Situated Between Lake Tahoe And Sacramento Is A California Gold Rush City With Antiques, Shops, And Art

Countless of California's Gold Rush towns rapidly flourished and then subsequently burnt out. Placerville, a city located in El Dorado County, was no different. Dating back to the late 1840s, the mining industry at this destination dwindled by the late 1850s. Nevertheless, Placerville, which is situated between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, America's farm-to-fork capital, is a reminder of what once was. Nowhere is this more evident than in Downtown Placerville. It's laden with historical architecture and a thriving Main Street with antique stores, shops, and art galleries. So, where should you start your adventure? 

Placerville Antiques & Collectibles is rife with nostalgia, with one Yelp reviewer explaining, "The store was bright, clean, not cluttered and visually interesting." At Welcome Vintage Boutique, you can purchase clothing from a bygone era to add to your wardrobe. Newsstands may be disappearing throughout the country, but Placerville News Company has been going strong since the 19th century and grants the forgotten thrill of buying a print magazine somewhere other than a grocery store. Similarly, Placerville Hardware has been around since the 1850s and is adored by customers for its diverse inventory and souvenirs. 

For art enthusiasts, Gold Country Artists Gallery displays glasswork, photography, and ceramics, among other creations by local artists. Likewise, Volution Gallery has pop culture-inspired pieces and much more inspiring work to view. Indeed, there is a magical quality to Placerville. It welcomes visitors to breathe in the sights of the past without feeling outdated, as the city is still as vibrant as ever. Of note: Free street parking is available in Placerville but is limited to two hours. With so many local businesses in the area to browse through, it's quite possible that you will need more time.

Main Street in Downtown Placerville is not only this destination's shopping hub, it's also the heart of its culinary scene. The city has a number of eateries you'll want to check out. If you're in a whimsical mood, look no further than the Enchanted Forest Dining Experience. Decorated to transport visitors to an ethereal woodland, this unforgettable spot serves dishes that are just as fantastical. For example, the Irish gold miner's pasty pie features edible 24k gold, no doubt as an homage to Placerville's mining roots. Crepes, fondue, and salads (including a Hobbit house salad) are all on the menu. Making reservations online is advised.

At Sweetie Pie's, you can have breakfast or lunch in a vibrantly pink Victorian house from the 1860s. Omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches are a few of the entrees you'll find here. "Their delicious food, friendly service, and cozy atmosphere make it a must-visit," reads a review on Google. If you're looking for a quick bite, Timmy's Brown Bag creates specialty sandwiches that push boundaries. Try, for instance, the pulled pork waffle filled with green chili mac and cheese.

Brimming with antiques and curios, dining at Buttercup Pantry will make visitors feel as if they've been sent back through time. Burgers, all-day breakfast, and more are served at this establishment. However, Buttercup Pantry is especially known for its Hangtown fry, a dish consisting of eggs and oysters that was reportedly invented in Placerville during the Gold Rush. With the exception of the Enchanted Forest Dining Experience (Friday to Sunday), all of these restaurants are open daily. Note that there are also several tasting rooms on Main Street, such as Cappelli Wine, for a glass of vino before or after a meal.

A visit to Placerville should include a lesson in history. The city, after all, was incredibly significant in the Golden State's early years. With that in mind, you can delve into Placerville's olden days at the Fountain & Tallman Museum on Main Street. "Small and manageable and excellently curated to cover a range of items – fashion, housewares, dry goods, performing arts – in perfect bite sizes," wrote an individual on Google. The Fountain & Tallman Museum is only open on Saturdays and Sundays; make sure to squeeze it into your itinerary if you're in Placerville on a weekend.

If a more immersive experience is what you seek, head to Gold Bug Park, located a little over a mile away from downtown. This Placerville must-visit is home to the Gold Bug Mine, open to visitors of all ages for self-guided tours. That's right; you'll be able to traverse an actual 19th-century mine. In addition, Gold Bug Park has a museum dedicated to the Gold Rush, as well as lush hiking trails to enjoy. For little ones, there's gem panning. Gold Bug Park is open year-round but does have seasonal hours.

Placerville is under an hour away from Sacramento, where you'll find the nearest major airport. Undoubtedly, the city is a wonderful destination for a road trip, especially for history enthusiasts. Visitors could even book a stay at the allegedly haunted Historic Cary House Hotel, built in 1857. On average, a night here could set you back just under $200. Moreover, you could consider planning a getaway from Placerville to stop by Apple Hill, where you can experience New England-style foliage hues in California, and check out nearby Sutter Creek, an underrated shopping hotspot that blends art, wine, and scenery.