Miraflores Winery has plenty of great wines in a gorgeous foothill setting, but there’s more: Keep your eyes peeled on their website and Facebook page for upcoming events like cooking classes with renowned chefs where you can learn to cook like a pro; or indulge in their PAIRINGS program from June through October with chef-prepared, four-course plated pairings matched with Miraflores wines. Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, 530-647-8505.

Get one of El Dorado County’s talented photographers to capture treasured moments with family or pets and have some portraits made. Sister-photographers Lacey and Christie at Snowline Photography will work with you and your family (and pets) to create lasting memories. Find them online at this link. Or seek out Pollock Pine local Lisa Richmond of Lisa Richmond Photography for your keepsake family portraits. 

Dream of being a flying superhero? Make your dream a reality with the help of indoor skydiving! iFLY in Roseville can get you two flights for $69.95—all the way up to party packages of 24 flights for 12 people (now that’s a party!). No equipment, no parachute—just you and the wonders of physics. Oh, and a certified instructor (who will hang with you every step of the way, from suiting up to taking flight). Get airborne! iFLY, 118 Harding Boulevard, Roseville, 916-836-4359.

 Golden 1 Center is proving to be Sacramento’s newest crowning achievement (yes, that was an intentional Kings pun). Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming concerts: Twenty One Pilots on February 11, Bon Jovi on February 28, Ariana Grande on March 26, Eric Church on March 30, March Madness from March 17-19 with Rounds 1 and 2 of the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship, and of course you can always show the Sacramento Kings some love by attending one of their regular home games!

 All aboard! Visit the El Dorado Western Railroad in Shingle Springs, operated by the El Dorado County Historical Museum and experience the vintage eight-seater inspection cars known as “gang cars.” It’s a cozy and fun way to see the county’s backyard. A standard round-trip journey takes 30-40 minutes, and rides run between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., weather permitting. On the first and third Sunday of the month, round-trips depart from El Dorado Station; on the second and fourth Sundays from Shingle Springs Depot, and on fifth Sundays, a special 1.5-hour “Long Run” trip runs from Shingle Springs Depot to El Dorado Station and back to Shingle Springs. For full schedules, pricing and more info, visit this link.

Friday night at 8 p.m. is karaoke night at Bones Roadhouse. Whether you’re wailing some Waylon Jennings, hollering some Heart, or bleating some Britney Spears, all are welcome to show their stuff and join in the fun! Oh, and don’t sleep on their burgers (or their garlic fries). Bones Roadhouse, 4430 Pleasant Valley Road, Placerville, 530-644-4301.

Photo by Bill Driskill 

The best thing about setting the bar high is the personal pride in reaching it. Set your bar for the sixth annual Folsom Lake International Triathlon on May 13, held at Granite Beach on the shores of Folsom Lake. The Super Sprint Triathlon returns for the speed devils (400-yard swim, 6.5-mile bike, two-mile run) and starts at 7 a.m.; at 8 a.m., the triathlon (1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run) begins, followed by the Aqua Bike (1.5K swim, 40K bike) at 8:12 a.m. and the Open Water Swim (1.5K) at 8:15 a.m. Find details and registration at this link.

 El Dorado Hills Arts Association members teach a variety of classes to the public—from oil painting and watercolors to printing workshops, there’s plenty of creativity on offer for almost any age or skill level. Visit this link for a list of current offerings on tap and learn at the feet of some of our talented local artists!

Courtesy of Adventure Connection

Ever wish Disneyland’s Splash Mountain was longer and had actual water instead of that weird-smelling chlorinated stuff? Hit the American River and go whitewater rafting! The lower half of the South Fork starts out slow and finishes fast and is great for beginners. There’s plenty of licensed outfitters to choose from—select one that fits your plans and budget—but we’re big fans of Adventure Connection. They provide equipment, safety gear and even offer a “Red Wine Whitewater Trip.” 

 Treat yourself and your family to some stargazing at the Community Observatory in Placerville  celebrating 10 years of operation. The observatory is free to the public and open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30-10:30 p.m. for views of the night sky (weather permitting); and at 10 a.m. for Solar Saturdays every first Saturday of the month (weather permitting). Community Observatory, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, 530-344-5707.

 It’s true—the best time to visit Apple Hill is between Labor Day and Thanksgiving when the harvest is plentiful. But did you know that there’s a lot to enjoy on “The Hill” year-round? Try lunch at Mill View Ranch (pictured), or have a picknic at Smokey Ridge Farmstand and Winery. Get a massage or a full spa treatment at Time Out Spa and Resort. Or visit one of the many beautiful year-round boutique wineries— Boeger Winery, Fenton Herriot Vineyards, Lava Cap Winery, Madroña Vineyards and Wofford Acres Vineyard all welcome you to come for the wine and stay for the view, no matter the time of year. For more info on year-round Apple Hill entertainment, visit this link.

Photo by Ryann Berens

 Try your luck and go gold panning. There’s plenty of places in El Dorado County to try: Check out El Dorado National Forest (PiPi Campground and Cache Rock are two suggested areas); Hangtown Gold Bug Park and Mine in Placerville; Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma, where you can try your luck in the same stretch of river where James Marshall struck it rich; or do your best fortyniner impersonation in the American River at the Auburn State Recreation Area.

 Get into the spirit of…spirits! Take a tour of Dry Diggings Distillery in El Dorado Hills and learn how they make their small-batch craft spirits like Diamond Springs Vodka, Bodie 5 Dog White Whiskey, 31 N 50 Bourbon Whiskey, and Rubicon Rye Whiskey. Tours are Fridays at noon and 4 p.m., and at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Or just drop by the tasting room and sample the good stuff. Dry Diggings Distillery, 5050 Robert J Mathews Parkway, Suite 850, El Dorado Hills, 916-542-1700.

 Visit the Fountain and Tallman Museum, “the biggest little museum in the west,” housed in the oldest building on Placerville’s Main Street. Here you’ll see Snowshoe Thompson’s actual skis, a wooden washing machine made in 1890 from the St. Francis Hotel, and a myriad of objects and artifacts from Placerville’s rich and colorful history, as well as objects from or relating to the soda works housed in the museum building, including old soda bottles and an original soda machine from 1894. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fountain and Tallman Museum, 524 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-0773.

Participate in local government and attend a Placerville City Council Meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the town hall. Agendas are posted in the front window of city hall on Friday, and are also available on the City of Placerville website. Placerville Town Hall, 549 Main Street, Placerville.

“Knit one purl two…” unravel, swear, throw a tantrum. If your knitting style is like mine, it needs help. Fear not! The lovely folks at Lofty Lou’s Yarn Shop have classes every day of the week, for every skill level at any age, in knitting, crocheting, wheel spinning, weaving, craft projects or even private lessons if you want some quality one-on-one time. Visit knit.us for schedules and more details, or visit their spacious new location at 263 Main Street Placerville! 530-642-2270

 © WavebreakMediaMicro/fotolia.com

 Don’t fear the needle! Acupuncture is used to improve the flow of qi (“life force” or “energy”), and many turn to acupuncture for pain relief. If you’re struggling with chronic pain or tension or simply curious about how it works, Golden Wellness Center can help! Alex Tuggle, LAc, is a second-generation acupuncturist and experienced in many holistic and ancient medicines, including medical qi gong, therapeutic massage, Chinese herbal medicine and more. Golden Wellness Center, 1108 Corker Street, Placerville, 530-405-2530.

If you can’t keep your eyes from the circling skies (shout-out to Pink Floyd) then maybe it’s time you throttled up, up and away and took flying lessons. Check out Placerville Aviation’s comprehensive instruction packages; get your feet wet with a half-hour instructor flight or go all-in for full flight training. Instructors Tim and Jim will guide you into the clear blue yonder and help give you the confidence to become the next Amelia Earhart or Charles Lindbergh. Placerville Aviation, 3501 Airport Road, Hangar 5, Placerville, 530-622-1125.

 Photo by Scott Rosenquist

 Sly Park Campground the perfect place to get away. Whether it’s off-season camping or in the height of the season, it’s always a joy. Secluded campsites for quiet time, open sites for socializing in groups—there’s 10 campgrounds to choose from, and activities aplenty: swimming, hiking, waterskiing, boating—whatever you desire! Enjoy the clear mountain air high up in the Sierra foothills. It’s a win-win. Inn Town Campground, sited amongst the towering pines less than two miles outside of Nevada City, is open year-round and the perfect locale for small, two-man tents, family tents, vintage caravans or tent trailers; what’s more, a communal building is full of comfortable amenities like an eating area, TV, showers and foosball. For the glampers in the group, they offer deluxe canvas tents with electricity, real beds and linens.

Courtesy of Karen Petree

With 123 miles of trails, 15 trailheads, 130 alpine lakes and nearly 64,000 acres of jaw-dropping granite majesty, Desolation Wilderness is one of the must-see jewels in the crown of El Dorado County, located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50. To make the most of Desolation Wilderness make sure you plan ahead of time. This is a protected reserve and all visitors, including day use and especially overnight stays, must obtain a permit. Quotas are in place during the summer to help protect the wilderness from overuse.

© istetiana/fotolia

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen; but if you think spice is nice, try Buffalo Wild Wings’ Blazin’ Wing Challenge. For $12, you get a dozen of the chain’s chicken wings bathed in their aptly named “Blazin’” sauce. If you can eat them all—sans sauces and napkins, without anything to drink—in less than six minutes, you’ll get your photo on their wall of fame and a T-shirt. If you don’t mind watery eyes, burning lips and a sweat-filled face, these wings just might be your thing. Buffalo Wild Wings, 2759 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-496-8700.

 The American River Conservancy conducts monthly historical tours of the incredible Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony in Placerville, the earliest Japanese settlement in North America and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site covers 272 acres, including an eight-acre lake and three ponds, as well as the original 1854 farmhouse, Veerkamp Barn and Dairy, and founder Okei San’s gravesite. This is truly one of the treasures of foothill history. Call 530-621-1224 to sign up, or email [email protected].

Promenade on over to the Hangtown Grange in Placerville every second Wednesday at 7 p.m. for the Apple Jacks and Jills Overalls Square Dance Club. Line dancing instruction also available. First two classes are free! For more information, call Connie at 530-622-8550.

Courtesy of National CASA Association

Child Advocates of Placer County supports abused, neglected and at-risk children by providing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). Volunteer to become an advocate for Placer County kids today. Child Advocates of Placer County, 3715 Atherton Road, Suite 1, Rocklin, 530-887-1006.

 El Dorado Arts Council 2016 Poetry Out Loud El Dorado County finalist and winner Ciarra Melton-Fielder - photo by Betty Sederquist

 El Dorado Arts Council has a number of exciting programs and events for creative people of all ages and walks of life. See El Dorado County high school champions reciting classic poetry out loud as they compete in the Poetry Out Loud county finals on February 7 at Imagination Theater from 7-9 p.m. The Veterans Voices Writing Workshop is an ongoing and free writing workshop for all veterans on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Veteran Memorial Building conference room (drop-ins welcome)! Also, keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and exhibits at The Gallery at the Fausel House, and the council’s ongoing rotating exhibitions for local institutions program, Art in Public Places. 

Photo by Mary Hinkle/Lodi 

Explore the haunted history of Placerville and catch the spirits, year-round, with Ghost Tours of Placerville’s weekly 90-minute tour that include orbs, a specter stroll and haunted residential street with a cemetery. Tours depart from 594 Main Street, and times change seasonally. Get spooked for $14 per adult, or $9 per child (3-14 years old); adult supervision needed for anyone under 18.

© Maksim Pasko/fotolia.com

Get some more green in your thumbs with UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County's public education classes, held year-round most Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. No advance registration required. Upcoming classes include composting, backyard beekeeping and home orchards. Visit the website to check the schedule for 2017.

Imagination Theater has gone mad as hatters; don’t miss their lively production of Alice in Wonderland running February 3-26. Other upcoming shows include Tuna Does Vegas from March 17 through April 2; Southfork Confessions from September 15 through October 8; and Shrek the Musical coming for the holidays in 2017. See a show or three and support local theater! Imagination Theater, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, 530-642-0404.

 Celebrate your bookworminess by joining a book club and share your love of reading with others in the community. Cameron Park Library has a book club on the first Monday of every month at 11 a.m., celebrating everything from bestsellers to classics. For more info, call Doris Folk at 530-350-7596. They also have a Non-Fiction Book Club on the third Tuesday of the month from 2-4 p.m. Placerville Library has an Adult Book Discussion Group on the third Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. for ages 18 and over. On January 18, they’ll be discussing House Rules by Jodi Piccoult, and February 15 is H Is For Hawk by Helen Macdonald. For more great El Dorado County Library programs and events, visit this link.

Old or new? How about a little from column A and a little from column B with Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera's 2017 series, featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons on January 21, Verdi’s immortal opera La Traviata on April 29, The Music of David Bowie: A Rock Symphony on January 14 at 8 p.m., Pet Sounds Live: A Beach Boys Celebration on April 8 and so much more. All shows take place at the Sacramento Community Center Theater. 

 John with Art by Robert Arneson

The Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis opened in November and the flagship exhibition Out Our Way celebrates the first generation of artists who put the UC Davis Department of Art on the map from 1958 through the early ’70s: heavy hitters like Wayne Thiebaud, Robert Arneson, Manuel Neri, Roy De Forest, William T. Wiley and Roland Petersen, among others. The exhibit contains 240 paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, and will be on view through March 26. Admission is free. Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 6 p.m.; Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, 254 Old Davis Road, Davis, 530-752-8500.