The butler admitted the small group of us to the “cottage” where we were greeted by Mr and Mrs. Bourn, dressed to the nines. Mrs. Bourn asked if we had come by train since we weren’t dusty! We’d been warned that the people in this house were living in 1905 and we’d have to step back into their time.

The “cottage,” of Cottswald design, was a 4600 square foot house the Bourns resided in for two or three weeks each year when they visited their property, the Empire Mine. It was the largest and richest of the California gold mines, producing more than $35,000,000 in gold between 1850 and 1956.

Once gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, 49ers poured over the hills of the Sierra Nevadas. The Empire began as a claim on Ophir Hill, one mile southeast of Grass Valley. Through a succession of owners and purchases, the claim grew. More than 300 miles of tunnels honeycombed the claim to a depth of just short of two miles. Its most prosperous time was under W. B. Bourn, Jr., owner, and George Starr, superintendent.

The mine is now a California State Historic Park and worth a visit. The grounds near the cottage are lovely. Tall, old-growth Ponderosa dot the lawns, fragrent rose bushes line the walks. Besides the living history tour of the cottage, you can tour the gardens and the mineyards. Check the schedule and hours; tours vary by day and season. You can wander around the mine yard by yourself. Blacksmiths were working in that shop during our visit. On some occasions you can buy a “pasty” for lunch. These are the meat pies that miners took with them down into the mine for their meals. And you can take numerous walking trails to explore the park. In the works is an underground tour to actually experience the same environment, sights, and sounds as those experienced by working miners.

Besides chatting with Mr and Mrs. Bourn and George Starr, the superintendent,about the latest discovery in the mine plus the wonders of electricity in the cottage, the maid led us through the library and into the province of Katie, the live-in housekeeper/cook. We saw her splendid stove, fired by wood that cost $26- $10 more than the plain style of the day.

It you are in the mood to step back into time and to experience this vital part of California’s history, put the Empire Mine State Historic Park on your list. Leave your RV where you are camping, though, and drive your toad or towed vehicle. Bring a picnic lunch and your walking shoes and enjoy the day! Jaimie

The National Corvette Museum is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky with easy access off of I-65. There is plenty of RV parking in the front of the museum. This museum, dedicated to the Chevy Corvette, is housed in a 68,000 square foot superstructure featuring an 11 story-high Skydome. It’s open seven days a week, 8am to 5pm Central Time (closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day. Prices are $8.00 adult, $4.50 youth 6-16, Children are free. Family rate (same household) $20.00. If you like Corvettes this is the place to go! I especially enjoyed the Corvette juke box. This did not come as standard equipment.Don’t forget to pick up a Corvette souvenir at the gift shop on your way out. Check out this cherry ride! This is what I call “Pleasant Under Glass”.Oh, by the way this Museum is about to expand to incorporate more displays and space for Corvette Clubs to meet and display their rides.

You can take a virtual tour of the museum here:
National Corvette Museum

Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia is also known as Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon.” This is misleading because this small canyon does not compare to the real Grand Canyon by any stretch of the imagination. It is however a pretty spot for a picnic or a nice hike.I do not recommend taking your RV into this small park because you will have difficulty turning around once inside. I recommend only using your towed vehicle or your towing vehicle when you visit. It has an interpretive center, playground and picnic area. Click here for directions and more information: Providence Canyon State Park

This is a short stop thas has the potential to become a longer visit. Jimmy Carter wasn’t the only President to call Georgia home. Franklin D. Roosevelt bought some property and built a house in Georgia in 1932 just prior to becoming President of the United States. He suffered from polio and used the natural warming springs of this area to treat his condition.
Photo Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Little White House State Historic Site

Georgia’s “Little White House” is open to the public to explore the grounds, house, servant’s quarters and Secret Service guard house.You’ll enjoy the exhibits in the 11,000 square foot museum that include a short film narrated by Walter Cronkite describing the Great Depression and how the FDR administration responded to it. Over 100,000 people visit this historic site each year. Admission is $7.00 adults, $6.00 seniors, $5.00 for kids 6-18 under and 5 an under are free. Yes, the little White House holds a secret, several in fact, but you’ll have to visit to find out what they are. Check out the website here: Little White House

If the museum is not crowded, you’ll find ample parking for your RV in the parking lot.
The small town of Warm Springs, Georgia is a charming little burg near FDR’s house. Main street is filled with shops and restaurants and around the corner is a gift shop called Singing Saw Farm – you’ll definitely find something different here. Also located in this area is Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park with great hiking trails and 140 tent and RV sites. Whether you’re fishing, boating, horseback riding, swimming or just relaxing you’re sure to find this park refreshing. Other nearby attractions include Pine Mountain Wild Animal Park and Callaway Gardens.