Copperopolis Town Square

They call it the Copper Valley - “they” being the residents of this stretch of Gold Country in Calaveras County, as well as the property developers known as Castle & Cooke working under a well-considered long-term master plan. Saddle Creek Resort is the anchor property for the region, of course, but a scant four miles away on Highways 4, you'll find Copperopolis Town Square, a new “historical” themed community center that is beginning to find its sure-to-be vibrant pulse.

The nicely landscaped, well-tended Square officially opened in 2007 with just a handful of stores and a few finished models in a three-story “Town Hall” condominium complex. Today more retailers, eateries, and a gleaming new winery tasting shop now comprise the Square. Events such as live music performances staged in the central plaza gazebo, an annual chili cook-off, “Friday Movie Nights,” a classic car show, and Bridal Faire (September 13 this year) are proving to be popular.

Here's a glimpse at a few of the shops you'll find there.

Panini's Italian Grill - This is the newest place in town, opened in May. For lunch, choose from fresh salads, pizzas, and terrific grilled paninis like Herb Chicken Pesto with caramelized onions, pancetta, spinach, roasted peppers, and Buffalo mozzarella (also steak fries, house chips or house salad, just $8). Dinner starters include Calamari, prosciutto-wrapped prawns, and stuffed portabella mushrooms. Entrees run much like lunch, but also consider veal marsala, eggplant parmesan, and New York Steak topped with gorgonzola butter. Friday and Saturday nights, you can even get prime rib. For more details, call (209) 785-8811.

Cruisers Ice Cream Parlor - One of the Square's Grand Opening shops, Cruisers sticks to old-fashioned “parlor” basics: hot dogs and sausages, soft drinks, and great ice cream treats.  Owners Steve and Donna Hutchings have created a 1950s-style eatery that reflects their own love of classic cars, but also has some contemporary thought: the menu includes no-sugar-added ice cream and candies.

A special marble slab is used for blending ice cream and “mix ins” for a custom cup or cone; or try to decide among the shakes, malts, sundaes, floats, fruit smoothies, and even a banana split, all priced less than $5. Join their Birthday Club and you'll get a certificate for a free scoop every year. For more information: cruisersicecream.com.

Renner Winery - Prominent southern California gastroenterologist Dr. Ian Renner and wife Elena form the driving spirit behind this namesake winery, a labor of love and “dream come true” that is producing truly exceptional results. “Canterbury,” Dr. Renner's 55-acre Sierra Foothills vineyard, is planted in Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Zinfandel, and Viognier, overseen by winemaker is Brett Keller.

The ever-effervescent Amy Young runs the tasting room, where the signature feature is the inviting 40-foot poured concrete wraparound bar. Enjoy tastings of Viognier, Syrah, and Shiraz/Cabernet free of charge. In the coming year, expect an estate Zinfandel and probably a Cabernet-based Port. The wines are sumptuous and at $18 to $25 a bottle, real bargains. Wine gadgets, chocolates, glassware, and other gift items are also available, as well as Renner's own olive oil from Manzanilla trees grown on the estate. For more information: rennerwinery.com

Other food shops: Copperopolis Olive Oil Company (copperopolisoliveoilcompany.com); Snaps Coffee House and Wine Bar (209) 785-1616; coming soon: The Copper Market.

Fancy Pans - Another original store, Fancy Pans retails a surprisingly broad array of kitchen cookware and goods. Proprietor Donna Evans is a bundle of energy and a fountain of information about everything in her three-room store. “I have found that finer products bring better results, and better sales,” she says. “That's why I stock All Clad pans, Wusthof cutlery, Kitchen Aid appliances, and other top-name goods.” The store is chock-full of everything culinary from small paring knives to oversize serving platters.

Evans also sells gourmet chutneys, sauces, spices, teas, and packaged goods, many out for sampling. Other services include knife sharpening, monogramming (“perfect for special occasions or even corporate gifts”), and a monthly recipe emailed to clients to take advantage of seasonally fresh ingredients. For more information: fancypanskitchen.com.

Copper Proper - An eclectic collection of home-related accessories and gifts distinguishes this intriguing shop. Handsome decorative copper items are dominant, from simple serving ladles to planters, serving trays, and pitchers. But there's much more to discover: scented bath soaps, salts, and skin lotions; elegant candles and candle-holders, including Mercury Glass items; lovely seasonal wreaths; and Depression-era reproduction glassware for the kitchen. You can also do special-order shopping for bed ensembles here. For a closer look: copperproper.com.

Eve, Apparel and Accessories for Women - It isn't often that the customer decides to buy the store, but that's what happened when Sharon Marshall bought this charming boutique, originally located in Jamestown, and opened doors on the Square this past year. The store's two primary clothing lines - Flax and Tianello - are notable for being sophisticated, comfortable, and very livable, with clean design lines and ease of care. Accessories by Brighton range from earrings and bracelets to beautiful hand-painted leather purses and bags.

Other goods include shawls, sweaters, and candles. “I also feature work by area artists and stock jewelry by locals Cheryl Groth and Paula Taylor,” says owner Marshall. “To create an inviting ambiance, local artist Cheryl Guhl painted the roses throughout the store; it's become a kind of our trademark.” Charming, indeed. For more information: eveincopper.com.

Other retail: Bellavita (interior design services and fine furnishings; bellavega-designers.com); Firefall Jewelers (full service, also custom creations; firefalljewelers.com); Once Upon a Tree (handmade wood gifts, custom cabinets); and Twigz (flowers, plants, gifts).

You'll also find the offices of Copper Valley Real Estate and other business involved with the long-term planned development of the region, in case you are interested in buying property or investment opportunities. For more details, call Castle & Cooke Calaveras, Inc. at (209) 785-8550, or go to copperopolistownsquare.com.