Location: Ione
Top Things to do in Ione
Top 10 Things to do in Ione, United States
Ione (/aɪˈoʊn/ eye-OWN; formerly Bed Bug, Bedbug, Freeze Out, Hardscrabble, Ione City, Woosterville, Jone City, Jone Valley, and Rickeyville) is a city in Amador County, California, United States. The population was 7,918 at the 2010 census, up from 7,129 in 2000. Once known as "Bed-Bug" and "Freeze Out," Ione was an important supply center on the main road to the Mother Lode and Southern Mines during the California Gold Rush.
Restaurants in Ione
1. Drytown Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By SoloSightseer - Grass Valley, California
Having lived in Sonoma County for mannnny years before relocating to Nevada County, CA (another primo wine region), I've enthusiastically visited Oodles of tasting rooms, including elsewhere in CA when traveling. The winning combination I experienced yesterday at Drytown Cellars of Lovely wines plus truly friendly and relaxed hospitatlity made this a first-rate experience -- and we also lucked out re: so many other fun folks tasting alongside us too.
Their pours are generous and there isn't even a tasting fee -- but please DON'T take advantage of them. It just was an unusual combination to experience, and I did end up buying half a case of various wines. They poured their splendid Barbera, but then were out of it when I wanted to buy some : ( but was Very happy to take home a collection of other premium quality reds, including some first-rate port -- yummmmmm. They have a lot of lovely whites too, but I'm a red fan, and if you are too, Don't Miss their FAB table wine blend called Red-on-Red....it's depth of complex and well-balanced flavors left me further astonished by its bargain price, a Real find!!
Will Definitely return and can't recommend this tasting room highly enough...their generosity also extended to providing barrel samples. We enjoyed a truly memorable afternoon in their company...
2. Preston Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Couple_OR_Travelers - Salem, Oregon
Preston Castle was a great place to have a unique experience. We took the overnight ghost tour and it was a blast.
I would say our docent's (Greg) humor was a bit off-color. His comments were not for the kiddies or easily offended. We didn't mind but I could see where someone might.
You meet at the appointed time at the castle gate and are escorted to a waiting area where the docents go over the schedule and the logistics of your overnight stay. Your cars are locked inside the gates and the guides will let you out anytime you feel like leaving.
One of the best parts of the tour (out of many good parts) was the sitting in the dark attempting to communicate with the spirits. The guides even had some loaner paranormal equipment! Another good part was the weird picture in the staff dining room. Very creepy
The castle is run down and in disrepair. Exactly what we were looking for in this tour. The last thing we wanted was a theme park ride. If you are looking for something for the small kids, this probably isn't it. It's mainly an adult overnight activity and that's exactly what we were looking for.
Thank you to the staff. They were great.
3. Fine Eye Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Richard1140 - Penn Valley, California
The staff is very friendly, the facility is an old mercantile from the Gold Rush, and they have a varied and excellent selection of items--jewelry, glassware, leather, art, etc. from a variety of accomplished artisans. Prices are very fair---the overhead here is much less than Carmel, yet many items are the same.
4. Wine Tree Farm & Corinne Wines
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
We are 100% off-grid winery specializing in Rhone Varietal wines and blends.
Reviewed By Phoebe H - Paradise, California, United States
Although right on the main road,we almost missed Wine Tree Farm and that would have been a loss. Corinne, the proprietor, was very knowledgeable and entertaining, and we loved the style wines she made. We were impressed that it was run entirely off grid, and...MoreThanks so much for this review! I am glad you liked the wine and look forward to seeing you at a blending class!
5. Kennedy Tailing Wheels Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Visit gold mining operations.
Reviewed By steinbeckfan2017 - Bonn, Germany
There is much to see here, especially considering that the mine has not been operational for decades. The guide was friendly and well informed, and the staff and amenities in general were welcoming. The guide also provided helpful information for exploring Jackson and St. Sava's Serbian Orthodox Church and cemetery.
6. Tanis Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By TravelSneak - San Francisco
We stumbled upon this winery a few years ago after playing golf in the area. We loved the wine and the owners were so nice and passionate about their craft. We went home with a case of wine. We recently traveled back to the region after a couple years and were happy to return to Tanis. Again, the wines were delicious and the owners are still as enthusiastic as ever. We think this winery has a great future. We look forward to drinking our purchases and returning when traveling in the area in the future. It is so much fun to wine taste when the person pouring your wine is the person that actually made the wine!
7. Drytown Club
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Brian M - Nashville, Tennessee
Drytown is one of the cutest little towns and right in the center is the Drytown Club.
I got to meet the owner and had an ice cold beer with him.
The stage is right in the middle of the bar. Live Music is on the weekends with a number of awesome musicians in Amador and Sacramento Counties. You won't be disappointed.
Plan an weekend in the Gold Country in Amador County and an Evening at Drytown Club.
8. Castle Oaks Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Rated as the fourth best course in California by Golf Today magazine.
Reviewed By smokeandmirrors11 - California
$45 on Saturday or Sunday is a steal! This track is well maintained and the greens are always in great condition. The layout has a ton of character. The holes are challenging but fair. 18 holes usually plays in under 4.25 hours. Proshop has a substantial amount of products at reasonable prices. The clubhouse resturant and bar is reasonably priced with good food.
Make the drive to this course, you wont be disappointed.
9. Kennedy Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Opened in 1860 and closed in 1942, the mine unearthed $34 million in gold. Open for tours weekends March thru October.
Reviewed By Ben S
Merv Hoffman gave our group an extensive tour of the mine site. His knowledge of the daily lives of the miners, plus his understanding of the history of the mother lode, that seam of gold-bearing rock that fueled the gold rush, really made this visit memorable.
If you visit the gold country, stop in at the Kennedy Gold Mine. You'll be glad you did.
10. Scott Harvey Wines Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
For a delicious "Taste of Amador," come try some award winning wines in historic Sutter Creek, California. A fun day trip from Sacramento, the free tastings of our Amador County and Napa Valley wines provide a unique destination. Scott Harvey is a German-trained, California winemaker making Zinfandels, Barberas, Syrahs, Cabernets, Rieslings and wonderful blends. Open from Thursday to Monday from 11:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Reviewed By Kat D - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
I've also enjoyed the Scott Harvey wines. The Barberas have always been amazing but it was a little shy of my expectation this year. The reislings from New York grapes have always been my favorite but there was no production this year. Overall, the wines at Scott Harvey have always been wonderful. This year, my favorite was its $40 port. I'm not a port drinker but this one was wonderful!
