20 minute read
FEATURE
A venture 30+ Outdoor Escapes By Nelly Kislyanka & Tara Mendanha Choose Your Own
We live in an outdoor paradise. Lakes, mountains, rivers, and wonderful weather means every alfresco activity—from birdwatching to hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning—is within reach. This spring, soak in some fresh air and explore more.
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WINE & DINE Wineries are taking outdoor dining to grand new heights, with breathtaking views, fantastic pours, and indulgent bites. Check out Lincoln’s Wise Villa Winery (wisevillawinery. com)—the only winery in Placer County with a full-service Tuscan-style bistro—and dig into flatbread or filet mignon while basking in gorgeous sunsets and views of rolling hills. Chateau Davell Boutique Winery (chateaudavell.com) in Camino currently offers a charcuterie box to pair with their wines while you sit out on the terrace. One of the newer wineries on the block is Myka Cellars (mykacellars.com), which—in addition to sustainable, craft wine—also serves a mouthwatering menu full of sandwiches, salads, and more (all made with locally grown ingredients from nearby farms).
GO FOR GOLD It’s never too late to get in on the Gold Rush action. Go back to where it all began at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (marshallgold.com) in Coloma. Sift through the same sands as the fortyniners while basking in the history and the beauty of the area. Gold Bug Park & Mine (goldbugpark.org) in Placerville allows for gem panning (when open) and while it’s not technically outdoors, the mine is a
Left: Wise Villa Winery Right: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
treat to explore. Take it up a notch and plan a panning vacation at Bear River Campground (placer.ca.gov/5951/bear-river-campground) in Colfax where there’s more gold to be found.
SHOOT FOR THE STARS Warmer weather and clearer skies make for perfect conditions to spot constellations and crescents. Join the Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society (svas.org) in Roseville for monthly star parties (once they resume) or check out their calendar for nightly sightings. Then, head to Salmon Falls Bridge in El Dorado Hills or Foresthill Bridge in Auburn for some stellar views. The Community Observatory in Placerville (communityobservatory.com) is also a great place to study the night sky on weekends. Catch a glimpse of major stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and the moon with heavy-duty telescopes during their “star tours.” You can also join them for “Solar Saturday” to sneak a close and safe peak at our closest star.
OH SNAP! While you’re out and about how about trying your hand at some outdoor photography? Whether you’re capturing the sunset or having an impromptu shoot for your kids or canine, pick up some equipment at Action Camera (actioncamera.com) in Roseville and head to any of the numerous jaunts local photographers love: Miners Ravine Trail in Roseville (well-maintained path that passes by several parks and features a stream, woodlands, large boulders), Johnny Cash Trail in Folsom (especially the bridge), Willow Creek Recreation Area in Folsom (many paths and trees, a little bridge, island of rocks, tree logs, boat dock), Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake (fantastic sunset lighting, sandy hills, views of the lake), Salmon Falls Bridge in El Dorado Hills (flower fields, bridges, streams, hills, rocks), or Negro Bar in Folsom (boat dock, views of the iconic Rainbow Bridge, cliffs in the background).
GO WILD...AT THE ZOO! What is the great outdoors without some animal action? Meet and greet with local animal celebrities at the Folsom Zoo between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Admission requires advance online ticket purchase (none sold at the gate) and can be purchased at webtrac.folsom.ca.us. Find an assortment of reptiles, felines, canines, birds, primates, and more. If you’d like the zoo to come to you, Hawks Ranch Petting Zoo (hawksranchpettingzoo.com) in Loomis has a mobile petting zoo, filled with goats, miniature horses, alpacas, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and even a miniature pig and donkey!
Rainbow Bridge
When I have a Camera In My Hand, I know No Fear
—Alfred Eisenstaedt ”
Community Observatory
Johnson-Springview Park
GO FISH Did you know Folsom Lake has produced trophy-sized bass over 10 pounds? Or that it also holds rainbow trout, catfish, kokanee salmon, and bluegill? Try your luck and get in on the angler action at New York Creek, Deep Ravine Cove, Folsom Point, or Beal’s Point. An accessible fishing pier is also available on Lake Natoma at the Nimbus Flat park entrance, or you can check out “From the Depths” (fromthedepthsfishing.com) a local club that’s open to the public. But before you get hooked, don’t forget to obtain a California Fishing License at wildlife.ca.gov/fishing.
PICNIC IN THE PARK The easiest and most fun thing to do outside is have a picnic. Luckily, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to perfect picnic spots. Choose from Promontory Park in El Dorado Hills (covered play and picnic area, plus water features), Livermore Community Park in Folsom (covered picnic area, BBQ pits, baseball diamond, water features), Kalithea Park in El Dorado Hills (views of the lake and mountains, covered picnic area, baseball diamond), Folsom Kids Play Park (shady trees, covered picnic area, separate play areas for older and younger kids, castle-like play structure), Maidu Regional Park in Roseville (ample fields, picnic space, access to the Maidu Museum and Library), Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin (shaded picnic areas, BBQ pits), Royer Park in Roseville (ample picnic space, parks for older and younger kids, creek nearby, courts, horseshoe pit), Lions Park in Placerville (covered picnic areas, BBQ pit, sport courts, parks for older and younger kids, disc golf course) or Whitney Park in Rocklin (grassy areas, water feature, play areas for older and younger kids, covered BBQ).
Roseville-Junction Mural, painted by Ellie Gainey
WALK THE “MAIN” STREETS A stroll through our historic downtowns is a nice way to spend the day. Placerville’s Historic Main Street brings the Gold Rush charm with its antique shops, used bookstore, candy shop, and the oldest hardware store West of the Mississippi. The Folsom Historic District is home to the public plaza and amphitheater, history museum, and Sutter Street Theatre, aside from boutique stores, stylish salons, art galleries, and some great restaurants offering outdoor dining. Downtown Roseville’s charming Vernon Street is a must-see destination. Its town square is great for picnicking and the street itself now has decking built on the sidewalks to accommodate outdoor dining. Take a walk past the World War II memorial, telephone museum, steam engine no. 2252 monument, and Mini Mural Competition.
CHASE WATERFALLS Waterfalls abound this time of the year. With overgrown flora and gushing fresh waters, these falls also boast beautiful trails: Sly Park waterfall in Pollock Pines is 33 feet high at the northeast part of Jenkinson Lake; Hidden Falls Regional Park in Auburn has a 30-foot waterfall and over 30 miles of trails; Dutch Creek Falls in Garden Valley has a rugged path to scenic twin waterfalls; Black Hole of Calcutta Falls in Auburn is a 40-foot fall at the end of an easy, quick hike over a wooden footbridge; and Bridal Veil Falls in Pollock Pines is an 80-foot seasonal, drive-to beauty off Highway 50.
HORSE AROUND Explore the outdoors on the backs of these gentle creatures and see the world from a whole new perspective. Boarding on the Lake (boardingonthelake.com) in Granite Bay offers rides along Folsom Lake trails, through wooded forests and along the beach, while Shadow Glen Riding Stables (shadowglenstables.com) in Fair Oaks offers western trail rides along the American River at Lake Natoma.
EAT YOUR VEGGIES The best part about living in one of the nation’s top agricultural-producing states? A farmers’ market is at your fingertips just about every day of the week. Spend a crisp Saturday morning strolling through the 70+ vendor booths at the Historic Folsom Farmers Market (bemoneysmartusa. org/historicfolsom), pick up a bouquet of fresh blooms at one of the PlacerGROWN farmers’ markets (placergrown.org) in Auburn or Roseville, or grab just-picked produce at one of El Dorado County’s myriad markets starting in June
PlacerGROWN (eldoradofarmersmarket.com). ROW YOUR BOAT Are the rivers and lakes calling your name? Whether it’s a relaxing kayak trip or an adrenaline-filled rafting trip, these places have you covered for all your gear. American River Raft Rentals (raftrentals. com) allows for self-guided raft trips on the lower American River. Rent 4-12 person rafts, paddleboards, and 1-2 person kayaks. Adventure Sports Rentals (adventuresports.rentals) offers regular and pedal kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to use at Lake Natoma. Sac State Aquatic Center (sacstateaquaticcenter.com) offers kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes for a serene trip on Lake Natoma. Rafting at the South Fork of the American River starts this month and goes until September. Visit coloma.com/recreation/ whitewater-rafting for a list of outfitters.
American River Raft Rentals
Nerd Out On Birds
Over 350 bird species follow the Pacific Flyway from Bering Strait to
South America, flying over California State Parks along the way, and spring migration brings more than a billion birds back into California. Folsom Lake, Lake Natoma, anywhere along the American River Parkway, Cosumnes River Preserve, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Bass Lake Regional Park, and Effie Yeaw Nature Center house some of nature’s winged wonders—from different types of sapsuckers and woodpeckers to turkey vultures and owls. The El Dorado Audubon (eldoradoaudubon.org) and the Sacramento Audubon Society (sacramentoaudubon.org) offer resources on birds that populate our area, and where and when to find them. If you’d rather bring the birds to your backyard, head to Wild Birds Unlimited (roseville.wbu.com) or
The Bird Shop (thebirdshoponline.com) in Roseville for supplies that’ll have them flocking to your neck of the woods.
Yolo Ballooning Adventures FIT4MOM Folsom Lake
Granite Bay Golf Club
Local Roots Food Tour Sac Brew Bike
adventure is worthwhile in itself.
TAKE FLIGHT If you want a fresh perspective on your favorite California views, take flight in a hot air balloon. Float over Yolo County’s picturesque orchards with Yolo Ballooning Adventures (yoloballooningadventures. com); fly high with Sky Drifters (skydrifters.com) and enjoy picture-perfect views of the Sierra Nevada; or make a weekend of your adventure with Balloons Above the Valley (balloonrides.com) in Napa (we recommend their “Voyage Above the Valley” package where you’ll enjoy first-rate accommodations, morning refreshments, and complimentary photos).
EAT & DRINK YOUR WAY THROUGH SAC There’s a reason Sacramento has been named the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the nation. Pound the pavement with Local Roots Food Tours (localrootsfoodtours.com) and find out all the city has to offer in food, architecture, and history.
—Amelia earhart ”
Thirsty for adventure? Discover new watering holes with friends and family on the Sac Brew Bike (sacbrewbike.com) where you’ll pedal through scenic Sac stopping at the best local, and locally owned, bars.
WORK IT OUT, OUTSIDE Keep those quarantine pounds at bay (and take advantage of April’s cool weather) with outdoor workouts. Jazzercise Folsom (jazzercise.com) is holding classes on the patio at Hawkins School of Performing Arts—blue skies only make these upbeat classes better. For the mamas struggling to carve out some kid-free time to exercise, FIT4MOM Folsom Lake (folsomlake.fit4mom. com) is partnering with the El Dorado Community Services District to offer a “Stroller Strides” class. Get in some outdoor full-body conditioning while the kiddos stay entertained with bubbles and songs.
HIT THE LINKS There’s nothing like a round of golf to help you unwind and recenter. Quiet, interrupted only by the satisfying thwack of a club meeting the ball, and walking lush lawns is as much the fun of golf as competing against friends. Granite Bay Golf Club (clubcorp. com/clubs/granite-bay-golf-club) delivers the complete package experience—scenic fairways surrounded by oaks and wetlands, a challenging course to satisfy your competitive streak, and a beautiful patio (as well as a top-notch kitchen) to toast your win. If you’re looking to sharpen your swing, head to the driving range at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex (hagginoaks.com) in Sacramento.
Auburn State Recreation Area
VISIT THE NEAREST STATE PARK The Auburn State Recreation Area is a local favorite because it offers access to an abundance of outdoor activities like fishing, boating, mountain biking, and camping. Hike the Lake Clementine Trail to the scenic dam overlook. The waterfall-like runoff, with its roaring waters and bracing mist, is a great photo-op. You’ll also get a stellar bridge shot as the trail winds underneath the famed Foresthill Bridge (as seen in rom-com The Ugly Truth and a daring action scene from XXX). For state park details, visit parks.ca.gov; for trail information, visit alltrails.com.
ROCK (CLIMB) & ROLL Don’t know how to get started with rock climbing? REI Co-op (rei.com/ events) in Folsom takes first-timers out to Auburn for an introductory course. The best part is the reasonably priced adventure includes the necessary gear. For the experienced climber, REI’s Classic Rock Climbing Tour offers the chance to sharpen technique and build community. Or take the entire family climbing at Quarry Park Adventures (quarrypark.com) in Rocklin where you can scale natural granite walls, repel down a 60-foot drop, or challenge yourself with their Via Ferrata experience—a series of swinging bridges and climbing challenges. Also in aptly named Rocklin is Lover’s Leap—“the leap” being one of the best local spots if you’re looking for a more advanced adventure.
Granny May’s Strawberry Farm GET PICKING Apple Hill has a slew of u-pick farms with fruit and veg that’s ripe for the picking come summer, like Patrick’s Berry Farm, Rainbow Orchards, Goodness Orchard, Sloan Winter Mountain Orchard, Harris Family Farm, and 24Carrot Farm. Visit applehill.com and click on “Your Visit; You Pick Farms” for details. Spring is berrypicking time and Granny May’s Strawberry Farm (grannymaysstrawberries. com) in Granite Bay offers u-pick strawberries in May and blackberries in June. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, Sloughhouse U-Pick at Davis Ranch (davisranchproduce. com) offers cucumbers, peppers, squash, eggplant, and more for you to harvest yourself and purchase.
GO FLOWER SPOTTING GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE
Start gathering ideas for this year’s garden by visiting Sherwood Demonstration Garden (mgeldorado.ucanr.edu/ demonstration_garden) in Placerville. As you stroll through 16 individual gardens, pay attention to the plant labels for water-use information; they’ll help you decide what flower variety might be the right choice for your space. Then check out what’s in bloom at Amador Flower Farm & Nursery (amadorflowerfarm.com) in Plymouth. With 14 acres to discover, a day here is the perfect alfresco diversion. Just don’t forget to glean a few tips from nursery staff so you can revel in your own garden this year!
HAVE A “BOARD” MEETING The first signs of spring always give us a hankering for the water. Stand-up paddle boarding gets you on our region’s rivers and lakes; plus, the boards have enough room to bring your pup, too! Start by picking one up at SUP California (supcalifornia.com) in Folsom. Once you’re all geared up, head to one of the many Folsom Lake access points—Willow Creek Boat Launch, Folsom Point, Beal’s Point, or Negro Bar, to name a few. To take paddle boarding up a notch, try yoga on the water with SUP DOG Paddle Board Yoga (spotteddogyoga.com/supyoga.php) or Full Circle Yoga & SUP (fullcircleyogasup.com). Help your community by getting outside and making a difference. Download the Charity Miles app (charitymiles.org), choose a route from the recommended paved trails, and get moving! For every mile logged, a corporate sponsor donates to the charity of your choice. If you’d rather use your hands, El Dorado County Habitat for Humanity (edchabitat.org) can use some help with their Brush with Kindness program where you’ll provide exterior home repair and maintenance, like painting, landscaping, and replacing doors to benefit low-income households in homeownership. We can’t forget our four-legged friends who need some love at the Placer SPCA (placerspca.org)—sign up as a volunteer and take a pup for a walk.
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.
—Buddha ”
BLAZE A TRAIL A perk of our region is the plethora of paved trails. Whether you prefer a walk, run, or bike ride, Folsom’s 59 miles of trails offer you endless routes. One of our favorite biking adventures starts with picking up a rental at Folsom Bike (folsombike.com) followed by soaking in lake views as you begin your route on the Folsom Lake Trail. Hook onto the Johnny Cash Trail and stop for a bite on Sutter Street before heading back. If a jog is more your speed, the Humbug Willow Creek Trail meanders through scenic open space corridors. Other paved paths to check out? Miners Ravine Trail (8.4-mile heavily trafficked out-andback route in Roseville) and the El Dorado Trail (7.9-mile moderately trafficked outand-back route near Diamond Springs).
Miners Ravine Trail Placer SPCA
Sherwood Demonstration Garden
Full Circle Yoga & SUP
DID WE MISS YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY? EMAIL INFO@STYLEMG.COM AND TELL US ALL ABOUT IT!
CAMPS KIDS4
School’s almost out! But wait…now what are we going to do? Fortunately, our area offers a treasure chest of fun-filled camps for all ages. The companies featured this month are staffed by licensed professionals who love kids and enriching their lives. With something for all personalities, they're ready to entertain and even educate. Style invites you to take note of these cool camps!
Steve Wallen Swim School
El Dorado Hills • 1230 Glenhaven Ct., #100 • 916-939-7075 Roseville • 10608 Industrial Ave, #150 • 916-794-7977 www.wallenswim.com
For more than 40 years, Steve Wallen Swim School has been teaching swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels. From learn-to-swim students to competitive swimmers, our experience allows us to tailor our program to meet the specific need of each student. Private or small group classes provide the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with highly trained instructors, so each student receives personal attention and maximum benefit. Steve Wallen Swim School started modestly in Steve Wallen's backyard pool and has grown into one of the most popular and respected swim schools in the area. We now offer two state-of-the-art indoor, heated facilities in El Dorado Hills and Roseville. Contact us today about our baby and me, private, semi-private, or group swim lessons as well as our underwater video analysis classes for more advanced swimmers. Programs are available Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm and Sunday from 9:00am - 2:00pm with classes starting every hour and half hour. Come see why Steve Wallen Swim School has been voted #1 BEST SWIM SCHOOL in Folsom/EDH and Roseville/Rocklin/Granite Bay by Style Readers. Happy Swimming!
Action Day Learning Center
400 Stafford St. • Folsom • 916-985-0976 6822 Kenneth Ave. • Orangevale • 916-988-9689 9371 Elm Ave. • Orangevale • 916-988-9633 actiondaylearningcenter.com
The Happiest School on Earth Summer 2021
May 31 - June 4 Vacation Prep! June 7 - 11 Main Street USA June 14 - 18 Adventureland June 21 - 25 Critter Country June 28 - July 2 Frontierland July 5 - 9 Fantasyland July 12 - 16 Mickey's Toontown July 19 - 23 New Orleans Square July 26 - 30 Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge August 2 - 6 Tomorrowland August 9 - 13 It’s a Small World after all!
Summer classes forming now…call to schedule a tour today!
Sundance Montessori School
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER SESSIONSSESSIONSSESSIONS
L e i g h t o n D a n c e p r o j e c t
Stimulate the mind. Strengthen the body. Inspire the spirit.
CHECK OUT OUR THEMED CAMPS!
Storytime at the Princess Ball | World Tour Villain Take Over at LDP | Jungle Cruise Mom's Day Off | Movin' and Groovin' with Books
Camp Sundance Combining education and recreation to create fond childhood memories. Instruction: 7-week program designed for students who can benefit from reading, writing, and math beyond the regular school year. Recreation: Afternoon recreation provides students, ages 3-6, with fun activities including arts, small group games, team-building and much more. Discovery: Engaging activities that will bring science and nature to life. 4 WEEK SESSIONS
AGES 6-8 | AGES 8-12
July 12th - August 2nd
FINE ARTS CLUB
AGES 3-5 | May 24th - June 24th
Mondays and Fridays 9:30-11:00am
Get in touch!
W W W . L E I G H T O N D A N C E P R O J E C T . C O M
Blue Line Arts
405 Vernon St., Ste. 100 • Roseville 916-783-4117 • BlueLineArts.org info@bluelinearts.org
Join us for a creative summer at the gallery! We offer AM, PM or full-day art camp sessions led by Teaching Artists for the following ages: 6-16. Each session features a variety of different art mediums from digital art and animation to painting and sculpture.
California International School
2213 Sunset Blvd. • Rocklin • 916-521-6414 cainternationalschool.com • facebook.com/caintlschool • instagram.com/caintlschool
Coming to Rocklin in Fall 2021, the California International School (CIS) offers an unparalleled K-8 educational experience for globally-minded families. An international private school, CIS enriches students with academically rigorous curricula and co-curricular activities, led by a diverse team of renown educators. Small class sizes, a highly educated faculty, world-class academics, a robust STEAM program, personalized learning plans and state-of-the-art facilities are among the many unique offerings. CIS focuses on whole child development and cultivating a sense of community. Our proven pedagogy incorporates a combination of interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, and project-based learning techniques. Students actively engage in the educational process, learning hands-on through inquiry, research, exploration, and experimentation. By interconnecting subjects, students gain a deeper understanding of holistic knowledge. Email: admissions@cainternationalschool.com to schedule your family meeting. (916)521-6414
Learn from the best.
Ages 7-18. Spring and summer camps now available! With the hottest STEM course lineup, small class sizes, and live iD Tech-Certified rockstar instructors, your child will sharpen their tech skills and have a blast learning with new friends!
MINECRAFT
Get started at: iDTech.com
Courses are selling out fast! Sign up today.
use code STYLE60
(Virtual Tech Camps & Academies only)
