Bixel Bungalow, Columbia California

06/14/2024

This year we have been rated one of the top 1% of homes listed on Airbnb! We can also be found on VRBO and we take direct bookings as well.

Bixel Bungalow-in Historic Columbia Gold Rush Town

04/04/2024

Occasionally, it does snow here. Not usually very much, and not a lot, but its always magical.

09/20/2023

We were delighted to realize that of the last 30 days bookings, 18 days were repeat guests! This has spurred us to finally finish our listing on Houfy- have you heard of this site? It is a direct booking site, so both the host and the guests save on the booking fees. For our repeat guests who want to save a few dollars, you may want to consider this option. (note: it is not possible to sync rates with airbnb & VRBO, so if you find they are lower, just message us and we will send you an offer). Be patient as we try this out. And, of course, you are always welcome to book on the traditional platforms as well. https://www.houfy.com/lodging/bixel-bungalow-cottage-in-gold-rush-columbia/56942

06/30/2023

Not if you stay with us! Every Fourth of July and New Year's, guests stay with us to avoid the pet-stressing fireworks at home. But you can also enjoy the peace and quiet any time.

06/10/2023

All of this cool weather has resulted in amazing flowers this summer!

06/08/2023

The 1866 Tuolumne County Jail was closed in 1960 and is now the Tuolumne County Museum and History Center. Exhibits cover a number of topics from Gold Rush history to jail history and rotating exhibits. They also produce and sell a number of publications (several are made available for guests in the Bungalow). It's worth a visit if you are in Sonora when they are open.

06/01/2023

About 50 minutes up highway 108, just before Pinecrest, there is a forest road that leads to Fraser Flat. The old Sugar Pine railway bed offers a 6 mike RT hike along the river with great views of the old flume on the other side. Mostly shaded, this hike is great for hot summer days. And it gets the Walter & Lana seal of approval!

Stay out of the water this year, though. It's raging and dangerous from the high snow melt conditions!

05/19/2023

We LOVE reviews like this! "The Bungalow was an invitation to relax" That's what we aim for, no matter the purpose of your visit.

05/16/2023

Right down the street from us, you will find a sweet little store that offers an amazing variety of specialty food items, cheese, wine, bread, flowers & fresh produce. But also local art, drugstore items and even musical supplies like strings & pics. Don't miss , they are open 9:30-6:00 most days.

05/12/2023

Walter gives a "paws up" to Spring hiking in the Red Hills, near Chinese Camp. The wildflowers are still popping and there is even still some water in some of the streams. As the days get warmer, early morning hiking is recommended, and bring plenty of drinking water.

05/11/2023

With this yo-yo weather, it's hard to know when it's time to switch to the summer bedding and put away the goose-down duvet. It's supposed to be in the 80s tomorrow, but it's still in the 40s at night. Guess we'll just leave the summer duvet on the side bench for now. . .

05/11/2023

Mother Lode Round Up Parade starts at 10:00 AM Saturday. So, of course the chairs are out on Thursday.

05/08/2023

Doesn't everyone have a special mug? We get it. And we know you can't always bring it when travelling, so we have you covered. All sizes & styles!

05/07/2023

The first modern Cinco de Mayo Festival in Columbia was a great success! We are looking forward to next year already!

05/07/2023

Great place to host an event in Columbia. https://www.facebook.com/100071871554928/posts/259768983095485/?app=fbl

05/03/2023

Its a little known fact that Columbia was the first documented location where Cinco de Mayo was celebrated, in California, in 1862. Columbia is starting to explore that history and this weekend will be the first major event to highlight it!

Join us May 5th & 6th for a Celebration of Mexican-American history and culture in Columbia, California!

05/03/2023

Its always exciting to see the passes slowly open in the spring, until finally, Sonora and Ebbetts passes are open and its possible to head to the east side! Amazing that in our modern world, where you can go almost anywhere, we still have these two mountain passes closed every fall through spring. Mother Nature is fierce!

04/04/2023

A lot of work to be done in the mountains this year to open the passes! https://www.facebook.com/100064863992807/posts/604010265104435/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

02/01/2023

https://www.facebook.com/100063661565653/posts/622077113257669/?flite=scwspnss

So far, so good! We are looking forward to reopening on Saturday, February 4. We will be celebrating with at 7pm!

01/16/2023

This morning in Columbia. Its starting to turn to rain, so all the snow will be gone by this afternoon. It will probably take a couple of days for the parking lot to drain (again). But a break tomorrow, and then SUN this weekend!! Can't wait. The skiing and snow sports are going to be amazing.

01/15/2023

01/15/2023

01/14/2023

Sometimes we have winters like this!

01/13/2023

Also available through vacation rental sites, but book directly with us and avoid additional fees.

01/13/2023

We realize we haven’t updated our status in a while. We are now open 7 days a week from 9-5. We just received a whole line of new organic teas! All our coffee and tea is now organic and pesticide free. You can purchase it by the cup, whole bean coffee or bulk loose leaf tea. Baking has resumed with something for everyone. We’re offering cookies, brownies, scones, lemon bars and our peanut butter pumpkin dog biscuits for the pups. Come on in and find your new favorite!

01/13/2023

The City Hotel is still ramping up, but operating with a limited menu, and the What Cheer Saloon is open! Closed Monday/Tuesday.

Second in a series of City Hotel soups: yesterday a diner at my table tasted the French onion soup, sighed "Ummm", and quickly found the bottom of the bowl. Chef Jimmy is a master of the art of soup!

01/10/2023

"Just a flesh wound". So far we have been pretty lucky with these storms. Some minor damage, but fairly easy clean up.

12/28/2022

Fireworks and great music for your early New Year's Eve Celebration

12/28/2022

What makes a good vacation sofa? We have cycled through a few but are still trying to find the sweet spot, and its not easy! It needs to be comfortable for lounging, sleeping (for that occasional booking where an extra sleep space is needed) durable, pet friendly & attractive. . . we are working on it! Heading into our 3rd year as a vacation rental and we continue to fine tune and make improvements.