Things to do in Gold Country
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Ikedas
If you're cruising this part of the state without time to explore, the best pit stop is off I-80 at exit 121. This place feeds Tahoe-bound travelers thick, grass-fed burgers, homemade pies and snacks. The seasonal fresh peach shake is deliriously good.
reviewed
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Daffodil Hill
Between mid-March and mid-April, Daffodil Hill is blanketed with more than 300,000 daffodils. The McLaughlin and Ryan families have operated the hilltop farm since 1887 and keep hyacinths, tulips, violets, lilacs and the occasional peacock among the daffodils. The hill is open daily when the flowers are in bloom. There's no fee, but donations toward next year's planting are appreciated.
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Empire Mine State Historic Park
The landscaped Empire Mine State Historic Park marks the site of one of the richest mines in the state; from 1850 to 1956 it produced 5.8 million ounces of gold - about $5 billion in today's market. In summer, living-history weekends are popular; an underground tour is due to open in 2010.
reviewed
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Liars' Bench
Placerville's bars are akin to the neighborhood watering holes in the Midwest: they open at 06:00, get an annual cleaning at Christmas and are great for people who want to soak up local color. The Liars' Bench has a classic old martini sign beckoning like a neon siren.
reviewed
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Volcano Theatre Company
On weekends from April to November, the well-regarded Volcano Theatre Company produces live dramas in the restored Cobblestone Theater.
reviewed
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Apple Hill
In 1860 a miner planted a Rhode Island Greening apple tree on what is the present-day property of a family named Larsen, and thus began what is now the prolific Apple Hill, a 20-sq-mile area east of Placerville and north of Hwy 50 where there are more than 60 orchards. The miner's Rhode Island Greening tree still stands (a major gimmick for the Larsens, who operate a museum) and is flanked by Granny Smiths, pippins, red and yellow delicious, Fujis from Japan and Braeburns from New Zealand.
Apple growers sell directly to the public, usually from August to December, and some let you pick your own. At other times other fruits are in season and at Christmas several places…
reviewed
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Auburn State Recreation Area
The North and Middle Forks of the American River converge below a bridge on Hwy 49, about 4 miles south of Auburn. In summer this is the popular Auburn State Recreation Area for sunning and swimming, though the current can be dangerous. Numerous trails in the area are shared by hikers, mountain-bikers and horses. Boaters have an entire campground and boating trail exclusively for them.
One of the most popular trails is the Western States Trail, which connects Auburn State Recreation Area to Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and Folsom Lake. It is the site of the annual '100 Miles in One Day' horseback ride, which starts in Soda Springs, near Truckee (visit…
reviewed
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Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
To get perspective on the region's history, take Hwy 88 north toward Pine Grove to the Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, which is sacred ground for the local Miwok Indians. The magnificent 'grinding rock' is covered with ancient petroglyphs and mortar holes called chaw'Ses. Camping in reconstructed bark houses, called U'macha'tam'ma ', provides a more tactile Miwok experience than any museum could.
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North Star Mine
Grass Valley's North Star Mine used the largest Pelton waterwheel ever made. The mine's 1895 stone powerhouse on the west bank of Wolf Creek, at Mill St's south end, is now a museum with a small collection of Pelton waterwheels (and their prototypes), mining equipment and artifacts. A few shady, creek-side tables behind the museum make nice picnic spots.
reviewed
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Sierra Mac River Trips
Sonora is also a base for white-water rafting: the Tuolumne River is known for its Class IV rapids and its population of golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, while the Stanislaus River is more accessible and better for novice rafters. Sierra Mac River Trips has a good reputation and offers a variety of trips for one day or longer.
reviewed
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Ike's Quarter Cafe
The pick of many good choices in town, Ike's serves up splendid Cajun fare with a sassy charm that leaves the blue hairs pink-cheeked. The large and creative menu features treats such as banana and pecan pancakes, jambalaya and more. The outside patio with its quiet fountain is right out of the Garden District in New Orleans.
reviewed
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Diamondback Grill
Fittingly pie-shaped, this wonderful little café serves up extraordinary food at superb prices. Sandwiches come with creative ingredients like pesto and the burgers are simply fantastic. Everything is homemade, including the addictive buttermilk parsley salad dressing. Daily specials feature steaks and seafood.
reviewed
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Hangman Tree
Placerville's bars are akin to the neighborhood watering holes in the Midwest: they open at 06:00, get an annual cleaning at Christmas and are great for people who want to soak up local color. Marked by vintage signs, the Hangman Tree is built over the stump of the eponymous tree, and the Liars' Bench.
reviewed
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Cozmic Cafe
Expect to see patrons sitting in the lotus position at this funky place in an 1859 building. The menu is organic and boasts vegetarian and healthy fare plus treats like fresh smoothies. There's a good selection of microbrews and live music on weekends, when it often stays open late.
reviewed
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Gold Bug Park
One mile north of town on Bedford Ave, Gold Bug Park is on the site of four mining claims that yielded gold from 1849 to 1888. You can visit the Gold Bug Mine and Stamp Mill, do some gold panning and explore the grounds and picnic area for free.
reviewed
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Nevada Theater
This is one of California's first theaters (1865) and has welcomed the likes of Jack London and Mark Twain to its stage. Now it's used for productions of the very good and prolific Foothill Theater Company, as well as off-beat movie screenings.
reviewed
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Bernhard Museum Complex
The Bernhard Museum Complex, at the south end of High St, was built in 1851 as the Traveler's Rest Hotel. The museum has displays depicting the typical life of a 19th-century farm family and at times volunteers in period garb ham it up.
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El Dorado County Historical Museum
El Dorado County Historical Museum, on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds west of downtown (exit north on Placerville Drive from Hwy 50), is an extensive complex of restored buildings, mining equipment and re-created businesses.
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Tofanelli's
Hugely popular with locals in the know, this creative restaurant has everything from salads to hearty steaks with seasonal accents like summer squash ravioli. Portions are large, prices are small and you can't beat the patio.
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Latitudes
One of the best restaurants in the Sierra foothills, Latitudes serves up carefully prepared seasonal fare in a dining room where the entrance is framed by jasmine. It's right across from the courthouse. Excellent wine list.
reviewed
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Monkey Cat Restaurant
The smart decor accented by local artworks is the right setting for creative casual fare that ranges from unusual salads and huge burgers at lunch to steaks and seafood with fusion accents at dinner. It has a quiet patio.
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Black Chasm
Black Chasm, a quarter of a mile east of Volcano, is known for its helictite crystals - rare, sparkling white formations that look like an enlarged snowflake. For extra loot you can try your hand at gemstone mining.
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Café Mekka
Decorated in a style best described as 'whorehouse baroque,' this charmer serves up good coffees and beers through the day as well as sandwiches, pizzas and famous desserts. Look for live folk music some nights.
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Cirino's
This local institution recalls classic supper clubs with its familiar and tasty menu of Italian classics from fettuccini Alfredo to veal parmigiana. An open kitchen in back caps the inviting long wooden bar.
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Sweet Spot
The name says it all at this classic ice-cream store run by the ebullient Hawaiian-shirt-wearing Jim Paskel (there's 10% off if you are wearing a Hawaiian shirt). Coffee drinks complement shakes and sundaes.
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