Planning our weekend in Loyalton, it didn’t seem like this trip would be a turning point. No red flags to say that I may be crossing over, only a single beige flag as I mindlessly looked up the nearby nature preserve and its newly constructed, state-of-the-art bird watching facility.

That, I suppose, may have been the first sign.

The other signs didn’t show themselves until we pulled into town. We immediately took note of the endless blooming gardens on display, block after block. “Oooooh, I wonder if we can ask to collect some seed pods?” my friend mused while also noting the birdhouses which delighted us as reminiscent of her grandmother’s.

We pulled into our stay: a six-room luxury boutique hotel on Main Street. The Gilded Drifter Inn boasts an expansive book collection, a 100-year-old apple tree currently producing, and creaking floorboards that magically seem to charm its guests. How could the raspy tune of old wood floors sound so melodic and welcoming?

Bird watching. Gardens. Seed pods. Birdhouses. Books. Creaking floorboards. Had I just entered the best era of my life? The era where the daily hustle drops down to a stroll, and we once again have time to appreciate … everything? There is something more to Loyalton, however, because anyone could argue that finds like these could easily be spotted in any well established neighborhood. As we would soon find out, Loyalton’s greatest commodity is its neighbors themselves. After we checked in and unpacked, we walked the very few steps from The Gilded Drifter Inn to downtown and stumbled upon this elusive lure of tourism as resident after resident welcomed us. It occurred to me that while I can and will share all the tips to enjoying this tiny town, each highlight is inextricably woven with the local person in charge who made it amazing.

Sierra Valley Preserve Nature Center >> Funded and freshly built by the Feather River Land Trust, this is the current crown jewel of Sierra County. The docents themselves are as happy as the larks that flutter within this protected land; we suggest asking all the questions of the what, why, where, who, and how this open space is cherished. There are several highlights to this Preserve, and the bird watching hut is an absolute must (found at the East entrance).

Main Street Strolling >> Lombardi Mercantile, Sierra Valley Home Center, Girl And Goose Boutique and the Loyalton Library are the current shops open to visitors and while you may not think much of their humble outside, once you step inside you’re transported to a carefully crafted shopping experience of heirlooms, gadgets, gizmos, and custom souvenir items you didn’t know you needed.

Yes, we walked away with birdhouses to continue Loyalton’s good cause.

And also yes, we made new friends with all the shopkeepers who pointed us on our way to the next best gem in town.

The Milton Gottardi Museum >> Brimming with history, this old school building turned community center also houses City Hall, a thrift shop, AND an expansive outdoor miniature railroad exhibit. Open and free to the public, it is an easy stroll from classroom to classroom to appreciate hundreds of heirlooms and relics from Loyalton’s past.

The Top Story’s UKG >> Or, as we called it, “Coffee with the Ducks.” Best to check this one online to see hours and menu, but should you luck out and be in Loyalton when the window is open you are in for a delightful homemade treat to be enjoyed in the company of farm pets, more neighbors and in their own backyard to boot. While the menu changes often, our Thai One On Bagel, Apple Fritter and Golden Milk Turmeric Latte was perfectly done and suggests that anything on the menu is worth having.

The Drifter’s Table >> Located directly next door to our Gilded Drifter’s Inn, this new restaurant, and its chefs, run with the best in their league. Seasonal flavors, mouthwatering pairings, elegant dishware and unobstructed sunset views over the valley, this is the perfect way to wind down your evening before retiring to your room next door.

Other noteworthy curiosities nearby:

— Frenchman Lake. While the Lake itself isn’t remarkable, the winding drive through a jarring and rocky canyon and along a Little Last Chance creek is a pleasantly surprising and stark contrast to the rolling hills surrounding the valley.

— Sierra Hot Springs Resort. Extremely popular, family friendly and clothing optional this private campground always has events happening and a café on site.

— Marble Ranch Bridge. A springtime bird watching paradise on a one-lane dirt road leading to an even more questionable one lane bridge. Park and walk safely and we can promise there are a lot more than just birds to spot here. However the sheer amount of bird song alone is enough to rate it five stars.

— A game of I-Spy through the town streets of Loyalton. Look for quilt squares, flowers blooming of every variety and birdhouses. One home on the corner of Main and 2nd streets has no less than two dozen birdhouses on their own perch.

— >> Gonzo’s Little Frosty is the local standard burger shack perfect for the classic shakes and fries combo we all deserve to reward ourselves with for supporting small business.

— Several town events occur that are worth the overnight stay: Sierra Valley Art + Ag Trail, Timberfest, Christmas on Main, Fourth of July parades, and various Open Mic Nights and performances. If the locals don’t chat it up, there are plenty of signs posted updating everyone.

We retired each evening to the patio yard of The Gilded Drifter Inn. In the late summer months, the community gathering tables will be framed in sunflowers and holly hocks and the sun will set late enough for you to enjoy a good book, a good drink and good company of others who are drifting as well. In our short time at the Inn, what surprised us most was how quicky the sounds and setting grew on us — the natural light in the mornings and dimmed lamps in the evening seemed to always know how to fine tune our moods. The creaking floorboards were like snippets of conversations with past travelers.

We wondered how it would be to share common spaces with others — these days so many places promote quiet seclusion — and interestingly with the arrival and passing through of other visitors it felt as though once again the greatest commodity was the people, and the connection.

To Stay at The Gilded Drifter Inn, visit www.gildeddrifterinn.com. To explore the Sierra Valley Preserve, visit www.frlt.org To find more inspiration for exploring California, follow along on Instagram@ca.love.fornia