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.

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

G is for Geocaching...and David Girard Vineyards

Yep, they really do go together....as one of my passions is geocaching and the other is wine, I have been guilty of mixing the two at this winery....yes there is a cache there, but the real find is the wine.

Our favorite is the
2006 COEUR ROUGE
El Dorado-Estate Vineyard

This blend creates an elegant impression of fruit. A very lush and velvety mouthfeel seamlessly delivers big fruit. Framed by granitic tannis that expand with a never ending finish. Over time this wine expresess many nuances of spice and meat. Aged in 2 & 3 year old French oak for 18 months.

Enjoy the wine tasting year round at David Girard Vineyards

11:00am - 5:00pm Open daily!

Save May 19th for Wakamatsu

This was a wonderful event last year and we hope you will join us at the Wakamatsu Colony Festival A fundraising event to benefit the historic site of the first Japanese colony in America 941 Cold Springs Rd., Gold Hill, CA Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:00am-3:00pm Sword Demonstrations – Taiko Drummers – Live Music & Dancing Sushi – Sake – Wine Hay-Wagon Tour - Traditional Japanese Arts & Crafts  $15 adult / $7 youth / Free for children under 10 online ticket sales begin April 2

So much to do...so much to see

Ah, yes....the holidays are upon us....Turkey and tree lighting this week and of course all the goodies to get on Black Friday.  A stay in Placerville is always the perfect gift, and we are happy to provide gift certificates in any denomination for you.  We also have robes and mugs for sale, and for a special treat our super comfy sheets.

Some of what is happening in our neck of the woods....

NOVEMBER 25th, Festival of Lights
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, visits with Santa, stagecoach rides and the tree-lighting at 6PM at the Courthouse. 

NOVEMBER 25th & 26th, Merchants Open House
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.

DECEMBER, WEEKENDS, Stagecoach Rides
On Historic Main Street, Placerville, Davey "Doc" Wiser and his crew will be providing FREE rides (in good weather) at the Bell Tower on these dates: November 25th (4-6:30PM); November 26th (12-4PM); December 10th & 11th (12-4PM); December 17th & 18th (12-4PM).

DECEMBER 4th, 34th Annual Christmas Parade
1PM on Historic Main Street. 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. This year's theme is "There is Magic in Believing."

DECEMBER 5th-16th, The Twelve Days of Christmas
Shoppers will have a chance to enter a drawing for a chance to win one of 12 Main Street gift baskets valued at $100 each and one Grand Prize. The Grand Prize winner will receive a large, beautiful Benton Studios photograph of Main Street, mounted on canvas. Drawing tickets will be given for purchases over $15 at participating merchants between November 25th and December 15th. Get your shopping done early and win a great gift basket from Historic Main Street.

White Christmas Tickets – Available Now

Fun costumes, wonderful music, and a delightful theatrical experience await your family at Imagination Theater this December.  The holiday favorite, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas opens December 2.  Make your reservation now for the best seats. Ticket prices are adult ($17), senior ($14), and children ($10).  Tickets can be purchased at www.it-tickets.org or by calling 530-642-0404.    

Friday, December 2, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 3, 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 8, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 9, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday December 10, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 11, 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 15. 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 17, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 20, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 22, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 23, 7:00 p.m.

We have the best guests....some recent comments on Bedandbreakfast.com

We must confess, one of the first things we do when guests leave is read the journal in the room to see if they wrote any comments (good or bad).  It is always a treat for us to find a note from someone, and it is just as fun to wake up to comments posted online like theses two that were left on Bedandbreakfast.com. 


"A delightful find in the heart of Placerville. It is within a block from town and the Gandy Dancer dancer room was delightful seeing that appealed to the railroader in myself." 


"We had a lovely stay here. Walked to downtown Placerville for shopping. Walked to Sequoia for a wonderful dinner. Walked to Gold Bug Mine and did some GEO Caching. We also drove to Para Vi for wine tasting, band & dinner. Took off to Ice House Resevouir for another wonderful hike. Great location with lots to do around it. Food & Inn Keepers were awesome!"


Thank you for the comments, they really make our day!!!!

Another great El Dorado County Winery

 Not too far from our Placerville Bed and Breakfast is where you will find this one.  David Girard Vineyards is nestled in the Sierra foothills near where the south fork of the American River gave up its gold in 1849. The rolling hills of the 85-acre estate vineyards provide unique micro climates for producing exceptional Rhone varietals. Focusing on Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne and Viognier, wine lovers can immediately get a sense of these great vineyards. The wines have an intensity and balance that seem to be special from grapes at our elevation with our soils. Nearly all the wines are estate-grown and small-lot productions, making the tasting room a focus of the winery.  

WIne and music at dkCellars this Saturday

FYI some great music this weekend at dkCellars....Track 7 and Ollie's Lament will be playing from around 1:30 til 7 pm in Fairplay, off Slug Gulch Road for dkCellars anniversary party.  Good wine and good music to sip too!

Free stage rides today on Main St.

Riding the stage today on historic Main Street!  Thanks Doc!!

Whitewater rafting on the American River

Stay with us and raft for half off with this deal....from Travelzoo.

************************************************************
TRAVELZOO LOCAL DEAL FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY - JULY 15, 2011
************************************************************

On behalf of our subscribers in the Central Valley, we have
negotiated this Travelzoo Local Deal:

$50 - HALF-DAY WHITE-WATER RAFTING TRIP, REG. $100
http://www.travelzoo.com/l/75532572-1067203/
Source: Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting

For $50, experience the thrill of the South Fork of the
American River's class III rapids while taking in the
stunning scenery of a state park. Regularly $100, this
half-day whitewater rafting adventure on Lower Gorge Run
includes all your gear.

The trip begins at 8 a.m., when you'll make your way 11
miles upstream by bus. After a brief orientation and safety
training, hop aboard a six-person raft and head into intense
class III rapids, some of the biggest and most exciting on
this river. Then let your heartbeat return to normal with a
peaceful float through Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
with numerous class II rapids.

This adventure is suitable for beginner and intermediate
rafters.

To get this deal, purchase a voucher directly from
Travelzoo, and call Gold Rush Whitewater Rafting to make a
reservation.

Important:
*Buy the voucher before 8 p.m. Friday, July 22.
*The voucher can be redeemed starting Monday, July 25,
through Sept. 26, 2011.

For more information on the deal from Gold Rush Whitewater
Rafting, click here:
http://www.travelzoo.com/l/75532572-1067203/

--------------------------

Wakamatsu Historical Tour- American River Conservancy

This is so cool....if you have not been up to the Wakamatsu property, here is a great chance to see it.

Join ARC trained docents for a firsthand look at the property recently acquired by ARC. This ranch is an interesting mosaic of springs, streams, wetlands, blue and live oak forest, sweeping vistas and prime agricultural soil. Ranch ponds and the small lake is a draw for wildlife, particularly migratory waterfowl during the winter and early spring. Along with its beauty, learn about the rich history of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm, the 1st Japanese Colony site established in America in 1869. Contact ARC to sign up and for meeting location (Gold Hill area). Register now.
Donations towards the Wakamatsu project encouraged.
 
 Please call to sign up at 530-621-1224, or contact julie@arconservancy.org.
 

Nice article about B&Bs

We thought this was a wonderful article promoting B&Bs and wanted to share....


To B or not to B&B? Advice to first-time B&B goers
Posted: 21 Jun 2011 03:17 AM PDT
by Marti Mayne with travel expert Eileen Ogintz

Where should we go?

With so many options the decision can send enlightened travelers either into a quandary or an adventure. From resorts and hotels to campgrounds and hostels, travelers have a myriad of accommodations options. Value is the buzz word in travel today, and when it comes to finding plenty of value, a B&B or country inn makes a lot of sense for some, but not all travelers.

When to B&B?

“If you thought B&Bs weren’t for you, think again,” says syndicated travel columnist Eileen Ogintz.

 Of course you’ll find everything you need to celebrate romance at inns and B&Bs from king and queen beds with luxurious linens to deep double whirlpool tubs, double showers and ensuite fireplaces.

But they can also be a terrific place to visit with kids. Some inn owners welcome children with special dress up corners, children’s books and more. And they are a lot more homey than staying in a big hotel.

You’ll get a lot of bang for your vacation dollar too since  homemade multi-course breakfasts, afternoon refreshments and evening innkeepers’ receptions at many inns are part of the deal. The extras  can add up to more than $100 in value over the course of your stay. Add in fee-free wi-fi, parking, bottled water, DVDs and movies, and much more, and savings add up. “You won’t find those annoying resort fees,” said Ogintz.

If you’re a traveler who loves to meet others and seeks an insiders’ knowledge of the region, inns and B&Bs work well as the choice accommodations. “I’ve  found B&B owners a terrific resource when college touring,” added Ogintz, the mom of three. “They would give us a local’s perspective on the community and the school.”

The intimate nature of an inn or B&B lends itself to meeting other guests easily over breakfast or afternoon refreshments. Innkeepers have often gotten into the business because they love to share their knowledge of the region and have gone so far as to arrange discounts and preferred times for their guests.

Next time you are traveling solo on business, try an inn instead of an anonymous hotel. “You won’t be as lonely,”  Ogintz suggests. And many inns and B&Bs offer corporate rates to business travelers. Even if you have to leave early, the innkeeper can arrange a to-go breakfast.  There’s also the comfort in knowing you’d be missed if you didn’t return at night.

 When NOT to B&B?

While there are plenty of inns and B&Bs that cater to families, not all do. “Make sure the inn isn’t one catering to couples on a romantic getaway,” suggests Ogintz.  “You don’t want to worry that little voices are bothering other guests or that little hands can damage antiques.”

 Seek out farmstays and inns and B&Bs offering family cottages and cabins, suggests Ogintz, who  is a nationally known family travel expert and  creator of the website TakingtheKids.

“But don’t expect innkeepers to entertain  or babysit the kids,” Ogintz warned. If that’s what you want, opt for a resort or a cruise line with  organized children’s programming.

You likely wouldn’t be happy at an inn if you plan to stay up late partying unless, of course, you are taking over the whole place for your wedding or family reunion.

Can’t decide?

Ask the innkeeper!   Call or email and tell the innkeeper about your travel companions (friends, lover, kids, pets…) and see if  their inn is a good fit. “If not, they can suggest elsewhere,” Ogintz said. Research the amenities. If you’re a business traveler for example, be sure to choose a B&B with a strong cell signal for your cell carrier, and ask about desks and free wi-fi to insure the setting works for you. If you are traveling with young children, make sure there are rooms or cottages that can accommodate three or four. Will the innkeeper provide a kid-friendly breakfast? Do they have cribs?

“Remember that each inn and B&B is different,” Ogintz said. “Some travelers love that while others prefer the familiarity of a hotel chain they know.”

Most important,  go elsewhere if you don’t enjoy trading stories and travel tips with people you’ve just met over breakfast or afternoon drinks. “To appreciate what an intimate inn can offer, you need to be the kind of traveler who enjoys meeting new people along the way,” says Ogintz. “That can be the most memorable part of your trip!”

Eileen Ogintz is a leading family travel expert often asked to share travel tips in the national media. Her family travel guides to the Western United States  have just been reissued for  the NOOK and Kindle and you can purchase excerpts for as little as  99 cents.

Marti Mayne is a B&B aficionado, visiting hundreds of inns and B&Bs either by armchair or in person each year. As a coordinator for the Better Way To Stay campaign, Marti is committed to helping travelers discover today’s inns and B&B experience. For more information, visit www.BetterwaytoStay.com.

Coloma Blues Live is back! June 4th, 2011

Welcome Blues Fans!
The 6th Annual Coloma Blues Live!
Music Festival is on June 4, 2011 at Henningsen-Lotus Park, Lotus, CA!

This a general admission event, festival-goers are asked to bring blankets and low-profile chairs (up to 30” with a seat height of no more than 10”). Handicap/high-back chairs have designated area; umbrellas are OK only in this area and only on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring personal bottled water, sunscreen, hat, and spray bottles.

Parking

Parking near Lotus Park is limited. Shuttles will be available; follow parking signs. Festival parking is $5 (cash please) — with free shuttles available; follow parking signs. Parking is also available at Marshall Gold State Historic Park at their normal rates; a shuttle will run between the concert and the State Park. Gates open at 10 AM, music starts at 11 AM. We reserve the right to refuse entry. No refunds, no exchanges, rain or shine. Artists subject to change. Handicap accessible — call (530) 295-3496 for information.

Please do not bring food, alcohol, cans, bottles, containers, coolers, cameras with removable lenses, recording devices, or digital video cameras into the event. Still cameras are OK We reserve the right to not allow any cameras into the park whether they have removable lenses or not. No pets, except service animals.

Handicap parking is available at the main Henningsen-Lotus Park parking lot — all other festival goers will be directed to alternate parking area(s). Please follow the signs on Lotus Road and Hwy 49.

Ahh Spring!

So nice to finally be having awesome weather again!  Looks like this weekend will be a great one to go out and taste wine, enjoy a picnic in a vineyard, explore Marshall Gold Discovery Park, go geocaching, walk the dog, work in the yard, or a combination of all of the above!

How will you spend your weekend?

Look what our buddies at Winterhill Olive Oil have for you....

Come Celebrate the 4th Annual Winterhill

2011 Harvest Party!Sat. Feb 19th 2pm to 6pm

Our annual extravaganza of food and fun continues!
Free samplings of great foods made with the 2011
Harvest Certified Extra-virgin and Pressed-with-The-Fruit Olive Oils
Local producer, SMOKEY RIDGE CHARCUTERIE will be sampling their
spectacular, delicious and unique products as well.


Can't make the party? Here are some more  upcoming events:
GIRL’S NIGHT OUT
Friday, Feb 25th 6pm-9pm
Historic Downtown Placerville
Winterhill will be offering local artisanal food tastings as well as our olive oil & authentic aged balsamic tastings
ANNABELLE’S CHOCOLATES
Joins us with tastes of her decadent chocolates and some
surprise treats!

Read the post for an offer from our pals at ParaVi

'05 Cab Franc Release Event Update

Space is limited, but we still have room for you!

Come join us for a romantic brunch or dinner show, complete with all the Valentine's Day touches ParaVi is famous for! We go out of our way to make the event something special for each couple - and you may win prizes including a case of our 2008 Cabernet Franc futures!

ParaVi '05 Cabernet Franc Release

5-Course Gourmet Meal and A Chance to Win a Grand Prize: One Case '08 Futures! 

Our host, the world renowned Mr. Michael Darling, will keep things lively as our participants compete in a "Not-so-Newlywed Newlywed Game" for a chance to win prizes including a case of our 2008 Cabernet Franc futures (Valued at $520.80!) 

The event is FREE to all Wine Society Members, and is open only to ParaVi members. When requesting your tickets, you must RSVP for one of the four show times listed below. If you call please remember to specify the day and show you wish to attend in your message. To RSVP via email, select the appropriate link below to choose your preferred event.

Due to popular demand, we are extending a special offer to anyone registered for a sold out show. If you registered for our Saturday evening show and would like the opportunity to enjoy a more intimate setting, we will allow the first few respondents to select one of the other shows. Please call us at (530) 647-9463 if you are interested.

Seating is limited, so RSVP now!

SHOWTIMES:

Show #1: Saturday, February 12, 12-2PM - RSVP For This Show

Show #2: Saturday, February 12, 5-7PM - SOLD OUT

Show #3: Sunday, February 13, 12-2PM - RSVP For This Show

Show #4: Sunday, February 13, 5-7PM - RSVP For This Show

Remember to specify the show by number, day and time when you RSVP.

RSVP Via Email: (Select one) Show 1, Show 2, Show 3, Show 4

Call: (530) 647-WINE (9463)

Fax: (530) 647-9464

January White Sale!

Our pals at Wofford Acres are having a January White Sale...wine that is...

20% Off  2 or more WAV White Wine bottles
Weekends in January and February

Stock up at these great prices:

White Oak Point- Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, clean lots of fruit AND acid- How about pairing it with cheese fondue?
Regularly $17.32/ bottle- buy it now for $13.86 (prices include tax.)

Dulcinea- Viogner/Rousanne blend
Soft and fruity, but still dry- Try it with proscuitto wrapped around mango and grissini... Lovely, easy winter appetizer...
Regularly $27.06/ bottle- buy it now for $21.65 (prices include tax.)

(Wine Club members- you'll get 25% off the regular price-
White Oak Point is $12.99 and Dulcinea is $20.30 at your price, which includes tax...)

They are open Saturdays and Sunday, noon to 4pm,
or by appointment with 24 hours notice, until March.

The El Dorado Epicurean Jan. 30 4-8 p.m.

Join us in Placerville for a fabulous progressive dinner for culinary adventurers!  For the first time every the finest restaurants have created a special 4 course progressive dinner that will indulge your senses with fresh seasonal specialties and decadent desserts.  Available by calling 800-457-6279, $55 per person! Dont miss out on this fun evening.