Fall – Things to Do in Placeville

Apple Hill Harvest Season is here

Homemade apple pie and fresh pressed cider are the essential ingredients of Apple Hill. Add a great selection of fresh picked apples, activities for the kids like pony rides, narrow gauge train rides, hay rides, and a well-stocked fishing pond plus a local crafts fair for the adults and you have fun for the entire family.

The only problem is it is so popular that it can get pretty crowded.  Skip the traffic by staying overnight at Coloma Spring Suites,  Wake up a short drive from all the fun.  For more information check out the official Apple Hill site.

Take a Hike – The cooler temperatures make this perfect season to hike.  The El Dorado/ Placerville Trail is Walking distance from Coloma Spring Suites,  It is paved and the mild grade makes a perfect leisurely stroll.  Old Town Placerville is at the mid point of theEl Dorado/ Placerville Trail.  You can begin or end your walk with a meal at one of the many fine restaurants on Main Street.  Combine a walk with a bit of history at Gold Bug Park.

A 20 min drive gives you access to many options for Hiking and Running along the American River.

Further afield, there are many places to get off the road and hike between Placerville and Tahoe.
Bridal Veil Falls, in Pollack Pines,is one idea.

 Another idea is to drive 40 min to Strawberry Lodge.  Behind Strawberry Lodge, there is access to the “Lovers Leap – Pony Express Trail.”  The face is popular with rock climbers.  There is a moderate grade trail around the cliffs.  The first 1/2 loop takes about 2 hours to get back to Strawberry Lodge for lunch.  Make a day of it and take the second half all the way up to the overlook at the top.

Lovers Leap slide show

Placerville’s many wineries have harvest festival events.  The wineries are a little quieter in the Fall.

Take advantage of the smaller crowds to chat with the winemakers.  have special pricing in the fall all
summer, including music, food and wine pairings. 
A place to start is the El Dorado Winery Association.

Historic Main Street, Placerville has events throughout the Fall.
Highlights include

Leave you car at your home away from home.  Main Street is a 5-10 min walk from Coloma Spring Suites. 

Don’t miss the Hangtown Music Festival at the Fairgrounds.  

Celebrate Haloween at one of the Costume Theme nights.