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    Bumping up against the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Sierra foothills are where California’s past, present, and future merge into one unforgettable destination. The Gold Rush sparked one of the largest mass migrations in America’s history, when more than 300,000 pioneers headed west to California hoping to strike it rich. You’ll find treasures of a different kind along the historic Golden Chain Highway, which oozes Old West charm. Or leave the small towns in your rearview and head to cosmopolitan Sacramento to sample the gastronomic wonders of America’s farm-to-fork capital.

    Featured Gold Country

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    • Sip Wine in Gold Country

      Sip Wine in Gold Country

      Sample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region
    • Amador County

      Amador County

      Discover great wines, explore historic towns, and take to the slopes in a unique California region
    • 5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs

      5 Classic Gold Country B&Bs

      Spend a few nights in California’s prospecting past—while enjoying plenty of 21st-century comforts
    • Madera County

      Madera County

      This middle-of-California county is rich in wineries, pioneer history, and lake-vacation fun
    • 5 Amazing Things to Do in Sacramento

      5 Amazing Things to Do in Sacramento

      California’s vibrant capital city blends politics with high-minded eateries, innovative breweries, Gold Rush history, and ultra-modern hotels
    • Tuolumne County

      Tuolumne County

      In quiet towns west of Yosemite National Park, historic preservation mixes with modern appeal

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    Places to Visit

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    Things to do

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      Places to Eat & Drink

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      • The American River

        The American River

        Head to this river in Gold Country for some of the best whitewater rafting anywhere

      • Sip Wine in Gold Country

        Sip Wine in Gold Country

        Sample vintages from old vines and new varietals in this under-the-radar California wine region

      • Placer County Wine Trail

        Placer County Wine Trail

        Gold gives way to grapes in the Sierra foothills

      • Old Sacramento

        Old Sacramento

        Soak up river history in a ride on or along the water

      • Farm-to-Fork Capital

        Farm-to-Fork Capital

        With its proximity to local farms, Sacramento is at the forefront of fresh, seasonal cuisine sourced right from the city’s backyard

      • Traveling by Plane

        Traveling by Plane

        Flying is easy in the Golden State, with international and domestic airports statewide

      • Great U-Pick Farms in California

        Great U-Pick Farms in California

        Enjoy the best of California’s berries, apples, mandarin oranges, and more at these local farms

      • Don't-Miss City Farmers' Markets

        Don't-Miss City Farmers' Markets

        Local produce, amazing finds

      • 12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals

        12 Fun Food & Farm Festivals

        California agriculture, fun celebrations

      • 8 Tips for Cycling in California

        8 Tips for Cycling in California

        Want to see the Golden State by bike? Use these tips to make the most of your ride

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