Updated 6-15-2021 – While most restrictions have been removed and vaccinated folks are no longer required to wear a mask in most circumstances, we ask that you continue to cooperate with business owners and be considerate of those who choose to continue to do so.  Now that things are wide open, we want to remind you to stay safe while you enjoy your time in Murphys and throughout Calaveras:

Please stay aware of your surroundings, don’t leave purses, personal belongings, phones, or drinks unattended, watch for traffic, and keep an eye on your friends, pets, and family.

Pace yourself while enjoying all the tastings and celebrations that Murphys has to offer.  Take a break, do some shopping or go for a walk, stay hydrated, and make sure you have a designated driver or have made other arrangements to get home safely.  Remember that there are limited public transportation options, little or no Lyft or Uber, and few taxis.

Please clean up after yourself and be particularly careful with anything that could start a fire.  Help us keep Murphys clean and remember that we are in a very high wildfire danger area so we can be a little paranoid :)  Fireworks of all kinds are currently banned throughout the County.

It’s hot! Never leave your kids or dogs in a hot car during the summer months.  And be cautious when swimming in local rivers, the water can be surprisingly cold and the current surprisingly strong.

We know parking can be challenging but please don’t park in driveways or in front of fire hydrants, getting towed would definitely wreck your good time!

Please enjoy yourself and allow others to enjoy themselves….be kind, be patient, be happy!

Updated 5-13-2021 – I know we are all thrilled to see the removal of the masking requirement for those who are fully vaccinated.  We are enjoying seeing all those smiles. Please be respectful of those who are continuing to mask up and comply with the requirements of individual businesses or gatherings.  As always, enjoy your time in Murphys!

Updated 4-25-2021 – Murphys and Calaveras County are back in the orange.  At this time most Murphys businesses are open both inside and out, although they may have some restrictions on indoor capacity, and may require reservations. Please call ahead if you are hoping to eat or taste at a particular time & place, and reserve your spot.  Please continue to wear a mask when unable to maintain some distance inside, be considerate of others & patient with staff, and, most importantly, have a great time!

Updated 1-25-2021 – The Regional Stay Home Order was lifted today and Murphys’ & Calaveras’ businesses are returning to the protocols associated with our Purple (Widespread) Tier.  See more information in the update for 11-28-2020 which describes the Purple Tier.  The good news is that many businesses may re-open for outdoor activities including dining and tasting.  Get more information at the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

At this time many of our events have been canceled or postponed indefinitely,  President’s Day Wine Weekend and Murphys Irish Day included. Keep an eye on our home page and FB page for updates.  Feeney Park is planning for a Gold Rush Street Faire on the first Saturday in March.  Vendors may download more information here.

Updated 12-7-2020 – The San Joaquin region, including Calaveras County and Murphys, had less than 15% ICU capacity on Friday, December 4th, and was ordered to comply with the Regional Stay Home Order as of Sunday, December 6, 2020, at midnight.  These new orders will remain in effect for a minimum of 21 days.  These orders close bars, restaurants, wineries, and tasting rooms for in-person services (take-out, retail activities, curbside pick-up may all be available).  Retail businesses may remain open at decreased capacity.  Lodging has been ordered to close for all but essential workers.  Salons and most personal care services are closed. 

Updated 11-28-2020 -Calaveras County Joins Many Other Counties in the Purple 

Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the state moved Calaveras County into purple (widespread risk level), the state’s most restrictive tier. Changes to the tier system occur when immediate action is needed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Counties are required to put into place any sector changes the day following the tier announcement.
The goal is to make sure patients can get access to the care they need and prevent hospitals from being overrun. This means that several non-essential indoor businesses must close. Calaveras Public Health urges caution and encourages people to take the necessary steps to prevent being exposed to the virus and help the county continue to lower its risk level.
The purple tier impacts many local businesses that will now have to close indoor business operations or reduce capacity. As of now, businesses that can operate outdoors only with modifications, include:
Gyms and fitness centers
Movie theaters
Museums
Places of worship
Restaurants (including wineries, tasting rooms, & tap rooms that serve food)
Wineries and tasting rooms
Bars, breweries, and distilleries must close.
To learn more about how this change in tiers impacts businesses and activities in Calaveras County please view the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy to find specific business information and the county’s latest status.
As of November 21, 2020, it is required that all non-essential work and activities stop between 10PM and 5AM in counties in the widespread (purple) tier.
Visit the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

Updated 11-25-2020 – Along with most of California, Murphys, and Calaveras County have seen an increase in Covid-19 cases over the last couple of weeks.  We are now in the Red/Substantial Tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. You can check the current status of the County and any activity or business type here.  Currently, most businesses are open with limitations or no indoor activities in the case of wineries and tasting rooms.  Bars are currently closed. As we move further into fall and winter, some of our businesses will move to a winter schedule where they are only open on Fridays-Sundays, including many tasting rooms.  Others, including most retail shops and restaurants, will still be open 5-7 days/week.  It’s always best to check with an individual business to confirm hours, and any requirements they may have such as reservations, face coverings, limited group sizes, etc.

__________________________________________________________________________

June 2020 – Be prepared if you do plan to visit.  State guidelines for the reopening of businesses require them to enforce physical distancing, wear face coverings, perform additional sanitizing, and, in some cases, businesses may require you to have a reservation, remain outside until sufficient space is available to accommodate you or your group, and wear a face-covering when not eating or drinking.

Be patient with us while we work through the ever-changing challenges.  Help us stay open by cooperating with the requests of business staff and servers, maintaining 6′  between yourself and other groups, frequently washing or sanitizing your hands, and having a face-covering handy so you can put it on when requested to do so.  Do not travel or enter a business if you are not feeling well or have a fever.

Murphys wants to be open to serve you but we need your help to ensure that we do not experience additional outbreaks that would cause us to close businesses.  And, of course, we want everyone to remain healthy!

With your cooperation, we look forward to additional openings as the state allows. In the meantime, you can support your favorite businesses from home!

SUPPORT MURPHYS BUSINESSES TODAY

DINING, TASTING & RETAIL

Take out food and curbside pickup are still the preferred options for most dining and shopping as businesses will need to respect the social distancing requirements even as they offer more in-person services.  Essential businesses like grocery stores, gas stations, banks, and pharmacies are open and retail businesses are open with some limitations on the number of patrons.

Many wineries & wine tasting rooms are open, however, some tasting rooms may continue with only curbside pickup of club releases and wine sales for a little longer. Some wineries have been offering delivery and shipping promotions. All purchasing options can be found at the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance website here: https://www.calaveraswines.org/curbside-delivery-andship.

Please contact any business you would like to visit to confirm the availability of in-person dining, hours, and to determine if a reservation will be required prior to visiting. Watch this page for more information and visit the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance pages for more details on tasting room openings.

LODGING & VACATION RENTALS including CAMPING

Lodging and Vacation Rentals became available to visitors on June 12th!  Please check with individual businesses to verify availability and restrictions.

OTHER SERVICES

Business Offices and Outdoor Museums may be open at this time in conformance with the state’s reopening guidelines.  Some Personal Services are beginning to open including Salons & Barbershops.  Churches and other Places of Worship are resuming services with some limitations as well as Fitness Centers. As always, check with individual businesses to verify hours and availability as there may be modifications to facilitate distancing requirements.

Continued Restrictions – Updated to reflect June 15, 2020 State Guidance:

The following sectors, businesses, establishments, or activities are not permitted to operate in the State of California at this time:

  • Indoor playgrounds such as bounce centers, ball pits, and laser tag
  • Movie theaters and live theater
  • Saunas and steam rooms
  • Nightclubs
  • Concert venues
  • Festivals
  • Theme parks
  • Higher education

The health and well-being of our community is our first priority. Please be mindful, practice physical distancing and use your face covering when in public.  Spread the word — Not the virus!  And stay safe wherever you are.

We will update this post with the current information as we have it. 

Photo: Cindy Rochelle