Seniors Find Jackson Nearly Ideal

Jackson, California, ‘The Friendliest Town in the Motherlode’, was selected recently as one great place for seniors to retire. Not large, 5,000+, Jackson is the county seat of Amador County. The area was inhabited by the Northern Sierra Indians, who occupied areas along creeks.

Accessible by State Route 49 and State Route 88, senior travelers will find Jackson southeast of Sacramento and northeast of Stockton. It is not far from both the Stanislaus and Eldorado National Forests. Called “The Friendliest Town in the Gold Country,” Jackson is a gateway to the Sierra Mountains just off to the east of the town.

What is there to do in Amador County? The answer is easy: just about anything! Popular outdoor activities include whitewater kayaking through the Mokelumne River Canyon, skiing and horseback riding at Kirkwood, lake and stream fishing and spelunking at nationally acclaimed caves like Black Chasm.

There are some great wineries (Kendall-Jackson) in the region and the area abounds in fertile valleys. Senior visitors can enjoy the flowers at the Flower Farm or Daffodil Hill.

Seniors Head For Daffodil Hill

Jackson was founded in 1848 around a year-round spring, like so many settlements all over the west. Water was #1. Settlement of the region by American pioneers was stimulated by the discovery of gold in the Sierra foothills around 1848. The settlement was later named for a local lawyer who was liked by miners named Alden Appola Moore Jackson.

Being a Master Gardener, I would head for the #1 tourist attraction in town called Daffodil Hill. Each spring Daffodil Hill explodes with thousands of blooms, attracting visitors from around the world.

Also being a wannabe historian, the historic Jackson Pioneer Cemetery would be of interest to this senior as well. While Jackson had quartz mines from the 1850s, none of them – not even the famous Kennedy or Argonaut on its outskirts – were continually profitable until late in the 19th century.

You will want to take the walking tour of Historic Main Street and perhaps some gold mine tours in Jackson. That walk features antiques, art, books, crafts, fine wines and some great gourmet food. In addition, visit the historic hotel and Saloon Restaurants.

There is a host of unique shops in Jackson, in addition the Jackson Ranchera Casino is a major draw. So meander over to Jackson and enjoy. jeb