ABOVE IT ALL Leave the hustle, bustle of your busy schedule behind as you rise ABOVE IT ALL while traveling up Hwy 50 through El Dorado County. Enjoy the beauty and spacious views of the El Dorado Hills and watch as these views become the graceful and gentle rolling foothills that are the gateway to the magnificent Sierra mountain range. AIRPORTS If you are one of the many who prefer to pilot your own aircraft, view the beauty of El Dorado County by air. Then set down at one of our local airports located in Cameron Park, Georgetown, Placerville or South Lake Tahoe, rent a car, and take a tour to get a closer look. PLACERVILLE Regardless of how you get here you wont want to miss a visit to Placervilles Main Street. Still reminiscent of it origins as a rowdy gold mining town, Main Street is teaming with art galleries, antique shops, historic buildings, and museums all set amidst modern shops and restaurants. While leisurely strolling, dont be surprised if you see any number of old west characters, gentlemen, ladies and outlaws alike, strolling the sidewalks, shopping, visiting and occasionally you might see a re-enactment of the good guys having a shoot out against the bad guys. ATTRACTIONS AND EVENTS Dont miss Placervilles Gold Bug Mine Park. Take a tour of the mine, picnic in the park, and pan for gold. Marshall Historic State Park in Coloma is a must see if a lesson in history is what you enjoy. This site is where the famed James Marshall discovered gold in 1849. Picnic, swim, tour historic buildings, pan for gold and from time to time you can experience re-enactments of historic events presented by docents of the park. Be sure to visit El Dorado County Historic Museum and Fountain and Tallman Soda Factory Museum where history comes alive. ACCOMMODATIONS Whether you spend the night in the last remaining historic hotel on Main Street, a motel, RV park or any number of beautifully appointed Bed and Breakfast Inns you will continue your journey charmed and refreshed. WINERIES AND VINEYARDS Quaint, owner operated boutique wineries that tout award winning wines abound within an hours drive of Placerville, which is the crossroad of historic Hwy 49 and Hwy 50. Most of the wineries are open daily and vintners invite you to sample their gold while enjoying fresh mountain air and panoramic vineyard views. In the spring the wineries join forces to present Passport Weekend when they pare varietal wines with delectable samplings of fine food. Offered for two weekends this event is a must for the wine connoisseur. RECREATION For the more adventurous, you can reserve a space for a whitewater-rafting trip on the American River. Full or half days are available and most trips include lunch. It will be a trip you wont soon forget as your guide leads you through the tumbling waters and a fun-filled day in the hot summer sun. Rafting is a great activity for group outings and team building. Maybe you prefer camping, hiking, boating, swimming, fishing and/or hunting. Lakes and campgrounds are plentiful, well kept and offer a variety of amenities. Both public and private golf courses are available for the golf enthusiast If snow skiing is your goal, several world-class ski areas further up Hwy. 50 are ready for you. Usually from Thanksgiving through late spring the skiing is superb and all levels of ski trails and lifts are available. From the beginner to the advanced there is a trail just right for you. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, snowmobiling as well as snow shoeing areas await the novice or the pro. Rental equipment and the latest ski fashions are also available for all types of fun in the snow. APPLE HILL, FARMS AND CHRISTMAS TREES Open year round but in full swing in late September and October youll want to set aside some time for a tour of Apple Hill. The farmers and ranchers of this area offer a wide variety of baked goods made fresh daily along with a bounty of fruits and vegetables grown in their fields. Apples, apples, apples, from juice to apple spice cake to the best apple pies in the west can be found here. Hand made candies, crafts of all kinds, and souvenirs are plentiful. Have the kids pick their favorite pumpkin from the patch for Halloween. And then you will want to return in late November and early December to select the perfect tree to build your holiday around. The El Dorado County Christmas Tree Growers Association members are waiting to help you find the tree you are looking for. The largest variety and the finest selection of trees will be found on these ranches. Bring the family for a day of fun in the country. CONTACT From El Dorado Hills to South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County is a playground rich in history and plentiful in recreational activities. For more information contact the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce at 530.621.5885 located in Placerville at 542 Main Street or visit our websites www.eldoradocounty.org or www.visit-eldorado.com. Adventures such as white water rafting on the American River, backpacking and camping along the Pacific Crest Trail and the Desolation Wilderness, Jeeping the Rubicon Trail or skiing while surrounded by some of the most magnificent views in the world, can all be had here. El Dorado County is also notable for a wide variety of fresh produce from Apple Hill and Farm Trails regions, as well as for award-winning wines. Come try some. You can stay at one of our wonderful Historic Country Inns.