Dining
Higher End:
Luka’s: downtown Jackson
Element: downtown Sutter Creek
Hotel Sutter: downtown Sutter Creek
Taste: downtown Pylmouth
The Duke: downtown Jackson in the National Hotel
Casual:
Rosebuds Cafe: downtown Jackson : wonderful breakfast/lunch with homemade sweets & breads
Chocolatte: downtown Sutter Creek : quaint cafe with coffees, homemade pastries, desserts & quiches / ice cream counter : a favorite morning hang out
Saluti’s: downtown Jackson : family owned Italian
Cavana’s: downtown Sutter Creek : great burgers
Rosa’s Cocina: downtown Sutter Creek : great dine in Mexican food with outdoor patio seating
Taqueria La Esmeralda: Jackson : Our favorite Mexican spot in the area
Mel & Fayes Diner: Jackson : family owned diner with great service, food and bar to watch a game
Taste of Himalaya: Jackson: great Indian & Napali cuisine
Take Home:
The Serbian Bakery / Blue Door Bakery: downtown Jackson : The sourdough loaves, focaccia and cinnamon rolls are amazing. They also have sandwiches which are perfect for wine country picnics/lunches at the river
Shauna’s Sweets: Jackson : homemade baked goods and coffees
Haight Family Ravioli Company: Jackson : homemade ravioli & sauces (try the pesto with some olive oil for a bread dip!)
Swingle Meat Company: Jackson : Butcher with a huge selection of beef, poultry, lamb, pork & sausages (the tri-tip is a favorite!)
THINGS TO DO
History:
Kennedy Gold Mine: Jackson
Knight Foundry: Sutter Creek
Amador County Museum: downtown Jackson
Summer/Warm Weather Activities:
The Potholes: Eldorado National Forest : easy hike to swimming holes in the boulders & is usually at least 10 degrees cooler than Jackson
Silver Lake: Eldorado National Forest : across from The Potholes and beautiful beach to swim & picnic
Vaught’s Beach: Jackson: nearby Mokelumne river access
Wine Tasting - Shenandoah Valley
A map of the area can be viewed HERE.
Some of our favorites:
La Mesa Vineyards: they have a tasting room in downtown Sutter Creek as well
Scott Harvey: they have a tasting room in downtown Sutter Creek as well
Hiking
Lake Tabeaud Loop : located 9 minutes North it is an Easy loop trail, mostly flat, that relies primarily on a trailhead starting in one of two parking lots
Hope Valley
Independence Flat Loop : beautiful loop partially along the Mokelumne
Cycling
Winding country roads & beautiful scenery lend itself to some fantastic cycling.
Some top rides can be found HERE.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is located just 1 hour & 10 minutes North on Hwy 88 with over 2,300 acres of terrain
Fishing
Amador County fish stocking schedule can be found HERE.
River Rafting
The American River is the most popular whitewater rafting destination in California, and for good reason!
The South Fork’s action-packed Class III rapids are rollicking good fun for the entire family.
The Middle Fork of the American combines challenging Class IV rapids with miles of beautiful wilderness scenery.
And the North Fork sparkles with Class IV spring run-off thrills and pristine beauty.
All three rivers also feature Class II sections perfect for family float trips or anyone looking for relaxation without the adrenaline factor.