ALBERT SHAFSKY HOUSE B&B EARNS 2016 TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Placerville, CA USA – 1 June 2016– Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast, a 1902 Queen Anne Victorian in the heart of Placerville today announced that it has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year. Certificate of Excellence recipients include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a quality customer experience.  

“We are delighted to receive this award again this year”, said Rita Timewell, Owner and Innkeeper.  “Creating tasty breakfast dishes, and having guests enjoy them enough to take time to comment is such a rewarding experience”.  A recent guest had this to say “Love this place. Great rest, and it's located close enough to Sacramento and San Francisco without being "too close". Great food, wine in the parlor, nearby wineries to visit on Saturday - what's not to like?”

"With the Certificate of Excellence, TripAdvisor honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers,” said Heather Leisman, Vice President of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor. “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service. TripAdvisor is proud to play this integral role in helping travelers feel more confident in their booking decisions.” 

The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

-Ends-

Upcoming fun in town!

JUNE 4 – OCTOBER 12, 2016: Banners on Parade This community art project features artistically decorated banners on light poles along Main Street in Placerville. This is an annual collaborative effort of artists, businesses, organizations, individuals and city government that promotes the arts in historic downtown Placerville. These beautiful banners are displayed on Main Street and sold at a Silent Auction at the October, 2016, Art & Wine Festival. For more info contact (530) 672-3436. Find out how you can help with this effort! Read more information about this project here! JUNE 11, 2016: Wagon Train & Street Dance 3PM – 8PM.  Historic Main Street will welcome the Highway 50 Association's 67th Annual Wagon Train around 3:30 pm on Saturday, June 11th. The train will stay for a few minutes for the community to view and photograph. Placerville is the end of the trail for the week long trek that begins in Nevada earlier in the week. Following the Wagon Train, Shauna Lea & the Hired Guns will perform during the Wagon Train Street Dance from 5PM to 8PM. Food, beer and more will be available for purchase on Main Street during the evening. Line dancing instruction will be featured during band breaks, too. Admission is free. For more information on all the activities please call to (530) 672-3436. MID-JUNE through MID-OCTOBER 2016 Wednesday Main Street Farmers Market 4PM – Dusk. This event features fresh produce, flowers and other items from local farmers. For updated info, please call (415) 250-5337. . JUNE 25, 2016: Bell Tower Brewfest 6PM – 9PM on Historic Main St. This popular Placerville event is hosted by downtown merchants and includes a street closure for the enjoyment and safety for all patrons. Entertainment features live music during the festival. See more information about the Bell Tower Brewfest here. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info contact (530) 672-3436. Purchase tickets online here. July 16, 2016: Dancin' in the Street 3PM – 8:30PM at the Bell Tower. The El Dorado Arts Council hosts the biggest dance event of the year!  A free community festival promoting dance, health, fitness, and fun. Dance demonstrations and live entertainment. Food and beer will be available for purchase. For more information contact the El Dorado Arts Council at (530)295-3496. AUGUST 14, 2016: Craft Faire 8AM – 3PM in Historic Downtown Placerville. The 20th Annual Craft Faire features artisans and their pottery, jewelry, woodwork, quilted and decorating items, dolls, garden items, soaps, candles, food, and much, much more. Download the Craft Faire application form here. Admission and parking are free. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info contact (530) 672-3436.

AUGUST 25, 2016: Hangtown Car Show 5PM – 8PM. This Thursday Night car show is sponsored by Placerville Lions Club. Participation is limited by the number of spaces available. Admission and parking is free for spectators. For info and pre-registration please call Mike at (530) 622-1731. SEPTEMBER 10, 2016: Kacie's Ride for Hope 8AM – 11AM. Main Street is closed to host this important Motorcycle Run that raises awareness and funds for the fight against domestic violence. Funds raised help support The Center for Violence Free Relationships. For info, seekaciesrideforhope.com or contactkaciesrideforhope@sbcglobal.net. SEPTEMBER 13, 2016: World Gold Panning Championship Parade of Nations & Opening Ceremonies 6PM – 7PM. Nations participating in the World Gold Panning Championship from 9/11/16-9/18/16 will be marching in this Parade of Nations and the opening ceremonies will take place on Main Street at the Bell Tower in Placerville as the kickoff event for the Championship and El Dorado County Gold Week. Sponsored by Placerville Downtown Association. Admission is free. For complete event info, see the World Gold Panning Championship website or call (530) 672-3436. SEPTEMBER 17, 2016: Placerville Oktoberfest 3PM – 8PM. This fun event features German music (complete with Chicken Dances!), Wiener Dog Races, Children's Games, Adult/Beer-related Games, Bavarian Dance Demos, a Scarecrow Contest (new this year) and bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels, strudel, beer, etc.! Come in costume to fit the theme! Sponsored by Placerville Downtown Association. Admission is free. For complete event info (530) 672-3436. SEPTEMBER 25, 2016: Antique Street Faire The 28th Annual Antique Street Faire closes Main Street to host antiques & collectibles peddlers for this popular event. Food, refreshments, and more. Admission and parking is free. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436. OCTOBER 1 – 31, 2016: Pink in the Night To recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, pink lights are featured in the windows on Historic Main Street and on the Bell Tower during the month of October. This project is sponsored byImages of Hope and Marshall Medical Center, and is also featured at the Placerville Downtown Association's Art & Wine Festival on Oct. 15th on Main St. For more info please contact (530) 672-7050. OCTOBER 15, 2016: Art & Wine Festival 6PM – 9PM. Over 30 foothill wineries offer samples of their wines inside merchant locations on Historic Main Street in Placerville. In addition, the works of many local artists are featured in the galleries, the Banners On Parade community art project is displayed and the banners are sold during the silent auction that evening, and the Images of Hope Project is featured too. There is music at the Bell Tower, art demonstrations & hors d’oeuvres. You can sample award-winning wines in one convenient location without driving to all the wineries! Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info contact (530) 672-3436. OCTOBER 31, 2016: Trick or Treat on Main Street 4PM – 6PM in Historic downtown Placerville. Main Street merchants hand out candy (while supplies last) to trick-or-treaters for this great family event. There is a DJ at the Bell Tower and a Costume Contest (sponsored by the 20-30 Club) at 6PM. Town Hall will also host a Carnival for children 10 and under (sponsored by The Placerville Lions Club).  For info call (530 672-3436). NOVEMBER 25, 2016: Festival of Lights 5:30PM – 8PM on Historic Main Street in Placerville. The old-fashioned festivities close Historic Main Street and begin around 5:30pm at various locations up and down Main Street with music, entertainment, visits with Santa, and the tree-lighting at 6PM at the Courthouse. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436. NOVEMBER & December: Stagecoach Rides Stagecoach rides are available throughout the season on most weekends in Historic Downtown Placerville. For info call (530) 672-3436. NOVEMBER 25 & 26, 2016: Merchants Open House Extended Hours. Historic Main Street merchants welcome visitors with coffee, cider and seasonal goodies. Enjoy hometown holiday shopping and hospitality in one convenient setting. Free parking, entertainment, and more. For more information call (530) 672-3436. DECEMBER 2016: Visits with Santa 1PM - 4PM. Santa arrives in Historic Downtown Placerville at the Candystrike to listen to those special wishes from 1-4pm. Photos will be available for purchase, but are not required to visit with Santa. For more info call (530) 672-3436. DECEMBER 2016: Stagecoach Rides Stagecoach rides are available throughout December on most weekends before Christmas (in good weather) in Historic Downtown Placerville. For more info call (530) 672-3436. DECEMBER 4, 2016: 38th Annual Christmas Parade This big parade starts on Broadway in Placerville and continues down Main Street. This year's theme will be announced at a later date. This event is a McIntire Family Tradition and is presented by The Mountain Democrat and City of Placerville. For info, call (530) 344-5070.

If you like to plan ahead, this is going to be a HUGE event for Placerville.
SEPTEMBER 13, 2016: World Gold Panning Championship Parade of Nations & Opening Ceremonies
6PM – 7PM. Nations participating in the World Gold Panning Championship from 9/11/16-9/18/16 will be marching in this Parade of Nations and the opening ceremonies will take place on Main Street at the Bell Tower in Placerville as the kickoff event for the Championship and El Dorado County Gold Week. Sponsored by Placerville Downtown Association. Admission is free. For complete event info, see the World Gold Panning Championship website or call (530) 672-3436.

If you have not been in town or gone downtown in a bit, there is a fairly new restaurant worth checking out...Farm Table.   And there were just featured on TV, check it out here.  Very tasty food!

Memorial Day

Yes that means we are busy with guests at the inn, but also we are taking time to reflect on what Memorial Day is all about. While it is nice that we associate the day with the beginning of summer fun and BBQ's, etc. the day is really about remembering that freedom is not free.

During my time in the US Navy, which changed my life, I had the honor to serve my Country. I am still proud of my service and believe that everyone should "give back" at some point in their life - whether military, church, Kiwanis, Big Brothers Big Sisters or the Peace Corp. Just give back -

While I will remember all service members on Monday, one that will hold a special place in my thoughts will be my friend Angela Santos aka "Ace". She was a wonderful, caring young lady who died much too soon. Please take a minute today out of your day to think about our service men and women, who made the ultimate sacrifice.

1988 - On April 14 at 8 p.m., a car bomb exploded in front of the USO Club in Naples, Italy. Five people died and fifteen were injured, including four U.S. servicemen who were injured and US Navy Petty Officer Angela Santos, 21, was killed. Junzo Okudaira, a Japanese Red Army (JRA) member, was indicted in the United States on April 9, 1993 for the Naples bombing. Okudaira is also a suspect in the June 1987 car bombing and mortar attack against the U.S. Embassy in Rome.

Angela Santos: Love Lives On
April 23, 1988|By Sandy Coleman of The Sentinel Staff
OCALA — Outside the church, the sun shone brightly Friday. Inside, a cloud of sadness filled the room as friends and family mourned Angela Simons Santos, who joined the Navy to see the world and returned home its casualty.
Santos, 21, a Navy petty officer third class, was killed April 14 in a terrorist bomb blast in Naples, Italy.
Her military funeral at the Presbyterian Church at Marion Oaks began at 1 p.m. with her favorite thing -- music. A recording of her soft soprano voice drifted from speakers as she sang a song honoring her dead grandmother.
Santos' mother, Ellie Cruz, brother Jimmy Santos, 18, and father James Santos sat near her casket. Her brother Tony Cruz, 8, sister Jennifer Cruz, 5, and about 20 friends sat nearby.
Other mourners included Navy personnel, Gov. Bob Martinez and U.S. Rep. Buddy MacKay, D-Ocala.
''As we sit here today,'' the Rev. David Omerod began, ''there is a certain feeling of unreality . . . It is hard to imagine that something that happened all the way around the world brought us here.''
More than 350 mourners, many of whom who knew Santos as a beautiful, shy girl, listened closely to the minister's words and searched for comfort.
''Angela did not want to die. God did not want her to die. She died at the hands of unforgiving men. And now we mourn her death hoping for one more smile, one more touch, one more hug that cannot be ours.''
The church choir Santos was a member of for more than a year sang one of her favorites, ''I Will Not Be Afraid.''
Virgina Robb, a choir member and close friend of Santos, had said Thursday that singing the song would be one of the most difficult things she has ever done.
''The words are so appropriate for her,'' said Robb, 68, who was flattered that someone as young as Santos would start a friendship with a woman her age. Santos was at a party at the Naples USO club when a car bomb exploded on the narrow street outside. Four Italians also died and 17 people were injured, including four U.S. sailors.
But the bomb's impact was much wider, said Rear Adm. John Koening as mourners waited outside the church for the funeral to begin.
''It's a sad day for our entire world for a young man or young woman to give up their life in such a senseless manner,'' he said. ''The sadness is compounded by the fact that at any moment, an act of terrorism can take place. No one is safe. We are all affected.''

Trails abound...time to hike. From Everytrail.com

Dave Moore Loop Trail

1.1 mile trail near Lotus, California

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Length: 1.1 miles / 1.8 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

 

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Overview: This little gem of a trail highlights not only some of the wonderful flora of the area, but a little of the gold mining history as well.

Tips: The first half of this trail is accessible by wheelchair down to the river.  There are several spots with picnic tables also accessible to those in wheelchairs.

M is for Many More WIneries!

MASTROSERIO WINERY

Thursday through Monday, 11am - 5pm, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment.
Located in El Dorado County, CA, Mastroserio Winery can be found in the heart of the Fair Play wine region where the terroir is known for its varied microclimates. Dramatic changes in elevation, granitic soils and different exposures create the perfect conditions to produce a variety of high quality grapes.

7351 Fairplay Road • Somerset, CA 95684
(530) 417-4321
info@mastroseriowinery.com
www.mastroseriowinery.com

MIRAFLORES: T, P

Open daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Our breathtaking vineyards are nestled in a quiet canyon, and our Old World architecture and lovely gardens make us a special place to visit. We believe wine should tell a story, and our handcrafted, artisanal wines reflect our remarkable terroir, the beauty of our land, and our love for the art and the joy of wine.

2120 Four Springs Trail • Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 647-8505
info@mirafloreswinery.com
www.mirafloreswinery.com

MOUNT AUKUM WINERY: T, P, C, S

Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
We sit on a dazzling mountaintop at 2,615 feet, and our vines cling to steep hillsides in vineyards woven through granite outcroppings. It's a perfect world for wine grapes, and you can taste that special terroir in all our highly-acclaimed, award-winning wines. Come visit, enjoy our panoramic views and discover an incredible experience.

6781 Tower Road • Somerset, CA 95684
P.O. Box 830 • Mount Aukum, CA 95656
(530) 620-1675 or (800) 591-WINE
admin@mountaukum.com
www.mountaukum.com

One of our very favorite wineries is just a few minutes away from the inn.  Make sure and tell Maggie and Paul we said hello if you stop in.  Their port is a special treat!

MADROÑA: 

Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Whether you are learning about wine or pride yourself on recognizing quality, we know you will enjoy the premium, estate-grown wines of Madroña. The Bush family has been here working these singular vineyards since 1973, and our care and traditional winemaking produces wines that are precise, balanced, and perfect for any occasion.

2560 High Hill Road (P.O. Box 454) • Camino, CA 95709
(530) 644-5948 or (800) 230-7662
Winery@MadronaVineyards.com
www.MadronaVineyards.com

June is just jumping with stuff to do in town.

JUNE through OCTOBER 2014
Saturdays, Music in the Courtyard, 1PM-4PM
at the Fountain Plaza Courtyard on Historic Main Street. Come tap your toes to some great jazz or blues music. This year's dates will be announced soon! Admission is free. Refreshments available from Fountain Courtyard merchants. For more info call (530) 622-4900.

JUNE 7th, 2014: Wagon Train & BBQ Rib Cook Off
12PM-2:30PM –Main Street will welcome the Highway 50 Association's 65th Annual Wagon Train with a host of fun activities including Server's Races, the Beard Contest, gold-panning, country music, western style shoot-outs, refreshments & more. The Wagon Train will come down Historic Main Street at about 2pm on its way from the Broadway Village area and proceed on to the "End of the Trail" celebration and dinner on Placerville Drive.  Events on Main Street are scheduled for 12pm-2pm. For more information please contact (530) 672-3436.

JUNE 7th – OCTOBER 13th, 2014: Banners on Parade
This is our 10th Anniversary of Art on Parade! Download the 2014 Invitation and Application package here. This community art project will feature over 30 artistically decorated banners on light poles along Main Street in Placerville. This is a collaborative effort of artists, businesses, organizations, individuals and city government that promotes the arts in historic downtown Placerville. These beautiful banners are on Main Street and will be for sale at a Silent Auction at the October 18th, 2014, Art & Wine Festival, as well. or more info contact (530) 672-3436. Find out how you can help with this effort!Read the history of this project here!

MID-JUNE through MID-OCTOBER 2014
Wednesday Main Street Farmers Market, 4PM-Dusk
This event will feature fresh produce, flowers and other items from local farmers on Historic Main Street around the Bell Tower.  For info call (415) 250-5337.

JUNE 21st, 2014: "Main Street Matters" Reveal Celebration
4PM to 7PM. The "Reveal" will celebrate the buildings on Main Street that were painted as part of Benjamin Moore's "Paint What Matters" Contest that Placerville won (one of 20 cities in North America) by voting for the makeover! Other supplemental activities are being coordinated to give Main Street an even grander "reveal."  Entertainment, refreshments, cake, speeches and more will be featured at this very special event that proves that Placerville's Main Street Matters! Thank you to Benjamin Moore and our dedicated community!  More details to follow!

JUNE 28th, 2014: Bell Tower Brewfest
6PM to 9PM.This popular Placerville event will be hosted by downtown merchants and will include a street closure for the enjoyment and safety for all patrons. If you are interested in sampling over 35 different craft brews, tickets will need to be purchased for patrons over 21 years of age. Entertainment will feature several bands performing live during the festival. TICKETS ARE LIMITED for the brew-tasting and expected to sell out, so plan on getting them early. Tickets for the 2014 Brewfest are are available now online here. Tickets will be available locally in May in Placerville at River City Bank, Kelsey's Needle Krafts and The Wine Smith. Help support Main Street at this big fundraiser! Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info contact (530) 672-3436.

We have L for Latcham and Lava Cap!

So this one is a twofer!

LATCHAM VINEYARDS: 

Open Thurs. - Mon., 11:00 am - 5:00 pm or by appointment Tues. - Wed.
Our vineyards lie on the slopes above small, beautiful valleys around Fair Play, and they produce wines with unique depth and flavor. We've won hundreds of awards over the years, blending modern and traditional techniques that showcase the mountain-grown grapes in our Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvingnon and more.

2860 Omo Ranch Road (P.O. Box 80) • Mt. Aukum, CA 95656
(530) 620-6642 or (800) 750-5591
info@latcham.com
www.latcham.com

LAVA CAP WINERY: 

Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Celebrate with us the magic of our high elevation wines and the special beauty that surrounds our premium winery. We produce a select list of wines, including an enticing Chardonnay and estate bottled Zinfandel, Barbera, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Our wines are rich in flavors, vibrant fruit, and a tantalizing depth. Bring a picnic or enjoy food from our deli on the comfortable deck looking over our vineyards.

2221 Fruitridge Road • Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-0175
info@lavacap.com
www.lavacap.com

Anytime is a good time to visit Apple Hill and Boa Vista

Yep, that is right, Boa Vista is open all year!

   Open daily in the heart of beautiful Apple Hill, this family farm is nestled next to picturesque Carson Road.  The Apple Barn, Bakery, Picnic Grounds, and Wine Tasting is Open Every Day!

     Boa Vista fruit is highlighted during the Summer and Fall Apple Hill harvest seasons; Apples, Asian Pears, Berries, Peaches, Pears, and Plums to name a few!

     If you are unable to make the trip to Apple Hill in person, the Online Barn offers almost all of our non-perishable items as well as award winning Apple, Red, and Dessert wines!

J is for Jodar

JODAR VINEYARDS & WINERY: C

Open daily, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
The careful winemaking creates a balance of bold fruit framed with graceful oak. Enjoy our estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Barbera, Chardonnay, and world-class Port in the warmth of our country tasting room and wooded setting. Taste thier weekend food-and-wine pairings. Limos and buses are welcome by appointment.

3405 Carson Court • Camino, CA 95667
(530) 644-3474
jodartastingroom@foothill.net
www.jodarwinery.com

Car show and Farmers Market is back!

MAY 18th, 2014: Hangtown Car Show
9AM to 3PM on Historic Main Street, Placerville. Sponsored by the Placerville Lions Club. Participation is limited by the number of spaces available. Admission and parking are free for spectators. For info and pre-registration to show a car please call Mike at (530) 622-1731.

MID-MAY through OCTOBER 2014
Saturday Farmers Market, 8AM-Noon 
This event will feature fresh produce, flowers and other items from local farmers. On Historic Main Street in the Ivy House lot near Cedar Ravine. For info call (530) 622-1900.

Okei Memorial

This is a very cool spot in El Dorado County...and most people don't even know it exists....but we do.  And now you know too!

From our friends at Coloma.com... "For a few years, Gold Hill was the site of a small Japanese settlement. Encouraged by a German soldier of fortune named John Henry Schnell and a samurai named Lord Matsudaira, up to 26 Japanese — apparently the first Japanese group to settle in California — arrived here in 1869 to establish the Wakamatsu Tea Colony. Grandly, Schnell planned for extensive production of silk and tea. However, the relatively dry climate and investor difficulties doomed these crops, and the colony faded away. Schnell ran out of money, selling his land to Francis Veerkamp. A young Japanese girl, Okei, had arrived with the Schnell family as a nursemaid. She stayed on, working for the Veerkamp family until she died at the age of 19. She is buried on a lonely hill on private Veerkamp property close to Gold Trail School. Her story became the subject of a best-selling novel in Japan. A shrine next to the school honoring Okei was dedicated years ago by Ronald Reagan, then governor of California. Today the shrine remains a favorite California destination for visitors from Japan."

If you happen to be out tasting this way, or visiting Coloma State Park, stop by here and take a moment to enjoy this peaceful spot.

From today's Mountain Democrat! 105 years ago....

From the Mountain Democrat....

April 24, 1909

The Last Chance Mine to Have Another Chance

The famous old Last Chance mine at Coloma, which paid such fabulous sums in years gone by, is to be opened again by Messrs. L. N. Strickler, J. F. Owen and Albert Shafsky, of this city. This mine produced a pocket of $60,000 when owned by Messrs. Peterson and Nicolison, and a number of smaller pockets were taken out later by the same men. It has been operated by different parties since with varying results, one company working it eight months without any indications of further deposits of the yellow metal. It was abandoned for a year, when a couple of strangers bonded the property, and within ten feet of where the others quit work, took out something over $4,800. It has been worked since, but not systematically, and if Messrs. Shafsky, Strickler and Owen prove as lucky in their second mining venture as in their first, we may look for great things from the old Last Chance. Mr. Strickler is related to the Petersons, first owners of the mine, and we trust may be as fortunate. Operations will be under way by the first week in May.

I is for Illuminare Winery

Another favorite spot of ours up in Camino...tell Aaron we said "Hi" when you stop by to taste.

From their website....The Hill Family invites you to have an “enlightened” experience with the wines of Illuminare. We are a boutique El Dorado County winery specializing in small lots of very limited production wines. From our tantalizing “Seeing Red” label to obscure varietals such as Pinotage, our wines are unique and exciting. Our winemaking style strives for maximum extraction and intensity that is showcased in our wines. Join us in the celebration of family, friends, and of course, wine.They can be located in the Camino Wine Plaza Building in the heart of Apple Hill. Situated with 3 other boutique winery tasting rooms in the building, they offer a unique tasting experience. To find them, go East on Highway 50 from Placerville and turn left on the Carson Rd. / Apple Hill Dr. Exit. An immediate Right on Carson Rd.

B&B Mythbusting...Albert Shafsky House style

A while back my pal Jay Karen from PAII aka the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) wrote a bit about myths and bed & breakfasts. The title of the 27-Apr-10 article was "The Top 5 Myths About Staying At A Bed And Breakfast Inn". While the article certainly pointed out common misconceptions, some of them were once true (and maybe still are in parts of the country!).

Myth 1: B&B decor is limited to lace doilies, paisley wallpaper, antiques and patchwork quilts.

At the Albert Shafsky House B&B there is the occasional doily, I will admit it.  But there are also books, trunks, and trains.  We do live in a Queen Anne Victorian, in a historic part of town....and there is still some wallpaper.  That being said, I don't think our inn is very frilly...it is just not us.  We are more MIssion style furniture people, where it is comfortable, not dainty. 

Myth 2: You have to share a bathromm with other guests.

Not at the Albert Shafsky House: All of our guest rooms have private baths. 

Myth 3: You have to eat breakfast with total strangers and eat whatever the innkeeper prepares that morning.

Yes, you will meet new people at breakfast, but the innkeeper at the Albert Shafsky House will take your special food allergies into consideration when making breakfast.  Vegan/vegetarian/we want you to have a memorable stay and that includes breakfast....just please tell us ahead of time so we can prep something for you.

Myth 4: You have to adide by a curfew set by the innkeeper.

All of our guests have their own key to the front door and while it is locked at all times, you are free to come and go as you please.  

Myth 5: B&Bs are only for couples and strictly prohibit children and pets.

We are happy to welcome all ages, and relationship status.  We are unable to have your pets stay with us though as Lily is Queen of All She Surveys!  We are happy (and so is she) to have you pet her all day if you are missing your furry friends.  

H is for Holly's Hill Vineyards

Another of our wonderful foothill wineries...are we spoiled here or what?  Holly's Hill Vineyards is a short 20 minute drive from our bed and breakfast....from their site....

Visit Us

The Holly's Hill family has created a serene retreat in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where Holly's family artfully crafts small batches of distinctive wines. Come and relax with Rhône varietal wines while overlooking the Cosumnes River canyons.

Tasting Room Open Daily 10am to 5pm
3680 Leisure Lane Placerville, CA 95667

winery@hollyshill.com
530.344.0227

April 11th, 2014: Girls Night Out

 
6PM to 9PM. This fun, Friday night event focuses on activities that appeal to women. The 7th Annual Girls Night Out will feature a fun new theme (TBA)! Come out and discover Historic Main Street. Merchants stay open late to showcase all the great things they have to offer. Check in at the Bell Tower to pick up a program or a Scavenger Hunt card. Activities include entertainment, games, trunk shows, prize drawings, scavenger hunt, health and beauty specials, massage, restaurant specials, dance instruction, sales & promotions, food, chocolate, olive oil samplings, and much more. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.

Oldest building/museum in town, gets an update....

The Placerville Historical Museum on historic Main Street is getting some work done...and will be re-opening in mid-March 2014.

From their website.....

The Fountain & Tallman Museum is owned and operated by the El Dorado County Historical Society. Built in 1852, it is the oldest building on Main Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum is located at 524 Main Street, east of Bedford Ave. The building was erected in 1852-1853 and soon afterwards it was the site of John Fountain & Benjamin Tallman's Soda Works.

The museum building style is called rock rubble construction and is a prime example of the first permanent buildings that transitioned Placerville from a mining camp into a town. The walls are two feet thick and the window and door openings had exterior iron shutters to protect the building from fires.

Spring water was carbonated, bottled and sold to the miners. The soda water was an important product as the river and creeks were polluted from mining activities which made that source of water unsafe to drink.  

Several businesses have been located here since that time, including Pacific Gas & Electric Company. They owned the building from 1927 -1961 and when selling it made a condition in the deed that the "Old Stone Building " be held as an historic landmark. The Society received the building in 1981 as a gift from Mrs. Fay Rupley Cannon and in 1983 opened it as a Museum. Now known as the "Biggest Little Museum in the West" the building is dedicated to Mrs. Cannon.

For more information.