I'm hoping to take a quick weekend trip to the Gold Country. I'm bringing my small dogs and 8yo son. Any suggestions as to where we should start? Placerville, Auburn, Arnold? Each of these areas has pet friendly lodging, but if anyone has a suggestion, we'll take it. Price is not an option, however I think we'll only be staying Saturday night.

An article I wrote several years ago might be useful in picking a spot. You can read it at

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/drives/ca49.htm

We enjoyed Gold Country a few years ago, and made several stops on our way from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe.

Most of our stops are listed in the article from dwoodon's post -
http://www.roadtripamerica.com/drives/ca49.htm

Check it out and read one of Don's articles on Road Trip America. Don has been an excellent contributor on fodors for quite awhile, including helping us with several trips, too. Thanks again Don, and great job!

Highlights for me are Angel's Camp, Columbia and Sonora. Your son will probably really like Columbia where he can ride a stage coach, pan for gold and enjoy a good old fashioned ice cream soda.

j4,
What's your starting point?

Sutter Creek is nice.