Need to get away from the city for a day? El Dorado County is located only a half hour from Sacramento. It’s a region steeped in stunning natural beauty, a refreshing and underrated wine scene, and glorious Gold Rush history.
An average of 40,000 cars travel from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe through the Sierra Nevada Foothills on scenic Highway 50 every day. But the vast majority have no idea what they are missing less than a mile away from this popular route. If you’re willing to explore, you’ll be rewarded with unique adventures (along with some photos, wine, and even a freshly baked pie!).
Fall is prime time to explore the ranches, wineries, and other places that are part of the Apple Hill™ Growers. It’s when you can indulge in all things apple, including donuts, pie, turnovers, cider, candied apples… and Apple Hill Cake!
Since its Gold Rush days, El Dorado County has always welcomed spirited characters. Despite having departed long ago, many remain. Some are unsettled, a few lovelorn, and others continue to enjoy a ghoulishly good poker game.
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.
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.
Don’t be that person who becomes known for generic gifts (that usually end up at a White Elephant gift exchange). We can help. We’ve assembled a variety of home-grown inspiration for everyone on your gift list.
While Apple Hill™ is known for its apple farms and family-friendly activities, you don’t need to have kids with you to enjoy the area’s varied attractions.
Family-friendly fun shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. In El Dorado County, you can find affordable fun every day of the week that entertains kids of all ages.
We’ve got recommendations for a week full of fun activities that range from Gold Rush history to train rides.
If you’re on two wheels, we’re going to assume you are a little more adventurous and not scared off by a road trip with stops with names like Hell Hole, Ice House, Stumpy Meadows, or the infamous Old Hangtown. These backroads wind through the Sierra Nevada Foothills alongside lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, majestic pines, rolling hills, and ranches. The best time for this road trip is May through October.
Gold Country, California is one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations for those who want to see a different side of the Golden State. Home of the original gold rush that forever changed a nation, this region is within striking distance of both Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, making it an achievable and creative destination for those who love history, outdoor adventure, farm-to-table food, and know how to enjoy a booming wine and beer scene.
by Mike Battey
It was sometime in the early to mid-’90s that I recall shoving a handful of chives from the garden in my mouth. I moved over to the green beans, and then the tomatoes, rushing as many as I could into my overalls to snack on before my mom used the remainder for dinner.