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A mural on the side of a building, next to Mariposa Arts Park, showcases the area's rich history. The reason for the monarch butterfly? Mariposa is the Spanish word for "butterfly," which early explorers reportedly saw by the thousands.
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What are you doing this weekend? Visiting historic Mariposa

A mural on the side of a building, next to Mariposa Arts Park, showcases the area's rich history. The reason for the monarch butterfly? Mariposa is the Spanish word for "butterfly," which early explorers reportedly saw by the thousands.

A mural on the side of a building, next to Mariposa Arts Park, showcases the area’s rich history. The reason for the monarch butterfly? Mariposa is the Spanish word for “butterfly,” which early explorers reportedly saw by the thousands. (Mike Morris)

Mariposa has about 3,000 residents, but it's the county seat of Mariposa County. Because of its proximity to Yosemite Valley -- it's about 45 miles southwest on California 140 -- it has a bustling Main Street with a variety of antique and gift shops. On the second Friday and Saturday evenings of each month, the town hosts the Mariposa Art Hop, where people can meet local artists, view and buy art, and enjoy music and refreshments.

Mariposa has about 3,000 residents, but it’s the county seat of Mariposa County. Because of its proximity to Yosemite Valley -- it’s about 45 miles southwest on California 140 -- it has a bustling Main Street with a variety of antique and gift shops. On the second Friday and Saturday evenings of each month, the town hosts the Mariposa Art Hop, where people can meet local artists, view and buy art, and enjoy music and refreshments.  (Mike Morris)

In the center of town, the Mariposa Museum and History Center, focusing on Mariposa's Gold Rush history, receives visitors from around the globe. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The entrance fee is $4 for adults; children under 18 are free.

In the center of town, the Mariposa Museum and History Center, focusing on Mariposa’s Gold Rush history, receives visitors from around the globe. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The entrance fee is $4 for adults; children under 18 are free.  ()

A sign outside the county courthouse, built in 1854, boasts that this is "California's oldest seat of justice still in use." The courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once photographed by Ansel Adams. "The courtroom, scene of many famous legal battles, civil and criminal, remains the same as in pioneer days, with the original seats, tables and judge's bench," the wooden sign says. A separate stone sign, topped with quartz (you can see it in the center of the photo), can be found in front of the courthouse doors.

A sign outside the county courthouse, built in 1854, boasts that this is “California’s oldest seat of justice still in use.” The courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once photographed by Ansel Adams. “The courtroom, scene of many famous legal battles, civil and criminal, remains the same as in pioneer days, with the original seats, tables and judge’s bench,” the wooden sign says. A separate stone sign, topped with quartz (you can see it in the center of the photo), can be found in front of the courthouse doors.  (Mike Morris)

A close-up of that sign showcases quartz crystals at the old courthouse.

A close-up of that sign showcases quartz crystals at the old courthouse. (Mike Morris)

If you want to see more stones, check out the California State Mining and Mineral Museum at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. Highlights of this state park include the Fricot Nugget, the largest existing piece of crystalline gold from California's Gold Rush, and a display of the bluish benitoite, the state's official gemstone. It's said to be unique to California.

If you want to see more stones, check out the California State Mining and Mineral Museum at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. Highlights of this state park include the Fricot Nugget, the largest existing piece of crystalline gold from California’s Gold Rush, and a display of the bluish benitoite, the state’s official gemstone. It’s said to be unique to California. (Mike Morris)

There are other gems in Mariposa. If you're looking for fast-food joints here, you won't find many of them (no Starbucks), but you will find the Pony Expresso and MoonBow Espresso, coffee shops with small-town character. Traffic isn't a big issue here, either: There are no stoplights.

There are other gems in Mariposa. If you’re looking for fast-food joints here, you won’t find many of them (no Starbucks), but you will find the Pony Expresso and MoonBow Espresso, coffee shops with small-town character. Traffic isn’t a big issue here, either: There are no stoplights.  (Mike Morris)

Mariposa offers places to eat on just about every budget. Here, the outside eating area at the River Rock Inn's Deli Garden Cafe, 4993 7th St., offers a variety of salads and sandwiches for $6 to $9. Other options range from Sal's taco truck ($1.50 to $6) to fine dining at restaurants such as Savoury's (entrees $15 to $26).

Mariposa offers places to eat on just about every budget. Here, the outside eating area at the River Rock Inn’s Deli Garden Cafe, 4993 7th St., offers a variety of salads and sandwiches for $6 to $9. Other options range from Sal’s taco truck ($1.50 to $6) to fine dining at restaurants such as Savoury’s (entrees $15 to $26). (Mike Morris)

This koi pond is part of River Rock's landscaped oasis.

This koi pond is part of River Rock’s landscaped oasis.  (Mike Morris)

If you're not going back to Yosemite, you can find shelter at a variety of hotels, such as the Mariposa Lodge. In nearby Midpines, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort offers a variety of accommodations along with a cafe and spa.

If you’re not going back to Yosemite, you can find shelter at a variety of hotels, such as the Mariposa Lodge. In nearby Midpines, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort offers a variety of accommodations along with a cafe and spa.  (Mike Morris)

Prospectors Brewing Co., 4996 7th St., has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for talking over a cold beer. With fun names such as "Bootjack Blonde," "Pistol Whipped Wheat" and "Mariposa Midnight," there's bound to be a beer for everyone. I enjoyed my Long Tom India Pale Ale for $4 a pint, and even bought a pint glass to take home for an extra $4.

Prospectors Brewing Co., 4996 7th St., has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for talking over a cold beer. With fun names such as “Bootjack Blonde,” “Pistol Whipped Wheat” and “Mariposa Midnight,” there’s bound to be a beer for everyone. I enjoyed my Long Tom India Pale Ale for $4 a pint, and even bought a pint glass to take home for an extra $4. (Mike Morris)

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