Historic Placerville, California is a quaint gold rush town that used to be called "Old Hangtown". Stroll Main Street with its unique shops and fine dining restaurants. See the Bell Tower which once called fire fighters to assist residents and is now a gathering place for occasions when the street is closed for special events. There are several historic buildings on Main Street, one even boasts a mine shaft. Don't miss the museum on Main Street and at the Fairgrounds which offers a look at what life in the "Old West" of Placerville was like. Gold Bug park is located in Placerville and you can try your hand at panning, or walk through the horizontal mine shaft, while listening to a narrrated recording of park history. While you are there, be sure to visit the stamp mill and the museum. Placerville is a great location for visiting El Dorado County wineries, antique shopping and discovering our gold rush past. Nearby is Coloma, home to the Gold Discovery State Historic Park, containing Sutter's Mill where gold was first discovered leading to the mass migration of folks and eventual statehood for California. The American River flows through the park and is the most rafted river in California--a great way to spend the day. Apple Hill is just minutes away in Camino and offers the best apple goodies around. Sample apple donuts, cider, fritters, etc. in the Fall at one of the many orchards. Boa Vista Orchards is open year round for fresh fruits and vegies.