Apple Hill starts this weekend!!! Most apple barns and craft open Labor Day weekend so why not make a trip to Placerville, zip to Camino and grab some apple donuts, apple cider, apple fritters, apple pie, etc. Should be great weather here in El Dorado County for a great way to kick off FALL, while it still feels summery. Camino is just a 10 minute drive from our Placerville B&B and you will pass bunches of wineries too!
The Albert Shafsky House bed and breakfast inn in Placerville blog. Find out about innkeeping from an innkeeper in California. We have been innkeeping in Placerville, California for over 8 years. Keep up with the happenings in California's beautiful, historic Gold Country, in the foothills between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
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.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
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/
--------------------------
************************************************************
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/
--------------------------
Saturday, July 09, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
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.
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.
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