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the mercantile building is not yet complete, with plans for a bar in the old meat locker that will be called the "Meet Market" and will use the rails and meat hooks still in place to shape the atmosphere.

Of course, changes have been underway for years. Renovations began in the early 1990s when Lee and Marilyn Ogden began restoring the old guesthouse into the grand McCloud Hotel. The original offices of the Mother McCloud were redesigned into the McCloud River Inn Bed & Breakfast and the old Milky Way Caf became the Milky Way Trading Co. gift shop. Heart of the Mountain brings custom-made jewelry to McCloud and an absolutely charming selection of Christmas ornaments and decorations. McCloud's Heritage Museum proudly shows off relics of the mill history and tells the story of Mother McCloud, as the McCloud River Lumber Company was known when it owned the town. The Shasta Sunset Dinner Train has long been a destination as it travels the old mill railroad, serving up wonderful meals and views.

The classic compliment to visiting downtown McCloud is to then head out to McCloud Falls with a picnic lunch from the Chocolate Caf for a meal and a stroll down the trail between Lower and Middle Falls. Another great option, McCloud Railway hosts the Pumpkin Train, one of the most enjoyable fall outings (for kids and adults) every Saturday in October.

McCloud is a North State gem, a town with real character. With its surrounding vast forest, the views of rugged Mount Shasta and its friendly residents, it's definitely worth a visit or two. Consider a trip to McCloud this fall, and start your relationship with this little town that's got plenty of charm.

If you go
McCloud is easily accessible from Interstate 5, about 5 hours north of the Bay Area and 6 hours south of Portland.
McCloud Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau: www.mccloudchamber.com
McCloud River Mercantile Inn: 530.964.2330.
Shasta Sunset Dinner Train: www.shastasunset.com, 800.733.2141

Learn more about this author, Renee Casterline.
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