Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
road spill in 1991. Long since cleaned up, the river has been restored to pristine levels and
the community has a notably plucky spirit, though today a number of empty storefronts at-
test to the community's greatest challenge: the Global Economic Crisis.
Still, it's home to a spirited set of artists, naturalists, urban refugees and native Dun-
smuirians, who are rightly proud of the fish-stocked rivers (yes the fishing is great) around
their little community. Its downtown streets - once a bawdy Gold Rush district of five sa-
loons and three brothels - hold cafes, restaurants and galleries, and the town's reputation is
still inseparable from the trains.
Split in two by the I-5, the southern half is where you'll find the bright and pleasant his-
toric downtown.
Sights & Activities
The chamber of commerce stocks maps of
cycling trails
and
swimming holes
on the Up-
per Sacramento River.
Ruddle Cottage
GALLERY
(
www.ruddlecottage.net
; 5815 Sacramento Ave; 10am-4pm May-Oct, 11am-4pm Nov-Apr)
Behind a shaded garden, cluttered with eclectic sculptures, Jayne Bruck-Fryer's colorful
gallery feels a bit like something from a fairy tale. Fryer makes each and every ingenious
creation - from sculptures to jewelry - from recycled materials. The pretty fish hanging in
the window? Dryer lint!
California Theater
HISTORIC BUILDING
(5741 Dunsmuir Ave)
At downtown's north end stands what was once the town's pride. In a community effort,
this once-glamorous venue is being restored to its original glory. First opened in 1926, the
theater hosted stars such as Clark Gable, Carole Lombard and the Marx Brothers. Today
the lineup includes second-run films, musical performances and yoga classes.
Dunsmuir City Park & Botanical Gardens
PARK
dawn-dusk)
