My family--five adults and one 2-year-old--will be driving from the Sacramento area to Yosemite at the beginning of November. We're from the east coast and would love to find a nice place to stop for lunch that would give us a taste of the unique qualities of this area of California. I was hoping for something along the lines of The Cold Spring Tavern outside of Santa Barbara--one of the coolest places I've ever been...and quite a surprise for an east coaster visiting California for the first time to find after spending the week in L.A.! (I felt like I was back in the Adirondacks ) Any suggestions??

topping

My daughter and I stopped at the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland -
its the oldest saloon in California

apparently still has bullet holes in the ceiling

Groveland is a cute little town

Dear Anna:

I think where you stop all depends on where in the Sacramento area you start from, which route, and what time of the morning.

Re-post this closer to your trip with more details. You may get more info.

Good luck.

MY

We'll be driving down from El Dorado Hills...probably taking CA 49, and then CA 120. Thanks for your help!

The historical Murphys Hotel might interest you. The old mining town has many shops & restaurants that we enjoy. Although summer or early fall is the best time to go - November can be a little iffy.

Our favorite place to eat is Alchemy Market and Wine Bar/Cafe.

http://www.visitmurphys.com/index.html

Unless you want to see Placerville, the best way from El Dorado Hills (I've lived in EDH for 15 years.) to Hwy 49 is south on Latrobe Road, left on Hwy 16. Follow the signs to Sutter Creek. Murphy's is a very cute town, but is about 10 miles off Hwy 49. Columbia Historic State Park is fun. It is 3 miles off Hwy 49. It is an actual Gold Rush town.