说到加州 黄金的国家, most people think of Gold Rush history 和 gorgeous scenery—和 the region has plenty of both. Set along the western edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the area drew thous和s of gold prospectors from 1849 through the mid-1850s. Today’s 黄金的国家 visitors strike it rich in a different way, discovering a wealth of off-the-beaten-track experiences, from breathtaking hikes to incredible meals in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.
Three guests—Marcia Eymann, city historian at the 萨克拉门托历史中心; Preethi Ch和rasekhar, author of 急切的旅行者 blog; 和 Nick Leonti, owner of 莱昂蒂集团 travel marketing firm—shared their favorite 黄金的国家 experiences on the latest episode of the California Now播客.
“I was looking for a destination where I could combine the outdoors, plus some small historic towns, 精品购物, 甚至还可以品酒,” Ch和rasekhar told host Soterios Johnson. “I didn't expect 黄金的国家 to have all of it, but that's exactly what I found.”
From the charming towns of Placerville 和 夫妇 to 萨克拉门托’s craft breweries, here are picks from Ch和rasekhar, Eymann, 和 Leonti for an unforgettable 黄金的国家 getaway.
小镇的珍宝
With its 19th-century architecture 和 historic Main Street, the town of Placerville has an Old West vibe that transports visitors back to the Gold Rush days. To immerse yourself in the town’s history, book a room at the 历史悠久的卡里屋酒店, which claims Buffalo Bill, Mark Twain, 和 Ulysses S. Grant among its famous past guests.
While browsing Main Street’s boutiques, stop for a tasting at Winterhill橄榄油, purveyor of artisanal oils, vinegars, 和 other gourmet goodies. 掩盖的奶酪 sells a delicious array of local 和 imported cheeses, 新鲜出炉的面包, 和 fromage-friendly condiments. Housed in a Victorian home with a charming patio, 甜甜派餐厅 & 面包店 offers scratch-made pastries 和 a huge selection of pies.
关于 65 miles south of Placerville is 夫妇. The town’s Main Street is home to 更多的 than 25 winery tasting rooms, including Newsome哈洛, which offers private patio seatings. 离市中心只有一英里， 铁矿石的葡萄园 is a can’t-miss stop for its beautiful grounds 和 1927 Alhambra Theatre pipe organ—you can even hear it in action at Ironstone’s popular silent movie showings.
Perusing downtown shops, don’t miss 月亮巷, maker of one-of-a-kind h和made c和les inlaid with stunningly beautiful designs.
A quick 15-minute drive northeast of 夫妇, you’ll find Calaveras Big Trees State Park. 与巨大的红杉交流, 世界上最大的树, as you hike the trails of the popular North Grove, 和 take in views of ancient volcanic formations 和 lush meadows.
For urban hiking, visit the old mining town of 索诺拉墨菲斯以南30分钟车程. A 15-minute walk outside the charming downtown will take you to the 龙骑兵峡谷 小道的起点, featuring three miles of natural trails with spectacular views of the city 和 its surrounding mountain ranges.
下一个城镇， 哥伦比亚, is a living Gold Rush town that offers a glimpse of life in the 19th century, including merchants dressed in period clothing 和 stagecoach rides. While you’re there, devour a burger with “killer garlic fries” on the patio at 响尾蛇烧烤 or dine creekside on delicious Mexican fare at El阿罗约. 安顿下来过夜 皇家橄榄庄园, 索诺拉’s newest bed-和-brunch destination. 漂亮的装修, the 1880s mansion features three elegantly appointed rooms—each decorated to represent a different period in the home’s history.
老萨克的新冒险
Two hours northwest of 索诺拉 is the capitol city of 萨克拉门托. Get a sense of the city’s history with a walk along the riverfront in 老国王, home to the state’s largest grouping of Gold Rush–era buildings. From there, hike or cycle along the 杰迪戴亚·史密斯·崔尔, a curvy, 32-mile path along the American River’s lush, tree-lined riverbanks.
Next, treat yourself to some of 萨克拉门托’s famous farm-to-fork cuisine. 的小屋 in East 萨克拉门托 is a great stop for terrific s和wiches, 汉堡, 和 clam chowder—preferably washed down with local beer. 就在隔壁 Allora, a welcoming upscale eatery known for its 意大利 seafood dishes. Bicycle-themed 一个速度 is a local favorite for pizzas featuring seasonal 萨克拉门托 Valley produce.
Hosting 更多的 than 70 breweries, the 萨克拉门托 region is also renowned for its craft beers. In the Downtown district, kick back at 城市根啤酒厂 & 熏制房 with delicious housemade brews—especially the Belgian-style offerings. 城外，城内 奥本, 笨人 和 膝盖酝酿 are turning heads with their award-winning beers. Cider fans will find plenty of delicious options at 两河苹果酒公司. in 萨克拉门托, known for its wildly creative lineup.
