There is an eruption occurring in the Mother Lode village of Volcano - The Volcano Union Inn has become active once again. Like the Phoenix (the legendary firebird that arises from it’s own ashes) this historic Bed & Breakfast has again risen. The Union Hotel was built in 1880 by four itinerate French Canadians for $400. It served as a boarding house for miners and locals until 1920. After 1920 it slipped into obscurity until the 1950’s when it enjoyed a brief reopening. Thereafter, it was off-and-on a private residence, then vacant and empty, until just a few years ago when Laurie Lockhart arrived on the scene. Now Laurie is pursuing her dream of making this Inn a vibrant part of this serene community.

Volcano, population 120, is a destination for those of who seek relaxation in a quiet village atmosphere away from the grind and stress of city life. As with any village there must be a place to gather, and in Volcano it is at the Inn’s tavern, where local residents join visitors to enjoy good cheer and wonderful food. On occasion you may hear Laurie’s daughter Stephanie playing soft tunes on the saloon’s piano. She is quite talented and has been playing the piano since she was three years old.

Live music is featured on weekends to wake up your soul and “last call” is late enough for country folk, early enough for visitors. To complete your evening I suggest you enjoy the subtle sounds of the surrounding forest and look into the sky and enjoy the splendor of a starry night. This often leaves flat landers to pondering “where did all the stars come from”!

The Inn offers four rooms, two that are suites, The Avalon and The Venencia. They feature double French doors that open to the balcony and have a view over the village, fields and forest. The suites also offer king-sized beds, bathtubs designed for two and a shower. They offer a breakfast tray if you prefer private dining. Rates for the suites are $150 daily on weekends, holidays and for special events; weekday price is $125.

The other two rooms are The Cape and Daffodil. These rooms are quiet and cozy with queen-sized beds and showers. Windows look out on a hill local’s call “Rocky,” and the rising forest. Rates are $125 for weekends, holidays and special events; weekday price is $100.

The Inn rooms offer private baths, down comforters, pillows both soft and firm and one hundred percent Egyptian cotton bed linens. Each morning of your stay, a sumptuous breakfast is served in the dining room, in the saloon, or, weather permitting, in the garden. All rooms are equipped with televisions and VCR's, and an extensive video library is provided.

The food at the Inn is entirely home-made and is prepared to your satisfaction. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and serious Pub-Grub are available. Beside their regular menu of California Freehand Cuisine, they will prepare most anything from vegetarian to ethnic dishes, with a 24-hour notice.

Speaking of food, the Inn is featuring a new addition, a home-style Sunday Night Family Dinner. Open to 20

guests by reservation, the menu offers roast chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh vegetables, salad and freshly-baked bread, lemon meringue pie for dessert, coffee or iced tea, and juice for the children. Price: Adults $15.95, children $9.95. Sunday Night Family Dinner is followed by a sign-along around the piano. You can bring your pie and coffee.

And if you really wish to be part of the Union Inn family, you will benefit by signing up for the Inn’s new promotion, Join Your Local Union! For $18.80 a year (the date the Union Hotel opened) Union members receive free pool, 10 percent off all meals, reserved parking at the Union Inn, a free bimonthly electronic newsletter with Inn-style recipes and the latest Inn-style news, refrigerator magnets and more.

If you are looking for the Hilton this is not for you, but if you would like to enjoy a small rustic Inn with historic interest, a home-town atmosphere, surrounded by friendly people then make plans to journey to Volcano. This village has many things to see and do, like a visit to the beautiful Black Chasm Cavern, a National Natural Landmark, or Chaw’se, the Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, where thousands of years of Native American history are displayed. Also there is biking, hiking and historical site-seeing to be done.

After dinner, take a digestive stroll of Volcano and learn about the rip-roaring gold rush city that once held more than 5,000 people and was home to many “firsts” in California history. Among the most interesting is the only Civil War engagement in the state. It involved the Old Abe Cannon, a load of gold and way too much powder…the whole story is best enjoyed at the Union’s saloon. More than $100 million (at $26.50 an ounce) was taken from the Volcano diggings, so the famous and infamous of the mid-1800s passed through on their way to glory, or obscurity. There are stories and tales aplenty.

The next time you’re in the mood to escape the merely ordinary, plan a visit to the Volcano Union Inn and experience where graceful lodging and wholesome dining extend the concept of comfortable.

The Volcano Union Inn is located at 21375 Consolation Street, Volcano, California. Their website is www.VolcanoUnionInn.net. E-mail address is UnionInn@Volcano.net Phone number is 209-296-7711. Volcano Union Inn is open weekly except Wednesday, but other arrangements are always welcome with a two-week advance notice.

The entire Inn is available with a one month request.