The California Gold Rush changed the country forever. 300,000 people came from across the US and every corner of the world to strike it rich. Dozens of towns sprang up overnight in what was once the backwaters of Mexico, sparsely populated with Native Americans. While the 1849 Gold Rush had terrible consequences for the indigenous people, a fact that can’t be overstated, The Rush is what gave California its foundation as the most diverse state in the country, its entrepreneurial spirit, and its love of adventure.
To get back to California’s Wild West roots and many of my favorite places as a Cali kid, we took a three-week Gold Country road trip! CA Highway 49 winds through the Sierra Nevadas, connecting dozens of 19th-century Gold Rush towns, from Yosemite National Park to north of Lake Tahoe. So in addition to historic sites, this route serves up gorgeous mountains, raging rivers, alpine lakes, and wine country for a trip that’s got it all!
See our guide for the best things to do in Gold Country and get ready for one of California’s greatest road trips.
California Gold Country Map & Road Trip Route
Gold Country is a huge region of Central and Northern California, running through ten counties (Madera, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, and Sierra). While these are all incredible regions worth exploring (we fell hard for Mariposa on a previous vacation), for this trip we honed in on Tuolumne, Calaveras, El Dorado, and Placer. We moved from south to north along Highway 49…a bucolic two-lane highway that winds under oak trees, over rivers, and rarely sees a chain business. We added some adventurous side trips into the High Sierras along the National Scenic Byway of Ebbetts Pass and Highway 108 into the Emigrant Wilderness. While we didn’t go to Lake Tahoe on this itinerary, it’s an easy and fabulous addition. If you’re flying into Gold Country, Sacramento International Airport is the best place to start your road trip, but if San Francisco is more in your flow, that’s just two hours from the heart of Highway 49.
TUOLUMNE COUNTY
First stop…Tuolumne County! While it’s most famous for Yosemite, we were blown away by the surrounding nature that few see, like the Emigrant Wilderness and Stanislaus National Forest…which have that same national park beauty without the crowds! We loved that this county takes its role in Gold Rush history seriously, preserving its most iconic places as living museums and state parks over tourist traps. During our four days here, we totally got into the Western spirit, from riding shotgun on a 19th-century stagecoach in Columbia to horseback riding with Kennedy Meadows Pack Station…and hope you do too!
Best Things to Do in Tuolumne
Explore Main Street Sonora
As the Queen of the Southern Mines, Sonora has been the Tuolumne county seat since 1851. A delightful mix of grand old mansions and dusty saloons, this town is worth a good wander. Along Main Street (aka Highway 49), pop into cute indie shops like American Buffalo Trading and Legends Books, Antiques, & Soda Fountain. Walk up the hill to the charming wooden “Red Church” for great views over town, then explore the backstreets to see the grand homes, and County Superior Court, and kick up your boots with a drink at the historic Serventes Saloon.
Go Back in Time at Columbia State Historic Park
With the help of its state park status, Columbia is arguably the best-preserved California Gold Rush town. They kept the dirt streets, wooden plank sidewalks, false-front buildings, and businesses true to the era (without the commercialized crap!) Start your morning with a ranger tour to learn what life was like in the 1850s and get special access to historic buildings like an original Wells Fargo Bank and a miner’s mercantile. Don’t miss 19th-century inspired shops like the generations-old Nelson’s Candy Kitchen, Towle & Leavitt “fancy goods,” the candlepin bowling alley, and Kamice’s Photographic Studio. We made a special stop at Kamice’s to recreate a photo that I took in Columbia with my buddy when we were 8-years old. Between my game-for-anything husband and Kamice’s talented team of costume designers and graphic artists, we created a portrait that’s as creepy as it is comical.
Tip: Try to come to Columbia State Historic Park on a weekend, when most of the special events take place…like ranger tours and 19th-century stagecoach rides! Check Sierra Repertory Theater’s schedule for the latest plays at the historic Fallon House….we were super impressed with their performance of Route 66!
Ride the Rails at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
When the railroads connected Gold Country, the area was running on all cylinders, seamlessly moving ore and people between the cities and the diggings. Though, as the Gold Rush was coming to a close, it was Hollywood’s nostalgia for the era that kept Jamestown station in continuous operation. Dubbed the “Movie Railroad,” Railtown 1897 Historic Park has set the stage for upwards of 300 films (East of Eden, Back to the Future III, Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, and more!). During our visit, a crew was even filming the new Sherlock Holmes! Today, you can still ride the rails, and visit the roundhouse full of century-old trains, the original machine shop, and their impressive museum. Check Railtown’s calendar for special events and themed rides like the Polar Express.
Horseback Riding Kennedy Meadows
We’re not big on horseback riding, but we could tell Kennedy Meadows Pack Station was a special place and the best way to experience the Emigrant Wilderness in a day. Outfitting trips into the Sierras since 1917 and carrying on that tradition for generations, Kennedy Meadows is the real deal. We joined their seasoned guide and hearty horses for a ride on the Huckleberry Trail into the raw Emigrant Wilderness, only accessible to horseback riders and hikers. Riding between the granite peaks, along sheer cliffs and the raging Summit Creek, this was one of the wildest and most scenic rides we’ve ever done! Don’t miss the video, above.
Drive Scenic Highway 108
We had no idea how gorgeous the drive to Kennedy Meadows would be and wound up making so many unexpected and fantastic stops along the way. Stop at Donnell Vista for a short hike and incredible views across the river valley, the Columns of the Giants for unique volcanic formations, and swim or kayak at the popular Pinecrest Lake. If your car can handle the 20% grade to reach Sonora Pass, the second-highest road in California at 9,624 feet, it is supposed to be stunning!
Where to Eat & Drink in Tuolumne County
Eproson House
Set in Twain Harte’s old post office and former home of the town fire chief, Eproson House has been renovated into a fantastic restaurant and bar. They serve upscale dining until 8pm and keep the bar rollicking until midnight. We came for dinner on the patio then stayed for a fun karaoke night with a dozen new friends.
Emberz
This is a locals’ favorite right on the Sonora main street. With wood-fired ovens roaring and cocktails shaking, Emberz has a lively atmosphere and quality, casual fare (think organic and locally sourced ingredients).
Nature’s Whole Food Depot
What was once the town of Standard’s 1897 train depot is now an excellent health food store with a delish smoothie- and acai bowl bar. Their thoughtfully curated selection makes it the best place to provision for picnics and road trip snacks, particularly for anyone with dietary restrictions!
St. Charles Saloon
One of oldest saloons in Columbia (est. 1858), St. Charles has kept its Wild West ambiance and updated the menu with the best pizzas in town. The people-watching is amazing here!
Where to Stay in Tuolumne County
The Inn on Knowles Hill
Sitting high above Sonora town, this 1920s mansion of the influential Segerstrom family has been meticulously restored over a seven-year renovation. Think mahogany banisters, crystal chandeliers, and hand-painted wallpaper. Each room is named after their famous guests, from President Hoover to Helen Keller, and lavishly decorated. Innkeeper Rhonda’s incredible multi-course breakfast, set with fine china around the grand dining table, is reason enough to book!
McCaffrey House
This AAA Four Diamond B&B in the town of Twain Harte is a charmer. The McCaffreys make you feel like family in their three-story mountain home, with pots of help-yourself coffee in the mornings and wine hour in the evenings. Book a room on the top floor for balconies and views that make you feel like you’re in a treehouse.
Kennedy Meadows
More than a packstation, Kennedy Meadows has rustic cabins, an old-fashioned saloon, a beloved restaurant, and an extensive activity program for a full-service stay in the woods. Camping is also available.
CALAVERAS COUNTY
Ever heard of Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County”? This short story brought this great American author and county to fame. Why I know it so well is because every summer from age 8-14 I came here with my best friend and her grandparents for unforgettable Sierra Nevada adventures. Flash forward two decades, and it’s been so much fun revisiting my special spots and discovering how much more there is to do as a big kid! The county is home to over 35 wineries, a leading NorCal concert venue, and so much talent from the artists to the chefs.
Best Things to Do in Calaveras County
Peruse Angel’s Camp & Museum
Driving into Angel’s Camp (where Twain’s famed story took place), frog statues, paintings, and insignia let you know you’ve arrived. The town even hosts an annual Frog Jumping Jubilee every May and celebrates the biggest jumpers on their walk of fame. Its origins are of course as a Gold Rush town, with 1860s mercantiles still standing strong on Main Street and 200 miles of mining tunnels below the streets. Be sure to visit the Angel’s Camp Museum for a deep dive into the county’s history with fantastic exhibits on everything from the Young Samuel Clemens to the most impressive collection of stagecoaches and covered wagons we’ve ever seen.
Go Deep in Moaning Caverns
As a kid, we always went to Calaveras’ Mercer Caverns and never realized that just seven miles down the road is California’s largest single cave chamber! Getting down to see Moaning Caverns is half the fun, starting with a ladder and ending in a 100-foot-tall spiral staircase made from a WWI ship! Miners abandoned the cave when gold didn’t pan out, but tourism entrepreneurs saw its potential and reopened it in 1920 as a show cave to appreciate its striking formations. Take the classic hour-long tour or embark on a half-day hardhat expedition, complete with rope descents and belly crawls.
Tip: Book a tour in the heat of the day for the coolest thing to do in Calaveras and make reservations ahead, tours fill up.
Winery Hop on Murphys Main Street
The town of Murphys is named after two of the Gold Rush’s smartest miners. When the pair of Irish brothers struck it big, they didn’t double down, they left town with their millions and legacy intact. Eventually, Murphys town gave up mining, but it found new gold in its grapes. They have capitalized on the area’s bounty of vineyards and Main Street is now home to two dozen tasting rooms! Newsome Harlow is one of the oldest and best in town, serving bold zins and laid-back vibes. Jazz Cellars is not just great for wine but also an impressive Saturday concert series, while Allegorie’s location in a 167-year-old apothecary makes it one of the most charming.
Enjoy Ironstone Vineyards & Amphitheater
The biggest vineyard in Calaveras, Ironstone Vineyards is a world unto itself. Take the Estate Tour to explore its 1,100-acre grounds with its network of wine caves, manicured gardens, major amphitheater, Alhambra ballroom and its 1,000-pipe organ, and the Heritage Museum which houses the largest gold leaf specimen in the world! (FYI the Kautz family outbid the Louvre to keep it in Gold Country where it belongs!). To round out your Ironstone and Calaveras wine country experience, you have to see a concert at Ironstone Amphitheater. Huge acts grace the stage from Steve Miller, Cake, Robert Plant, to Brad Paisley (whom we got to see!) Listening to a country legend, drinking great wine, dancing with the grass between our toes, and singing along with 7,000 fans was a blast!
Watch the video compilation of the show and our favorite Brad Paisley song, “Same Here,” (above).
Mountain Bike the Arnold Rim Trail
Attention mountain bikers, you’ve gotta ride the Arnold Rim Trail! Winding through the gorgeous Sierra Nevada Mountains and Stanislaus National Forest, it moves from perfect single track to sculpted berms and big vistas. We rode 16 miles with 2,333 feet of elevation gain (yay for Bear Valley Bicycles turbo e-bikes!) and had a freaking blast. The Arnold Rim Trail is a community-built labor of love that’s been in the works since 2007, with plans to make it a 35-mile biker and hiker heaven. Watch this ride (above) and saddle up!
Play Around at White Pines Lake
This is the gorgeous lake where I would spend every single summer! My best friend’s great-grandpa built a cabin here when White Pines started as a mill town in 1938…and five generations later, their family and friends are still enjoying it! That once hard-working lake is now fantastic for recreation, with non-motorized boats, rope swings, a forested disc golf course, and the impressive Sierra Nevada Logging Museum with history and artifacts from around Gold Country.
Tip: The Logging Museum has limited hours, but the outdoor exhibit is always open to the public and a great way to enhance your day at the lake. If you are coming to Calaveras around Labor Day, don’t miss the classic Sierra Nevada Logging Jamboree!
Hike Calaveras Big Trees State Park
There is nothing like standing before the largest trees in the world, particularly Calaveras’ groves of Giant Sequoias, where these living fossils were brought to international attention. In 1852 a miner chasing an injured bear deep into the forest found a 300-feet-tall tree with a base 83-feet around. He started telling everyone about it and people from around the world clamored to see the giants. As a result, the state park’s North Grove is considered to be California’s longest-running tourist attraction. For even more sequoias (over 1,000!) take the 5-mile trail into the serene and dense South Grove.
Drive Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway to the Alpine Lakes
Starting in Arnold, this national scenic byway is engulfed in glacially carved valleys, granite outcroppings, basalt columns, ancient volcanic peaks, deep river canyons, thick forests, Giant Sequoias, hot mineral pools, and pristine lakes. Alpine Lake is the easiest to access and has a great lodge and restaurant to kick back and enjoy the views. We went the more adventurous route and camped on Lake Union with our kayak in tow. Waking up at sunrise and paddling the glassy waters among the rock islands was one of our favorite parts of the trip!
Where to Eat & Drink in Calaveras County
Hinterhaus Distilling
In addition to the wine-tasting rooms mentioned above, we’ve got another libation station you need to try…Hinterhaus. This distillery in Arnold is racking up awards with their South Grove Gin earning a double gold in Sunset Magazine International Spirit Competition, their Warming Hut holiday blend scoring the American Craft Spirits Innovation Award, and dozens more. Plus, it’s run by the adorable Randall family, with its father-son brewing team and mom who’s hostess-with-the-mostess. For those who don’t love sipping straight liquor, we can highly recommend their cocktail flight, with cute paper umbrellas and fruit to boot!
Pickled Porch
An Angel’s Camp favorite for breakfast and lunch. In a vine-covered house, you order inside and dine on the wooden porch. Great for soups, sandwiches, salads, and down-home character.
V Restaurant
This female- and locally-owned business is arguably the nicest restaurant in Calaveras County, without being too stuffy! European-inspired American fare is served in casual bistro-style midweek and as an upscale dining experience on weekends.
Lube Room
While the 1970s isn’t particularly old for a Gold Country saloon, the Lube Room’s vintage Western decor, good grub, draft beers, and cowboy attitude make it a real deal watering hole. Plus, this Dorrington outpost is hip to the times with a great backyard of lawn games and a weekly music lineup. Check out their website for upcoming bands, plus the ski report and fishing report!
Where to Stay in Calaveras County
Three Bridges on Love Creek
You know we’re obsessed with glamping, right? So when it comes to the cabin category, this one is out of the storybooks! In a secluded forest, a series of wooden bridges bring you over the creek to your cabin, yoga deck, and chill spaces in the trees. Over the course of six years, the owner Desiree (a fascinating woman of German and Mexican descent) has renovated the 1930s cabin and decorated it with chic antiques from her global travels. Plus, there are four glamping tent sites and a vintage teardrop camper spread about the forest. Can’t recommend this place highly enough for a romantic getaway in Calaveras County!
Murphys Hotel
Built in 1856, this stone building, adorned with bougainvillea, iron shutters, wagon wheel fountains, a glorious patio, and a raucous saloon is a registered National Historic Landmark and the place to be in Murphys. Rooms have kept their old-time charm with four-poster beds and period wallpaper. More modern rooms surround the old hotel, but we vote for the original…if it was good enough for guests like J.P. Morgan, President Grant, and William Randolf Hearst, it’s good enough for us!
EL DORADO COUNTY
Where did the Gold Rush actually start? The town of Coloma in El Dorado County. Home to Sutter’s Mill and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, this is where our gold fever really set in. Thinking about the thousands of people from around the world who flocked to these river banks, we too felt inspired to gold pan here! Though, like us and most 49ers, few got rich on gold. Even James Marshall, the nugget-finder himself, found farming to be more lucrative and today El Dorado County is equally known for its agriculture. Apple Hill is a fantastic community of 50+ local farms, offering idyllic countryside experiences. Adding to the whimsy of this place, we stayed at a historic cabin on a Christmas tree farm to launch our El Dorado adventures. These are our favorites…
Best Things to Do in El Dorado
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Across from Sutter’s Mill in Coloma is one of the most comprehensive history museums in California’s Gold Country, plus the historical context of the place can’t be beaten. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park is also working hard to address the marginalized history of the Nisenan, Maidu, and Miwok native people who had a thriving culture here for 6,000 years, were the true discoverers of California gold, and the innocent victims of the Gold Rush. To honor their memory, be sure to visit the Nisenan Village site and support native businesses whenever possible.
Go Gold Panning
Take a panning lesson at Marshall Gold Discovery SHP (their rangers are champion panners!), then take to the river banks. They say at least 80% of the gold is still left in the hills, so it is entirely possible to find gold! Even though we could have chosen a more remote spot (i.e. not the one where thousands of 49ers panned), we loved being on Sutter’s gorgeous section of the South Fork and feeling the history of this place. No matter what you find, spending a day in the American River looking for treasure offers a quintessential Gold Country experience.
Shop Old Town Placerville
The first big town and transit hub to spring up from the gold strike of Sutter’s Mill, Placerville is still the county seat. Historically called Hangtown for its swift and severe sentences for those who broke the law, it’s come to be a friendly and artsy town! Nineteenth-century buildings now have nicely curated boutiques and galleries like Brass and Oak Home, Empire Antiques, Panic & Swoon, and Creekside Studio. The Placerville Hardware Store will thankfully never change…it’s the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi, with library ladders to reach the wooden drawers filled with every nut and bolt imaginable.
Tip: At the Placerville Hardware store, ask to see the “Raccoon Tomb” below the floorboards for a good laugh, and keep your eye out for more Easter eggs…the owners are such jokesters!
Explore Gold Bug Mine
Right outside of downtown Placerville is a great example of California Gold Country’s “neighborhood mines” that dotted the Sierra foothills. These were claims shared by a handful of independent miners making the most of basic tools and hard labor. Get an audio guide for a cheeky narrated tour and a rare chance to walk through a mine alone. With your ticket, you can also see the working stamp mill and blacksmith, who may just make you a nail ring for a souvenir.
As much a state of mind as a region, Apple Hill is made of 50 family-owned farms committed to preserving and sharing their agricultural traditions. When a blight in the 1960s devastated the area’s pear orchards, they came up with a way to think beyond their main crop and individual businesses to create a stronger community and an idyllic destination. Today Apple Hill has grown to include a wide variety of fruit & vegetable farms, bakeshops, wineries, flower fields, and Christmas tree farms. We adored 24 Carrot Farms for their u-pick (thornless!) berries, certified organic farm stand, and community garden that feeds over 70 families! Hidden Star Orchards totally surprised us with their 20+ ciders on draft, which were doppelgängers for a wide range of cocktails and wines. Oenophiles need to visit Delfino Farms’ Edio Vineyards (more on that below). If you’re short on time but want to try a bit of it all, Boa Vista Orchards offers tons of samples, homemade goods, and picnic tables with beautiful mountain views.
See a Concert at Folk on the Farm
Founded by the genius who started Apple Hill Growers, Delfino Farms is a wonderful example of how generational farms can innovate. The Delfino grandkids grew up working on the farm and went off to college to pursue various careers, but in 2017 decided to band together to run the farm in the most fun way possible…starting a winery, building a modern tasting room, updating grandma’s bakery, and starting an epic concert series…Folk on the Farm! Using their vineyard hillside with sweeping views, they’ve created an outdoor music venue with cafe lights, food trucks, wine bars, and emerging talent. We saw Clay Street Unit and literally danced all night long and can’t stop playing their music.
Volunteer at Wakamatsu Farm
El Dorado was full of surprises, including Wakamatsu Farm…the site of the first Japanese Colony in the USA and the birthplace of the first Japanese-American. The former tea and silk farm from 1869 is now run by the American River Conservancy as a dynamic cultural center with a Japanese Tea house, native garden, a museum to the early settlers, and an events space hosting everything from concerts to fishing nights on the pond. At HoneyTrek, we always like to give back to the communities we visit, so when we heard about Wakamatsu Workdays, we were thrilled to join their latest project. The courtyard that hosts many of their concerts needed a more polished Japanese aesthetic so we built a rock garden, alongside their awesome volunteer crew! See their events calendar for how you can get involved at Wakamatsu and with the American River Conservancy’s many dynamic projects to protect the American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds for future generations.
Where to Eat in El Dorado County
Argonaut Farm to Fork Cafe
On the main street of Coloma, this historic building and cafe is great for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or snack to fuel your day at the Marshall Gold Discovery SHP and gold panning.
Smith Flat House
Stagecoach stop, hotel, mine entrance, and voting precinct, the Smith Flat House has been many things since 1853. Today it’s one El Dorado’s most beloved upscale eateries, regularly hosting live entertainment.
Bricks
Great neighborhood joint with American fare and a proper bar. Love that they have a Buddy Board, where patrons can pay it forward and buy drinks for an unsung hero or friend who deserves a shout-out. We bought a cocktail for the next Placerville preservationist who walks through the door.
Placerville Food Co-Op
We love a good co-op and Placerville’s happens to be excellent, with their community-owned and locally-grown offerings. We loved Placerville Food Co-op’s made-to-order wraps and homemade soups.
Enchanted Forest
One of the most unique and atmospheric restaurants in Gold Country, this fairy-inspired restaurant is set under the boughs of a twinkling tree on Placerville’s main street. Adding to the whimsy, they give every guest a light-up floral crown and often have live traditional Irish music. It’s not for everyone but adored by many…especially Game of Thrones fans, children of any age, and plant-based diners like us!
Where to Stay in El Dorado County
Cary House
Known as the Jewel of Placerville, the Cary House is as historic as it gets in Gold Country with antiques dating back to 1857 and countless stories to tell (the 4th floor addition was paid for with gold flecks found between the floorboards!) Everyone from Buffalo Bill to Elvis has stayed here, with a hand-written guestbook in the lobby to prove it. While it might not be as shiny new as it once was, its main street location and legacy make it worth a stay.
Madrone Tree Hill
Set on a family-owned Christmas Tree farm in a miner’s cabin from 1937, this is a perfect place to stay in Apple Hill. The owners did a fabulous renovation on the interior and its massive deck and backyard make it feel wide open and blissfully private.
PLACER COUNTY
Our jaws dropped as we crossed the Placer County line. The confluence of the American River sends rapids through the canyon and under the tallest bridge in California for a dramatic entrance. A few miles later, we reached Auburn…the county seat and one of the most unique towns in Gold Country. You can see it from a mile away with the courthouse’s golden Renaissance Revival dome high in the sky; from there, you have the choice of visiting their two charming 19th-century downtowns. Not just resting on its laurels as a California Historical Landmark, Auburn has embraced its location in the Sierra Nevadas and love of a good challenge to become the “Endurance Capital of the World,” regularly hosting some of the most historic and hardcore races (like the Western States 100-Mile Run!). No matter if you’re an extreme athlete or not, there are plenty of adventures to tap into, from rafting the Middle Fork of the American River to sipping your way down the Placer Wine & Ale Trail.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about Placer County was its wine country. When the 1849 Gold Rush brought people from around the world, many Europeans brought along their craft of winemaking. By the 1860s, there were more vineyards in Placer County than Sonoma and Napa combined! And while those famous wine regions may dominate the spotlight today, Placer’s vineyards are some of the most awarded in North America and their craft beer scene is making headlines with their farm-to-glass breweries growing their own ingredients for the freshest beers on tap.
Best Things to Do in Placer County
History Crash Course at Placer County Museum
On the first floor of Auburn’s beautiful courthouse, this museum offers a great overview of the county, with Native American artifacts, a clear bank vault with an impressive gold collection, a 19th-century Sheriff’s office with original “Wanted” signs for bandits, and more. Don’t be shy and talk to the volunteer guides, they are so friendly and knowledgeable!
Wander Old Town Auburn
With ts hilly topography to its eclectic architecture, his might be the most charming town in Gold Country. Wander under the covered wooden walkways and stairwells, admire the cute red-striped firehouse, take a statue selfie with miner Claude Chana who put Auburn on the map, get outfitted like a true cowboy at the Used Saddle Connection, and see the artists at work at the Metal Arts Academy or even sign up for a class!
Sip Down the Placer Wine & Ale Trail
With 23 boutique wineries, 21 craft breweries, a cidery, and a distillery, Placer County decided to connect the dots with the Wine & Ale Trail. Get the Sips & Suds Passport for $40 which comes with $150 worth of specials and tastings. Love that the passport is good for three months, but if you only have a day, head to Paza’s Wine Shed, Fowler Ranch (an 1880s homestead turned farm brewery), Casque Wines on The Flower Farm pond, and Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewery for bands and a lively scene.
Take Wise Villa’s Unconventional Wine Tour
Vintner and Doctor Lee Grover started by saying, “Ever been on a wine tour?” We all nodded, and he responded, “This won’t be like that.” As we moved from the barrel room to the vines, he proceeded to pull back the curtain on the wine award system, the differences between European and American wines (the US’s have a lot more alcohol), wine chemistry 101, and what it takes to be a Certified California Sustainable Winery. The tour ends with a tasting and gourmet lunch from their on-site restaurant. The vineyard was so pretty, we decided to take our meal outside at a trellised table overlooking the vines.
Get Creative at High Hand
Derelict storage sheds, from Loomis’ days as California’s epicenter of fruit growing, are no longer housing produce but a multi-faceted space of makers. Wander their beautiful nursery, dine in their glass conservatory cafe, browse the art gallery and artisan shops, sip a pint at their depot-inspired brewery, and catch a show at their music venue.
Raft the Middle Fork of the American River
One of California’s greatest river rafting adventures is undoubtedly The Middle Fork of the American. Set 2,000 feet deep in a canyon of the Tahoe National Forest, this river is stunning and bursting with Class IV rapids. There’s even a Class VI rapid, so gnarly the boat gets hurled over the 30-foot waterfall and the guides have to catch it at the bottom! We set out with All-Outdoors Rafting, the OG and family-owned company running this river for over 60 years. They took the fun up a notch with their masterful navigation, stops for slot canyon hikes, cliff jumps, and a yummy picnic lunch. Watch the video above and feel the rush.
Where to Eat in Placer County
Nixtaco
This unsuspecting taqueria in a Roseville strip mall earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand! Started by a cool young couple from Monterey, Mexico, they specialize in an ancient style of tortilla-making where the corn is treated with lime, cooked, and then ground. They had six vegan tacos on the menu…so we ordered them all!
Nectar
So glad we found this plant-based restaurant in new town Auburn. Eating in their cheery dining room, we thoroughly enjoyed the Jerk Sweet Potato Bowl and Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, and want to come back to try their Stuffed Avocado and Tempeh Ruben.
Pour Choice Cafe
A craft coffee and beer bar with 28 taps, pulling everything from nitro cold brew to IPAs, this place has your pick-me-up of choice. Love the community vibe with weekly events, chill spaces, and artsy decor. Drinking a cold brew here left a frothy mustache smile on my face.
Where to Stay in Placer County
The Flower Farm
Stay in the farmhouse from 1905 or their charming cottages among the orchards, ponds, and grape vines. The Flower Farm has a fantastic cafe (get the veggie breakfast burrito!), an adorable boutique, and a winery for a stay that puts you in the center of the Placer Wine Trail. Plus, the owners Annie & John are so sweet and adventurers after our own hearts.
Miner’s Camp
High up in Foresthill and perfectly situated next to AO Rafting, these updated 1920s logging cabins used to move from camp to camp on skids and have found new life as chic tiny houses. Ours came with a kitchenette, but their outdoor kitchen set-up was so cool, we opted to grill out and play cornhole as we cooked each night.
Gold Country: The Missing Piece of a Great California Road Trip
After road-tripping Gold Country for three weeks, we were amazed at how much there was to see and do. So many people look to the Pacific Coast Highway for their epic road trip but adding Highway 49 to the route, experiencing the beauty of the Sierras, history of the Gold Rush towns, lesser-known wine regions, and all the creative communities…a true California road trip would not be complete without it!
Many thanks to Visit Gold County for inviting us to explore this incredible region and for supporting our content creation.
