Affordable Vacations with Something to Crow About

As Spring Break ends most of us begin looking towards the next big break from our daily routine. This means summer and summer vacations. If you cant plan that dream getaway this year, worry not, for there are many fun and mind freeing getaways right here in our own backyards. Isnt it always so that we forget how incredible the place we live? To remember can remind us not to take for granted those who support and love us; too often, we can take them for granted as well.
Think about it, many people flock to Northern California for their vacation! Here we have a gorgeous mountain range, The Sierra Nevada, we have some of the best wine country in the entire world, we have coastal hideaways and tourist oriented cities, the great redwood forest, world-class resorts and restaurants.
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. The American River Valley in Lotus / Coloma is where it all started with the Gold Rush, and so shall we.
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:
From the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park website - 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.
Unfortunately we often look right past that which is in front of us, not fully appreciating the bounty within our daily reach. The epic Gold Rush took place right here. We are all made to study this time in US history and it's right here. And so, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is as good a place as any to begin your exploration. The grounds are filled with artifacts from the Gold Rush era, including a replica of the mill, buildings that have stood the test of time, a museum, a nature trail, a blacksmith shop etc.
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.
Loding includes campgrounds, such as Camp Lotus or American River Resort, an RV park called Ponderosa Park (please call them as they have membership requirements I'm not familiar), a local historic Hotel, The Sierra Nevada House and bed and breakfast opportunities such as The Albert Shafsky House in Placerville. After you've decided how you'll settle in at night, there are a variety of daily excursions you could look into: hot air ballooning, whitewater rafting and even excellent wine tasting!
El Dorado County produces some incredible wines, recognized world wide and favored by important Heads of State. If you fancy a nice day of wine sampling, by all means, head out to the South East section and stop in at two of my favorites while you're there, Oakstone and Windwalker Vineyards: AMAZING!
Nothing wrong with enjoying the spirits of wine tasting and relaxing into the warm; however, if you want to mix it up, check out rafting. It's a great adventure for most age ranges and fitness levels. The local river offers great excitement for a seasoned adventurist but is not so intense beginners cannot venture onto a raft. The American River is one of the most rafted rivers in all the United States, and it's ability to accommodate such a wide variety of guests is a big reason why.
You'll definitely have your choice when it comes to a rafting outfitter, there are some 33-companies on the river. The best way to chose which is right for you is to go with the one you feel most comfortable with when you book. There are differences between the companies but the environment is so competitive they all have to mind themselves pretty well.
You really shouldn't pass up the opportunity to raft. The majesty of the river canyon is cathartic in so many ways. Since there are so many things to do in the area, if you do come on a large family outing, there are plenty of things to do for those that absolutely won't raft.

The historic town of Placerville, also known as Hangtown, and Dry Diggins, is home to the oldest hardware store in the west, a TruValue now. Too, the oldest newspaper in the west resides here in El Dorado County as well, The Mountain Democrat. You can make the 20-minute drive to Placerville and walk historic Main Street where you look up into building facades that have stood for 100+ years.
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.
While the Mediterranean cruise may be on hold for a while, you're visit to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada can be a fulfilling and exciting vacation option.