| California travel expert Veronica Hill of www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com tours Calico Ghost Town in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Many of these abandoned mining communities, which thrived during the late 1800s, are now popular tourist attractions. Located 10 miles north of Barstow, Calico Ghost Town in Yermo was named for the rainbow-colored hills that produced one of the richest silver strikes in California history. This was a wild and wooly place with 22 saloons, its own red light district and several fine restaurants. The Calico Hotel, run by Mrs. EL Hazen, promised a generous welcome, first-class meals, and reasonable rates. (The original hotel is no longer standing) By 1887, there were 1200 people living in Calico. Children of local merchants and miners attended the one-room Calico School, which sometimes doubled for church service on Sundays. Back in 1885, school teachers made about $80-$100 a month and children played games like marbles, ball and bean bag toss. Plan on a full day to explore this historic ghost town. You can relax on a rocking chair, play a game of checkers on the porch, or enjoy some good-old fashioned gold panning. Around lunchtime, grab a cool Sarsparilla and lunch plate at the Calico House Restaurant, then tour the bath house, where you'll find antique tubs, a laundry press and old west kitchen. The Blacksmith shop is home to several antique tools and equipment. Along the East Calico Hiking Trail, you'll find unique cabins carved ... |
