Heart Valley Mercantile and Ranch Wear opened in the heart of Historic Downtown Sonora this month offering visitors the opportunity to customise a western-style hat at their new hat bar. Popular in Texas and across many Southern states in the US with Western roots, Heart Valleys Hat Bar offers a range of sophisticated and stylish hats, from classic fedoras to boho-style wide brim hats starting at £40.
Combining a memorable experience with a classic US souvenir, visitors will be able to enjoy craft beer and cocktails as they adorn their chosen headwear with ribbons, feathers, and charms, brand on hearts, stars, a cactus, or even burn a personalised saying or name into the leather of the hats. The options are endless. Visitors can also bring in their own hats to customise.
Located in one of Tuolumne County’s Gold Rush towns, Sonora has seen huge investment from independent businesses opening shops over the last decade while still retaining its historic charm. The newest boutique fits seamlessly into its surroundings and was inspired by a dear friend of the owners; an old cowgirl with family roots in Tuolumne County dating back to the 1800’s, blending her gritty cowgirl style with the classic California girl aesthetic.
Home to several ranches and rodeo events, Tuolumne County offers budding cowboys and those interested in the history of the wild west many experiences across the region. Nestled in the High Sierra, Kennedy Meadows, a family operated ranch since 1917, offers visitors pack trips, guided rides on horseback and accommodation amongst the wilderness. Now in its 64th year, the Mother Lode Round-up offers visitors a week-long experience of Cowboy and Small-Town tradition of Western heritage that includes a parade and rodeo presentation in May.
For more information head to visittuolumne.com
