Sited inside Murieta Inn and Spa, The Gate Restaurant and Bar just opened in February. Taking inspiration from the farm-to-fork movement, their executive culinary team draws from the inn’s own five-acre farm and greenhouse to create the menus and sources meats, poultry, and fish from local ranchers. They’re open for brunch, happy hour, and dinner and offer craft beers, local wines, and signature cocktails. 7337 Murieta Drive, Rancho Murieta, 916-354-3900, thegaterestaurant.com

New to downtown Placerville as of February, Let’s Poké—owned by husband-and-wife team David and Brigitte, alongside Chef Abraham Treo and “Little Chef” Jacob—is serving up, you guessed it, delicious poké bowls. Hugely popular in Hawaii, the trend has officially landed in Placerville and is essentially sushi in a bowl with rice, sauce, and toppings. Customize with ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, or kalua pork (if you’re not a fan of fish) and a variety of produce. Catch the poké wave! 3182 Center Street, Placerville, 916-254-3826, facebook.com/hawaiiansushi 

Red Bus Brewing opened their doors this past February in Historic Folsom and is the city’s first brewery since the 1880s. The seven-barrel production brewery and tasting room—themed around a 1968 VW Bus—specializes in IPAs as well as European/German styles, and also features a kids’ game room and food trucks on Friday nights and weekends. 802 Reading Street, Suite A, Folsom, 916-467-7790, redbusbrew.com 

Brought to you by the fine folks behind Ruffhaus Hot Dog Company, C. Knight’s Steakhouse opened in El Dorado Hills in February. An intimate steakhouse with a throwback “speakeasy” feel, they offer the finest quality steaks (served a la carte with sides), chops, and seafood, as well as entrées like an anise-brined double-cut Niman Ranch pork loin chop, sautéed chicken breast roulade, and classic shrimp scampi. Tip: Grab a cocktail and food from their “Ecstatic Hour” menu (hello, poutine!), Monday through Friday from 3-5 p.m. 2085 Vine Street, Suite 101, El Dorado Hills, 916-235-1730, cknightssteakhouse.com 

Somerset newcomer Grizzly’s Pub and Grub opened in November. They’re serving up great burgers, sandwiches, and pizza with a “Taco Tuesday” night and plenty of beer and local wines to wet your whistle. And with monthly karaoke nights and pool tournaments, there’s always something happening! 8331 Grizzly Flat Road, Somerset, 530-303-2136, facebook.com/grizzlyspubgrub

Boulevard 41 is coming soon to the El Dorado Hills Town Center (right by Hop House) and is expected to open early this summer. What’s in a name? Forty-one is the number of taps, including 29 self-pour beer taps and eight self-pour wine taps. To help soak up all those suds, they’ll serve quick-wood-fired pizzas with local and seasonal ingredients, plus signature salads, appetizers, and desserts. Nope, you’re not dreaming. Go ahead, picture yourself on their huge all-weather patio (with a fire pit and lounge area) this summer! 4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 134, El Dorado Hills, boulevard41.com

Back Bistro on Blue Ravine Road

Back Bistro recently relocated from their current location on Blue Ravine Road to an exciting new spot at the Palladio, with a grand opening scheduled for this month. Expect the same five-star dining and friendly service plus an expanded menu and cocktail offerings. 230 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1201, Folsom, 916-986-9100, backbistro.com

Whips Desserts

 Opened since January, Whips Desserts is to dessert what Devo is to new wave music, minus the funny hats. Take some ice cream, take some cake: now whip it! Whip it good! Pick from cakes like red velvet, peanut butter, carrot, cheesecake, birthday cake, or even pie (OMG), add ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry) or vanilla yogurt, and shazam! High five your inner five-year-old and indulge! 711 East Bidwell Street, Suite 10, Folsom, 916-542-7907, whipsdesserts.com

Out of Bounds Craft Kitchen and Biergarten—the newest location for Rocklin’s Out of Bounds Brewing Company—held their grand opening festivities last month…just in time to kick off a fabulous summer. It’s the perfect spot for dining al fresco with a Juiced Grapefruit Double IPA (or something else from the other 49 taps, including vino and cider), noshing on one of the many seasonal selections from the craft kitchen (open for lunch and dinner seven days a week), listening to live music around one of the five incredible outdoor fire pits, having a ball at the bocce ball courts, or taking advantage of the only growler fill station in the area. Summer’s arrived and it’s right here! 13407 Folsom Boulevard, Suite D, Folsom, 916-357-5250, outofboundsbrewing.com 

Folsom's Jonny Cash Trail

Walk the line this summer. Folsom’s Johnny Cash Trail is now fully connected to the American River Bike Trail and Lake Natoma Trail in a complete, uninterrupted loop. Keep an eye out as Adan Romo’s exciting new artwork installations begin to appear on the trail, the first being a seven-foot-high bronze guitar pick. Plan your next trail trek: Park for free near the rodeo grounds (200 Stafford Street) and pick up the trailhead from there, then travel northeast past Folsom Prison to get to the Johnny Cash Overcrossing near Folsom Lake for some spectacular views! 50 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-461-6601, folsomcasharttrail.com

Placerville’s post-apocalyptic themed Outbreak Brewing Co. had their official grand opening in March and they already have a dedicated local following (zombies not welcome). Popular offerings from their seven-barrel operation include Sabotage IPA, Porter in the Ville, and their Fermu Imperial Stout. There’s open mic nights on Thursdays and live music every Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss their Placerville Brewfest Pre-Party on May 4 from 5-9 p.m. featuring advance Placerville Brewfest tickets and limited-edition glassware. 640 Main Street, Placerville, 530-748-3258, outbreakbrewing.com

Free For All: 15+ Things To Do That Don't Cost a Penny

Free tunes, good food! El Dorado Hills Community Services District presents their free annual Summer Concert Series starting June 15 at 7 p.m. at the El Dorado Hills Community Park. Enjoy live music, food, and bounce house; and mark your calendar for more through the summer: June 29, July 20, August 3, and August 17. edhcsd.org

This year marks the 14th year of Placerville’s Banners on Parade and it’s shaping up to be as vibrant and colorful as ever. Enjoy this free community art project on display in Downtown Placerville beginning June 3 and culminating with a banner auction on October 20. Keepsakes of the banners will also be available in the form of bookmarks, magnets, postcards, etc. so stay tuned! placervilleartonparade.org 

California State Fair Farris Wheel

 Summer is a great time to grab a rod and reel and try your hand at fishing. Did you know that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offers two Free Fishing Days in California each year when you can fish without a sport fishing license? It’s a great low-cost way for beginners to give the sport a try. This year’s events are on July 7 and September 1. (All fishing regulations remain in effect; i.e., bag/size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours, and stream closures.) Check out the department’s online fishing guide for more details. wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing

Celebrate the rich history of a local ghost town (located right here in El Dorado Hills!) at Clarksville Region Historical Society’s Clarksville Day on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about Clarksville life with living history displays, exhibits, and activities for the whole family, plus great food and live music. Admission is free. edhhistory.org/clarksville-days-2018.html

Enjoy accessible art this summer: Every third Sunday of the month is Pay What You Wish Day at the Crocker Art Museum, sponsored by Western Health Advantage. Visitors are granted free admission (kids 6 and under are always free) and are welcome to enter the museum and contribute to the donation box. crockerart.org

Historic Folsom is adding some new festivities this summer with a free Folsom Symphony concert on May 4 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Historic District Amphitheater (921 Sutter Street). Enjoy upbeat selections from Broadway, TV, and movies, including a tribute to John Williams (composer of Star Wars music). historicfolsom.org  

The California State Fair at Cal Expo will run July 13-29. There’s nothing more fun than the fair, but it’s even more fun when it’s affordable: Don’t miss out on Free Tuesdays on July 17 and 24, courtesy of Wells Fargo: Free admission for kids aged 12 and under and $2 rides for all ages! castatefair.org 

Steve Young Amphitheater

New time, same fun: El Dorado Hills Town Center’s free Thursday night concert series, Live on the Boulevard, returns on June 14 at the new time of 7-9 p.m. (set up begins at 5:30 p.m.) at Steven Young Amphitheater. As always, this family-friendly concert series promises an amazing lineup guaranteed to get you on your feet and dancing. edhtowncenter.com

Whoa, nelly! On June 8, the Highway 50 Association’s 69th annual wagon train arrives in Pollock Pines from Nevada for the Wagon Train and Family Fun Day from noon-10 p.m. See a bandit “hold-up” and face-off with the Hangtown Marshalls on the Pony Express Trail between Safeway and CVS; after, enjoy fun galore with wagon rides, gold panning, live music, chuckwagon BBQ, local beer and wines, and kids’ activities. hwy50wagontrain.com

Set ‘em up and knock ‘em down. Kiddos can bowl for free at Gold Country Lanes in Sutter Creek this summer thanks to a great national program! Registered participants aged 18 or under will receive two free games of bowling every week, all summer long (additional rental fees may apply and available dates/times may vary; check center details when registering). kidsbowlfree.com 

Get your motor runnin’ at the Hangtown Thursday Night Car Show on August 30 from 5-8 p.m. in Downtown Placerville, sponsored by the Placerville Lions Club and hosted by the Placerville Downtown Association. Parking is free after 4 p.m. and admission is free to spectators. Bring the family and stroll among the beautiful and rare automobiles. placerville-downtown.org/2018events

Hangtown Days Main Street

Go back in time and greet the wagon train at Downtown Placerville’s Hangtown Days on June 9 from 2-8 p.m. The Highway 50 Association’s reenactment trek, now in its 69th year, begins in Nevada, and culminates on Main Street with a festive celebration of strolling time travelers. Enjoy a fun-filled historic day for the whole family with games, food, beverages, live music, and dancing. placerville-downtown.org/2018events

Spin your wheels! Kids can skate for free at Sunrise Rollerland in Citrus Heights and Roller King Skating Center in Roseville this summer thanks to a great national program! Registered kids will receive two free skating sessions every week, all summer long (age restrictions and available dates/times may vary; check center details when registering). kidsskatefree.com

Fill your belly and tap your toes: Cameron Park’s Trucks and Tunes kicks off for summer on May 30 at Christa McAuliffe Park from 5-8:30 p.m. There will be live music, activities for the kids, vendors, and delicious food from SactoMoFo. There’s plenty more where that came from: Mark your calendars for more Trucks and Tunes on June 13, July 11, and August 8. cameronpark.org

Enjoy a Stagecoach Ride without the highway robbery! Davey “Doc” Wiser and his cowboy crew provide free stagecoach rides, weather permitting, every third Saturday of the month (except June and September) from noon to 3 p.m. in Downtown Placerville at the Bell Tower. placerville-downtown.org/2018events

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of El Dorado County’s movie career this summer with the Movie Lover’s Guide to El Dorado County. From Placerville to Georgetown, and Tahoe to Pilot Hill, El Dorado County has had its fair share of adventure (and romance), appearing in movies like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Horse Whisperer, Smokin’ Aces, Memoirs of a Geisha, and more (42 movies to be exact). Download the map and take your family to the movies—El Dorado County style! visit-eldorado.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/map-movies2.pdf

Fancy some folk art? Check out El Dorado County Farm Trails Association’s Quilt Trail Project. Adorning old barns, buildings, and gardens throughout El Dorado County, these large, hand-painted public works of art form part of a tradition dating back to the 1800s. visit-eldorado.com/arts-culture

Explore More: 6 Fun Filled Destinations

CALISTOGA

Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa

SEE: Check out California’s (smaller) natural wonder, Old Faithful Geyser of California, and maybe see a fainting goat or two! oldfaithfulgeyser.com

STAY: The Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is a dog- and kid-friendly, fun-filled, retro-chic retreat. Newly remodeled, it offers air stream concept-driven rooms, communal spaces, and geothermal-spring-fed mineral pools. calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com 

LODI

SEE: There’s tons of hand-on science-y fun to be had for kids at Worlds of Wonder (WOW) Science Museum, including a Bubble Table, Lego Raceway, and converted Navy F-14 Tomcat flight simulator. wowsciencemuseum.org 

STAY: No two rooms are exactly alike at Wine & Roses, but each one promises unique features and access to the fitness center and pool, discounted wine tasting at the Lodi Wine and Visitors Center, and more. winerose.com

SANTA ROSA

Safari West Wildlife Preserve

SEE: Giraffes roaming wild in Sonoma County? You bet! Zebras, rhinoceros, and cheetahs too! In total, the 400-acre Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to nearly 900 animals from over 90 unique species. safariwest.com

STAY: Glamp in luxurious tents onsite and fall asleep to the sounds of the Sonoma Serengeti. Imported from Botswana, each one features a private viewing deck, bathroom, and polished hardwood floors. 

MENDOCINO

Mendocino Skunk Train 

SEE: Take a history trip on the Skunk Train. Enjoy a cold beer from Anderson Valley Brewing Company while chugging through the redwoods over some of the first tracks laid down by the California Western Railroad in 1885. Your guide will tell you how the train got its name plus regale you with stories of Mendocino Coast’s logging history. skunktrain.com

STAY: Splurge on a stay at the recently opened Inn at Newport Ranch. Built on some of the most spectacular coastal cliffs, enjoy a flawless, picturesque getaway. Featuring over a mile of oceanfront property, the accommodations are unique, private, and amazingly beautiful. Sneak in an ATV tour to the top of the ridges to complete your experience, followed by wine at the fire, and a communal, multi-course dinner. theinnatnewportranch.com

YOSEMITE

SEE: How does a weekend filled with hiking, guided meditation, guest speakers, sunset yoga in Yosemite National Park, and delicious healthy cuisine sound? On select weekends (May 4-6, August 24-25, and November 2-4), the experience can be yours at a Renewal Retreat. tenayalodge.com/spa/spa-retreats

STAY: Who says you have to rough it while in a national park? The AAA Four Diamond, newly renovated Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is the perfect basecamp to explore all that the national park has to offer. From plush beddings and deluxe baths, to multiple pools and spas, numerous dining options, a zip line course, and world-class spa, the resort is a destination in and of itself. tenayalodge.com

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line the bread slices on a baking sheet, brush with the olive oil, and toast until lightly browned. Remove from oven, reduce the temperature to 375°F, and set aside.

2. While bread is toasting, melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed medium pot over medium heat. Add the green onions and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in the milk and season very generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until milk is thickened completely, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from the heat. Whisk in half of each grated cheese and set aside.

3. In the bottom of a large casserole dish, spoon a little of the cream sauce to coat. Add a single layer of the toasted bread slices and spoon the cream sauce over the top to cover. Add a layer of tomato slices, then a layer of zucchini and yellow squash. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper, and spoon more of the cream sauce over top. Add another layer of the bread slices, then the vegetables, always coating with the cream sauce. You should end up with two layers of bread and two layers of vegetables. Top the casserole with the remaining cream sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in the hot oven until heated through and bubbling around the edges, about 25 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and cook until the top of casserole is nicely browned, about 2 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings. 

Summer Fruit Puff Pastry

Summer Fruit Puff Pastry with Mascarpone Whip Cream and Peach Glaze

 Reprinted with permission from blogger and Folsom resident Sonya Keister of therusticfork.com

1 sheet puff pastry, defrosted

1 egg

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

4 oz. mascarpone cheese

1/4 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on top

3 tbsp. peach (or other favorite) preserves

1 tsp. lemon zest and 2 tsp. lemon juice

1 medium peach, peeled and sliced

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 cup cherries, stemmed and pitted and sliced in half

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the defrosted puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a 10-inch square. Transfer to baking sheet and score the edge of the puff pastry and poke the inside of the square with a fork.

2. Combine the egg with a splash of water and whisk. Brush the top of the puff pastry with some of the egg wash and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the peach glaze by combining the peach preserves, lemon zest, and juice in a small saucepan over medium low until just melted. Strain and set aside.

4. Make the whip cream mixture by adding the heavy cream to the bowl of a standing mixer and whisking steadily. Then add in the powdered sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form. Add in the softened mascarpone cheese and mix until just combined.

5. Assemble by spreading the whip cream mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Then layer on the fruit and top with the peach glaze. Add powdered sugar just before serving. 

Makes 4-6 servings.

Raspberry Lemon Muffins 

Raspberry Lemon Muffins

 Reprinted with permission from blogger and Folsom resident Glory Albin of glorioustreats.com 

These sweet, tart, moist, and fluffy muffins are a perfect way to enjoy fresh summer raspberries.

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup sour cream)

2/3 cup oil (I use extra light olive oil)

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon 

1 1/4 cups fresh raspberries

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and set aside. 

2. In another large bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest and whisk until well combined. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until combined (do not over-mix). Gently fold in fresh raspberries. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full with batter, place muffins in the oven, and then REDUCE OVEN TEMPERATURE TO 375°F. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

3. When the muffins have been baked, prepare glaze by simply whisking together the powdered sugar and lemon juice.

4. When the muffins are cool enough to hold, dip them in lemon glaze, then allow the glaze to set while the muffins finish cooling. 

Makes 12-16 standard muffins.

Notes: Preheating the oven to 400° before baking will help the muffins rise quickly and get a nice domed top. Be sure to reduce the baking temperature to 375° for the remainder of the baking period. I made this recipe using fresh raspberries, so I’m not sure how frozen raspberries would work. Fresh blueberries, small blackberries, or a combination of fresh berries would work, too. Makes 12-16 servings.

4 Must-Try Cocktails

Freshy Zesty

 2) Freshy Zesty from Fat’s Asia Bistro, 1500 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-787-3287; *2585 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-983-1133, fatsasiabistro.com

.75 oz. Citron vodka

.75 oz. orange vodka

.5 oz. lime juice

.5 oz. triple sec

Squeeze of orange

Squeeze of lemon

Squeeze of lime

Splash of Sierra Mist

Mix all ingredients and serve over ice with a splash of Sierra Mist.

*Note: Not currently on the Folsom location’s menu,

but your bartender should be able to make it upon request

Spicy Pineapple Margarita (Front) and Kentucky Buck (Back)

 3) Spicy Pineapple Margarita from Folsom Tap House, 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com

1.5 oz. tequila

.5 oz. lime juice

.5 oz. pineapple juice

.25 oz. simple syrup 

Mix all ingredients and serve over ice with a salted rim; garnish with pineapple and a jalapeño.

4) Kentucky Buck from Folsom Tap House, 25005 Blue Ravine Road, Suite 140, Folsom, 916-292-5711, folsomtaphouse.com

1.5 oz. Bulleit bourbon

.5 oz. lemon juice

.5 oz. simple syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 fresh strawberry, plus more for garnish

Lemon, for garnish

Muddle strawberry in mixing glass. Mix remaining ingredients and serve over ice; garnish with a strawberry and lemon.

2) 2016 Sauvignon Blanc from C.G Di Arie Vineyard and Winery, 5200 Di Arie Road, Mt Aukum, 530-620-6500, cgdiarie.com

ABV: 13.9%

Crisp, clean, and exceptionally aromatic; distinctive tropical aromas with apple and pear flavors on the palate; firm body with an unusually long finish

3) Essential Red from Bogle Vineyards, 37783 County Road 144 Clarksburg, 916-744-1139, boglewinery.com

ABV: 13.5%

A blend of Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah create a ripe, jammy, and juicy wine with richly textured fruit of dark berries and black plums; nuanced by flavors of juniper, dried herbs, spicy cedar, and hints of pipe tobacco and cocoa

4) 2016 Barbera from Boeger Winery, 1709 Carson Road, Placerville, 530-622-8094, boegerwinery.com

ABV: 14.8%

Mouthwatering and aromatic with luscious red fruit aromas of cherry and red currant; plush and full throughout with very soft tannins and a lingering acidity on the finish

5) 2016 Chardonnay from Lava Cap Winery, 2221 Fruitridge Road, Placerville, 530-621-0175, lavacap.com

ABV: 14.5%

Elegant and full-bodied; zesty lemon and apple blossom aroma leads into pleasant apple and pear flavors with a rich piecrust finish

2) Hella Sun Munich Helles from Crooked Lane Brewing Company, 536 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, 530-878-5232, crookedlanebrewing.com

ABV: 5%

Slightly sweet with low noble hop aroma and flavor; crisp, slightly malty finish

3) Sabotage IPA from Outbreak Brewing Co., 640 Main Street, Placerville, 530-748-3258, outbreakbrewing.com

ABV: 6.7%

An easy-drinking West Coast-style IPA with a nice balance of pine and citrus aromatics and a subtle caramel malt flavor

4) Zulu Haze from Moonraker Brewing Co., 12970 Earhart Avenue, Suite 100, Auburn, 530-745-6816, moonrakerbrewing.com 

ABV: 7%

New England-style IPA with an initial palate that’s fruity (melon, guava, citrus, and passion fruit), full-bodied, and creamy; the backend lends subtle hints of evergreen with a slight cracker bread finish

5) Joyrider IPA from Out of Bounds Brewing Company, locations in Rocklin and Folsom, outofboundsbrewing.com

ABV: 7%

A dose of Southern Hemisphere and Pacific Northwest hops create a complex yet refreshing beer that’s bursting with tropical flavors and citrus notes 

Cameron Park Certified Farmers’ Market 

WHERE: Burke Junction, corner of Coach Lane and Strolling Hill Road, 

Cameron Park

WHEN: Wednesday 

(May through September) from 8 a.m.-noon.

Placerville Certified Farmers’ Market 

WHERE: Ivy House Parking Area, corner of Main Street and Cedar Ravine in Historic Placerville

WHEN: Saturday 

(May through November) from 8 a.m.-noon

SOL Community Farmers’ Market 

WHERE: 3037 Sacramento Street, Placerville

WHEN: Sunday 

(June through November) from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.