With winter falling away, summer is right on our heals. For a good number of folks, this means time off, a chance to get away from the ole grindstone.
I'm as tired as anyone of hearing about the economy and what people are not doing. So let's talk about what can be done. California is an amazing State, there is plenty to do, right here.
The saying, the grass is always greener, got its start somewhere and I guess we Californians are just as guilty when it comes to neglecting what's right here in front of us in our very own State.
From the oldest standing redwood grove, to massive ports of call, to one of the deepest lakes in the world, some of the best rivers to be rafted and surf to be rip-curled, California is as good as it gets and tens of thousands of people flock to its land yearly.
In this article well look at a specific region of Northern California and explore some of the experiences awaiting you on your Sierra Nevada Foothill getaway.
Lets begin with the area largely responsible for the greater area developing, because of the Gold Rush, the Coloma River Valley and El Dorado County.
Hosting some great vacation spots in all the State is El Dorado County. Only two hours from San Francisco, located between US Hwys 80 and 50, access to both North and South Shores of Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County is a great choice for an affordable and diverse vacation. Being only a day's drive from anywhere in the State makes this super area to explore and vacation.
The History:
James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah. This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill, in present day Coloma California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation - Excerpted from the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park website.
So often its easy to overlook whats right here in our backyard, but truly, the epic Gold Rush took place right here. The park is as good a place as any to begin your local getaway. Onsite are many artifacts from the Gold Rush era, including a replica of the mill, still-standing buildings from the day, a museum and a nature trail wherein you can have a park ranger lead a walk through history.
Prior to heading off on your vacation, take a couple of moments and decide what type of break you're looking for. This is a great place for singles, couples and entire family reunions. Are you making a day of this? Is it just you or you and the family coming into town for a little history and picnic on the banks of the South Fork of the American River. Perhaps you are planning the big family get together, reunion style. You'll want to look into some of the local amenities, eateries, lodging, etc.
For bring-your-tent style sleeping and or RV, there are campgrounds and an RV park in the area. Ponderosa Park in Coloma is the RV park but it's a very specific park and you must have membership in the national club, call ahead. Camp Lotus on Bassi Road is a beautiful campground as well there is American River Resort on River Road. An historic hotel may suit your needs better or a bed and breakfast: The Albert Shafsky House in Placerville is a Bed and Breakfast, The Sierra Nevada House is right in Coloma and is an old hotel. Once you're here you have plenty of one and two day excursions to choose from, for example, rafting and or wine tasting?
South East El Dorado County is recognized by the Viticulture Society as some of the best land for specific wine-grape varietals. Thus, some of the best wineries can be visited and tasted while youre right here. Personal favorites are Oakstone and Windwalker wineries both in Fairplay!
Perhaps you'd like to work off the day leisure and kick up the adrenaline a bit, some whitewater rafting on the American River should be just right.
Most all the rafting companies have solid reputations and employ professional guides who put safety first. The best advice to picking one that will suit you and your personality, go with the one you feel most comfortable with on the phone and or in email communication.
We encourage you to come whitewater rafting, raft a day or two or three. With the variety of outings available its a great place for the whole family to meet up and reunion together. Those not into rafting, though its good for most all ages and fitness levels, can find plenty to do for the few hours the rafters are on the water.
Placerville is the main town in El Dorado County and it's steeped in history: it's also known as Hangtown and Dry Diggins. Walking it's sidewalks you'll pass the Mountain Democrat, oldest newspaper in the west and the oldest hardware store, established in the 1800's. Placerville is also home to the first Toyota dealership, Stancil's Toyota.
Stretch yourself a bit more by driving up to South Lake Tahoe and visit the beautiful lake, play a few games, hike through Desolation Wilderness.
Perhaps wed all love to cruise the Mediterranean for a few weeks but its simply not in our cards right now. You can head to the foothills of Northern California from anywhere in the State and be there within a days drive. Once here, with some simple planning, you can have as fulfilling and diverse holiday as nearly anywhere in the world. Tens of thousands of people a year come to visit, shouldnt you? Happy holidays! - 16887
I'm as tired as anyone of hearing about the economy and what people are not doing. So let's talk about what can be done. California is an amazing State, there is plenty to do, right here.
The saying, the grass is always greener, got its start somewhere and I guess we Californians are just as guilty when it comes to neglecting what's right here in front of us in our very own State.
From the oldest standing redwood grove, to massive ports of call, to one of the deepest lakes in the world, some of the best rivers to be rafted and surf to be rip-curled, California is as good as it gets and tens of thousands of people flock to its land yearly.
In this article well look at a specific region of Northern California and explore some of the experiences awaiting you on your Sierra Nevada Foothill getaway.
Lets begin with the area largely responsible for the greater area developing, because of the Gold Rush, the Coloma River Valley and El Dorado County.
Hosting some great vacation spots in all the State is El Dorado County. Only two hours from San Francisco, located between US Hwys 80 and 50, access to both North and South Shores of Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County is a great choice for an affordable and diverse vacation. Being only a day's drive from anywhere in the State makes this super area to explore and vacation.
The History:
James W. Marshall discovered gold in 1848 on the South Fork of the American River in the valley the Nisenan Indians knew as Cullumah. This event led to the greatest mass movement of people in the Western Hemisphere and was the spark that ignited the spectacular growth of the West during the ensuing decades. The gold discovery site, located in the still visible tailrace of Sutter's sawmill, in present day Coloma California, is one of the most significant historic sites in the nation - Excerpted from the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park website.
So often its easy to overlook whats right here in our backyard, but truly, the epic Gold Rush took place right here. The park is as good a place as any to begin your local getaway. Onsite are many artifacts from the Gold Rush era, including a replica of the mill, still-standing buildings from the day, a museum and a nature trail wherein you can have a park ranger lead a walk through history.
Prior to heading off on your vacation, take a couple of moments and decide what type of break you're looking for. This is a great place for singles, couples and entire family reunions. Are you making a day of this? Is it just you or you and the family coming into town for a little history and picnic on the banks of the South Fork of the American River. Perhaps you are planning the big family get together, reunion style. You'll want to look into some of the local amenities, eateries, lodging, etc.
For bring-your-tent style sleeping and or RV, there are campgrounds and an RV park in the area. Ponderosa Park in Coloma is the RV park but it's a very specific park and you must have membership in the national club, call ahead. Camp Lotus on Bassi Road is a beautiful campground as well there is American River Resort on River Road. An historic hotel may suit your needs better or a bed and breakfast: The Albert Shafsky House in Placerville is a Bed and Breakfast, The Sierra Nevada House is right in Coloma and is an old hotel. Once you're here you have plenty of one and two day excursions to choose from, for example, rafting and or wine tasting?
South East El Dorado County is recognized by the Viticulture Society as some of the best land for specific wine-grape varietals. Thus, some of the best wineries can be visited and tasted while youre right here. Personal favorites are Oakstone and Windwalker wineries both in Fairplay!
Perhaps you'd like to work off the day leisure and kick up the adrenaline a bit, some whitewater rafting on the American River should be just right.
Most all the rafting companies have solid reputations and employ professional guides who put safety first. The best advice to picking one that will suit you and your personality, go with the one you feel most comfortable with on the phone and or in email communication.
We encourage you to come whitewater rafting, raft a day or two or three. With the variety of outings available its a great place for the whole family to meet up and reunion together. Those not into rafting, though its good for most all ages and fitness levels, can find plenty to do for the few hours the rafters are on the water.
Placerville is the main town in El Dorado County and it's steeped in history: it's also known as Hangtown and Dry Diggins. Walking it's sidewalks you'll pass the Mountain Democrat, oldest newspaper in the west and the oldest hardware store, established in the 1800's. Placerville is also home to the first Toyota dealership, Stancil's Toyota.
Stretch yourself a bit more by driving up to South Lake Tahoe and visit the beautiful lake, play a few games, hike through Desolation Wilderness.
Perhaps wed all love to cruise the Mediterranean for a few weeks but its simply not in our cards right now. You can head to the foothills of Northern California from anywhere in the State and be there within a days drive. Once here, with some simple planning, you can have as fulfilling and diverse holiday as nearly anywhere in the world. Tens of thousands of people a year come to visit, shouldnt you? Happy holidays! - 16887
About the Author:
Welcome to our 20th year Anniversary Celebration! Action Whitewater is taking 20% off each and every trip as their way of celebrating two decades of professionally run whitewater raft trips on the American River. Owned and operated by 24-year commercial raft guide, Christopher Pyle, Action Whitewater is geared and focused on providing you the best experience to be had on the river, from equipment to crew, we're all about you!
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