hwy 140 on a
quiet side street, it features a courtyard deck and deli cafe serving beer and wine, with live
acoustic music some summer evenings.
Mariposa Historic Hotel HISTORIC HOTEL
( 209-966-7500; www.mariposahotelinn.com ; 5029 Hwy 140; r incl breakfast $129-169; )
This creaky 1901 building has six king or queen rooms with old-time quilts and period-
style furniture, and a corridor crammed with old town photos and newspaper clippings.
Room 6 has an original clawfoot tub. Hummingbirds love the flowery back patio where
breakfast is served.
Happy Burger DINER
( www.happyburgerdiner.com ; Hwy 140 at 12th St; mains $7-11; 5:30am-9pm; )
Boasting the largest menu in the Sierra, this buzzing roadside joint decorated with old LP
album covers serves the cheapest meals in Mariposa. Its all-American cuisine means bur-
gers, sandwiches, Mexican food and a ton of sinful ice-cream desserts. Free computer ter-
minal, too.
Sugar Pine Cafe AMERICAN
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