Yee-haw! today we’re taking the readers to experience the western era at this beautiful ghost town called Calico, located in in Yemon, California.
The history of Calico this place was once an active Western town from back in the 1880’s, during the time when people in that time period were mining for gold and silver in hopes of getting rich.
Somehow when mining became unprofitable in the middle of the 1880’s according to the history of Calico. Miners started leaving Calico until it became a ghost town.
Little information is provided on what went on after it became a ghost town however it could be assumed the town sat their abandoned and deteriorated by nature until Walter Knotts bought the ownership of the land and the town in the 1950’s.
If your like me and appreciate the western time period. Calico won’t disappoint on getting a feel of being a part of a Western town since it once was a real town with people in its days.
Being a town now for tourist the visit. Majority of the stores standing are mainly gift shops to being empty. There are also plenty of Western buildings that’s great for photography. Take this image and throw in some gray scale. Gorgeous!
Attraction #1: Maggie mine
The Maggie mine is decorated by Calico where stage props mannequins are placed simulating what the miners did back in 1880’s in search of silver.
Attraction #2: Calico Odessa Railroad
This attraction at a small fee features taking a train ride around the Calico town. Here you get a chance to see the Calico land mark and the mountains.
Majority of the time on this attraction was being driven around the railroad tracks looking at empty desert mountain.
Not the most exciting thing to see however the experience is getting a feel of riding a train that was used back during the silver mining days or transporting people and probably supplies.
The driver will navigate and explain some history of certain buildings. Again, if you appreciate the western ghost town type of environment this will be a great experience.
Restaurants at Calico
Calico does offer three different spots guest may grab a bite without going off property. In no particular order #1: we have Calico house restaurant, #2: Old miner’s cafe, and lastly lil’s saloon.
Since Calico is a tourist attraction for its visitors. The food unfortunately does not follow the same time line as people back in the 1880’s would have available.
Calico offers modern day American good such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. All of which were none existent in the 1880’s.
What did people in that time eat? With the convenience of modern day services such as markets, restaurants, convenience stores, and fast food chains in nearly every street corner.
In the 1880’s people did not have the option of making a stop to McDonald’s to buy a hamburger when they’re hungry.
Things people purchased in that time period were: bread, coffee, potatoes, hard biscuits, dried fruit. If you wanted some meat. At best you got dried meat which in modern times would be beef jerky.
The entire eating experience would be unique if they only serve what was available in the 1880’s giving guest the real experience. Since Calico is meant as a tourist attraction visitors likely wouldn’t enjoy eating hard biscuits, potatoes, and beef jerky.
Peanuts off the table
For this eating experience I went with the Calico house restaurant which I felt was the main place to eat at Calico. Upon walking in, a decent amount of tables were available for seating.
To the right upon entry is the counter where a server will take your order. One of the things I noticed immediate upon walking in this restaurant is every table had a bowl of peanuts.
It was later I noticed the entire floor of this restaurant were covered with peanut shells. If your one of those guest who is considerate and prefers not to make a mess of the place. Dont! at least the rules doesn’t apply here.
Unfamiliar with the etiquette, after eating and cracking a handful of peanuts. I placed all of the shells in a pile on the table. Next thing I know, an attractive hostess with a brown ponytail walks up to me nearly face to face, smiles and ask, “can I get you some more peanuts?“
Caught off guard, “ugh, no, I’m okay. thanks.”
next thing I know, this hostess swoops the entire pile of peanut shells I had piled on the table and flings it to the floor. I be lying if I didn’t think that was hot.
Flashing a attractive smile, she looks back before taking off to the kitchen. The last time I saw her.
Buffalo burger
For entrees I went with the 1/4 lb. Buffalo burger $9.95. At first I thought this was just a fancy name as there no way actual Buffalo meat would be served.
Speaking with one of the server, she confirmed the Buffalo burger is indeed Buffalo meat. The Buffalo is raised at a mid west state and the meat is transported over.
I wasn’t certain if other customers thought Buffalo meat tasted differently compared to cow meat and didn’t like it. There were several tables that didn’t even touch the patty. Others had maybe one or two bites and the rest was left.
Personally I thought the texture of Buffalo meat was fairly the same as Cow meat. The taste was slight difference but overall delicious. If Buffalo burger doesn’t sound appealing for you. Calico house restaurant does have other options available.
Explore the town
Ready to check out Calico Ghost town? Other information and how to get to Calico can be found here.
The town is definitely worth a visit and if you take your time exploring the entire town and checking out some of their attractions. A few hours is good enough to experience everything Calico has to offer.
What do you think about old Western towns? drop your comments and experience on the bottom.
