California Gold Country: Sutter Creek Inn's 40th Anniversary

Nearly 100 leafy trees and spacious green lawns shelter the Sutter Creek Inn, a handsome 1859 New England-style home in the California Gold Country town of Sutter Creek, where gold was discovered in 1849.

Steps away from the inn are fine dining, shops and galleries.

This year, Sutter Creek Inn is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

In 1966, Jane Way, a Bay Area mother of four, bought the property and turned five bedrooms -- "four, really, since I slept in one" -- and two bathrooms into an inn she ran by herself. The room rate then was $12.50 a night.

Prices at the inn today range from $92 on weekdays to $20 more per room on weekends, no tax added. A full country breakfast is served family style every morning at 9 a.m. in the dining room and is included in the price of the room. Ample coffee and tea is available starting at 8 a.m. Professional massages, hot stones, etc., are available in the inn's massage room, by appointment, at $60 -- $100.

The inn's lovely old living room is enjoyed year round with its library, magazines, piano, games and puzzles.

For more information or reservations, visit www.suttercreekinn.com or call (209) 267-5606. You may also email: info@suttercreekinn.com.

(Click below for more travel).