gold country 171 This 300-mile stretch of road snakes past historic mining towns, bucolic vineyards, and the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills, showcasing preserved relics of a bygone era at every turn. Stake your first claim at Grass Valley's Empire Mine State Historic Park, the state's largest and richest hard-rock gold mine. " Tour the mine shaft and underground tunnels and stroll through the mine owner's former cottage and garden, " recommends Sacramento City Historian Marcia Eymann. Next, after you pan for ore in the Gold Rush's birthplace-Marshall 110 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma-stop for lunch at Placerville's Smith Flat House, a fine dining destination built around a gold mine. Then hobnob with history at Columbia State Historic Park, where costumed merchants and horse-drawn stagecoaches transport you back in time. Ride the rails through Mother Lode country in neighboring Jamestown on Railtown 1897 State Historic Park's vintage locomotive tours. Finish your expedition at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa-home to a rare crystallized gold nugget and 13,000 other gems. MASON VRANISH/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO Drive the Golden Chain Highwayhttps://www.visitcalifornia.com/road-trips/golden-chain-highway/ http://www.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM