Hang Your Hat in Hangtown While Visiting the Gold Bug Mine
By Carmel L. Mooney

When the last of the pumpkin pie is a mere memory and the apple cider has been long gone from the fridge, Apple Hill may be a faint holiday recollection but there is a new golden gem just minutes away that's generating a lot of excitement. You won't want to miss out on the area's newest addition for fun and adventure in nearby Placerville.

Gold Bug Park is the place to go on a summer day to enjoy Placerville's gorgeous weather and to discover what Hangtown's locals are calling "Phenomenal!"

The history of this unique area is still as fascinating as ever and Gold Bug Park offers just the place to discover it first hand. The all-new Gold Bug Park is the only city owned and operated, horizontal-drift gold mine providing tours for the general public.

With all its exciting additions and renovations, Gold Bug Park is the oldest, newest family field trip destination in the Sierra.

Situated in the city limits of Placerville, this historic 61 acre park is located 9/10 of a mile off of Highway 50. A stamp mill, museum, gift shop, historic mining displays, hiking and walking trails, tours, picnic area, extensive display of minerals and gems, and hands on gold panning make this a great weekend day trip for all ages.

The grounds are beautiful with fascinating nature everywhere. Some of the spectacular trees on the ground include: Douglas Fir, Incense Cedar, Yellow Pine, Digger Pine, California Bay Laurel, Black Willow, Alder White, Scrub Oak, and Buckeye.

Dozens of species of birds and other wildlife make Gold Bug park their home.

Guided tours are also available all year, Monday through Friday from 9-5 by advanced reservation for groups of 1-15 people.

How about a fantastic lunch made to order at Placerville's own Purple Frog Deli? You can take it over to the Gold Bug and have a picnic right next to the mine.

If a full weekend get-away is the plan, you may want to make a stop at Apple Mountain Golf Resort. This gorgeous family-friendly golf course makes for a memorable outdoor diversion. You'll even get to sample various Apple Hill apples by the bushel at many of the tees.

I suggest one night at the Camino Hotel Bed and Breakfast where you will love the cozy comfortable surroundings and kind hospitality. Guests can enjoy tasting fine local wines in the in-house tasting room. Or for real pampering, treat yourself to a massage from the in-house therapist. In the morning, a hearty country-style breakfast will set you all out on the right foot for the day.

The second night, you'll be glad you stayed at the lovely Historic Cary House Hotel. There, rooms are named for famous gold mines and gold rush figures. As elegant as this hotel is, it remains completely family-friendly with spacious rooms, a wonderful lobby with waterfall, and delicious breakfasts served up each morning in a cowboy-style dining room. Be sure to ask about the story of how the Hangtown Fry got its name there.

One visit to the Cary House and if you do have children, you'll be marking your calendars for "Tea and Toyland," the thrilling highlight of the Christmas season at the Historic Cary House. This special and memorable event takes place every December when Cinnamon Bear will be bringing cookies to all the little girls and boys as they enjoy a wonderful tea party at the hotel. Special guests such as Crazy Quilt Dragon, Queen Melissa, and Captain Tin Top will probably accept invitations again. But refreshments, entertainment, and a raffle are always sure bets. There will only be three tea sittings for this popular event, so plan ahead and make reservations if you want your little ones to partake in the holiday magic.

The Placerville area holds so much history and fun-making that you really should plan a weekend jaunt of two or three days. The area is full of interesting museums, quaint shops, scenic parks, and pleasing restaurants, all beautifully decorated. But if time only affords a day trip, at the very least, visit the Gold Bug Park and experience a nugget of the Mother Lode.

Contact Info:
Gold Bug park: 530-642-5207
The Camino Hotel Bed and Breakfast; 800-200-7740
The Historic Cary House Hotel: 530-622-4271
Apple Mountain Golf Resort: 530-647-7400
Purple Frog Deli: 530-622-7782