A leafy Main Street lined with smart restaurants and boutiques. That restful, rustic Mother Lode ambience. Dozens of wineries nestled in the surrounding hills.

Let's face it: There's never a bad time to visit Murphys.

There is, however, a best time, and it's upon us. The Calaveras County town takes on another dimension in the months stretching from late spring to early fall, thanks not only to ideal weather but the infusion of some serious nightlife.

The crown jewel is the summer concert series at Ironstone Amphitheatre. It kicks off June 13 with Sheryl Crow and over the ensuing four months will host the likes of Steely Dan (July 25), Chris Isaak (Aug. 2) and Bonnie Raitt (Oct. 4).

Murphys Creek Theatre has been presenting the best of Shakespeare (and more-modern playwrights) under the stars at Stevenot Winery for more than a decade. Its season begins June 26 with a monthlong run of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and continues with a staging of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" (Aug. 15-Sept. 9). There's more theater scheduled for summer at the Black Bart Playhouse located just off Main Street.

The concerts and plays provide more incentive to make your visit an overnight. Give in to that temptation.

Contact LENS Editor Brian McCoy at (209) 546-8293 or bmccoy@recordnet.com.

Murphys Hotel Saloon

457 Main St.

(209) 728-3444

There is no better place to finish a night in Murphys. Open late and occasionally featuring live music, this water hole brings a 19th-century tinge to 21st-century fun.

Firewood

420 Main St.

(209) 728-3248

The name nearly says it all, as this eatery specialized in pizzas baked in a wood-fired over. You also can stop by for burgers, fish, tacos and more.

Mineral

419 Main St.

(209) 728-9743

A leading Lode destination for the discriminating diner, Mineral's menu emphasizes local ingredients and all things organic. Don't miss the wine list.

Grounds

402 Main St.

(209) 728-8663

Great food and drink, to be sure, but Grounds also boasts one of the town's most appealing environments with its big windows overlooking Main Street.

Murphys Grille

380 Main St.

(209) 728-8800

There's a wonderful bistro vibe here, just perfect for the Mother Lode. The patio is open year-round and these days is a great place to sip a glass and watch the world pass by.

Alchemy Market and Wine Bar

191 Main St.

(209) 728-0700

Hugging the intersection of Main and Scott, Alchemy does it all, combining a restaurant and wine bar with a deli and market. A Mother Lode must-see.

Noto's Tradizioni di Sicilia

140 Main St.

(209) 728-9077

The setting is not particularly glamorous - dining al fresco means sitting beneath a picnic-style canopy - but the food is top-rate Italian, just like the chef.

The Growler Craft Brewery

164 Highway 4

(209) 728-1162

Open just a few months, the Mother Lode's latest brewpub features Figaro's Pizza and a wide variety of beers brewed on premises.

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