Christmas season in Columbia, CA

Ok, everyone HAS to go to Columbia at least once during the Christmas season. It is well worth the trip...at least we think so.

We had the opportunity to visit Columbia (about 1 hour east of Stockton) with Shelley, Gretchen & Alan. It is a small town restored to its glory days during the gold rush period. During the Christmas season the town's folk are regaled in period dress and wander about the town spreading Christmas cheer. The candy store has multiple demonstrations on candy making including candy canes. We were blessed with the opportunity to watch up close how it is done and then were each given a piece to form for ourselves. (It is MUCH harder to do than it looks!) Tom made a cow pie, Gretchen a 'C', Alan a stick, Harrison a cobra, Chandler a heart, Shelley - her own modern art, and I made an 'M'. It was easier to play with it that in was to roll it properly and form the cane. Several of the old storefronts are on display including an apothecary and dentist office (I'm glad for the modern day thank you very much). The local 'bar' complete with bowling alley was availble for our pleasure. The original hotel is open and available to stay in. We tried but it was already booked.

Needless to say, go. The drive up was lovely and the living history was a lot of fun. We hope to make it a yearly trip for at least a little while.