Danielle’s guidebook
Sightseeing & Fun things to do :)
HIking. Nearby and easy, dog friendly. A loop trail about a mile long which goes from the parking lot trail head to the South Fork American River and back again passing through several habitat types. Nestled in the heart of Gold Rush Country, the trail is lined with remnants from nearly 150 years ago when Chinese laborers channeled creek water by hand with pick and shovel for gold mining. Tailing piles from the Gold Rush period blanket the area which lend to the characteristic landscape that makes this area so unique.
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Dave Moore Nature Area
California 49HIking. Nearby and easy, dog friendly. A loop trail about a mile long which goes from the parking lot trail head to the South Fork American River and back again passing through several habitat types. Nestled in the heart of Gold Rush Country, the trail is lined with remnants from nearly 150 years ago when Chinese laborers channeled creek water by hand with pick and shovel for gold mining. Tailing piles from the Gold Rush period blanket the area which lend to the characteristic landscape that makes this area so unique.
Hiking. Nearby and dog friendly. There are 2 trails accessible from the parking area. If you walk up to the left will be an easier hike. If you walk down to the right, towards the river it’s hard. it’s very steep and challenging if a person is not used to. Make sure you bring plenty water to drink up! The trail is rated as moderate/difficult. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Red Shack Trailhead
Coloma RoadHiking. Nearby and dog friendly. There are 2 trails accessible from the parking area. If you walk up to the left will be an easier hike. If you walk down to the right, towards the river it’s hard. it’s very steep and challenging if a person is not used to. Make sure you bring plenty water to drink up! The trail is rated as moderate/difficult. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
River beach area very close by. Bring a beach chair and easy access from the parking lot, just steps to the rocky beach.
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Henningsen Lotus Park
950 Lotus RdRiver beach area very close by. Bring a beach chair and easy access from the parking lot, just steps to the rocky beach.
Large area for hiking with several different trails. River access, dogs allowed (leached).
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Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
Large area for hiking with several different trails. River access, dogs allowed (leached).
Beach, sightseeing, hiking. The main trail at Jenkinson Lake follows the shoreline, it is an easy level 1-2 hike and most of the trail is shaded. The trials do cross through and follow some campground roads. When you are hiking on the roads please watch your step because the pavement can end sharply along the edges. The full hike around the lake is over eight (8) miles. Or simple bring a beach chair and relax by the gorgeous lake.
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Jenkinson Lake
Beach, sightseeing, hiking. The main trail at Jenkinson Lake follows the shoreline, it is an easy level 1-2 hike and most of the trail is shaded. The trials do cross through and follow some campground roads. When you are hiking on the roads please watch your step because the pavement can end sharply along the edges. The full hike around the lake is over eight (8) miles. Or simple bring a beach chair and relax by the gorgeous lake.
Hiking. More than 100 miles of mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails cross the steep canyons and both forks of the American River. Auburn State Recreation Area has richly varied natural habitats.
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Auburn State Recreation Area
Hiking. More than 100 miles of mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails cross the steep canyons and both forks of the American River. Auburn State Recreation Area has richly varied natural habitats.
Silver Lake East- Eldorado
Carson Pass HighwayAmazing views, enourmous rocks structures, easy hiking to the pot holes
Hiking. Desolation Wilderness, located west of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, may be considered small for a wilderness area at nearly 64,000 acres, but it compensates with dramatic scenery ranging from starkly beautiful granite to cerulean blue alpine lakes. Visitor permits are required year-round for both overnight and day hikes. Its many glacially formed lakes and streams make it one of the most scenic stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail.
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Desolation Wilderness
138 Emerald Bay RoadHiking. Desolation Wilderness, located west of Lake Tahoe in El Dorado County, may be considered small for a wilderness area at nearly 64,000 acres, but it compensates with dramatic scenery ranging from starkly beautiful granite to cerulean blue alpine lakes. Visitor permits are required year-round for both overnight and day hikes. Its many glacially formed lakes and streams make it one of the most scenic stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail and Tahoe Rim Trail.
Historic place. Step back in time when you enter Gold Bug Park. It'a a REAL mining site from the Gold Rush days. Explore the park and then the mining museum.
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Hangtown's Gold Bug Park
2635 Gold Bug LnHistoric place. Step back in time when you enter Gold Bug Park. It'a a REAL mining site from the Gold Rush days. Explore the park and then the mining museum.
Apple Hill
2952 Carson RdWineries and Orchards. Beautiful scenery, drinks and food
Open 363 Days a Year Offering Fresh Fruits, Pies, Ciders, Donuts, Wines, Veggies, Juices & More. They Also Offer Seasonal Events: Pumpkin Patch, Berry Festivals, Egg Hunt, Christmas Trees & More!
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Boa Vista Orchards
2952 Carson RdOpen 363 Days a Year Offering Fresh Fruits, Pies, Ciders, Donuts, Wines, Veggies, Juices & More. They Also Offer Seasonal Events: Pumpkin Patch, Berry Festivals, Egg Hunt, Christmas Trees & More!
Closet Ski resort, within 50 miles from us. Plan on leaving early in the morning and stay until mid afternoon.
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Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
1111 Sierra-At-Tahoe RdCloset Ski resort, within 50 miles from us. Plan on leaving early in the morning and stay until mid afternoon.
Historic town, great for antique/boutique shopping and restaurants. Originally called "Old Dry Diggings" the town later earned the infamous name of "Hangtown" for the overzealous use of hanging as a means of justice. Hangtown was center stage for the "Wild West." Later the name was changed to Placerville. Take a stroll on Main St with many antique shops, local restaurants and coffee shops.
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Placerville
Historic town, great for antique/boutique shopping and restaurants. Originally called "Old Dry Diggings" the town later earned the infamous name of "Hangtown" for the overzealous use of hanging as a means of justice. Hangtown was center stage for the "Wild West." Later the name was changed to Placerville. Take a stroll on Main St with many antique shops, local restaurants and coffee shops.
Historic town. It was here on the South Fork River, that James Marshall first found the gold that started the great California Gold Rush. News spread quickly and by the time it reached San Francisco, thousands began to flood the area. Check out California’s Marshall Gold Discovery State Park that features several buildings that have survived from the gold rush. There are options for whitewater rafting and gold panning along the south fork of the American River.
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Coloma
Historic town. It was here on the South Fork River, that James Marshall first found the gold that started the great California Gold Rush. News spread quickly and by the time it reached San Francisco, thousands began to flood the area. Check out California’s Marshall Gold Discovery State Park that features several buildings that have survived from the gold rush. There are options for whitewater rafting and gold panning along the south fork of the American River.
Historic town. An abundance of history surrounds this city including the oldest continuously operating post office in the United States and the seven oldest businesses in California. Visitors can enjoy the history or shopping, fine dining, entertainment, antique shops, art galleries, museums, and many recreational attractions. Check out the gorgeous Auburn State Recreation Area along the American river.
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Auburn
Historic town. An abundance of history surrounds this city including the oldest continuously operating post office in the United States and the seven oldest businesses in California. Visitors can enjoy the history or shopping, fine dining, entertainment, antique shops, art galleries, museums, and many recreational attractions. Check out the gorgeous Auburn State Recreation Area along the American river.
Historic town. It was built upon the wealth of gold, agriculture and commerce. Now a bustling community filled with an abundance of history. You can delight in browsing the quaint streets of Grass Valley while shopping in a wide variety of unique stores. Antique shops, art galleries, contemporary stores, fine restaurants, surrounded by a scenic backdrop of oak and pine covered lush rolling foothills. This what makes Grass Valley a desirable destination any time of year.
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Grass Valley
Historic town. It was built upon the wealth of gold, agriculture and commerce. Now a bustling community filled with an abundance of history. You can delight in browsing the quaint streets of Grass Valley while shopping in a wide variety of unique stores. Antique shops, art galleries, contemporary stores, fine restaurants, surrounded by a scenic backdrop of oak and pine covered lush rolling foothills. This what makes Grass Valley a desirable destination any time of year.
Historic town. It is known as the Queen City of the Northern Mines. It is claimed by many to be California's prettiest and best-preserved Gold Rush towns. Nevada City is embraced by deep green hillsides in the Spring and considered one of nature's brightest western fall-color canvases between mid-October and Thanksgiving. The entire downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, comprised of more than 90 quaint brick storefronts and picturesque Victorian homes. Filled with history, many cultural attractions, antiques, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, recreational attractions of all kinds for all ages, in a setting so pristine you will return again and again.
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Nevada City
Historic town. It is known as the Queen City of the Northern Mines. It is claimed by many to be California's prettiest and best-preserved Gold Rush towns. Nevada City is embraced by deep green hillsides in the Spring and considered one of nature's brightest western fall-color canvases between mid-October and Thanksgiving. The entire downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, comprised of more than 90 quaint brick storefronts and picturesque Victorian homes. Filled with history, many cultural attractions, antiques, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, recreational attractions of all kinds for all ages, in a setting so pristine you will return again and again.
Over 40 wineries in the area, many with daily tastings and restaurants open to the public
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Shenandoah Valley
Over 40 wineries in the area, many with daily tastings and restaurants open to the public
Also, known as the "gateway to the Shenandoah Valley". Check out Taste – a 4-star rating Restaurant (featuring seasonal Californian cuisine, plus a wine bar with small plates - 9402 Main St, Plymouth, CA 95669).
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Plymouth
Also, known as the "gateway to the Shenandoah Valley". Check out Taste – a 4-star rating Restaurant (featuring seasonal Californian cuisine, plus a wine bar with small plates - 9402 Main St, Plymouth, CA 95669).
Historic "Old West" architecture a mixture of Victorian, New England and Greek Revival line both sides of the narrow main street and sidewalks you would feel comfortable pulling up to in your horse drawn carriage. This "Jewel of the Mother Lode" is the perfect place to spend the day, shopping in unique boutiques, browsing through the many antique shops, dining in quaint restaurants, or traveling back in time on the historic walking tour.
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Sutter Creek
Historic "Old West" architecture a mixture of Victorian, New England and Greek Revival line both sides of the narrow main street and sidewalks you would feel comfortable pulling up to in your horse drawn carriage. This "Jewel of the Mother Lode" is the perfect place to spend the day, shopping in unique boutiques, browsing through the many antique shops, dining in quaint restaurants, or traveling back in time on the historic walking tour.
Once the richest mining area in the Mother Lode, today Jackson's main industry is tourism. Jackson is full of unique gift shops, antique shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and historical sites like the Kennedy Gold Mine and the Amador County Museum. Nearby for additional sightseeing and touring are the towns of Fiddletown, Martell, Drytown and the popular, seasonal Daffodil Hill.
If you desire plush forests, mountain streams and lakes head up "All Year Trans-Sierra Highway 88" to the high Sierra for a multitude of recreational opportunities.
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Jackson
Once the richest mining area in the Mother Lode, today Jackson's main industry is tourism. Jackson is full of unique gift shops, antique shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and historical sites like the Kennedy Gold Mine and the Amador County Museum. Nearby for additional sightseeing and touring are the towns of Fiddletown, Martell, Drytown and the popular, seasonal Daffodil Hill.
If you desire plush forests, mountain streams and lakes head up "All Year Trans-Sierra Highway 88" to the high Sierra for a multitude of recreational opportunities.
Several vineyards, wineries and local food around it.
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El Dorado County Wine Country
Several vineyards, wineries and local food around it.
Food scene
Intimate bistro-style restaurant in a rustic storefront serving modern American cuisine with wines. Opens from 11 am to 9-10 pm. Super cute place and good food.
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Heyday Café
325 Main StIntimate bistro-style restaurant in a rustic storefront serving modern American cuisine with wines. Opens from 11 am to 9-10 pm. Super cute place and good food.
American food, steaks & craft beers. Good food and relaxed vibe. Usually is open from 11 am to 8:30-9 pm.
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Bricks Eats & Drinks
482 Main StAmerican food, steaks & craft beers. Good food and relaxed vibe. Usually is open from 11 am to 8:30-9 pm.
Quaint daytime cafe with a patio offering classic breakfasts, baked goods & a self-serve coffee bar. Locals favorite. Opens 6:30 am until 3 pm.
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Sweetie Pie's
577 Main StQuaint daytime cafe with a patio offering classic breakfasts, baked goods & a self-serve coffee bar. Locals favorite. Opens 6:30 am until 3 pm.
Smith Flat House
2021 Smith Flat RdHistoric, Local cuisine, American, Grill
Thai Unique
1160 BroadwayGood option for Thai food.
Located right in the gold discovery park. Open every day for breakfast & lunch from 8 am to 4 pm. Small plates, baking goods.
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The Argonaut
331 CA-49Located right in the gold discovery park. Open every day for breakfast & lunch from 8 am to 4 pm. Small plates, baking goods.
Great local BBQ Southern style. Simple and rustic setting. Eat in or take out.
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Hog Wild Bar-B-Que
38 Main StGreat local BBQ Southern style. Simple and rustic setting. Eat in or take out.
Very small Mexican market but they serve food from 10 am to 5 pm every day. It’s a “hole in the wall”, but they have delicious Mexican and very affordable prices. Eat in or take out.
Santa Maria Taqueria, Meat & Groceries
175 Placerville DrVery small Mexican market but they serve food from 10 am to 5 pm every day. It’s a “hole in the wall”, but they have delicious Mexican and very affordable prices. Eat in or take out.
BBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides. Order in or take out.
Dickeys Barbecue Pit
21 Fair LnBBQ chain eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides. Order in or take out.
Timmy's BROWN BAG
451 Main StSimple setting, sandwiches, takeout
Takeout or delivery for $5 fee. This is a local family kitchen inside their small market. Its the only Indian food option in the area and we personally like it. Basic menu but delish and less than 5 min away.
Spice kitchen
1628 Cold Springs RoadTakeout or delivery for $5 fee. This is a local family kitchen inside their small market. Its the only Indian food option in the area and we personally like it. Basic menu but delish and less than 5 min away.
Enchanted Forest
372 Main StInteresting place and good foundue experience!
Small Italian place with great food. The Napoletana pizza tastes just like the real ones in Napoli :)
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Bene Ristorante Italiano
423 Main StSmall Italian place with great food. The Napoletana pizza tastes just like the real ones in Napoli :)
Local Favorite for atmosphere and steaks. Also very nice menu.
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Independent Restaurant & Bar
629 Main StLocal Favorite for atmosphere and steaks. Also very nice menu.
Tortilla Flats Cantina
564 Main StNice atmosphere and menu for Mexican Bar and Restaurant
Bar and Restaurant with live music on the weekends.
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Placerville Public House
305 Main StBar and Restaurant with live music on the weekends.
Beautiful winery with an outdoor restaurant only by reservation. Check their website for menu and times available for bookings.
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Starfield Vineyards
2750 Jacquier RdBeautiful winery with an outdoor restaurant only by reservation. Check their website for menu and times available for bookings.
ALLEZ!
4242 Fowler LnCute French cuisine restaurant.
Amerikan Ichi
1234 Broadwayquaint Japanese restaurant, loval favorite.
El Dorado Wine Tasting
There are several wineries and vineyards around this area. They have great wine and gorgeous views!
Gorgeous views! Bring some cheese and crackers, get a glass of wine and sit back in their patio.
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Lava Cap Winery
2221 Fruitridge RdGorgeous views! Bring some cheese and crackers, get a glass of wine and sit back in their patio.
One of the oldest wineries around here. Beautiful patio, great wine tasting
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Boeger Winery
1709 Carson RdOne of the oldest wineries around here. Beautiful patio, great wine tasting
Beautiful sunsets and views. Live music on Fridays (pls check their website to confirm dates/times)
Chateau Davell Winery
3020 Vista Tierra DrBeautiful sunsets and views. Live music on Fridays (pls check their website to confirm dates/times)
Madrona Vineyards - Apple Hill #6
2560 High Hill RdBumgarner Wine Tasting
3550 Carson RdLewis Grace Winery
2701 Carson Rd
Miraflores Winery
2120 Four Springs Trail