Lets Go - 2009

Your activity guide to the Gold Country

2009 Edition

57 things you’ve gotta do in the foothills

Supplement to the Auburn Journal and Colfax Record

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LET’S GO • 2009

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Welcome to Go Country

N

o, we’re not trying to rewrite our gold rush history. We just want to remind you that there are unlimited opportunities to get out, explore and enjoy the foothills – today, this summer and all year ‘round. We’ve put together 57 rocksolid things to go and do. Whether Tony you’re a Hazarian first-time visiPublisher tor, longtime resident or native foothillian, we’re sure we’ve uncovered at least one activity you’ve never done – but wanted to. Ever played a round of disc golf? Ever taken a tranquil stroll through the School Park Preserve in Auburn? Ever watched the winner of the grueling Western States 100-Mile

Endurance Run cross the finish line? If you’re looking for extreme exercise, we’ve got hills to hike, rivers to run and trails to traverse on bike. If your speed is a little slower, we’ve got galleries to visit, museums to tour and spas to relax in. And more than enough food and drink to cap a glorious day of going and doing. Let’s Go is the perfect companion for your backpack, your glove compartment or your family room table. It’s like a pocket travel guide – with no cords or keyboards attached. Share this section with your kids, friends and neighbors. Keep it close by, and check off the activities as you do them. And if we missed something, let me know at tonyh@gold countrymedia.com. We’re always looking for more. So get out and go, and see what the buzz is about.

How many have you done? Check ‘em off †1. Take on the rapids †30. Party in the Park †2. Shop the farmers’ market †31. Blaze a trail †3. Search for antiques †32. Scream for ice cream †4. Have a Fast Friday †33. Take a dip †5. Chow down on barbecue †34. Grow a garden †6. Hit the bars †35. Earn a black belt †7. Wheel around town †36. Uncork the foothills †8. Go boating †37. Pack a picnic †9. Get in touch with nature †38. Take in Tevis †10. Become an art lover †39. Be in stitches †11. Go disc golfing †40. Go see a play †12. Go for a drive †41. Climb a rock †13. Get rolling at Cruise Nite †42. Flock to the forks †14. Help your community †43. Stroll in the park †15. Get pierced/inked †44. Reel one in †16. Take an RV adventure †45. Do Downieville †17. Pitch a tent †46. Bling yourself out †18. Take a swing †47. Relax your body †19. Hit the jackpot †48. Grab a paddle †20. Do some retail therapy †49. Smell the flowers †21. Watch the Western States †50. Be a java junkie †22. Find faith †51. Kick some butt †23. Hike the snow †52. Go skiing †24. Consume world cuisine †53. Cheer for local sports †25. Let Fido run free †54. Saddle up †26. Native American past †55. Bowl a strike †27. Get to know Beethoven †56. Ride Olmstead †28. Savor sushi †57. Get in shape †29. Take on the monkey bars — Do them all!

EDITOR/GENERAL MANAGER Deric Rothe (530) 852-0205 [email protected]

A PRODUCT OF THE AUBURN JOURNAL 1030 High Street Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 885-5656 PUBLISHER Tony Hazarian (530) 852-0200 [email protected]

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LET’S GO • 2009

57 THINGS TO DO

ADVERTISING MANAGER Beth O’Brien (530) 852-0225 [email protected] GENERAL INFORMATION Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (530) 885-5656 www.auburnjournal.com

Find out more information about Let’s Go at

Published by A Gold Country Media Newspaper

On the cover: Photos taken by Gold Country Media’s Ben Furtado

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2. SHOP THE FARMER’S MARKET

Guy Cables of Sierra Outdoor Center leads a group through the south fork of the American River.

COURTESY • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

1. Take on the rapids

For those who prefer to keep local dollars local, farmers’ markets provide an opportunity to purchase produce and other food items straight from farmers whose agricultural products come from right here in the Sierra foothills. While they don’t offer daily one-stop shopping the way most supermarket chains do, farmers’ markets do offer a unique, community-oriented atmosphere, and they’re frequently held outdoors. Farmer’s Markets are generally open one day a week, for three to five hours, in various locations around Placer County, including Auburn, Foresthill and Colfax. Some are open year-round, while others are only open for a few months out of the year. Check out the Foothill Farmers’ Market Association’s Web site, foothillfarmersmarket.com for days and times. ~ Ray Hacke

The foothills are home to world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking on the south fork of the American River. “One of the main reasons this section of river is popular is because it’s very family friendly,” said Noah Rucker-Triplett, El Dorado County river recreation supervisor. “Another reason is we didn’t dam it. This section is undamed, which benefits the boating industry and people up here.” Hydropower plants upstream release water every day, producing power and the necessary flow to navigate the river. The south fork is home to such gnarly-sounding rapids as Satan’s Cesspool, Hospital Bar and Bouncing Rock. These Class III-plus rapids are sure to give you a ride filled with thrills, chills and spills. Several rental shops and rafting companies have sprung up between Auburn and Placerville, where the south fork run begins. When booking a trip, you defi-

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LET’S GO • 2009

nitely want to go with one of these licensed and properly trained companies, RuckerTriplett said. “You want to be cautious of the friend of a friend of a friend. I recommend going with an outfitter that is licensed with the county, state parks and the Bureau of Land Management and trained in swiftwater rescue. And if you do go out on your own — take a class.” Oh, and when you do go on your river adventure, look out for the rapid paparazzi — photographers will snap you as you traverse the treacherous waters. Make sure to head back to Lotus after your trip to view and purchase these priceless pics.

3. SEARCH FOR ANTIQUES Find those hidden treasures right here in the foothills. Anything from antique jewels to furniture can be found in the multiple antique and collectable stores in Old Town Auburn. Open yearround, these stores attract locals and tourists alike. Local antique store owner Suzy Tessier says antique shoppers are a mix of those who are searching for collectables and those who are just looking for that special item. If store shopping isn’t your thing, wait for the ultimate antique extravaganza, and attend one of the local antique fairs held twice a year in Old Town Auburn. Once in May and again in October, join the fun and find the treasures you’ve been looking for. ~Stephanie Breitbart

~ Michelle Miller-Carl

Ready to get wet? • Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 8851844, sierraoutdoorcenter.com.

Ready to hunt for treasure? • There are many antiques shops in Historic Old Town, (530) 823-3836, oldtownauburnca. com.

2009

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4. Have a Fast Friday

Charlie Venegas rounds the corner ahead of Bart Bast at Fast Fridays.

Does the idea of watching people travel at break-neck speeds without brakes appeal to you? Then you’ll want to head to the Gold Country Fairgrounds Friday nights. The starting gate has come down on the 2009 Fast Fridays motorcycle-racing season where spectators can watch racers from around the area, and around the world, whip around a dirt oval track at speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. “It’s economical and family entertainment that’s just about as exciting as you can get for the dollar,” said Fast Fridays promoter Dave Joiner. “(The bikes) have very little suspension, no computers, no fuel injection — just man and machine. The no-brake part is pretty exciting … they have no fear of speed.” Families are welcome and tickets range from $8 to $15 with the gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and the racing beginning at 8 p.m. Oh, one more thing — Joiner will give you your money back if you don’t have fun. “If they don’t think it was worth it, see me after the races and I’ll give them their money back.” For more information, call (530) 878-7223 or visit fastfridays. com. ~ Andrew DiLuccia

MICHAEL KIRBY • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

5. CHOW DOWN ON BARBECUE Warm, langorous evenings in the summer and plenty of time for leisurely outdoor gettogethers in the spring and fall make barbecue cooking in all its glory a natural for the foothills. Linda Mason, a Colfax barbecue eatery owner, said that one of the pleasures of foothills barbecues is the ability to go out and buy locally grown ingredients – be it lamb or pork raised in the foothills or a cornucopia of produce from area farms. And if you’re not in the mood to cook, there are plenty of restaurants ready to do the “que” for you. Many are also into the locally grown movement. ~ Gus Thomson

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LET’S GO • 2009

Need to satisfy a craving? • OakFire Grill & Saloon, 2515 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, (530) 823-7600, oak firegrill.com.

6. HIT THE BARS Like the nightlife? Love to boogie? Whether it’s for the stiff drinks, the friendly atmosphere, live music or all of the above, the foothills have got you covered on nightlife options. Hit up one of your fa vorite Auburn spots on a Friday night and have some fun. Wanna go out tonight? • OakFire Grill & Saloon, 2515 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, (530) 823-7600, oak firegrill.com. • Club Car, 836 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 887-9732, club carauburn.com. • Monkey Cat, 805 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 888-8492,

monkeycat.com

7. WHEEL AROUND TOWN Where there’s a bike lane, there’s an opportunity for a great ride. Cruising the ’burbs is easy in Roseville, where the Parks & Recreation department has a Bikes & Trailways Map that guides you through Roseville’s open space and wetlands. Do the Miner’s & False Ravines Trails by starting at Sculpture Park (at that red art piece off N. Sunrise behind Home Depot). Find a map at Roseville.ca.us/parks/get_active. ~ Michelle Miller-Carl

Want some pedal power? • Bicycle Emporium, 483 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, (530) 823-2900, bicycle emporium.com.

• Auburn Bike Works, 350 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, (530) 885-3861, auburnbike works.com. • Victory Velo, 835 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-3956, victoryvelo.com.

8. GO BOATING Laced with lazy waterways, expansive lakes and thrilling whitewater, this region is boaters’ paradise. Rollins Lake in Colfax welcomes groups large or small for house boating, water skiing, fishing and, of course, swimming. “It’s a bargain,” said lake employee Joan Carty. “The boating ramp is always open and it’s gorgeous. To me the charm of the lake is a lot of people having fun.” That could include staying days at a time, fishing for German browns, and trying your • SEE PAGE 10

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9. Get in touch with nature The foothill region is an area rich in nature and resources, and the Placer Nature Center wants to let you know how important it is to you. Located at 3700 Christian Valley Road in Auburn, this non-profit organization has been "connecting people and nature" for 17 years. Schoolchildren and families have made their way to the center to learn about the natural world. "We do everything from stars to worms, from the soil up to the universe — cause it's all connected," said Linda Desai, education director for the Placer Nature Center. "What we hope people will gain is to understand that all living things, even our non-living things, like water and soil, are all connected." This summer families and children can be introduced to native wild animals, attend summer camp and explore the wildlife and vegetation in

Tori Wreckter experiments with a penny to see how many are needed before the water spills over at the Placer Nature Center.

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

the center's half-acre garden. Placer Nature Center also offers exhibits for people to visit that cover topics such as natural history and watershed, and it even has stargazing classes available. "In the summertime the tools of discovery we have are more accessible," Desai said. "They're just fun to use and they're available more because the school groups aren't here."

continued from page 8

10. BECOME AN ART LOVER

hand at steering a rented craft.

Love art, but can’t afford plane tickets to New York, Paris or Florence? You can check out local artists’ works at local galleries such as The Arts Building on Lincoln Way and the Old Town Gallery on Washington Street. The best part is it won’t cost you more than the gas it takes to get there — admission is free. “We’re fortunate that the Auburn area has such a rich

~ Anne Papineau

Ready to hit the water? • Rollins Lake, Colfax: (530) 346-6166. • Lake Clementine, water skiing, canoeing and kayaking, Auburn State Recreation Area: (530) 885-4527. • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, 18,000 acre recreation area, accessed via Highway 50 or Interstate 80: (916) 988-0205.

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LET’S GO • 2009

For information on classes and exhibits visit placernaturecenter.org or call (530) 878-6053. ~ Andrew DiLuccia

Feeling down to earth? • Avantgarden, 1085 High St, Auburn, (530) 888-1510, avantgarden auburn.com.

concentration of presenting organizations,” said Angela Tahti, executive director of PlacerArts. “Many, many artists live here.” If you’re not content to merely admire others’ artwork, but have the desire to create masterpieces of your own, local galleries provide interactive activities or classes that will let you scratch your creative itch. PlacerArts, which promotes the work of visual and performing arts organizations

from all over Placer County, has comprehensive listings of organizations and events at its Web site, placerarts.org. “There’s something going on all year-round,” Tahti said. ~ Ray Hacke

Want to own a masterpiece? • N2 Pottery, 195 Elm Ave, Auburn, (530) 888-3800, n2pottery.com. • Arts Council of Placer County, 808 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-5670, placerarts.com.

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11. Go disc golfing If you are looking for free, easy, outdoor entertainment then disc golf is your sport. Regional Park located off Richardson Drive in Auburn is host to an 18-hole disc golf course with mostly flat terrain and heavy woody areas. Players will also notice a creek running through the course, particularly around the second hole. Rated one of the best disc golf courses in the foothills by dgcoursereview.com, Regional Park will keep you challenged every time you play. Directions to Regional Park from I80: take Highway 49 north, go left on Dry Creek Road, then left on Richardson Drive and park near the tennis courts where the first hole is located. For a complete list of local disc golf courses visit dgcoursereview.com.

Zach Greene, of Auburn, tees off on the disc golf course at Regional Park.

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Wanna play? • Auburn Recreation District, 123 Recreation Dr., Auburn, (530) 8858461, auburnrec.com.

• Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-1844, sierraoutdoorcenter.com.

~ Ben Furtado

12. GO FOR A DRIVE If the road is calling you, breath-taking turns and vistas await in the foothills. Why not put the top down and make your way from where gold was discovered to the deep blue gem that is Lake Tahoe? Start your daytrip by fueling up in Auburn (don’t forget breakfast!) and head south on Highway 49. This route will take you past Coloma, site of the gold discovery in 1848 that sparked the California Gold Rush. Stop off at the Marshall Gold Discovery

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LET’S GO • 2009

State Historic Park for a shot of history, then hook up with Highway 50 in Placerville. Continue east on 50 under a canopy of shade provided by the El Dorado National Forest’s towering trees to South Lake Tahoe. After lunch in South Lake Tahoe (and maybe a donation to the local casino), mosey up the winding west side of the lake on Highway 89. Catch a glimpse of Emerald Bay, home to Tahoe’s only island. Stop off in Tahoe City then continue north on 89 to Squaw Valley, where you’ll

find shopping, dining and seasonal activities such as skiing, swimming and rock climbing at the site of the 1960 Olympic Games. Continue north toward Interstate 80 west and your tour is complete! ~ Michelle Miller-Carl

Ready to hit the road? • Autovantage, 12295 Locksley Lane, Auburn, (530) 8233456, autovantageservice. com. • Auburn Body Shop, 196 Nevada St., Auburn, (530) 885-5582. • Big O Tires, 984 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 823-0448, bigotries.com.

13. GET ROLLING AT CRUISE NITE For one Friday night each month during the summer, Downtown Auburn turns back the clock for Cruise Nite. The event features hundreds of polished, vintage cars along Lincoln Way. The family-friendly event will celebrate its 25th anniversary this summer. “It’s just a nice night out,” Cruise Nite co-chairman Jack Kenny said. “We don’t charge the cars or the spectators. I know people like to walk down the street, look at the • SEE PAGE 14

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continued from 12 cars and say, ‘I used to have one of those.’ It’s just a nice time out.” There are live music, food vendors and beverages available. The event is free to all and begins at 5 p.m. on the second Friday of each month from June through September. The remaning Auburn Cruise Nites for 2009 will be June 12, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 11. For more info visit auburncruisenite.com. ~ Todd Mordhorst

15. GET PIERCED AND INKED The Auburn area is known as the go-to destination for people looking for body piercings and tattooing with an artist’s touch. Trevor Maples, a tattoist in Newcastle, said the foothills scene includes locals and attracts people wanting to get inked who make the drive from places as far afield as Napa, San Francisco and Santa Cruz. “It’s actually well-diversified,” Maples said. “People like a lot of different stuff. I haven’t noticed more of one style.” ~ Gus Thomson FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

16. TAKE AN RV ADVENTURE Take a weekend getaway on a set of wheels and save money on a plane ticket and hotel room at the same time. That’s right, get your vacation rolling in your very own RV rental. Totally selfcontained with food, beds and water, RVs are a great way to take a family trip. RV’s can be rented for as little as $140 a night, or $100 a night for RV trailers. RV enthusiasts say it is a great way to spend time with the family, and can fit many more people than your average tent. From Rollins Lake to the American River, there are many campgrounds in the scenic foothills to choose from — it’s a vacation you won’t want to miss. ~ Stephanie Breitbart

17. PITCH A TENT If you are looking for the ultimate camping spot look no further than the American River Resort in Coloma. Located 17 miles south from Auburn at 6019 New River Road in Coloma, American River Resort puts you right on the south fork of the American River. With 85 spaces available you can • SEE PAGE 16

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Father and son team, Mike, left, and Malcolm Weiss volunteer at the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet, packing boxes with food for people in need.

14. Help your community Looking for a way to use your time to better others and the community? The multitude of foothills service clubs and nonprofit groups can help you help them. Whether it’s stocking shelves at the local food closet, volunteering to cook at an area event or donating time to a community project, there are ways for you to make the foothills a better place.

“It’s extremely rewarding,” said Anne Gamble, a therapist for Peace for Families, a Placer County nonprofit group. “It’s a very positive way to spend your free time and it just plain feels good to do it.” Just call up your favorite local group and ask how you can help. ~ Jenifer Gee

Why go out of town for a concert, when the Auburn Symphony is right here!

Auburn ymphony’s

S ymphony’s 2009-2010 Season Brochure due out early summer 2009-2010 will be a season of Wonderful Masterpieces, including: Mussorgsky’s Pictures of an Exhibition Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture and Scottish Symphony Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony and Violin Concerto Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto and at Mondavi: Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade

Maestro Michael Goodwin

A U B U R N

808 Lincoln Way (in the Arts Bldg.) P.O. Box 74 • Auburn, CA 95604 530-823-6683 www.auburnsymphony.com

Summer Fun at ARD Look for these ARD sponsored activities throughout Let’s Go • Swim Lessons • Pack-a-Picnic • Stroll in the Park • Stretch Out • Go Disc Golfing • Let Fido Run • Take a Dance Class • Party in the Park

www.auburnrec.com

For more information call ARD: (530) 885-8461 Ext. 2009

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18. Take a swing

Take a swing at the foothill’s golf courses.

Enjoy the freshly cut green grass and scenic surroundings of foothills’ golf courses. Whether it’s golfing on one of the dozens of area courses or relaxing after a day of swings and putts at the clubhouse, there are many ways to enjoy hitting the links. “We’re above the fog and below the snow,” said Shawn Kelly, a local golf professional. “We have championship quality golf courses. Why wouldn’t they want to come to the foothills?” ~ Jenifer Gee

Ready to tee off? • The Ridge Golf Course, 2020 Golf Course Rd, Auburn, (530) 888-7888, ridgegc.com.

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19. HIT THE JACKPOT

fall asleep to the sound of the rushing water while looking up to a star filled night sky. “Our campsite offers the only cabin and camping above the Trouble Maker rapid in the south fork,” said Chris Gendron about the location. “We also have large spaces for RVs to hook up as well.” The campground also offers hot showers, picnic areas and a swimming pool. Rates to camp during weekends are $35 per night on the river and $30 off the river. Rates midweek are $30 on the river and $25 midweek. Call them up at (530) 622-6700 or visit americanriverresort.com for more information. ~ Ben Furtado

Need some gear? • Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-1844, sierraoutdoor center.com.

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FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

LET’S GO • 2009

Got a yen to throw the dice or court the odds at the slots? Lucky for you, with two topflight Indian casinos only minutes away, there are literally thousands of ways to hit the jackpot. Thunder Valley in Lincoln, built by the United Auburn Indian Community, has 2,400 gaming machines and 98 table games. If you work up an appetite pushing those buttons and shooting dice, there are four restaurants and a food court. The Falls Bar features live music and karaoke. The casino is expanding, with a 15-story hotel, spa, pool, fitness center and entertainment center opening in 2010. Thunder Valley is on Athens Avenue, off Highway 65. Near Placerville, Red Hawk

20. DO SOME RETAIL THERAPY

Casino, built by the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, opened in December. It has 2,100 gaming machines and 75 table games, including a smoke-free level. There are six restaurants and the Stage Bar offering live entertainment. Red Hawk is off Highway 50 at exit 40 in Placerville. Peter Fordham, general manager at Red Hawk, said the location is very special. “We have a really nice layout and décor package that’s very much in keeping with tribal heritage and history, and our location,” Fordham said. And the red hawk name is more than symbolic. “It is a native bird to this area,” Fordham said. “You can regularly see them out of the windows. We have fabulous panoramic window views from the casino floor and two of our restaurants.”

Say a funny thing happens and the economy tanks. And say shopping’s not just your closet-stuffer but your spiritlifter as well. Indulge your love of a good buy and help other folks all at once: Visit a benefit thrift shop! What others have given away will be new to you. And what wonders these donations can be. Just ask Janet Wheatley, vice president of resource development with the Assistance League of Placer County. The league’s store is located at 1263 Grass Valley Highway in Auburn. “We had motorcycle helmets and we looked them up on eBay, they were $800,” she recalls. “We get beautiful clothes with the tags still on them. We’ve got some of those crocheted dolls that covered toilet paper rolls in the ‘50s.”

~ Gloria Young

• SEE PAGE 18

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Need a little inspiration for your morning jogs? It doesn’t get much better than the dramatic final quarter-mile of the Western States Endurance Run. The hundreds of runners who brave the brutal 100 miles on the Western States Trail finish up at Placer High School’s Le Febvre Stadium, where the emotions flow. “There’s a real human drama to it,” said race director Greg Soderlund. “It’s inspiring and some people live vicariously through the runners. The distance comes with an absolute risk – some people will not finish.” Around 400 ultrarunners will hit the trail at Squaw Valley on June 27 this year, including seven-time champion Scott Jurek. A small army of volunteers – more than 1,200 – make the journey possible. “That’s really the best way to see the event up

close,” Soderlund said. Volunteers help at aid stations, stocking tables of food and drinks (Western States is often referred to as a 100-mile long buffet) and taking care of logistics that make the race go. Spectators have ample opportunity to catch both the frontrunners and those who endure the trail for as long a 30 hours — the cutoff for official finishers. On race morning, hundreds of crew members and fans flock to the Robinson Flat aid station, the first major passage along the trail. Foresthill is a popular spot to catch the runners as they stroll through on a brief reprieve from the hot American River Canyon below. The finish line in Auburn provides a festive atmosphere for fans. The top finisher usually enters the stadium around 9 p.m. Saturday evening, followed by

continued from 16

Grass Valley Highway, (530) 888-7434 • Assistance League of Greater Placer Thrift Shop, Fiddler Green Plaza, 1263 Grass Valley Highway, (530) 8851982 • St. Joseph's Catholic Church Thrift Store, 1162 Lincoln Way, (530) 885-7404 • St. Luke's Victorian Attic Thrift Shop, 148 Lewis Ave., (530) 823-1532 • Sutter Auburn Faith Hos-

Sometimes it takes the customer to figure out what an item is, like the pole with a suction cup on the bottom and two-prong fork on top. ~ By Anne Papineau

Searching for bargains? • ACS Discovery Shop, 2376

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LET’S GO • 2009

FILE • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

21. Watch the Western States

Hal Koerner wades across the river at Ruck-aChucky on his way to victory in the 2007 Western States Endurance Run. hundreds more through noon on Sunday. The football field at Le Febvre Stadium looks like a battlefield on Sunday morning with exasperated runners nursing wounds and recovering. It’s a unique scene that leaves an impression on everyone involved. “These people are living

a dream,” Soderlund said. “They’re ordinary people — doctors, lawyers, Capterpillar drivers. Their normalcy makes it an attractive event for people. It’s one of those things that you don’t forget.” Visit ws100.com for more information.

pice Thrift Store, 13342 Lincoln Way, (530) 887-0561 • Auburn Jewelry & Loan, 948 Lincoln Way #C, Auburn, (530) 885-9219. • Kids Closet, 948 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 888-1809.

congregation. Find information about churches at Auburnjournal.com. Under the Living tab, click on “Faith.”

~ Todd Mordhorst

Need inspiration? • Hope, Help & Healing, 22. FIND FAITH 11960 Heritage Oak Pl. # 20, There are dozens of church- (530) 885-4249 or hhhinc.com.

es from every denomination ready to welcome you into the

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2009

• LET’S GO

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23. Hike in the snow Love the snow but don’t snowboard or ski? Try snowshoeing instead. Accessible throughout the snow season, from late November through June, snowshoeing is an activity the whole family can participate in. According to snowshoeing expert, Ed Gates, anyone can go out have fun in the snow. “You don’t have to be a fantastic athlete you just have to make sure you take your time and enjoy it,” he said. With various locations for snowshoeing just up Interstate 80, you can spend a day or a just few hours hiking and enjoying the beautiful sights and surroundings. Try Donner Memorial State Park, Castle Peak in north Tahoe, the Yuba Pass in Sierra County and China Wall near Foresthill. Gates says packing wine, cheese or a picnic lunch is popular, but suggests drinking lots of water and wearing sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

Tahoe National Forest Ranger, Phil Sexton, leads a snowshoeing group at Big Bend.

~ Stephanie Breitbart Ready to hike the white stuff? • Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-1844, sierraoutdoorcenter.com.

24. CONSUME WORLD CUISINE Armchair traveling was never easier. Dreaming of pagodas and the Great Wall? Try some dim sum or hot pot at one of the many area Chinese restaurants. Want an unfettered taste of Athens’ bustling marketplace? How about some feta and gyros at a local Greek eatery? A night in Italy is yours for the asking at numerous restaurants from Auburn to Roseville. Can’t afford that vacation to Puerto Vallarta? There’s everything from fast food to fine

20

LET’S GO • 2009

dining Mexican style. At Latitude’s restaurant in Old Town Auburn, the menu features a different part of the world each month. “We follow the seasons through the countries,” Latitudes Owner Pat Enochs said. “It is Latitudes, so we pick latitudes where the products are available.” July will be Southeast Asia, then Italy, and in September, Spain. “We have the same Mediterranean-type temperatures, so we have heirloom tomatoes, sweet red peppers

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

and mousakka beans coming out of the garden (at that time),” Enochs said Fall’s cooler weather turns the focus to colder climes. October will feature Germany, to coincide with Oktoberfest. ~ Gloria Young

Hungry? • Latitudes, 130 Maple Street no. 200, Auburn, (530) 885-9535, latitudes restaurant.com. • Pelican’s Roost Fish & Chips, 904 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 745-9566. • Club Car, 836 Lincoln Way,

Auburn, (530) 887-9732, club carauburn.com. • Monkey Cat, 805 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 888-8492, monkeycat.com

25. LET FIDO RUN FREE Auburn’s Ashley Memorial Dog Park on Auburn Folsom Road is a magnet for pet owners who like to see their dogs run free, socialize with other pooches and get a breath of fresh air. Auburn dog owner Katherine Tostenson said her dog, • SEE PAGE 22

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893 High St. Downtown Auburn 530-889-1021 2009

• LET’S GO

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continued from 20

tor and conductor of Auburn Symphony. The enthusiasm of the 70-member orchestra can be felt. They enjoy performing together, asserted the Maestro. “Great classical music is one of the most beautiful things ever created by humanity,” he added. Auburn Symphony performs at places like the Birdsall Mansion in Auburn and the Mondavi Center at UC Davis.

Pepper, senses when she starts getting ready to take the pooch to the park. “She gets excited,” Tostenson said. “I like taking Pepper so she can socialize and play with other dogs. She loves it.” The space for dogs, which includes an area for smaller canines as well as larger ones, is located on Auburn Ravine Road inside Ashford Park. Phone the Auburn ~ Anne Papineau Recreation District at (530) 885-8461 Ext. 54 Music to your ears? for information on • Auburn Symphony, openings and times. Go 808 Lincoln Way, to ashleydogpark.com Auburn, (530) 823-6683, for more information auburnsymphony. com. on the park.

Darrel Abrahamson of Rocklin has been performing traditional Native American dances for the past 30 years.

28. SAVOR SUSHI ~ Gus Thomson

27. GET TO KNOW BEETHOVEN That haunting refrain: Maybe we don’t know the title or who wrote it, but there’s no denying the power of musical classics, heard in person. It’s lifechanging. To experience a symphony through earbuds would be like looking at a picture postcard of a mountain. No comparison — you’ve got to be there. Thank goodness Auburn has its own symphony. “Auburn is a place which seems to value the arts,” said Michael Goodwin, music direc-

22

Looking for a special dining experience? If you like your meal served with creativity and fresh flavors, perhaps a trip to a local sushi bar is in order. These restaurants start with raw fish, seaweed and rice — seems pretty basic, right? — and craft works of art so visually appealing you might be afraid to pick at them with chopsticks. “I think the best thing about it is the wonderful flavors,” sushi chef Jesse Petersen says. “Each ingredient affects the other ingredients, so part of the learning experience is discovering what tastes work

LET’S GO • 2009

• SEE PAGE 24

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

26. Learn the Native American past The Nisenan Native Americans first settled in Placer County and presided over the land for hundreds of years before a rush of gold miners moved into the area in the 1800s. Today, their archeological sites still exist. The Maidu Interpretative Center is near an ancient village site protected by the National Register of Historic Places. See petroglyphs that are thousands of years old, take a walk along a trail around the site and learn how Native American past impacted the Gold Rush. “It is important that we

remember that this culture is still here and thriving,” said Teresa Williams, Maidu Interpretative Center spokeswoman. Call the center at (916) 7745934 or visit Roseville.ca.us/ indianmuseum.

~ Jenifer Gee

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2009

• LET’S GO

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29. Take on the monkey bars Give the television and Nintendo a break and get outside with the kids to soak up some fun in the sun. As the biggest park in Auburn, Recreation Park offers wide-open grass areas with plenty of space for picnics or to play a casual game of catch without interfering with other families. Recreation Park has a great jungle gym with multiple slides, monkey bars and swing sets. “All our parks are very relaxing with a lot of green,” said Manouch Shirvanioun of the Auburn Recreation District. “This park is the center of activity in the summer with the pool and kids summer camps too.” How to get to Recreation Park from I-80: Take Highway 49 exit, turn right to Lincoln Way, then left on Auburn Folsom Road. Turn right on Race Track Street and then first left. Learn more by calling (530) 885-8461 or visiting auburnrec.com.

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Emily Gallo gives a push to both her son Enzo, 3, left and neighbor friend Bella Mione, 2, right, at Recreation Park.

— Ben Furtado

continued from 22 together. There’s a lot of room for interpretation and experimentation.” Want to get raw? • Hapa Sushi, 2985 Bell Rd, Auburn, (530) 823-9800. • Ninja Sushi, 770 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 887-1243, ninja -sushi.com.

30. PARTY IN THE PARK It’s a music-laced, tri-tip grillin,’ “flying

disc” tossin’ foothills ode to joy. Party in the Park, now up to its 10th installment, is admissionfree and jampacked. As Scott Holbrook, creator of “PIP” says, “Bring dancing shoes. Barefootin’ is OK, too. Don’t forget Grandma and Grandpa.” Set June 19 at Regional Park in North

Auburn, PIP is multifaceted fun. Holbrook says arrive early to take advantage of the fishing pond, worldclass flying-disc golf course, and oodles of food booths representing the cream of foothills boosters and nonprofits. Look for the special kids’ zone with organized fun. Cold beverages will be on tap in

the beer garden. Music-wise, this year’s featured group is the Waybacks: “Think Charlie Parker meets Woody Guthrie meets Jerry Garcia meets Jimmy Page,” Holbrook reports. For more information on Party in the Park, call (530) 8858461 or visit partyinthepark.net. ~ Anne Papineau

31. BLAZE A TRAIL

terrain vehicle or an airplane to take in all the foothills have to offer. Many of the sweeping views and gorgeous landscapes can be accessed with your own two feet. The vast trail system in and around Auburn can take you to see historic sites, beautiful waterfalls or panoramic views of the American River. The main artery of the Auburn State Recreation Area is the

It doesn’t take an all• SEE PAGE 26

24

LET’S GO • 2009

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• Hands on supervision while training men in our community towards a brighter future and career in auto repair. • Conquering the war on drugs one life at a time through higher purpose training. • Hope, Help & Healing is taking it to the next level with our auto repair shop. • Partner with us to help others while getting your vehicle repaired. WANTED: Donations of your unwanted cars, trucks, boats or RVs. Running or not. Tax deductible donation slip provided. We will pick up. Used for training. Give us a call and we’ll give them a haul. 530-885-5004 or 530-885-4249 Your Gift Makes a Difference!

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• LET’S GO

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32. Scream for ice cream When the temperature rises and the days get longer, there’s one cool, refreshing treat that almost everyone enjoys — ice cream. “Summer is a very fun time of the year, and when you think of fun you think of ice cream,” said Tom Wright, owner of Baskin Robbins ice cream shops on Lincoln Way and Bell Road. “Nobody comes into an ice cream shop mad, they come in to treat themselves special — and summer is a special time.” Wright’s two shops, which are open until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday nights, offer as many as 40 flavors at one time, and feature $1 scoop night on Tuesdays. Auburn’s Baskin Robbins even offer 88-cent soft serve as well. “We have promotions throughout the summer. Our biggest night is our dollar scoop night — every Tuesday night,” Wright said. “We have it yearround, we’ve turned it into a community event. We have 400 to 500 people show up every Tuesday night at both our stores. It’s a lot of scoops of ice cream.” Wright says Baskin Robbins has more than 1,000 ice cream flavors,

continued from 24 Stagecoach Trail. You can envision covered wagons rolling up the trail as you descend several hundred feet to the American River confluence below. For the more adventurous hikers or trail runners, the Western States Trail is tough to

26

Baskin Robbins manager Nicky Wright is familiar with all 31 flavors including their wild reckless sherbet, bursting with a swirl of green apple, blue raspberry and fruit punch. FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

and the ice cream maker’s dedication to doing it the old-fashioned way keeps fans coming back. “I think it’s the quality of the ice cream. In addition to the quality of the ice cream it’s the consistency,” Wright said. “Because we’ve been around so long and our recipes are so old, old from the standpoint that we have over 1,000 recipes.”

beat. From Auburn, hit the trail just below the Auburn Overlook and head down into the canyon to historic No Hands Bridge or beyond (the trail continues for 100 miles to Squaw Valley). The Western States Trail is mostly narrow single track and hosts

LET’S GO • 2009

Need a scoop? • Baskin Robbins, 2935 Bell Road, Auburn, (530) 823-3353 or 13430 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 823-3161, baskinrobbins.com.

~ Andrew DiLuccia

both the Western States Endurance Run and the Tevis Cup endurance ride. There are dozens of hiking options at the

American River confluence (just off of Highway 49 at the bottom of the American River Canyon). The Quarry Trail is an easy stroll up the river’s middle fork. Follow the north fork up to Lake Clementine or follow the Western States Trail up the canyon toward Cool.

For an extensive list of trails and more information, visit theamericanriver.com. ~ Todd Mordhorst

Ready to set out? • Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-1844, sierra outdoorcenter.com.

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33. TAKE A DIP Four months of dependably sunny weather from June to September in the foothills means lots of opportunity to enjoy the water and catch the rays. In Auburn, the Martha Skinner Sierra Pool is a popular spot when the temperature hits the 90s. And the nearby Auburn State Recreation Area is a treasure trove for swimmers. Some of the most popular spots are on the north fork of the American River — Upper Lake Clementine, Yankee Jim’s and the confluence, according to park ranger Jenny Gardemeyer. “There’s a beach there and the water is a little slower flowing, not so many rapids and parking is close to the water,” Gardemeyer said of Upper Lake Clementine, which is located off Foresthill Road between Auburn and Foresthill. “It is a wide spot in the river before it enters the lake.” Yankee Jim’s has parking, although the beach is a bit of a walk, but it has clear water and deep pools, Gardemeyer said. From Interstate 80, take the Canyon Way exit between Auburn and Colfax. One of the most popular spots, the conflu-

28

ence of the north and middle forks of the American River, is located on Highway 49 and Old Foresthill Road, a couple of miles into the canyon below Auburn. The best months for swimming at the river are July, August and September. During late spring, snowmelt from the Sierra brings strong currents and chilly water temperatures. The middle fork of the American River has some choice swimming holes, too. But visitors need to be aware of faster currents and colder water. Favorite spots on the middle fork include several off the Quarry Trail, Murderer’s Bar (Old Foresthill Road near Mammoth Bar) and Ruck-a-Chucky (Foresthill Road to Driver’s Flat Road). ~Gloria Young

Ready to dive in? • Auburn Recreation District, 123 Recreation Dr, Auburn, (530) 8858461, auburnrec.com. • Chandler Pools, (916) 624-5296, jim chandlerpools.com.

35. EARN A BLACK BELT Kick start your health, and get whipped into shape through exciting karate, kickboxing and other martial arts classes.

LET’S GO • 2009

• SEE PAGE 30

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Kim Wright, owner of Avantgarden, offers a wide variety of plants and gifts in her downtown Auburn store.

34. Grow a garden Spring is here and you have the itch to get outside and make your garden a work of art. Well you can’t do it alone and that’s why you should consult the experts at local garden supply stores in Auburn. They have friendly, experienced staff to help you with all your gardening needs — everything from annuals and perennials to indoor foliage. “We have the know-how for people to have a successful garden,” said gardener Earl Eisley of Eisley’s Nursery. “No other nursery grows and offers a vast variety of tomatoes in our area,

plus you can come in and get a free bag of popcorn or cup of coffee while shopping.” ~ Ben Furtado

Planning your own outdoor oasis? • Avantgarden, 1085 High St, Auburn, (530) 888-1510, avant gardenauburn.com. • Gold Country Kubota Tractors, 10230 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, (530) 823-1200, kubota wholesale.com. • Eisleys Nursery, 380 Nevada St, Auburn, (530) 885-5163, eisleynursery.com.

AUBURN NON-PROFIT THRIFT SHOPS To Great Bargains!

1

American Cancer Society Discovery Shop 2376 Grass Valley Hwy

2

Assistance League® of Greater Placer Thrift Shop Fiddler Green Plaza • 1263 Grass Valley Hwy

3

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Thrift Store 1162 Lincoln Way

Your $hopping Dollars.

4

It Makes Sense to Shop at Auburn’s Thrift Shops. Support programs for children in need, cancer patients, the homeless, hospice patients, local food closet and more by shopping at these Auburn Non-profit Thrift Stores. Follow the secondhand road to Quality Merchandise at Thrift Shop Prices.

Great Deals on: Collectibles, Vintage Items, Jewelry, Summer Clothing, Books, Furniture & Much Much More!

St. Luke’s Victorian Attic Thrift Shop 148 Lewis Street

5

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice Thrift Store 13342 Lincoln Way

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FUN PLACES TO EXPLORE! 2009

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36. Uncork the foothills With more than a dozen wineries to choose from, tasting Placer County wines is sure to be a delightful experience for all palates. Besides their normal tasting and tour times, area wineries participate in a plethora of fun community events that involve food, art and golf and take place year-round. “Excellent wines, personal service, rural country charm, diverse and interesting landscapes and all of this starts about five miles off Interstate 80 and three miles off Highway 49 in the greater Auburn area,” said local winemaker Teena Wilkins. “What we lack in size we make up in style and convenience.” Visit placerwineandgrape.org for a listing of wineries.

~ Jenifer Gee

Want to taste from the vine? • Carpe Vino, 1568 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 823-0320, carpevinoauburn.com. • Mt Vernon Winery, 10850 Mount Vernon Rd, Auburn, (530) 823-1111, mtvernon winery.com. • Iron Mountain Winery, 897 Lincoln Way, (530) 823-7999.

continued from 28 Dave Marinoble, fifth-degree black belt in Bok Fu and Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and threetime world champion in Karate, Jujitsu and Kickboxing, encourages people of all ages and abilities to try it out. “Karate is something you can learn and

experience for your whole life,” he said. Marinoble says that apart from the physical techniques, karate teaches the students respect, courtesy and honesty, concentration and confidence. “Confidence is everything in life, and Karate gives them a lot of confidence.” Karate is a year-

Placer County has more than 20 wineries for vino lovers to taste from.

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

round sport, with classes usually taking place three days a week. For serious students, it takes anywhere from three to five years to earn a black belt from start to finish. ~Stephanie Breitbart

Seeking a sensei? • Titans Dungeon, 12852 Earhart Ave.,

Auburn, (530) 8852600, titansdungeon .com.

37. PACK A PICNIC It’s the perfect way to laze around on a lovely afternoon — a picnic. And there’s no shortage of places to lay out a blanket and enjoy some sandwiches in the foothills. We asked John

Ramirez, Placer County parks administrator, to share some of his favorite spots. For sporting types, Ramirez’s favorite active parks are: Squaw Valley Park (behind one of the torches when you turn into Squaw Valley) has a soccer field and paved bike trails that • SEE PAGE 32

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LET’S GO • 2009

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• LET’S GO

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38. Take in the Tevis Cup The Tevis Cup is one of the world’s most famous endurance horse races. The 100-mile Western States Trail’s Tahoe-to-Auburn course traverses rugged terrain and rises and falls 48,000 feet in elevation. Normally 200 riders enter but only about half finish. All finishers receive a prized belt buckle but only one — the first place rider — has their name added to the Tevis Cup trophy. “From a beginning that saw just five riders attempt to prove a horse could travel 100 miles over the Sierras in one day, the sport of endurance riding has grown to be a worldwide recognized sport with competitive rides through the United States and in foreign countries,” said Jerry Scribner,

continued from 30 connect Squaw Valley to Lake Tahoe along the Truckee River. Granite Bay’s Ronald L. Feist Park is a great place to throw the football with sports facilities and picnic areas, too. In Loomis, the Loomis Basin Community Park is 33 acres of ball fields, horseshoe pits and family picnicking. Foresthill Memorial

A rider braves the Tevis Cup course during the annual endurance event that ends in Auburn.

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

president of the Western States Trail Foundation Organization. Watch the awe and excitement of the Tevis Cup Aug. 1 as riders come out of the Sierra canyons and into the town of Foresthill. Bystanders can also

Park in Foresthill has shady trees, horseshoe pits, a gazebo and a children’s playground. For those who enjoy more undeveloped landscapes, Ramirez’s favorite passive use picnicking locales are: Cisco Grove Gould Park next to the Yuba River is a “gorgeous” property with trees that change colors through the seasons. At Hidden Falls Park, you can sit at picnic tables or rocks along-

side the waterfall. You can also check out the Empire Mine Park association’s 114th Annual Miners’ Picnic from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 at another prime picnic spot — the Empire Mine State Historic Park in Grass Valley. So grab your basket and blanket and head for one of the many spots perfect for a little luncheon on the grass. Learn more at

see the dramatic finish, watch judging and attend a BBQ and award ceremony at the finish, Placer High School, on Aug. 2.

placer.ca.gov/ Departments/ Facility/Parks. ~ Michelle Miller Carl

Packing a picnic? • Auburn Recreation District, 123 Recreation Dr, Auburn, (530) 8858461, auburnrec.com. • Quizno’s, 1850 Highway 49, Auburn, (530) 885-6700, quiznos.com.

39. BE IN STITCHES Sewing is seeing a resurgence in popular-

~ Jenifer Gee

ity as do-it-yourself crafts and fashions have become ever-so chic. And with an impressive array of sewing and quilt shops in the foothills, there are plenty of resources for “seamsters.” For Lyn Ahboltin, there’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment when she finishes a project. “I love quilting,” said Ahboltin, 64, of Mead• SEE PAGE 34

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LET’S GO • 2009

• Live Theatre • Live Music • Filmworks Club • Workshops • Fundraisers • Available for Rental • Volunteer Opportunities • Become a Sponsor

SUMMER

FALL

Take Note Troupe Theatre Workshop July 6-11

SEPTEMBER

Placer Community Theater “Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical” Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays August 7th – 22nd

Live Chamber Music

OCTOBER Silent Movie with Live Music By “In Full Swing” Filmworks Club Presents Film Festival

NOVEMBER 13 Live Acoustic Music Corrine West - CD Release Tour

Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center

In the State Theatre Building

985 Lincoln Way, Downtown Auburn

530-885-0156 Visit our website for upcoming events Learn more about the State Theatre http://www.livefromauburn.com [email protected] 2009

• LET’S GO

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40. Go see a play Come watch or be a part of local community theater. Whether it’s a community play in a café-style setting or a quality production from local youth, live theater in the foothills is something to see. From dramatic to comedic, productions have delighted audiences for years. Brenda Lindley, president of the Placer Community Theater, said she enjoys the community feel the productions put on in the area. Plus the dessert break during plays is a sweet touch. For more information, call (530) 852-2708 or visit placercommunitytheater. org. “We try and focus on plays that we think the community will find fun and entertaining,” Lindley said. “One of our biggest things is our hospitality.”

Portraying The Beast was a dream role for Josh Harper during Music & More’s 2008 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Ready for curtain call? • Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center, 985 Lincoln Way, #104, Auburn, (530) 885-0156 or livefromauburn.com.

~ Jenifer Gee

continued from 32 ow Vista. While quilting is Ahboltin’s favorite hobby, she’s branched out to learn new techniques by taking classes (most area sewing shops have instructional workshops — call or look for a schedule online). “I’m retired and I love learning new things,” she said. “You come to a class, learn how to do it and then go home and do it!” ~ Michelle Miller-Carl

Have a project? • Cabin Fever Quilt Shoppe, 826 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-5500, cabinfever quiltshoppe.com.

41. CLIMB A ROCK Rock climbing is a sport for adventurous types bold enough to push their limits to reach new heights. There are plenty of massive rock formations to scale in and around the Sierra foothills, including Donner Summit, Eagle Lake Cliff and Lime Rock Pillar. There’s also

an indoor climbing facility, Gritstone Rock Club, which serves both experienced climbers who can’t get their fill of climbing and beginners who simply want to try the sport. Gritstone, located at 3116 Olympic Way in Auburn, boasts two 30foot climbing walls as well as a 12-foot boulder and is the only club of its kind in Placer

County, according to local climbing enthusiast Mike Rommel. Both day and monthly passes are available. Rommel, who has been rock climbing for 20 years and is a certified guide and instructor, said the sport is “extremely safe.” Still, he’d recommend that beginners take classes in a controlled, indoor atmos-

phere under an instructor’s supervision before venturing into the great outdoors. “(Practicing indoors) will help you gain the necessary skills and confidence to get outside and be in a more exposed scenario,” Rommel said. For those who already have the ability — and the eagerness — to wend their way up steep, craggy cliffs, Gritstone offers monthly outings in • SEE PAGE 36

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42. Flock to the forks What better way to enjoy the heat of the summer than to grab your suit, sunscreen, and picnic and head to the American River Confluence for an afternoon of outdoor fun. To get there from Auburn, head south on Highway 49. The confluence is the section of the American River where the north and middle forks come together to provide a multitude of activities. According to state park ranger Scott Liske, the confluence is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnics and kayaking. Liske says the confluence area also offers nice, family-friendly hiking with Stagecoach, Lake Clementine and Confluence trails. “The trail to Lake Clementine offers great views of the water spilling over Lake Clementine.” Liske said. “In the spring time with the snow melt it’s really a sight to see.” Liske said another popular activity

continued from 34 which all gear — helmets, harnesses, ropes, etc. — is provided. Climbers can go up as little as 70 feet or as high as 500. “(Climbs) are customized to everybody’s ability and comfort lev-

From left, Jake Smith, Jonathan Smith, Jacob Smith and Kyla Hamlin, relax at the American River confluence. FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

in the confluence is gold panning. Although no motorized dredging is allowed treasure hunters can bring a pan for all day panning fun. Visitors can also fish year round, with catch and release rules enforced during the winter and early spring. Barbeques are allowed in the confluence area before July 1, but are prohibited for the remainder of the summer. The confluence also provides portable restrooms, but no running water is available on site. Park hours change depending on

el,” Rommel said of the outings. “Depending on your experience and your ability to act, (climbing guides) will let you be challenged accordingly.” Learn more at grit stonerockclub.com. ~ Ray Hacke

Time to climb? • Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-1844, sierra outdoorcenter.com.

43. STROLL IN THE PARK Taking a walk in the park is truly a walk in the park, with dozens

the season, with the summer hours open until 9 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the winter. Another nice highlight of the park is there is no day use fee. “In these times with the economy, public lands are very appealing to people,” Liske said, “And free of charge is just a bonus.” For more information on the American River Confluence go to the California parks Web site at parks.ca.gov.

scattered through towns and residential areas throughout the foothills. The Maidu Interpretive Center in Roseville features a loop trail that takes visitors past petroglyphs and bedrock mortars. The newest to open

~ Stephanie Breitbart

is the Auburn School Park Preserve, a 4.3acre beauty located behind city hall between Lincoln Way and High Street in Auburn. The park connects Old Town and Downtown and provides flood protection • SEE PAGE 38

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LET’S GO • 2009

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44. Reel one in Looking to hook the big one? Anglers don’t need much more than a pole, some bait and a map of the foothills in order to sink their lines. J.D. Richey, a local fishing guide, said there are plenty of fish to be found in local waterways. Really close to home is the American River Confluence, home to smallmouth bass and rainbow trout, Richey suggests. “The water’s a little warmer on the North Fork, below Clementine, to find some smallmouth bass,” he said. Richey described Auburn’s Regional Park

for the city. Nearly 10 years in the planning, it is bisected by a stream. A trail runs alongside the stream and over a couple of bridges. A kiosk and signage point out the flora, fauna and interesting facts. The Cooper amphitheater provides space for special events. “It’s used,” Auburn Public Works Director Jack Warren said. “There’s somebody there all the time. And it is still a work in progress with a community garden and pottery shop in the works. “That’s going to take

38

(3770 Richardson Drive) pond as “a good little bluegill factory for the kids.” Rollins Lake is a good spot for both rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth trout and catfish, Richey said. Head down the hill to Folsom Lake for king salmon, rainbow trout, three types of bass, catfish and assorted panfish. Lastly, Richey suggests Scotts Flat Lake in Nevada County — good for rainbow and brown trout. Richey’s Web site is fishwithjd.com.

COURTESY • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

~ Loryll Nicolaisen

a couple more months,” Warren said. “That’s separate from the park itself. It is an Eagle Scout project being done completely by volunteers.” ~ Gloria Young

Heading out on foot? Auburn Recreation District, 123 Recreation Dr, Auburn, (530) 8858461, auburnrec.com.

45. DO DOWNIEVILLE For one weekend each July, Downieville transforms from a sleepy, gold-rush era town to a mountain biking Mecca teeming

LET’S GO • 2009

J.D. Richey hooked this mammoth halibut at an unlikely fishery Lake Englebright.

with thousands of adrenaline-crazed riders and just as many fans. Over the past 15 years, the annual Downieville Classic has developed a reputation for its demanding trails and talented competition. “It’s a point-to-point race and there aren’t many of those,” said Dan Tebbs, owner of Victory Velo Bike Shop in Auburn. “The cross-

country course — it’s just hard. There is about a 15-mile climb and then a beautiful 15-mile descent.” This year’s race will host the two-stage AllMountain World Championships, made up of the Downieville Cross Country Race on Saturday and the Downieville Downhill on Sunday. The Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race and Festival is July 10-12 in Downieville, on Highway 49 in Sierra County. Get more info at downievilleclassic.com ~ Todd Mordhorst

46. BLING YOURSELF OUT Perhaps you’re a guy who’s thinking of popping the question to his sweetheart. Or perhaps you’re a single gal who fantasizes about the day your future husband-to-be slips a ring on your finger. Either way, searching for custom jewelry is a way to kill an afternoon in the Sierra foothills. Even if you don’t plan on buying any, you can still try some on or check out the intricate designs that make jewelry a wearable art form. • SEE PAGE 40

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47. Relax your body Everyone deserves a little pampering. Heading to a salon or day spa can be a nice, relaxing way to spoil your body and your mind. “It’s a very upbeat and welcoming, but down-to-earth, relaxed presence in our salon,” Visions Salon’s Nancy Medeiros said. Whether it’s for a manicure, a pedicure, some microdermabrasion, a facial or waxing, check out some of the area’s salons and day spas. ~ Loryll Nicolaisen

Want to treat yourself? • Phyllis Ingimire Massage, 3215 Fortune Ct, Auburn, (530) 889-2300. • Robie House Day Spa, 1125 High St, Auburn, (530) 823-2794, robiehouse dayspa.com.

continued from 38 You might even be able to make your old jewelry new. According to Auburn jeweler Ben Asgharzadeh, some jewelry stores have machines that use lasers to put new designs on old jewelry. “If they have a picture or a drawing and they bring it in, we can make it for them, no hesitation,” Asgharzadeh said. ~ Ray Hacke Ready to sparkle? • Roper’s Jewelers, 818 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 8854852, and 2288 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn,

40

Visions hairstylist Crystal Witz gives her client Missi Van Rensselaer a cut and color.

(530) 885-8020, ropers jewelers.com.

48. GRAB A PADDLE It may not feature the same thrills as gliding across the water behind a wakeboard, but canoeing is a relaxing way to spend a day on the water. “There are literally hundreds of lakes all through the Sierras where you can go,” local water enthusiast Guy Cables said. The most popular canoeing spot is Sugar

LET’S GO • 2009

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Pine Reservoir, northeast of Auburn off Foresthill Road. The 10-mile-per-hour speed limit keeps water sports and their associated wakes away, making for prime canoeing conditions. “You don’t get the jet skiers or the powerboats and there’s also real nice camping,” Cables said. Lake Clementine, Auburn’s closest reservoir, is one of the only foothills lakes that permits only boat-in camping. “You can basically

get away from all the car campers and have it to yourself,” Cables said. “It’s a real nice place in the spring. It acts like a natural lake.” ~ Eric Gourley

Up a creek without a paddle? • Sierra Outdoor Center, 440 Lincoln Way, Auburn. (530) 885-1844. sierra outdoorcenter.com.

49. SMELL THE FLOWERS If you go to The Flower Farm in Loomis, you may want to pack an overnight bag, just in case. The unique farm just

off of Auburn-Folsom Road is much more than a flower garden. “It’s a bed and breakfast, an event center, a nursery, a coffee shop and a working farm,” said Patti Foust, who co-owns the business with her sister Sheri Fischer. “It’s becoming more of a destination spot. It’s a very peaceful place to just sit and enjoy.” There are a wide variety of native flowers, which you can cut yourself. You can shop for organic produce or even play bacci ball on the property. The Flower Farm is • SEE PAGE 44

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50. Be a java junkie Whether you prefer a single shot of espresso, a house blend with two creams and two sugars or the biggest, most blended iced mocha in town, local baristas at a bounty of cafes and coffee shops are ready to brew for you. One place to get your buzz on is Depoe Bay Coffee Co., located at 893 High St. in Auburn. They roast beans on site every week, have a full beverage menu boasting hot and iced coffee and espresso drinks, and also serve breakfast and lunch items including pastries, sandwiches and salad. They also serve up a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the family, something that makes Bunny Isaacson happy. “It’s a place to gather,” the owner said. “We love seeing everyone come through the door.” FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

~ Loryll Nicolaisen

Need a pick-me-up? • Depoe Bay Coffee Co, 893 High St, Auburn, (530) 889-1021, dbroasters.com

continued from 40 host to the UC Davis Arboretum all-star plants, which are drought-resistant and tough. Each October, The Flower Farm transforms into a pumpkin patch with free hayrides each weekend and Halloween displays. November means Christmas trees. The Flower Farm is at 4150 Auburn Folsom Road, in Loomis. Reach them at (916) 652-5650. ~ Todd Mordhorst

Want to grow your own? Eisleys Nursery, 380 Nevada St, Auburn, (530) 885-5163, eisleynursery.com.

51. KICK SOME BUTT Kickboxing schools and competition flourish in the foothills, with instruction in many forms of martial arts. The Auburn area alone has at least half a dozen schools or parks department programs to get involved in. Dan Lovas, an Auburn martial-artsschool owner, said that

Olivia Zufelt, of Depoe Bay Coffee Co, brews espresso at the Downtown coffee shop.

he sees students come through his doors with a passion to kick butt in their own way. “They’re kicking butt emotionally and spiritually,” Lovas said. “People come in with stress, hurt by the economy, are teenagers, have weight challenges. They learn a 100-year-old form of martial arts and if they can allow themselves to do it, they’re kicking butt.” Lovas calls instruction “a complete escape.” “They’re in a place

where they’re living their dreams and there are no obstacles,” he said. Styles range from boxing and kickboxing to judo and Russianstyle martial arts. Several health clubs join traditional marital arts clubs in offering cardio kickboxing. Mark Bowden, an Auburn martial arts student, said he likes the way his it make him feel part of something positive. “It’s a great place to meet new and cool people,” Bowden said.

“Without good hobbies like this, I’m not sure where I’d be.” ~ Gus Thomson

Wanna kick it? • Titans Dungeon, 12852 Earhart Ave, Auburn, (530) 8852600, titansdungeon. com.

52. GO SKIING IN THE SIERRA Placer County features some of the best snow skiing on the planet. From worldclass mountains like Squaw Valley USA to • SEE PAGE 44

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continued from page 42 class mountains like Squaw Valley USA to charming, familyfriendly resorts like Sugar Bowl, Alpine Meadows and Northstar, downhill skiers of every skill level will find challenging terrain within an hour-and-ahalf of Auburn. The Auburn Ski Club, with headquarters at Boreal Mountain Resort just off Interstate 80, offers both alpine and Nordic programs. See auburnski club.com or call (530) 426-3313. ~ Deric Rothe

53. CHEER FOR HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Tired of watching overpaid athletes with little passion for their sports and even less regard for the fans? It’s time to follow the Friday night lights to see your local high school athletes pour their guts out on the gridiron. “I think our team in particular is a lot of fun to watch,” said Placer football coach Joey Montoya, whose Hillmen made it all the way to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV championship game last season. “We’ve got a high-powered offense that scores a lot of points and a defense that loves to run around and get to the ball. You’re going to get your money’s worth.”

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Football season kicks off Sept. 11. Girls volleyball begins in early September along with boys soccer and several other individual sports. Entrance fees at most high school sporting events are $5 or less for adults. “There’s nothing like the excitement of a high school game,” Montoya said. “You’ve got kids who love their school and their community and they get a chance to represent the long legacy and tradition of Placer.” ~ Todd Mordhorst

Need to up your game? • Placer Pitching Academy, at the Courthouse Athletic Club, Auburn. (530) 3923544.

54. SADDLE UP Looking for your next adventure. Horseback riding can be very fun for the whole family and fulfill your need for fun. The Auburn Equestrian Center offers boarding, training, and riding instruction for kids and adults. Located just one-halfmile from Auburn they offer one of the largest indoor facilities in the region. For more information go to auburnequestrian.com or call (530) 823-2110. Back in the saddle? • Echo Valley Ranch, 205 Nevada St. Auburn, (530) 823-8320, echoranch.com.

LET’S GO • 2009

FILE/BEN FURTADO • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

Tom Souza bowls his first 300-game while at Foothills Bowl in Auburn.

55. Bowl a strike Foothills Bowl in Auburn is the premier place to take your game to the next level. With 24 lanes, the bowling center also has a snack bar, video games and party room for birthdays. With six leagues available including ones for seniors and youth, people are sure to find their place at Foothills Bowl. For a unique experience under the black lights try Shake, Rattle and Bowl Fridays and Saturdays. “Foothills bowl is all about family,” said bowler James Sko-

rija. “Plus, this is one game where you can be almost any age to play.” Foothills Bowl is at 13489 Bowman Road in Auburn. Price per person/per game is $3 on weekdays and $3.75 on weekends and nights. ~ Ben Furtado

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Tinker Juarez of Downey, Calif., crosses Knickerbocker Creek to win the Coolest 24 Mountain Bike Race this year held in May on the Olmstead Loop.

FILE/MICHAEL KIRBY • GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

56. Bike the Olmstead Loop Grab onto your handlebars and get ready to explore the foothills on two wheels. For starters, try the Olmstead Loop. This easy-to-advanced eight-mile trail is abloom with wildflowers in the spring and features some good jumps and a water crossing. It’s also home to the Coolest 24 and Cool mountain bike races. The late Dan Olmstead was instrumental in popularizing the course and making it a multi-use trail. “It offers everything,” said his son, Andy Olmstead, of Roseville. “You can take somebody who’s never ridden a mountain bike before and have a really great time, there’s some easy riding out there. Then you can take someone whose been riding 20 years like me and I could have as much of a difficult ride as I want.” Dan Olmstead also founded the Cool Mountain Bike Race, but never got to see it run.

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LET’S GO • 2009

“We were hoping to get 200 signed up. Then the day before the first race, (my dad) died,” Andy Olmstead said. “You think the promoter dies, oh no what are we going to do? It was crazy, but we ended up with 535 people.” To access the Olmstead Loop, head south on Highway 49 from Auburn to Cool. Turn right into the fire station and you’ll find the trail head and parking behind the station. ~Michelle Miller-Carl

Wanna ride? • Bicycle Emporium, 483 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, (530)823-2900, bicycle emporium.com. • Auburn Bike Works, 350 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, (530) 885-3861, auburnbike works.com. • Victory Velo, 835 Lincoln Way, Auburn, (530) 885-3956, victoryvelo.com.

57. GET IN SHAPE Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many facilities in the foothills that aim to make working out a joyful, rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a place that offers just about any kind of exercise you can think of, head to Auburn Racquet Club. The facility was recently remodeled and expanded to offer a huge variety of activities and services. From tennis, racquetball and swimming to yoga, massage and even a smoothie bar, the club’s members are treated to a smorgasbord of ways to be healthy and happy. “We have tons of trainers and four circuits you can go through,” membership manager Luke Bush said. Titans Dungeon offers a different atmosphere, but for individuals looking for quality equipment and a serious training facility, the gym may be the way to go. Titans offers free weights and other exercise machines along with boxing and martial arts equipment and training. Total Fitness in Auburn offers many workout options, including a spinning studio, yoga and a wide variety of weight resistance training machines. The business moved into the renovated building on Palm Avenue just this year. Ready to get physical? • Total Fitness, 210 Palm Ave, Auburn, (530) 888-0835. totalfitness.com. • Auburn Racquet & Fitness Club, 1255 Racquet Club Dr., Auburn, (530) 885-1602. • Titans Dungeon, 12852 Earhart Ave., Auburn, (530) 885-2600, titansdungeon.com

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