Amador City

In the heart of the city most buildings are originals, dating back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush. They look like Hollywood’s version of a real mining town after it struck it rich.

The historic section is compacted into a long city block, and there is a Walking Tour Guide available. Most of the buildings now house a museum, unique shops, restaurants, and romantic lodging options. With a charming historic hotel and a commanding two-story brick mining office building converted to a B&B – and both serving great meals for families or fine dining, this is a great place to spend a day or a night or more. This is a romantic town for honeymoons, second-honeymoons or a parent’s night away from the kids.

Outdoor sporting activities are found in the high country an hour or more away. Unless, of course, you think of wine tasting and driving or pedaling through the outstanding wine country an outdoor activity. Over 25 wineries are only minutes away. This beautiful region in the Amador County foothills is often referred to as the “Tuscany of California.” Every – ok, almost all – of the little communities tucked along the road have a country store or deli. Mochas, lattes, and fresh baked goodies are favorites for visitors and locals alike.

Ride your road bike, take a picnic lunch, and the day definitely qualifies as an aerobic outdoor activity. The rolling foothills, spring wildflowers, or summer’s golden, grassy meadows and deep green oaks viewed from the many miles of paved, winding county roads offer a lovely setting. If you are pedaling, some of the hills will make you work for your wine; so pace your riding as well as your sipping.

There are numerous paved roads that can keep you away from the heavy traffic along Highway 49. Favorite destinations are Fiddletown, Volcano, Daffodill Hill, Fairplay, Mt Aukum, and Plymouth. And if you’re up to it – and up, and up – an uphill pedal to Cooks Station on Highway 89 via Omo Ranch will get your adrenaline going. So will the mostly-coasting ride back down. Then again, just relaxing in a day of quiet revelry celebrating yesterday’s adventure of mountain biking, motorcycling, hiking, or whitewater sport and you have the perfect weekend.

Gold mining enthusiasts or visitors wanting to learn more about mining have a golden opportunity – sorry, I had to get that out of my system. Five minutes from the heart of town is the Sutter Gold Mine, which offers underground tours. Hour long excursions are by shuttle vehicles but you also get to walk over and touch gold bearing quartz that has yielded millions of dollars of gold. Above ground you have the opportunity to pan for gold – and keep what you find. A four-hour underground experience is available with advanced reservations. This is a mostly walking tour. You will begin to appreciate the day in the life of a miner.

Combining visits of the four foothills communities – Drytown, Amador City, Sutter Creek, and Jackson – that line the pockets of Highway 49, the “Golden Chain Highway,” in a space of less than a dozen miles total, will fill the day or a weekend. Each town has its own personality, not to mention unique choices of antique shops, boutiques, trendy shops, restaurants, and lodging options.

To Amador City

From Sacramento, follow Highway 50 east out of town for about 6 miles until you reach Highway 16, the “Jackson Highway.” Turn right (southeast) and follow it for 34 miles until you reach the Highway 49 intersection just east of Plymouth. Turn right (south) on Highway 49 and follow it for 4 miles. In 2004, a bypass was being built around the mining communities of Drytown, Amador City, and Sutter Creek to relieve traffic congestion of big rigs and tourists in the heart of each town. Watch for signs indicating changing directions.

You can also reach the community via Highway 49 either south out of Placerville or north from Sonora and numerous highway links in between.

Communities

• Drytown
• Fiddletown
• Sutter Creek