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Sierra Foothills Travel Guide
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items I'm a Tahoe girl at heart, but my husband moved me to the Western Sierra Foothills. My favorite part about this area though is the history. There is so much to do and see. Plus because of the history, you often aren't inundated with chain restaurants...
Sections
3
Grass Valley
Folsom
Apple Hill
Grass Valley
Mill Street Grass Valley is exactly what every picturesque small town ought to be. Great shopping, tasty food, a fabulous boutique hotel. What more could a girl want.
Gorgeous Gorgeous girls stay at the Holbrooke Hotel. This is a historal hotel that has been pain-stakenly upgraded without a detail being spared. If you eat at their restaurant try sitting in the window seats and people watch the shoppers downtown.
Where to stay
The Thirsty Barrel is the BEST!!! They have some staples on their menu but they also cater to the seasons often changing an item or two to incorporate a seasonal flavor. Towards the end of summer they sometimes have a burger with pear on it! *chefs k...
Thirsty Barrel
After walking around Mill Street, make sure to stop by The Lazy Dog Chocolateria and get a tasty treat. There is a variety of chocolates, gelato, ice cream, and vintage candies. The staff is always so helpful and almost as sweet as their treats!
Lazy Dog Chocolateria
If you want Christmas experience to reminisce over for a long time, make your way up to Grass Valley for a Cornish Christmas. This is done each Friday Night between Thanksgiving and Christmas and it is magical! The Day after Thanksgiving tends to kic...
57th Annual Cornish Christmas 2025 - Downtown Grass Valley
Nevada County is home to countless artists. I was once traveling and checking out art in another state, mentioned Grass Valley and the shop owner said “Grass Valley, you have all the art you want at your fingertips” and it is so true! The talent avai...
Art Works Gallery
I have family that asks me to come here every time they are in town. If Gems are your thing, look no further.
Crystal Empire Gems
There is always, and I mean always, something going on at the Center for the Arts. If you come to visit, make sure to look at their schedule, there might be something you just cannot miss.
Welcome To The Center For The Arts
Folsom
Folsom is a historic small town meets modern bustling micro-city. This is such a great place to spend a girls day or go shopping with your family. There’s so much to do and a beautiful place to do it!
Folsom has lots of history and hey, even a Johnny Cash song. The Folsom prison museum is a fun activity to do.
Big House Prison Museum
If you want a day of shopping, I highly recommend the Folsom Premium Outlets. So many options, in a beautiful area.
Folsom Premium Outlets®
If a small town main street is more your vibe, Sutter street has great food and shops, plus they often have events that you can attend for free or pretty inexpensive. Folsom is all about community.
Events Archive - Folsom Historic District
Friends with Benedicts is your perfect Brunch spot on a trip to Folsom. Delicious and combines two of my favorite things, eggs benedict and champagne.
Friends With Benedicts Mimosa House
Apple Hill
Apple Hill in the fall is so fun! I normally go on a Friday so it’s less busy, but even on a weekend, it’s a great time! Put on your patience cap and enjoy the day!
Apple Hill Growers Association - Open Year Round
Lava Cap often has live music and crudités. Sit out on their back patio and enjoy the views, company and refreshments.
Placerville Wine Tasting - Wine, Music, Picnics - El Dorado County
High Hill is among the most popular of the Apple Hill orchards but for good reason! Great food, activities and shopping!
Homepage
Another must stop on the Apple Hill trail! They have pies, cider and produce, but they also often have crafts that are great for holiday gifts!
Boa Vista Orchards
Go wine tasting here! Seriously, go! Sadly Eldon, who used to pour at the tastings retired, but the wine is amazing and the art for the bottles is drawn by the owner. I have a large copy of one of the pieces on my bathroom wall.
Findleton Estate Winery