If a trip to El Dorado County is in the cards, a weekend in Placerville has to be on the itinerary. The quaint town with a rich agricultural history and mountaintop apple orchards has so much to offer.
California is home to numerous small towns that are historically and culturally significant, making them some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Placerville in El Dorado County is one of them. A charming town established in the 1840s, Placerville was named after the placer gold deposits found in its hills and riverbeds during the legendary Gold Rush.
Got a taste for adventure? This road trip takes you through the bountiful backroads of El Dorado Wine County to discover unique experiences in places you never knew existed. The quiet two-lane roads wind through the vineyards, rivers, and hollows. Soak in the Sierra Foothills vistas or dive deep into a wine cave. Awaken your palate in this extraordinary growing region.
There’s something about being out on the open road that invigorates our soul. The sense of adventure, discovering new places, seeing old favorites, and exploring new out-of-the-way hidden gems create life-long memories.
Amid the winding roads and bucolic ranches, farms, and wineries of Apple Hill lies a charming hidden gem, Ponderosa Ridge: A Bed & Breakfast. A local’s favorite, it’s received the Mt. Democrat Readers’ choice award for the last three years! Owner Bonnie Kelley and her husband Bill have created a tranquil, welcoming oasis for guests while providing unmatched customer service.
Placerville’s rich history and 19th-century architecture offer some really great spaces to shop. Here are three women-owned boutiques hidden in plain sight featuring one-of-a-kind items, remarkable architecture, and striking displays.
Visit the Apple Hill Growers, 50+ farms and ranches nestled in the spectacular and majestic Sierra Nevada foothills, for an unforgettable and delicious trip. You’ll find apple orchards, wineries, breweries, bakeries, and more to fill your tummy with tasty foods. There are also ample kids’ activities, you-pick farms, and Apple Hill pumpkin patches for a fun day out with the family. What’s not to love?
Spring and summer in El Dorado County are not to be missed. If you’re planning a family getaway, here are a few fun activities you can indulge in:
Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for family, friends, copious amounts of food, and perhaps a football game or two. For folks looking for something beyond that, or families seeking activities that don’t involve shopping or television, you’re in luck, for there are plenty of interesting, fun, and educational things to do in El Dorado County this holiday.
Summertime is the most wonderful time of year. After all, who doesn’t love sunshine, long days, flip flops, shorts, and everything else that comes with #notwinter?
But. There comes a time (usually around August) when the heat may start to get to you. Sure, you can head to an air-conditioned movie theater or mall, but why do that?
We’ve got better ideas. Five of them.
If you’re looking for Mother Nature’s annual show of colors, this road trip is for you! The aspen, oak, maples, cottonwood, and dogwood trees explode in color from late September through early December. During harvest season, the grapevines reveal a fantastic color palette which, of course, pairs well with any wine-tasting adventure.
It’s almost time for the Apple Hill℠ ranches to open. Whether you’re a first-timer to the ranches or have been going there for years, you’ll find these tips from Ann Wofford of Wofford Acres Vineyards useful.
Here are Ann’s top five tips to having a memorable time and getting the best service, and one essential tip if you ONLY visit in the Fall…