Merced is the county seat of Merced County and is 2 hours south east of Yosemite National Park. The Buchanan Hollow Nut Company offers tours through the nut processing plant. It's open year round. The Downtown Farmer's Market is open every Saturday morning; the food and merchandise are unique and locally made. The town's Merced Courthouse Museum was built in 1875 and has a rotating display of quilts, artwork and dolls. Applegate Park and Zoo is home to native wild animals which cannot be released into the wild. The Red Steer Restaurant is a local favorite for steaks and burgers and lovers of Mexican food will want to check out La Hacienda Restaurant for it's authentic Mexican cuisine. Less