Murphys is a bustling little town in the foothills--a town so popular that it won't be little for long. It's a favorite for weekend jaunts, and home to an eclectic group of people attracted by the natural surroundings, laid-back lifestyle, and, increasingly, world-class wineries. Originally named for the trading camp of John and Daniel Murphy, the area became a boomtown during the Gold Rush, and later hosted such notables as Mark Twain, Black Bart, Ulysses S. Grant, and Horatio Alger. Nearby, the majestic stands of redwood at Calaveras Big Trees State Park stand sentinel over the gullies and ranches of this area, which has changed much since the 1800s but still retains its compelling forested beauty.