Chinese Camp Store And Tavern — Local services in Sonora

My sprinter van tire popped, and this was the first place I was able to safely pull over and I am sure glad I did.

Ads was working in the store, she let me wait in the picnic area until the tenants showed up who were able to have the tools to help me change my tire. (Turns out my spare had an incorrect rim so I had to spend the night here to buy a tire in the morning). Jake and Decklin had helped me to get me sorted. They were patient and incredibly kind.

During my unexpected stay I found out how amazing it is here. It truly is a hidden gem right off the highway. There is a beautiful garden/picnic area and a fenced in area with goats and chickens. The store itself is small and quaint with a lot of history. The owner has a love of gems and minerals and there are some huge fossils behind the bar. Ads made me a lovely sandwich for dinner and their cat (I think it is named Clovis) visited with me.

I don't know how many times in the past that I had driven by on the 120. But if I had known what a great stop it was, I would have certainly dropped in before as well. Next time I am on the road passing through I will make sure to stop for lunch here. For the good company, interesting local history and the peaceful...

LOVE ... this place it's a mandatory !

when i backpack yosemite, i travel right through here, and a long time ago i stopped in out of curiosity and have been stopping every time since.

bought my bush hat here, genuine leather, shaped just like a crocodile dundee hat, really high quality, looks sharp too.

over the years, had several cold beers here, in the grove in back, after a long hot hike it was awesome to sit down and unwind for an hour preparing to return to civilization.

that's probably what this place is to me, a launchpad to my backpaking adventures, and the spot to get back into the groove upon return.

it does look like its in the middle of nowhere, and i guess to a degree it is.

but i imagine it is like back in the stage coach days, about every 20 miles there was a little spot out in the middle of nowhere that served the needs of travelers just perfectly.

for me, this is that spot...

Had an absolute great experience visiting this store on our way to Yosemite. It’s a special store for sure that carries versatile stuff such as historical coins, feathers, fur caps (beaver?), fossils, stones and minerals (geode, amethyst, petrified wood, granite, basalt, tire track ammonite, quartz, aquamine crystal, black tourmaline and a lot more. They also Carry all kinds of gear for camping, rock climbing and lots of snacks, candy, coke, water. They also have real sea sponge. It’s an interesting store for sure. They also have mini garden and seating area if you want to hangout.

The couple who seems to be owning this place are very kind. Richard was super knowledgeable and humorous. We learnt a lot talking to him and carried his jokes along with us while he carefully packed our stuff. Definitely recommend it to all who loves historical stuff and need some essentials before heading...