Arnold is home to one of the country's most spectacular big-tree reserves: Calaveras Big Tree State Park. Perhaps it's the towering, sturdy giant sequoias that remind residents what serene, safe living means—but it's most likely the access to an ADT monitored home security system that lets them—and you—truly enjoy calling Arnold home. So instead of worrying too much about home safety, you can venture to Calaveras and stand atop the Big Stump or look in wonder at the Pioneer Cabin Tree. You can even take the North Grove home with you by purchasing and planting a giant sequoia sapling from the Visitor Center.

After a day of touring Calaveras, drive to Murphys (just 20 minutes away from Arnold) and peruse Main Street. You'll find some of the best artisan eateries and shops tucked into fun little nooks along the narrow roadway. Walk into Firewood for some of the best wood-fired pizzas around (we recommend the chicken pesto—you can never go wrong with homemade pesto sauce—and any of the six beers on tap). Or you can order just about anything else you want: tacos, burgers, tamales…Firewood just about has it all. Just seat yourself at any open table and enjoy the quirky local art and friendly local diners.

Top dinner off with a few scoops of artisan ice cream or sorbet from JoMa's (just a few doors down from Firewood; trust us, you'll need the short walk after indulging). You'll find classic flavors like Black Bear-y (blackberry) and fun twists such as Isaac Newton (apple pie) or Mango Bombay (mango, saffron, and rose).

Welcome home. You couldn't have picked a better, more scenic and tranquil place to kick up your feet!