A Hidden Gem in El Dorado County — Placerville

Strategically located between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe, Placerville is a scenic and charming California gold rush town diverse in lifestyle and rich in exploration opportunities. Placerville boasts numerous attractions, a desirable climate, and a small-town charm; making it a great place to hang out and spend some quality time with our loved ones. If we talk about stay here, there are a lot of luxurious as well as affordable motels in Placerville to suit every budget. If you are planning a visit to Placerville, you are recommended to book your rooms online to make you visit even more comfortable and convenient.

Exploring Opportunities in Placerville

From gold rush tours to wine tasting, art galleries, ranches, and museums, there is a lot to explore in Placerville. The most popular destination here is the Gold Bug Park which features the historic Gold Bug Mine — a real hard rock gold mine from the California Gold Rush, the event that changed the fate of California forever. You can enjoy self-guided audio or guided group tours in Gold Rush Park and know about the history of the place and methods people used to find gold here. If you love to taste wines, you will surely like Placerville as there are numerous wineries with a diverse selection of wines that you can explore. Turn the pages of history in El Dorado County Historical Museum and the Fountain & Tallman Museum, or visit the Thomas Kinkade Hometown Gallery to get mesmerized by the art and culture. Want to visit a ranch? Apple Hill is your destination, featuring 55 ranches in Sierra mountain foothills! The possibilities in Placerville are virtually endless!

 

Plan Your Visit to Placerville Today!

For a small city like Placerville, it has a lot of attractions, tourist destinations, and a rich history to offer to its visitors. If you haven’t been here before, it’s time you book your rooms in luxury hotels in El Dorado Hills, CA, pack your bags, and experience this hidden gem in California — Placerville!

3 Whitewater Outfitters to Consider for a Safe and Memorable Whitewater Rafting Trip in El Dorado

As summer approaches, millions of travelers and adventurers swarm the County of El Dorado, CA, for its adrenaline-pumping activities, preferably revitalizing hiking near Lake Tahoe and engrossing whitewater rafting on the American River. These two activities are a sure-fire way to get a complete dose of adrenaline for both avid adventurers and beginners. Hiking in Lake Tahoe lets you discover the all-embracing beauty of nature and challenge your fitness at each step. On the other hand, rafting enables you to explore the strength of the American River and see whether you can beat it or not. 

But hiking and rafting in El Dorado County differ from one another in a sense that planning a Lake Tahoe hiking trip on your own is easy, provided you have some level of hiking experience, whereas planning engrossing whitewater rafting on the American river often requires the help of rafting operators, even if you are an experienced paddler. This is primarily because of the unpredictable nature of the American River and Class III rapids.

If you are planning a rafting trip on the American River and want it to be safe and adrenaline-packed, here are a few whitewater outfitters you should consider getting in touch with:

Action Whitewater Adventures California Inc.

Action Whitewater Adventures California Inc. was founded in 1985, and since then, it has been providing its guests in the region with blood-pumping, safe, and quality rafting adventures. With its top-tiered staff, world-class guides, gourmet meals, and breathtaking riverfront campground, you are sure to take back home the love of rafting, and a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Raft California

For more than 25 years, Raft California has been running engrossing whitewater rafting trips on the American River for all levels of rafters. What else, it organizes whitewater rafting trips and tours on more than 12 rivers, including the South Fork American, Middle Fork American, North Fork American, Tuolumne, Kaweah, North Yuba, Truckee, and more. 

All-Outdoors

Ranked among California's few original rafting companies, All-Outdoors has been helping people explore the depth of the American River through their rafting trips and tours for over 50 years. It has a professional staff that ensures that your rafting trip is safe, fun-packed, and spectacular. 

For more information on the whitewater rafting trips on the American River, browse visit-eldorado.com/

A Wine Lover’s Paradise in California — Fair Play

Located 4.5 miles northeast of Aukumat at an elevation of 2329 feet, Fair Play in El Dorado County, is home to some of the best and most popular wineries in California. The region's fabulous scenic beauty attracts an increasing number of visitors, especially wine lovers, every year from around the world.

Just an hour away from greater Sacramento, Fair Play is El Dorado’s premier wine growing AVA with extraordinary and high-quality grapes that help produce top-quality wines. If you are into wines, Fair Play should be on your to-visit list. Just one visit is sure to awaken your palate and make this Fair Play one of your favorite wine tasting destinations.

Apart from wine tasting tours, there are also a lot of Fair Play wineries events happening around the year that add to the fun and adventure. Winery owners put their heart and soul into their wineries and are very gracious. During the events, they give you a brief spiel about the winery and the wine production process.

There are more than 20 wineries in Fair Play with most being scattered between Fair Play and Somerset — Bom Vinho, Bumgarner, Busby Cellars, Cantiga Wineworks, E16 Winery, Element 79 Vineyards, Fleur De Lys Winery, Gwinllan Estate — just to name a few.

Every winery is different in its ways, for example, Skinner Vineyards is known for its amazing tasting room, view, and Rhone wines; Cantiga Wineworksis where extended cellaring produce a food-friendly wine; Cedarville Vineyard, apart from Great Rhone wines, offers terrific Zin and Cab; Gwinllan Estate allows you to taste Estate wines in a wine cave. For visitors looking for wines at reasonable rates, Oakstone Winery is the place to go.

Nearly all of the wineries in Fair Play are open for tasting and do not require an appointment in advance. If you are coming to El Dorado County and not visiting the wineries here, you will definitely be missing out on something really amazing. Take a wine tasting tour or be a part of Fair Play wineries events. To know the schedules, visit https://www.fairplaywine.com/events.

Three Beginner Hiking Tips for El Dorado Hiking Trails by Experts

The current COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately made many hiking enthusiasts put off their El Dorado hiking trips. But as soon it’s over, almost every enriching trail in Lake Tahoe will witness a rush of hikers and travelers from all across the world, embarked in an attempt to end their quarantine blues. While hiking is an excellent way to do that, things may turn out to be different, especially for new hikers in the region, if they aren’t well-prepared. 

To help hikers make the most of their hiking trips in El Dorado, we have pulled together a few hiking tips by experts. Let’s check them out:

Steer clear of the weather

No matter your hiking experience, whether you are an avid hiker or a complete novice, the weather is something everyone needs to be careful of. This is because as you gain altitude, weather changes and can turn opposite of what you expect in a blink. For instance, if you embarked on a family hiking trail in South Lake Tahoe, the chances that you may notice a heavy rainfall or snowfall as you reach the top, which wouldn’t be a pleasant experience if you don’t have warm clothes or a waterproof jacket in your backpack. Experts recommend packing at least three layers and a waterproof jacket for a wonderful hike. 

Pay attention to your feet

Foot injuries are common when hiking, and even experienced hikers are susceptible to them. Apart from common problems such as blisters and bruises, you may also struggle with severe problems such as ankle sprain and fracture. For instance, you may roll your ankle beyond what’s normal when hiking or hit a rock and injure your toe. To prevent foot injury, experts emphasize wearing well-fitted, quality hiking shoes that support the ankles. Plus, they also warn about leech bites, which are common in most enriching trails in Lake Tahoe during monsoon, and recommend wearing suitable socks and gait. 

Less is more

Many beginner hikers pack unnecessary items in their rucksack for their enriching hiking trail in Lake Tahoe. However, experts say it’s a blunder that not only ruins their hiking experience but also increases the risk of injury. With more weight on your shoulder, you are more likely to get tired soon and face problem hiking. Plus, you may also suffer from backache and shoulder pain because of a heavy backpack. As a rule of thumb, pack only what’s essential for an eventful hiking trip. 

Bottom Line

While it’s excellent to plan a trip to any family hiking trail in South Lake Tahoe, make sure to pay attention to what you pack and how you plan your trip for the best experience of your lifetime. For more information about backpacking and hiking in El Dorado, visit https://visit-eldorado.com.

Common Mistakes That Whitewater Rafters Make

Whitewater rafting is a fun adventure sport that people living in the U.S. should try once in their life. It is an exciting (and pretty wet!) activity that can be enjoyed by each and everyone—whether they are 8 or 80!

The experience can be tailored to suit different skill and age levels. However, while engaging in whitewater rafting in the American River, many commit a lot of rookie mistakes that can be a dampen the entire experience. We have mentioned some of them in this blog so that you don’t end up on the same road!

Mistake #1: Turning up in the wrong attire

Many people who want to try out whitewater rafting turn up in casuals, all geared up for the exciting day ahead. But that’s a big no-no! The same goes for sandals as they might slip right off.

Instead, opt for wetsuits or a pair of trunks that are suited to the activity. Also, don’t forget to carry a pair of your favorite sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun!

Mistake #2: Not listening to the guide

Not paying attention to what the guide says can have some serious repercussions for you and as well as jeopardize the safety of those riding along.

In their excitement to tame the rapids while whitewater rafting in California, many people fail to pay heed to the guide’s instructions and end up falling out or endangering the safety of others. While the guide is always prepared for such emergency situations, go the extra length to ensure that you obey what they say. After all, they are certified and have years of experience in the same.

Mistake #3: Not drinking enough water

While having water all around you, staying hydrating might actually be the last thing on your mind. But, with the sun straight above, your throat might get parched and you might start feeling nauseous as soon as you start working with the paddles.

To avoid this, drink water every now and then and as others to drink up as well!

Now that you have these tips to guide you along the way, go grab your paddles and try whitewater rafting in the American river!

3 Wineries in Eldorado to Visit This Spring

As spring is approaching, it calls for another vacation with your family and friends. The trees are rejuvenating, and you could see tiny leaves are starting to come out. It's probably one of the best times to go hiking, walking on the beautiful trails, listening to the sound of the birds, and experiencing the beauty of nature. Doesn't all of this remind of the beautiful El Dorado? Besides, if you're a wine lover, there are many fair play wineries events where you can taste and enjoy all sorts of wine flavors. In this blog, we'll take a look at some of the best wineries in El Dorado County.

Via Romano Vineyards

If you love Italian varietals, this is one of the best places to pop in. Located inside a renovated 1960s tractor barn, this family-owned winery also offers a casual, indoor space and covered patio to sniff, swirl, and nibble. The family produces wines from El Dorado County and Sierra Foothills grapes, including barbera, Vermentino, pinot grigio, and a Super Tuscan blend called Papa Romano Red, named after wife Leanne’s great grandfather.

Element 79 Vineyards

This modern winery is situated at an elevation of 2,400 feet, sitting on 70 lush acres in the rolling hills of Somerset in the Fair Play AVA, with an enclosing forest rife with fallen, moss-covered oaks, a pond, and blackberry bushes. Element 79 Vineyards is also an award-winning winery for its variety of tasty wine flavors. Also, the place is best to bring a picnic and hike around the property.

Carson Road Wineries

This is a beautiful winery where you’ll find a casual group of winery owners who work together as a cohesive group to produce the best wines. All the wineries are family-run, and they come from varied backgrounds and experiences, but all share one thing in common, which is the love of producing great wines. Spending a day at Carson Road Wineries allows you to enjoy award-winning wines in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere. 

El Dorado offers many fair play wineries events, allowing visitors to taste their favorite wine. So what are you waiting for? Pack your back and hit the road to this beautiful place.