Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Greenwood Creek Hike Tuesday, January 4th 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Join our pals at ARC for this great hike!

Greenwood Creek Hike
Tuesday, January 4th 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Get a start on your New Year's Resolution to get out more with this pretty, approx 4 mile loop hike, along the South Fork of the American River.  Sheila Toner, ARC volunteer and past board member, will lead this hike where you'll take your time and stop to enjoy views alongside and overlooking the South Fork of the American River.  This short hike has it all, views, sandy & rocky beaches, forested trails, open meadow, sun, & shade.
Suggested donation: $5 members/ $10 non-members.
Please call for meeting location (Lotus area) and to signup or contact julie@arconservancy.org.

Please leave dogs home during ARC hikes. Thank you.

Our Mission
The American River Conservancy serves our community by protecting and enhancing natural habitats where wildlife can flourish.  Through education and recreation we promote a broad ethic of stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems now and for the future.


The American River Conservancy
P.O. Box 562 Coloma, CA 95614
348 Hwy 49 Coloma, CA
530-621-1224
www.arconservancy.org

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Guys Night Out on Main Street Dec. 17th

Guys Night Out -
Friday, Dec. 17th: 5-8pm

With "Girls Night Out" now a well-established and popular event on Historic Main Street each year, the Placerville Downtown Association wanted to provide "the guys" with a night of their own.  With the emphasis on the girls' and guys' events being the same for both genders, downtown merchants will pull out all the stops to showcase all they have to offer the guys with a shopping night for men.  Here are the highlights:

* Merchants Stay Open Late (until 8pm) to Help Guys with their
  Shopping Lists.

* A Gift Wrapping Station will be available at Annieberries at
  320 Main St.

* Purchases Qualify to Enter the Raffle Drawing for a Great Prize
  (BBQ, spices, olive oil, beer, wine, gift certificates & more!).
  Show your Main Street receipts at Placerville Clothing at 327
  Main St) to get your raffle entries.

* Visit Miss El Dorado Sarah Miller and her Court at Placerville
  Clothing to get your raffle tickets and say "hi."

And don't forget to stop in for a something to eat or drink at any of the fine restaurants,   cafes and bars that will be cooking and brewing up some special treats for the guys (and gals) this Friday night.  Main Street businesses have many unique items and appreciate the support they receive from local customers and visitors throughout the year.  For more info contact www.placervilledowntown.com or (530) 672-3436.

DECEMBER 17TH, 2010
5PM - 8PM

Monday, December 06, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

A Wondersful Place to Stay - Review of Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast, Placerville, CA - TripAdvisor

Nice review from a happy guest! Thank you! A Wondersful Place to Stay - Review of Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast, Placerville, CA - TripAdvisor: "Rita & Stephanie innkeepers are the Best! Very friendly and accommodating. The B & B is convenient to town, short walking distance over a footbridge. A lot of nice restaurants a short walk from the foot of the bridge. Rita made a great suggestion for each of the three nights we were there.

We were greeted upon arrival with bottle red Wine from Boeger Winery, very nice touch. Found time to visit Boeger and bought several more bottles of the Barbera wine.

Room and bathroom were very clean, the sheets were as soft as silk. The bed was very comfortable. I saw the earplugs next to the bed that people have talked about, but we didn't need them in the Vineyard Room. Loved the decor of the house. Felt at ease.

Rita outdoes herself preparing breakfast. Cup of mixed fresh fruit for starters. Scones or apple baked bread follows. Special baked apple pancakes or eggs Benedict garnished beautifully. Could be in a magazine and are delicious. The French toast made with a croissant was delicious."

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Feeling like getting Innspired?

Now that November is upon us, we always start to think about heading to the best B&B conference, the one put on by the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (CABBI)

Join us in San Diego as we Celebrate 20 Years of CABBI (okay, we have not been members quite that long, but that is how long the Association has been around supporting inns).  In all the years we have been attending this trade show and educational venue, Rita and I both have gained so much.  Whether you feel like you need to stay up on trends (and who doesn't in this economy), need some new decorating or breakfast tips, or feel like you are needing to network, this is THE PLACE to be in January!

Ever wanted to become an innkeeper? Why not join us at the 2011 InnSpire Conference & Trade Show and attend the special CABBI 20th Anniversary Dinner!

The goal of the 2011 InnSpire Conference & Trade Show is education and celebration!
Educating the California Bed & Breakfast innkeeper has always been a top priority
for CABBI. This year’s workshops will focus on marketing, operations and technology
with sessions for beginners and advanced levels.

Don't miss out on the Early Bird Discounts.
Register by December 15th!

Where
San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, CA 92108

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Auburn Dam site hike- North Fork American River November 10th 9:00AM - 4:00PM Approx.

Join ARC volunteer Bob Griffis on this 7 mile trek round trip.
Who may attend: Adults, childern 12 and above with adult supervision
Rain or Shine!
Hike Description: This is a walk thru the horse country with some nice views of the rolling hills, a grand view of the American River Canyon, and an "up close and personal" look at the proposed Auburn dam site with it's newly water park (the site of the 2010 Auburn River Fest). We will hike the old haul road into the canyon and return on the traditional Auburn to Cool trail.
Bring water, lunch, snacks, trekking poles or staff if you use them.


Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members.  
Please call for sign-ups and meeting location (Cool area) at 530-621-1224 or julie@arconservancy.org.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bledsoe and Boeger Dinner at Osteria Fasulo Wednesday, November 10th, 2010 6:00pm $48/ per person (pus tax & gratuity)

Bledsoe and Boeger Dinner at Osteria Fasulo
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
6:00pm
$48/ per person (pus tax & gratuity)

Pate’ Crostini
Sauvignon Blanc 2009
*
Braised Porkbelly
Barbera 2008
*
Homemade Gnocchi with Pork Ragout
Primitivo 2007
*
Slow Roasted Porchetta
Refosco Reserve 2006
*
Chocolate box filled with lemon custard
Petite Sirah Reserve 2005

$48.00 per person
plus tax and gratuity
Make your Reservation Today - Call (530) 758-1324
Space Limited
www.osteriafasulo.com

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Time for CABBI in January 2011...start planning now.

Okay, calling all innkeepers and aspiring innkeepers, bed and breakfast owners and dreamers...it is that time of year, to start thinking of the annual CABBI conference...and a visit to sunny San Diego!

Celebrating 20 Years of CABBI at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley in San Diego
 
 

The goal of the 2011 InnSpire Conference & Trade Show is education and celebration! Educating the California Bed & Breakfast innkeeper has always been a top priority for CABBI. This year’s workshops will focus on marketing, operations and technology with sessions for beginners and advanced levels. 
This year, the InnSpire Conference & Trade Show will make its way to sunny San Diego. Please plan to join us fora special 20th anniversary dinner on Monday night, as we celebrate 20 years of CABBI (dinner is an additional $10 per person, sign up when you register.)

So, if you want to meet a great group, grow your business, learn new skills and have a good time, prepare to join us for this great event...oh yeah, it is also a celebration of 20 years for CABBI too!
PS Southwest is having a sale right now too!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ipod problems and Apple Hill times

Okay, so we all know the techie in the house is me,  Steph.  Can't live without Kindle, GPS and my iTouch....impossible.  Must be connected!  So, when the battery stopped holding a charge I was not a happy camper to say the least.  So, time to surf the net for a way to fix the problem!  Great excuse to spend even more time than usual on the computer!  Heehee.  Happily, I found a great site that takes care of iPod problems.  So far the customer service has been great.  They let me know when it was received and an update on when they expect to be able to work on it to ensure the only problem is an old battery.  Afterall, it is used everyday!

Will let you know how the new battery holds up in the coming months...

Don't forget Apple Hill is going on just up the road from the bed and breakfast, and that means traffic delays can be expected on the weekends in Placerville.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Lunch With A Llama!

Yes, we said llama and lunch, not for lunch, but lunch with a llama...not far from the inn.
Sunday, October 17th 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Bring your kids, parents, grandparents, and your lunch on this beautiful fall stroll. This is a fun experience for everyone, including the llamas. Linda Abruzzini and friends will bring their trained pack llamas for a walk to the river. Approximately 4 easy miles. Rain cancels. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members. Please call for sign-ups and meeting location (Pilot Hill area) 530-621-1224 or julie@arconservancy.org.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Columbus Day at Zia's!

And check out what Zia's has in store for us later this month....they are just steps from the inn.

Columbus Day at Zia's!

Enter To Win...
A West End Main gift basket with items from Winterhill Olive Oil, Dedrick's Cheese, Flowers on Main and Us! Estimatedat over a $100 value. To celebrate Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas  518 years ago, we will be having specials all weekend! Along with traditional live Italian Music, giveaways, dancing, and so much more on Saturday! This is going to be an event for the entire family that you're not going to want to miss.

Now Available at Zia's:
Custom and Ready-Made gift baskets, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Pumpkin Cheescake, just in time for Autumn!

 Music Lineup this weekend!
Tepid Club of Cool

Friday October 8th
"Music In
The Plaza"
3 - 6 PM
The Jonny Pac Trio

Saturday, October 9th
6:30-9 PM
in Zia's Living Room.

As Advertised:
20% OFF GELATO CAKES!
Be sure to stop in  and pick up your choice of
ANY of our handmade gelato cakes
for 20% off before they're gone!!

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Okei-San Month at David Girard

Look what our pals at David Girard have in store for you!!!

Okei-San Month at David Girard
Wakamatsu Ranch Tour
October 16th 10am-12pm

Alan Ehrgott, ARC's Executive Director, will host the ranch tour in Gold Hill and be a guest speaker at the winemaker dinner this month.

DG is offering a special price to ARC members as well as DGV members of $75.00 for the winemaker harvest dinner catered by Mulvaney's Culinary Specialists. Dinner will be held in the tent and the price includes dinner, wine with each course, tax, tip & gratuity.  Reservations are required by 10/18.

10% of all Okei-San wine sold is given to ARC for the Wakamatsu restoration project.
This property is of historical significance as it includes the grave site of one of the Japanese colonists, Okei Ito.  A young girl of 17 when she arrived, Okei died at the age of 19 in 1871.  She lies buried on a hill on the Veerkamp property .  Okei is believed to be the first Japanese woman to die in America and has become a minor but popular folk hero in both Japan and here in California.   Contact David Girard Vineyards for tour or dinner reservations at 295-1833.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

F is for Fenton Herriott

One of my favorite books as a kid was All Creatures Great and Small about a vet by the name of James Herriott, but I digress. This El Dorado County Winery has our pal Debbie in the tasting room and this to say on their website.
"At Fenton Herriott Vineyards we have long held a great passion for wine, and it is for this reason that we chose to plant our vines amidst the steady sun and rich soil of Placerville, California. And while we are still a relatively new winery, we believe that our sincere appreciation for the noble grape is reflected in the complex yet infinitely drinkable wines that we create." So, if you are in the area, tell them the Albert Shafsky House gals said, Hello!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Bridal Veil Falls

Boy howdy, we sure have a lot of scenic spots involving water in El Dorado County.  Here is another one...Bridal Veil Falls.   The falls are along Esmeralda Creek and drop 67 feet and then disappear under the highway.


Location: Pollock Pines, El Dorado National Forest, El Dorado County
Height: 67 ft.
Distance: n/a
Elevation: 3400 ft.
Season: Apr-Jun
Difficulty: it is flat, just a pullout on Hwy 50
Lat/Long:38.76528, -120.49102
Directions:Along Hwy #50, 19 miles east of Placerville (or 5.5 miles east of Pollock Pines). The waterfall is along the roadside.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

I had to post about this as I am a reader and can't believe places ban books.  As an art form, books should challenge you to see the world differently.....like geocaching!  "Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bannings of books across the United States.

Intellectual freedom-the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular-provides the foundation for Banned Books Week. BBW stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints for all who wish to read and access them.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have been targets of attempted bannings. Fortunately, while some books were banned or restricted, in a majority of cases the books were not banned, all thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, booksellers, and members of the community to retain the books in the library collections. Imagine how many more books might be challenged-and possibly banned or restricted-if librarians, teachers, and booksellers across the country did not use Banned Books Week each year to teach the importance of our First Amendment rights and the power of literature, and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society."

Top 30 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009:

1 Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
2 Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
3 The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
4 And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
5 Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
6 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
7 Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
8 His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
9 TTYL; TTFN; L8R, G8R (series), by Myracle, Lauren
10 The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
11 Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
12 It's Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
13 Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
14 The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
15 The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
16 Forever, by Judy Blume
17 The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
18 Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
19 Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
20 King and King, by Linda de Haan
21 To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
22 Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
23 The Giver, by Lois Lowry
24 In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
25 Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan
26 Beloved, by Toni Morrison
27 My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier
28 Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
29 The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney
30 We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier

For more books and information visit The American Library Association (ALA) site:
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/2000_2009/index.cfm

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Fall Fun at the Amador Flower Fair

Don't miss out on a great place about 30 minutes from our Placerville bed and breakfast - the Amador Flower Farm! Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3 from 9-4 pm they will have food, fun and free tram tours of the farm. Also in October they are having a Daylily sale with 50% off hundreds of varieties. Of course they will also have the pumpkin patch and corn maze again this October.



Saturday, September 18, 2010

Albert Shafsky House B&B wins Top Blog award

 From Online Schools, "Many people are choosing to stay at a bed and breakfast over a hotel because they offer similar accommodations at a comparable rate to hotels. Moreover, even though some hotels offer a continental breakfast, bed and breakfasts offer a full, homemade gourmet meal each morning that their guests love. Each of our bed and breakfast winning blogs provides countless amounts of information on the best bed and breakfasts places to stay all around the world. They explain the benefits of a bed and breakfast and describe the atmosphere of “home” is greater than that of a hotel. Therefore, if you’re planning a trip and searching for some great places to stay, these blogs are a great resource to make your bed and breakfast experience even better."

We are very happy to be considered a top blog.  We have written about our experiences as innkeepers for the last several years on our blog Innside Innkeeping and hope to provide insight into the life of an innkeeper as well as fun things to do in El Dorado County.  Our Placerville bed and breakfast has also won awards for Best Breakfast and has been voted the best inn by readers of the Mountain Democrat in Placerville.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Back to wineries...E is for EDWA

Okay, so I did not find a winery in lovely El Dorado County that starts with E....any takers? But we do have EDWA, aka the El Dorado Winery Association. They are a group of winemakers (not all of the County wineries belong) who put on our famous Passport weekend every Spring.

Their next gig is coming up soon, maybe in a town near you...if you happen to live near Danville, CA. More below....

THE SIERRA FOOTHILLS WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE

Presented by the Wineries of the Sierra Foothills
3 - 6 p.m. Sunday, September 19
Blackhawk Country Club in Contra Costa County
If you or your friends live near Contra Costa County or the Bay Area, don’t miss the opportunity to taste a multitude of fine wines from the Sierra Foothills, being poured at one beautiful location on Sept 19.
To celebrate California Wine Month, El Dorado’s vintners are teaming up with Amador and Calaveras to present our first joint wine tasting at the luxurious Blackhawk Country Club in Danville. More than 40 foothills wineries will pour their finest wines, accompanied by delicious, Mediterranean-style finger foods and live flamenco guitar music.
Advance tickets are available at www.sierrafoothillswine.com for $35 or at the door for $50.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Placerville Main Street Events

If you want to keep up on all the latest events happening just steps from our bed and breakfast, please visit the Placerville Main Street Events page. So many fun things happen in our town! Why not join us for one of them?

Monday, September 06, 2010

ALA | Banned Books Week

ALA | Banned Books Week As long as you read something! But banned books are pretty cool....and some that are on the list will shock you....

Thursday, September 02, 2010

B is for Boeger Winery Inc.

Our friends at Boeger make great Barbera and if you have not tried it, get in the car and come to Placerville right now! Specializing in unique varietals and blends since 1972, they offer a combination of historical location and modern innovation. A fabulous, friendly, knowledgeable tasting room staff, divine outdoor areas for picnics or events, beautiful visitor center, gift shop and the historic old cellar. They offer complimentary and reserve wine tasting daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Boeger Winery is only 5 minutes east of the Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast. Tell them we said "hello".

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Wineries, from A to Z (or at least W)

So, what goes well with a stay at our inn? A glass of El Dorado County wine of course. And what wines we are lucky to have in the area....just a short hop in the car and in minutes you can be tasting something to please your palate. So, with the titel in mind, we will start with A is for Auriga Wine Cellarslocated in El Dorado County in Northern California. "Auriga" is the ancient Greek and Roman name of a constellation in the Northern hemisphere and is commonly referred to as the "charioteer." They can be found at
3500 Carson Road, #D2
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 647-8078
Friday to Sunday – 11-5

Friday, August 20, 2010

Shafsky Family History

Berkeley Daily Gazette Pretty cool, found Albert's obit in the Berkeley Daily from April 3, 1934

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

El Dorado Western Railway: 2010 Folsom Historic Railroad and Transportation Festival

El Dorado Western Railway: 2010 Folsom Historic Railroad and Transportation Festival This is a great weekend!

Historic Victorian Homes geocache

Yes, so we all know that Steph likes to geocache, so of course it was only a matter of time before it was VERY close to the bed and breakfast....GC1ZY41 Historic Victorian Homes (Traditional Cache). So, next time you are in our area, have your GPS (and who doesn't these days?)....try and find this one.

Friday, August 13, 2010

C is for Colibri Ridge Winery

Colibri Ridge Winery & Vineyard is a small family owned winery located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Foothills in the southern part of El Dorado County . The winery & vineyard are located high on a ridge top within the "Fair Play" American Viticultural Area (AVA). They are located about 30 minutes from our Placerville bed and breakfast and are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. tell John we sent you!

Bed and breakfasts

After eight years in the business we have learned much about people, ourselves and the area. Most of it has been wonderful. We have been lucky to have some of the best guests ever....and thankfully the bad ones have been few and far between. We think we are doing alright and love to meet new friends at check in time. As a fellow innkeeper says, "All guests bring joy, some by arriving and some by departing." Here's to another 8 years...and yes, Lily says hi/woof.


So, just what is a bed and breakfast to you? Wiki online's definition is here Bed and breakfast - Wikipedia. Stay with us and see what you think....

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Wine in the Foothills this Fall

With so many vineyards to taste at, you could easily spend a week in El Dorado County tasting to your hearts content. There is sure to be something to please you palate! Why not use Placerville and our bed and breakfast as a home-base and explore the new "gold" in the foothills--above the fog and below the snow. El Dorado wineries are about a one hour trip from either Sacramento or South Lake Tahoe, and about 2 hours from Reno or the San Francisco Bay Area. El Dorado has familiy-owned wineries, friendly tasting rooms and great views. Many times you will be served by the winemaker or their family members, all while enjoying great views of the foothills.

What's a Gandy Dancer Room?


Well, because Steph really likes trains...really. Some of you may know her Jeep plate is STM TRNS--get it? Steam trains....

What is a Gandy Dancer? It has been debated but here is a definition from World Wide Words.

Want to know more about railroading? Visit the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento when you are visiting us. We try to go see the latest exhibits at least once a quarter.

Steph also played with big trains before becoming an innkeeper at places like theGolden Gate Rail Museum in San Francisco and the Niles Canyon Railway in Niles, near Fremont, CA.

Not sure what started the love of trains but we have ridden many. Roaring Camp in Felton, is a favorite run thru the redwoods or to the beach in Santa Cruz. Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and the forest!

Or the Verde Canyon in Arizona. The Verde Canyon Railroad is the #1 outdoor attraction for visitors coming to Sedona, Arizona and is an easy 25 mile drive southwest on scenic Highway 89A. Of course if you are going to AZ, you might as well take the Grand Canyon train too!

Of course, there are books in the Gandy Dancer about gandy dancers,the Disney Railroad, V&T, SP and the ATSF. Along with photos, models and other books on rail history to get you dreaming of your next trip by rail or building a scale railroad of your own.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Upcoming events near our Placerville Bed and Breakfast

Each of these is just steps from the bed and breakfast....


Starting at 5pm, AUGUST 21tst Art Walk on Main Street
 Main Street galleries and merchants host changing art shows and late night shopping. Starts at 5pm until about 9pm. For more info, call (530) 295-3496 or visit the El Dorado Arts Council



AUGUST 28th, Girls’ Night Out
6PM to 9PM. This event focuses on activities that appeal to women. Historic Main Street merchants stay open late for shopping, fashion shows, floral arranging, special sales, crafting demos, free drawings, health and beauty demos, massage, restaurant specials, samplings of olive oil, wine, cheese, chocolate, and much more. Sponsored by Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.



SEPTEMBER 26th, Antique Street Faire
[Antique Vendor Agreement]
8AM to 3PM in Historic Downtown Placerville - The 22nd Annual Antique Street Faire closes Main Street to host over 100 antiques & collectibles peddlers for this huge event. Food, refreshments, and more. Admission and parking are free. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.



OCTOBER 16th, Art & Wine Festival
6PM – 9PM. Over 35 foothill wineries will offer samples of their wines inside merchant locations on Historic Main Street in Placerville. In addition, the works of many local artists will be featured and the “Banners on Parade” community art project will be displayed with the banners to be auctioned for sale that evening. Music at The Bell Tower, art demonstrations & hors d’oeuvres, too. TICKETS ARE LIMITED for the wine-tasting, but the music is free and will be available for $30 each in September at Main Street merchants.We are happy to have the El Dorado Winery Association as a sponsor again this year for the Art & Wine Festival. Thanks, EDWA, for your continued support! For info call (530) 672-3436.



Would you like to join us for an event?!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Look what our friends at Zia's Gelato have in store : and they are just steps away from out Bed and Breakfast in Placerville!


 Great Music Every Weekend!

Zia's musical showcase for the weekends of
July 30th & 31st and August 6th & 7th will be as follows:

Starting this FRIDAY, JULY 30th,
from 7 to 9 PM,
Michael Connor will be playing in Zia's living room.
This guitarist/vocalist/storyteller will entrance you with his beautiful guitar work, and his heart touching renditions of great vocal classics.

SATURDAY MORNING JULY 31st,
from 10:30 AM to 1 PM,
Tamra Godey will be playing in the courtyard
Tamra's smooth, soothing sounds and amazingly heartfelt vocals will be an amazing start to your day!!

SATURDAY EVENING JULY 31st,
from 6:30 to 9 PM,
The Vespertine Project will be playing in Zia's living room.
 Be Bop and Modal Jazz talents The Vespertine Project...great things bloom at night! Join Jonny on guitar, John on stand up bass, and Phil on drums as they bring back a by-gone era from the 40's and 50's....late night jazz clubs, imaginative riffs, and talent in the vein of Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery and Miles Davis.

NEXT FRIDAY, AUGUST 6th,
from 7 to 9 PM,
Tamra Godey will return to play in Zia's living room.

NEXT SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th,
from 11 AM to 1:30 PM,
All On Seven will be playing outback in the courtyard!
Alternative-Country duo based out of Sacramento, consisting of singers/songwriters Evan Palmer and Kayla Schureman. The duo performs a combination of original and cover songs with both sharing vocal and guitar duties.

NEXT SATURDAY, AUGUST 7th,
from 3 PM to 6 PM,
Aftershock will be playing outback in the courtyard!
High-energy music mixed with "up-tempo" funk, hip-hop, R & B, Blues and a little bit of rock. From the very first song, "AfterShock" sets the table for an evening of dancing and high energy fun.
Visit our Facebook page for more details. =)

312 Main Street Suite 101
Placerville, CA 95667
530.642.ZIAS (9427)

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Placerville's Gold Bug Park

Heading out to one of our favorite spots this morning...Gold Bug Mine, right here in Placerville.

From their website: "As you enter the 352' drift of this historic hard rock mine, you will feel the cool air brush against your face.
Bring a picnic lunch. Take a relaxing hike. Check out the gold rush museum and tour the Hendy Stamp Mill. Visit Hattie's Gift shop for snacks and souvenirs.
Gold Bug Park promises to be a wonderful experience for you and your family."  There are actually two mines to visit there....Gold Bug and the Priest Mine (by appt.) and a very cool stamp mill. "The Joshua Hendy Stamp Mill, is enclosed in a stamp mill building and provides a full explanation of the gold extraction process from the ore. The mill, on its original site, is easily viewed from various points in the building.
A working scale model graphically demonstrates the ore reduction process.
The mill is patterned after a design by Joshua Hendy Ironworks of Sunnyvale, CA. Hendy was a prominent iron worker in San Francisco CA, creating artistic ironwork balcony railings and street lamp fixtures. When the 1906 earthquake hit San Francisco, he moved his business down to Sunnyvale where the old factory remains along the railroad track. Hendy Iron Works was purchased by Westinghouse Electric Corporation in 1947."

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Placerville Waymarking

Within a short walk of our Placerville bed and breakfast you will find this cool marker.  And waymarking is a great website to find others!  "Established on banks of “Hangtown” Creek as rich mining camp in spring of 1848. Millions in gold were taken from its ravines and hills. Supply center for surrounding mining camps and transportation terminus for famous Comstock Lode. John M. Studebaker, Mark Hopkins, Leland Stanford, Phillip Armour, and Edwin Markham were among well-known men who contributed to Placerville’s early history. Also, “Snowshoe” John A. Thompson who carried from 60 to 80 pounds of mail on skies from Placerville over the Sierra to Carson Valley during winter months."

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Twitter in Placerville at our bed and breakfast


‎15% off midweek for new bookings when you say you saw it on Twitter or Facebook!

Check our reviews...we are the place to stay in Placerville, CA bed and breakfast or hotel!

"We are not "meal at breakfast" people but the food was wonderful" - BedandBreakfast.com ... "The rooms are comfortable, decor inviting" - tripadvisor.com ... "Exceptional service and outstanding dining" - BedandBreakfast.com ... "I was blown away by the food" - BedandBreakfast.com ... "We had a great time, Rita & Steph are wonderfull hosts" -BedandBreakfast.com ... "Comfy beds too!" - tripadvisor.com

Geocache in Placerville

I love innkeeping, but I also am addicted to geocaches, geocaching, and all things caches related. So I thought I would give you a list to all the caches you can find under my name on Geocaching.com

To Boldly Go....  this was my first puzzle cache
Caching iz cool   nope, it is sneakier than an LPC
Gold Bug Park   my first Earthcache here in the only gold mine owned by a city
Somewhere Over the ... think donuts...
Walk Softly   nice place to rest
Care-ful   Stop, before you look
Big Whistle Blow  near the old railline
Historic Victorian Homes  by the Albert Shafsky House B&B
Archer  at a favorite winery
In Memory of Clem  in San Luis Obispo for Rit'a brother
Happy Anniversary Geocaching  another favorite winery
Vineyard View   another favorite winery

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Happy Guests of our Placerville bed and breakfast

We couldn't have found a better place to stay than the Albert Shafsky House. The Victorian house is quite charming. We were treated like royalty. Rita and Stephanie were incredible hosts. The breakfasts were out of this world. Rita is an outstanding cook. We felt like we were in a 5 star hotel yet with a very homey feeling. The house is in walking distance of downtown Placerville which was very nice. They have some great places for dinner. We will certainly be back for another very relaxing weekend. We will be recommending this B & B to anyone looking for that special place to go. 

Monday, July 05, 2010

Geocaching near Placerville

Had a great time a few weeks ago and saw some wonderful falls....


Waterfall City



Guest reviews make us smile!

The Shafsky house is so adorable and cozy. When you stay there, you feel like you are staying with family. :) Rita and Stephanie (the innkeepers) are there to advise of the touristy area, history, and meals you but only if you want the advice. Otherwise, you never even see them. It is perfectly located to Placerville and all it has to offer within walking distance. We were totally impressed with the room itself. They have thought of everything to make you feel relaxed...robes, slipper socks, remote controlled climate, chocolates, q-tips, REAL toilet paper as opposed to that paper you find in other hotels, environmentally friendly bath products and don't get me started on the bed!!!!!! It is like sleeping on a cloud! You melt into the super soft mattress and when you touch the sheets, it is like even better than velvet. I had never experienced sheets this soft. And the best part is that they sell them there! This is a MUST B&B if you are planning a trip to the gold country!



Summer time in Placerville


Hey, You out there. What are your plans for the summer? How about spending some time in Placerville at the Albert Shafsky House B&B? We have some wonderful wineries to visit, delicious restaurants to try, and for the adventurous there is rafting the white water on the American River. Let's make it happen!



Friday, July 02, 2010

A review from a guest...

This was such a pleasurable experience!!! My boyfriend and I loved Albert Shafsky B&B! We had the best breakfasts of our lives! The hospitality is incredible, and I had food allergies that they easily accomodated! I was blown away by the food. The antiques were adorable, the rooms were quaint and beautiful, and the fire roaring was a nice touch! Lovely tea always, couches, music, etc. Great robes and socks! So many nice touches! If you're in Placerville, you would be remiss not to stay here!!!

Big Meadow trail to Dardenelles Lake-Hike Saturday, July 10th 7:30 am - 3 pm

Big Meadow trail to Dardenelles Lake-Hike
Saturday, July 10th 7:30 am - 3 pm
Join ARC volunteer Kay Osborn for this intermediate hike of 8 miles. The initial trail ascends up to Big Meadow Creek then opens up to a large grassy meadow (we're hoping for wildflowers). The trail then climbs a forested slope, with open patches of mule ears and sage. At the top, you'll enjoy views of a volcanic ridge in the west. The trail then descends as it passes 3 creeks, stands of willows & aspens, and ends in a short climb over granite to Dardanelles Lake. This beautiful, shallow lake is bordered by steep granite cliffs to the south. Fit 10+ welcome. Rain cancels. Suggested donation: $5/members, $10/non-members (meeting location: Placerville area). Sign-ups required. 530-621-1224 or julie@arconservancy.org.

 Please leave dogs home during these ARC events.

Their Mission
The American River Conservancy serves our community by protecting and enhancing natural habitats where wildlife can flourish.  Through education and recreation we promote a broad ethic of stewardship, ensuring healthy ecosystems now and for the future.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Costs you do NOT pay when you stay with us

Another reason that a stay at a bed and breakfast beats a hotel (at least our bed and breakfast):
you do not pay for amenities, early departure fees, internet fees, telephone fees, wine fee, corkage fee, cookie fee, breakfast fee, electricity fee, resort fee, baggage fee or baggage holding fee for guests leaving luggage on early arrival.....

Consider an inn "Fee Free".  You pay for your stay (and the local occupancy tax) that is it.  Not a hidden fee anywhere.....

So next time you are looking to get away for a restful stay, stay at the fee free inn, the Albert Shafsky House B&B in Placerville, CA>

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Community Event in April/May


We are pleased to announce  a collaborative community event:

THE HORSE BOY
Film Screening and Author Q&A and Book Signing

Friday, April 30th, 2010 -6:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, May 1st 2010 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Holiday Inn Express
4360 Town Center Blvd
El Dorado Hills, CA

This event will feature various businesses and organizations sharing how they provide support for individuals and families challenged by autism.

ADVANCE TICKETS: $10 per seat/per night
Tickets available March 25, 2010

Please visit one of the collaborating sponsors to purchase your tickets:

M.O.R.E.
399 Placerville Drive
Placerville, CA

Pete's Restaraunt and Brewery*
2023 Vine Street - Town Center (Across from the Regal Theater)
El Dorado Hills, CA
                                                                                                 *featuring 20% off dinner both evenings: coupon on tickets

Double Diamond Tack and Feed
692 Pleasant Valley Road
Diamond Springs, CA

Lee's Feed (Upper Store)
4110 Mother Lode Drive
Shingle Springs, CA

 
If you or someone you know may want to support New Arenas by sponsoring the event, making a pledge, or placing an ad in our event program please contact Pam Stoddard at916-802-4886.  

To donate a raffle prize please contact Loch Henson at
loch-h@newarenas.org

Thank you for your time.  We hope you are available to join us for this outstanding event!

The New Arenas Team

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Sierra Wildlife Rescue is having an event on April 24, 2-5 pm

Support our local Sierra Wildlife Rescue and have fun doing it!  Local wine and beer tasting, live music by Jonny Mojo and the Rusty Buckets, and a gourmet picnic by Diane Wilkinson Catering at the American River Resort in Coloma.  There will be wildlife art for sale and a raffle and silent auction items too.  Tickets are $40 per person and are only sold in advance thru 530-620-5369.

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Who wants breakfast?

Rita loves to create in the kitchen...so who wants breakfast?

This is a picture of her Apple Pancake breakfast.  Yummy!!!  Breakfast is always a treat at our Placerville bed and breakfast.  Book today for your next breakfast with us.  The whole month of February we add a special bit of romance with petals (upon request).  And if you are looking to add champagne, flowers or chocolate, just ask us!  We will take care of it....along with dinner or massage reservations.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Geocaching in Placerville and a cool podcast for you

Okay, so most of you know that Steph likes to geocache (a lot) and that Rita would rather put pins in her eyes....and that there are a bunch of caches near our Placerville bed and breakfast. Now we have discovered a great podcast about Geocaching that is on every week!   I have been listening on my iPod faithfully for a few months now and decided to write about them as they do such a great job supporting my hobby, obsession, whatever you want to call it?

Sonny and Sandy, a husband and wife geocaching team in Southern California have created a podcast about geocaching.  It is a high quality, family-friendly show that would informs, inspires and entertains all at once. Geocachers are adventurous, use computers, and are very mobile; also a good description for podcasters! So they designed a program that delivers news, tips and tricks, tools of the trade, caching stories, interviews, live audio events, and more!

At PodCacher you will find:

Shownotes to our audio PodCasts
A written journal of our geocaching experiences, musings, rants, raves and opinions
Links to really cool and helpful stuff
Always Family Friendly!

PodCache (pod-kash)
n. 1. A store of goods or valuables concealed in a hiding place designed to be found by other “podcachers”.
2. A game in which the players attempt to find hidden articles by means of a series of audio clues.
v. 1. A geeky techy fun new way to hide things (treasure stashes) for others to find. Combining the aspects of Podcasting and Geocaching.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Sweets for Your Sweetie!

Please consider joining us for Valentine's Day at the Albert Shafsky House B&B and then spending some time at the wineries. Boeger Winery is having a great, sweet event....details below. They are located just a few minutes from our Placerville bed and breakfast.

Saturday, February 13, 2010
11am-4pm

Fall in love with our Valentine's wine and chocolate event. Snuggle up to your sweetie in our Historic 1872 Wine Cellar while enjoying scrumptious chocolate and other sweets paired with our fantastic wines in a one of a kind Boeger logo glass. As if that were not tempting enough - join us as we release our 2007 Tempranillo and Primitivo wines.

$20/pp (includes glass)
$15/club (includes glass. Limit two per membership)

Proudly Featuring-
Beyond Baked, Fudge Factory Farm & Lavender View Farm of El Dorado County.

Sweet deals...
~Buy one get one free 2008 Vin Rosé. A $30 value for just $15!
~A limited number of Sweetie Sampler Packs will be available this weekend only. The sampler pack includes two library wines -1999 Merlot and 1999 Meritage Reserve.

RSVP today to Tara at 800/655-2634 x: 18

Friday, January 08, 2010

Join us in reading Jack London's "Call of the Wild" in February

Ok, so our library system in El Dorado County has been hit by budget cuts, but they are still looking for ways to reach people and encourage reading (a good thing!).  So they got together and set up this cool event with the El Dorado Arts Council and the Office of Education.....We are all going to read Jack London's "Call of the Wild" during February.


Here is the Press Release that went out....

Placerville, CA. January 10, 2010 — The El Dorado Arts Council, Libraries and County Office of Education will launch The Big Read in celebration of The Call of the Wild with a proclamation by the County Board of Supervisors followed by a reception at the Main Library in Placerville on February 2, 2010. The Big Read in El Dorado County is presented with support from The Mountain Democrat, Friends of the Library, Fergerson Financial and other individuals.

The kick-off event will feature the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors reading a proclamation announcing the start of The Big Read :WILD in El Dorado County. Become enchanted with the words of Jack London by listening to dramatic readings from the book. Then, cross the street to the Main Library for a program on wolves, featuring live wolves, book giveaways and snacks.

“The Call of the Wild is a slim book with a huge heart full of adventure. Everyone should pick it up and read it during The Big Read :WILD in El Dorado County. I know I will!” said Jeanne Amos, Director of El Dorado County Libraries.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Support for The Big Read is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Transportation for The Big Read is provided by Ford. El Dorado County is one of 268 communities nationwide participating in The Big Read from September 2009-June 2010. To date, the NEA has funded more than 800 Big Read programs in the nation’s towns and cities. During February and March our community will celebrate The Call of the Wild with a full calendar of events including “Jack London’s Alive and Well and Visiting El Dorado County,” dynamic portrayals by actor/scholar Michael Oakes in El Dorado Hills, Placerville, and South Lake Tahoe; Iditarod racer Jeanne Ashcraft; and The Battle of the Gold Rushes at the El Dorado County Museum.
 For more information visit the web.

While it may not be more fun than geocaching, reading is still tops on our list of fun activities and you can read this short book in just a few sittings...Jack London probably would probably have loved Placerville during the "Hangtown" years, but being a Northern California guys makes him local enough for me.

From Wiki...
Jack London (January 12, 1876 – November 22, 1916)[ was an American author who wrote The Call of the Wild,White Fang, and The Sea Wolf along with many other popular books. A pioneer in the then-burgeoning world of commercial magazine fiction, he was one of the first Americans to make a lucrative career exclusively from writing.
The ranch (abutting stone remnants of Wolf House) is now a National Historic Landmark and is protected in Jack London State Historic Park.


Rita and I have visited the reconstructed house in Oakland and the remains of Wolf House in Glen Ellen, CA.  Yep, we at the Albert Shafsky House are fans and will be reading the book along with the rest of the County...have you pledged to read it???  Click here to print out pledge form.