If you love the mountains, Coarsegold is the ideal place to live if you want scenic views while still being close to things like shopping and dining. This quaint town offers all the comforts of living in the city while simultaneously offering gorgeous mountain views and wildlife.
The best part is, Coarsegold is only about 45 minutes away from Fresno. So you’ll never miss out on any bigger events happening in town like you would in some other mountain towns. You truly get to live in the best of both worlds.
You may be thinking, “This all sounds great, but what is there to DO in Coarsegold?”. And the answer is… Lots! Not only is Coarsegold a prime spot for hiking, but they also have their own wineries, breweries, and even an annual festival dedicated to bringing awareness about tarantulas (which are not as scary as you think).
Below, we’ve listed some of the main attractions in Coarsegold that are sure to bring your family some fun.
Annual Coarsegold Tarantula Awareness Festival
Number one on this list is the annual Tarantula Awareness Festival held in October. An entire festival dedicated to spiders might be a nightmare for some people, but in Coarsegold, it’s one of the most exciting events of the year. From hairy leg contests to tarantula races to costume contests, there is something for everyone in the family to do.
You can also learn more about tarantulas themselves since you’re bound to see lots of them when you live up in Coarsegold. Every year in the autumn, the tarantulas come out of their homes to find love. They leave their nests in search of a mate before settling down for the winter. But don’t worry, the brown tarantula (the most common in Coarsegold) is actually very docile! They also offer free pest control since they eat many different types of insects!
Breweries & Wineries
Coarsegold also offers some fun for adults when the kids are away. It is home to several wineries and breweries that are definitely worth checking out. Luckily, you don’t have to be a sommelier to go enjoy a glass of wine or a cicerone to go enjoy a pint of beer from one of these places.
Here are a few to check out:
Idle Hour Winery
A winery that also acts as an inn.
A craft beer bar and restaurant.
A family ran wine farm. Tastings are by appointment only.
Scenic Trails
Since Coarsegold is located in the mountains there are of course many scenic hiking trails to enjoy. It’s also only 35 minutes to Yosemite National Park if historic hikes are your thing.
However, you don’t have to go out of Coarsegold to go exploring. The trails in Coarsegold range from 1.3 miles at the shortest to 5.3 at the longest. The trails run through the mountainside, along a creek, and through beautiful Manzanita Lake.
Some of the most popular are the Ahwahnee Trails Loop, South Fork Willow Creek, Right Meadow and Left Meadow, Fresno Dome, Chiquito Lake, Kaiser Pass, and Manzanita Lake.
Coarsegold Historic Village & Peddler’s Market
If you’re the type that likes to shop, look no further than the Peddler’s Market! It’s held every weekend at Coarsegold Historic Village from 9am to dusk. From artisan goods to restaurants to arts and crafts, the market is fun for everyone in the family.
You can shop at the vendor booths or walk around the Historic Village which features quaint shops, food, and more in a village-like setting. Even if you’re just passing through, the Village is a great place to stop!
No matter whether you want to sit back and relax or you’re seeking adventure, there is always something to do in Coarsegold. You get the seclusion of the mountains without giving up any of the comforts of the city, and no matter where you look, you are met with gorgeous views of the mountainside.
Coarsegold is a great place to consider moving to if you’re the outdoorsy type or just want a cozy, quiet place to call your own.