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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.

giant sequoia tree

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.

the victoria inn in Murphy's ca

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.

woman in front of red wall wearing jeans and gray fedora visiting murphy's ca
WEARING –Ā  PACKABLE HAT IN OTHER COLORSĀ  –Ā  50$ CASHMERE SWEATERĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā BLACK WATCH PLAID SCARFĀ  Ā –Ā  STRAIGHT LEG JEANSĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā KNIT BOOTIESĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā SIMILAR TAHITIAN NECKLACEĀ  –Ā  SHOULDER BAG

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.

small building

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.

woman in gray hat holding coffee cup visiting murphy's CA
WEARING –Ā  PACKABLE HAT IN OTHER COLORSĀ  –Ā  50$ CASHMERE SWEATERĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā BLACK WATCH PLAID SCARFĀ  Ā –Ā  STRAIGHT LEG JEANSĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā KNIT BOOTIESĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā SHOULDER BAGĀ  Ā –Ā  Ā SIMILAR TAHITIAN NECKLACE

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

woman standing next to a giant sequoia tree

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.

woman in front of giant sequoia tree

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.

woman shopping in Murphy's near the giant sequoia trees
WEARING –Ā  SIMILAR HATĀ  –Ā  ANOTHER QUINCE CASHMERE SWEATERĀ  –Ā  TENCEL JEANSĀ  –Ā  SNEAKERSĀ  –Ā  SIMILAR NECKLACE –Ā  SHOULDER BAG

The weather was warmer than expected so the coat I brought, never got worn, but I did need a warm vest in the evening.Ā  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.

WOMAN WEARING JEANS AND IVORY SWEATER SITTING ON WALL visting murphy's and the giant sequoia trees
WEARING –Ā  SIMILAR HATĀ  –Ā  Ā CASHMERE SWEATERĀ  –Ā  TENCEL JEANSĀ  –Ā  SNEAKERSĀ  –Ā  SIMILAR NECKLACE –Ā  SHOULDER BAG

Torres truffle potato chips

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.

woman shopping in sutter creek
My arthritis and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis have kicked up a notch so you can see I’m back in a hand brace for my right hand, oh joy!

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.

woman wearing sweater and jeans in sutter creek, CA

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.

55 Comments

  1. 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!

    1. Thanks, Lynn. I’m anxious to try their other items now that I know how great their cashmere is:)

  2. 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.

    1. Thanks, Ruth. Few of us don’t struggle with body parts as we age:)

  3. 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!

    1. What a fabulous middle name!!

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