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.

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

El Dorado County Museum bring the past forward.

One the very cool spots just ff Placerville Drive is the El Dorado County Museum (about 5 mins. by car from the Albert Shafsky House).  Displays include mining tools and railroad equipment this small musuem by the Fairgrounds is not to be missed!  We are so lucky to run an inn amongst all the cool gold rush history!

Main Street Events

SEPTEMBER 29th, Antique Street Faire
8AM - 3PM in Historic Downtown Placerville. The 24th Annual Antique Street Faire closes Main Street to host antiques & collectibles peddlers for this popular event. Food, refreshments, and more. Admission and parking are free. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436. You can download the 2013 Antique Street Faire application here.

OCTOBER 19th, Art & Wine Festival
6PM - 9PM. Over 30 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 in the galleries and the “Banners On Parade” community art project will be displayed on Main Street and sold during the silent auction that evening. Music at the Bell Tower, art demonstrations & hors d’oeuvres, too. Sample award-winning wines in one convenient location without driving to all the wineries! TICKETS ARE LIMITED for the wine-tasting and will be available in September at Main Street merchants or on this website also in September. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. See more information and purchase tickets here. For info, you can also contact (530) 672-3436.

What live was like....

What was life like in the Middle Ages for Innkeepers?  AskWiki says"There were very few inns in this time and if a person travelled they often stayed at a monastery where there was safety. An innkeeper would have taken care of the guests and inn if they had existed."  Times have not changed much....we do that today at our Placerville B&B all the time.

Albert Shafsky House B&B wins Tripadvisor Award!

Cool, we won a Tripadvisor Award!

Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast announced that it has received a TripAdvisor certificate of excellence award.

The accolade, which honors hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Only the top-performing 10 percent of businesses listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

To qualify for a certificate of excellence, businesses must maintain an overall rating of four or higher, out of a possible five, as reviewed by travelers on TripAdvisor, and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.

Additional criteria include the volume of reviews received within the last 12 months.

“Albert Shafsky House B&B is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” said Rita Timewell, owner/innkeeper of the Albert Shafsky House. “We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience and this accolade shows that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor. We have such great guests, many of whom are repeat guests, that it is a pleasure to be an innkeeper.”

“TripAdvisor is delighted to celebrate the success of businesses around the globe, from Sydney to Chicago, Sao Paulo to Rome, which are consistently offering TripAdvisor travelers a great customer experience,” said Alison Copus, vice president of marketing for TripAdvisor for Business. “The certificate of excellence award provides top performing establishments around the world the recognition they deserve, based on feedback from those who matter most — their customers.”

The Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast is a beautifully restored landmark property located in the heart of the Historic District of Placerville, 2942 Coloma St.

The Queen Anne Victorian Bed and Breakfast affords a peak into a rich and vibrant period of California History. Nestled in a lovely alpine setting in the California Foothills, the inn is a perfect spot from which to set off on an historical exploration of “Gold Country.”

TripAdvisor
 is the world’s largest travel site, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools.

TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors and more than 100 million reviews and opinions.

The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

Guest reviews.....we love em!

From Tripadvisor...

“Relaxing atmosphere - Wonderful breakfast!”

Reviewed June 1, 2013

Great place to relax and unwind - and Stephanie and Rita know the town... so no matter what you might want to do, they can give you the insider recommendations. Breakfast was outstanding - beautifully presented, delicious, and far better than most. What a treat!

From BedandBreakfast.com....

Home-like Setting

May 24, 2013

The living room and atmosphere had all the amenities of home. There were complimentary local red and white wine. Room and bath were inviting and comfortable. Breakfast was exquisite. Our host was charming and delightful.

We have the best guests!!!

Oakstone Winery destroyed by fire July 7th, 2012

For those who have been wondering about Oakstone Winery, here is the article that was in the Mountain Democrat

Oakstone: Fire destroys winery

By Cole Mayer
From page A1 | July 11, 2012 | Leave Comment

Oakstone Winery in Fair Play was destroyed in a fire early in the morning of July 7.

The fire was reported at 4:05 a.m. and fire crews were on scene at 4:19 a.m., said Pioneer Fire Protection District Chief Robert Gill, who also acted as the incident commander.

“When we arrived, the facility was already 75 to 80 percent already involved,” he said. “So much was already on fire. We took a defensive (stance) to keep it confined.” There was no other exposure, he said, and no wildland caught fire.

The fire, which began on the south end of the facility and worked its way north, took between 20,000 and 25,000 gallons of water to put out, mostly shuttled in from a nearby mobile home park, Gill said.

By 5:57 a.m., the fire was out and an “extensive” mop-up phase began, Gill said. The winery had no smoke or heat detectors and had no sprinkler system. At 11:10 a.m., the operation was complete, he said.

“It was a multi-million dollar loss,” Gill said. “Luckily, it’s covered by insurance.” He said that John and Susan Smith, who have owned the winery since 1996 and opened it for tasting in 1997, are “going to rebuild” what they have lost.

El Dorado County Fire, Diamond Springs Fire, Amador Fire and Cal Fire also responded. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Summer Concert Series

So, it is that time of year for summer music at some of the El Dorado County Wineries....

Don't miss Boeger on Friday nights for Sunset Sippin = live music, wine, fun.  Just $5 per carload (not this Friday thou as Yarnival is back!

On Friday, July 13th at 6 pm ParaVi hosts live music by the Used Blue Duo!  Tom might even let you taste some futures!  The rest of their summer line up is below.

JULY 13 The Used Blues Duo  JULY 20 Pat Wilder  JULY 27 TBA AUG 3 Gary Mendoza AUG 10 Raymond and Victor   AUG 17 The Used Blues Duo  AUG 24 TBA SEPT 8 Stompy Jones

Apple Hill time still and we have rooms

Looking for a great Fall Getaway?  We have rooms during Apple Hill (which goes on til Thanksgiving).  Why not come to El Dorado County and stay in Placerville?  Apple donuts - we can tell you the best ones, apple cider, apple pies, etc.  And of course don't forget all the craft items available.  Visit us during the week or stay the first weekend in Nov.  We would love to have you stay at the Albert Shafsky House.  Who knows, Rita might even make you her famous Apple Pancake!

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.

Weekends in Placerville for the holidays

The downtown area is just a block from our Placerville bed and breafast, and is all aflutter, prepping for the tree lighting and fun that will be happening starting on Friday, Nov 27th.  Historic Main Street transforms itself with decoration, and lights, and there are even about 50 decorated trees lining Hwy 50 again now that the road construction is completed.

NOVEMBER 27th
Festival of Lights, 5:30PM – 8PM
On Historic Main Street in Placerville, the old-fashioned festivities will close Historic Main Street and begin around 5:30PM at various locations up and down Main Street with music, entertainment, Santa, stagecoach rides, Holly Jolly Trolley rides (to outlying parking lots), and the tree-lighting at 6PM at the Courthouse.  Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association.  For info call (530) 672-3436.

NOVEMBER 27th & 28th
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, stagecoach rides and visits with Santa.  Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association.  For info call (530) 672-3436.

DECEMBER 6th
32nd Annual Christmas Parade 1PM.
This big parade takes place rain or shine and starts at the Mountain Democrat parking lot on upper Broadway in Placerville and continues down Main Street.  Sponsored by Jim & Cathy  McIntire.  For info call (530) 621-5885

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Musical directed by Peter Wolfe

December 4 to December 27, 2009

IT! Box Office

(530) 642-0404

El Dorado County Fairgrounds

Still need more reasons to stay?  Winery are open and so are most places at Apple Hill thru Christmas Eve.

Apple Hill and Labor Day

Ahh, the hot days of August are winding down---only supposed to be 85 next week.  Time for apple season to start!  Yes, Apple Hill begins next weekend and we are looking forward to all sorts of delicious treats (ciders, strudels, tarts, pies, and of course the crafts items that are on display).  We are going to get apple donuts on Labor Day!  I can hardly wait!

The El Dorado County Artists at holding their Annual Studio Tour Sept 18-20 and we still have one room available for you art lovers (or you can come for Apple Hill donuts!).  91 artists, 30 locations, 3 days--how can you go wrong?

Make the Albert Shafsky House B&B your home base for exploring all that El Dorado County has to offer.

Apple Hill and tourism

Good article in the Sacramento Bee about Apple Hill sums up the need for tourism in El Dorado County.  Our bed and breakfast, and many others in the State, rely on agritourism to keep us going--wineries, orchards and the rivers.

Tour shows off El Dorado’s farm bounty, need for tourists
By Diana Lambert
dlambert@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008 | Page 3B
El Dorado County farmers can't survive without tourist dollars.

That was the message delivered by speaker after speaker Friday to a bus carrying more than 50 government officials.

The tour of the county included a ride down tree-lined country roads, lunch served on a hill over crimson vineyards, an olive oil sampling, a visit to historic sites in downtown Placerville and a hayride and apple doughnuts at an Apple Hill ranch.

But it was serious business.

The tour was part of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments' Rural-Urban Connections Strategy.

The program's goal is finding ways to support and sustain the economy, environment and quality of life in rural areas.

"It brings us together to get a comprehensive look at the entire region," said Lincoln City Councilman Tom Cosgrove, chairman of SACOG, which provides transportation planning and funding in Sacramento region.

The rural-urban project includes tours of agricultural land and open space in the six-county region. The group toured Sutter and Yuba counties in April, Yolo County in September and plans to tour Placer and Sacramento counties.

Each county has different assets and challenges.

In El Dorado County, about "75 percent of farm products produced are sold directly to the consumer," said David Bolster, a farmer and member of the county chamber of commerce's Agriculture Council.

The county crop report showed its gross crop value to be $53.2 million in 2007. Timber brought in $18.6 million and livestock $8.7 million.

The rest comes from farms that average 27 acres.

"In order to be economically viable, we have to sell at the highest amount of dollars. … So, we press apples into cider and grapes into wine," said Valerie Zentner, executive director of the El Dorado County Farm Bureau.

High Hill Ranch in Placerville exemplifies the strategy. There are apples, apple cider, caramel apples, apple pies and other apple commodities for sale, but also stall after stall of outside vendors, hawking products from jewelry to sushi rollers.

A stop at David Girard Vineyards offered another glimpse into the county's agritourism business. David Girard said he expects to produce about 4,000 cases of wine this year but also hopes to profit from marketing the winery as a wedding site and corporate meeting venue.

"Ninety percent of our members must work full time or be retired to support the insanity that is farming," said Maryann Argyres, president of the Apple Hill Growers Association, which represents more than 50 fruit ranches.

The SACOG board members seemed to understand the message.

"They have to be able to make a profit, or otherwise you get mass housing and development," said Kevin Hanley, a SACOG member and Auburn councilman.

1st day of Fall in the Foothills

Yes, it is true, we are hooked on Apple Hill.  Had a craving for some fritters so went to High Hill Ranch in Camino this morning.  Rita inhaled hers before we left and I showed slightly more restraint so I could get a photo of the dinner plate-sized tasty treat.

 

They are really big as you can see, but who can resist?  And as you can see we also tried the cider--like drinking a bite of apple!

Was a fabulous day for an outing just a few minutes from the B&B.

September Splender!

Yes, fall is in the air in El Dorado County.  Cooler nights, and still warm days....

Enjoy the fall splenders of beautiful El Dorado County. Spend a few days at the Albert Shafsky House B&B and take advantage of 25% off a two night stay or 10% off a one night stay. This special is for new bookings only and ends September 30, 2008.

Cool nights and cool events

Lots of fun things are happening near the inn this weekend or very soon.

The 30th Annual Butterfly Concert on the green at the Fairgrounds will be held on Sept 7. The Sierra Symphony will be playing a pops concert featuring "Music of the Movies"
Gates open 4 pm and concert starts at 5:30 pm. Many preconcert activities for kids and adults. We had a table at this wonderful event last year and had a great time.

Our friends winery: Wofford Acres Wines is turning 5 this
Saturday, September 6,
11am to 4pm
and help us help them Celebrate
5 Wonderful Years!

And for you planners later in the month....Art in the Orchard will be Sept 20th at the cider donut place....Rainbow Orchards that I mentioned the other day.  Live music, dance, poetry and of course artists...and it is all FREE from 10-4 pm.  Hope to see you there!

Cool nights means the Apples are coming.....

There has been a definite cooling trend at night here in the foothills, but the days are still warm and sunny.  So nice that we rafted last weekend with our friends and webfolks, Wowizowi.  They had never been down the American before so we all did the "Gorge Run" of the South Fork.  Everyone of course got wet!  Hope to have a photo from Carolyn and Roby soon, showing how much fun it was.

But back to the cooling off in the foothills....it means that Apple Hill season starts soon--Labor Day weekend and there will be apple everything to tempt you.  I know I can't wait for the first apple cider donut up at Rainbow Orchard!

Apple Hill is still going on near Placerville, CA

Those who have left the highway and driven through the orchards, vineyards and forests above Placerville know what Apple Hill is all about... Take the drive... the kids will love it! Located in Camino, CA, Apple Hill was once a fledgling association comprised of 16 original ranches. Today it boasts more than 50 ranches including Christmas tree growers, wineries, and vineyards. Free to the public. http://www.applehill.com/ You will find many tasty treats to tempt you and unique gifts for the holiday season.

Fall is apple season and that means Apple Hill

Ahhh, Fall at Apple Hill. The days are warm, the nights turn crisp and the donuts come out of hiding (well, not really). What could be better than a fresh apple donut, maybe a hot apple fritter?

With so many orchards to choose from you will have to pace yourself to enjoy all the treats to be sampled. And there are craft vendors in the Fall at most of the farms so you can seek out that special, one-of-a-kind gift.

For a list of the orchards in Camino. Our inn is just a few minutes away from most of them and is a relaxing place to stay after a day looking for the perfect treat.