FOOD & DRINK 

This year promises healthy vibrations with Vibe Health Bar’s third location in Folsom’s Broadstone Marketplace (next to Noodles & Company). The “one-stop health shop” serves açaí bowls, wraps, salads, superfood smoothies, cold-pressed juices and wellness shots, craft coffee, and more! Follow @vibehealthbar and @drinkliquidology on Facebook and Instagram for promotions, giveaways, and more. 2770 East Bidwell Street, Suite 500, Folsom, 916-990-5367, vibehealthbar.com 

Tacos? We say mas! Mas Taco Bar’s second location is coming to Folsom’s Palladio this spring with an exciting take on traditional tacos (including brunch!). We recommend staying on the edge of your seat until opening day. 450 Palladio Parkway, Suite 201, Folsom, mastacobar.com

En route to or from Folsom Lake, fuel up at Limon È Sal Taqueria & Bar, newly opened this past October. With a daily happy hour from 3-6 p.m. that includes $5 margaritas, quesadillas, and tacos, plus light, bright environs, you can’t go wrong! 6693 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, 916-294-7084, limonesalrestaurant.com

Popular food truck Authentic Street Taco recently put down roots in El Dorado Hills. Their first brick and mortar is now open for business…and tacos! 875 Embarcadero Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-749-8059, authenticstreettaco.com

Flakos Takos has arrived in Cameron Park. The popular taqueria has three locations in Elk Grove, Lodi, and Downtown Sacramento, and the new Cameron Park outpost has already proven to be popular. Swing by for their weekend brunch (bottomless mimosas are $12 with entrée!) or avail of their regular menu that boasts a bacon-wrapped shrimp taco, bigger-than-your-face burritos, carne asada fries, mulitas, and more. 3326 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, 530-558-4177, flakostakos.com

Newly opened in August, Rocklin’s Taqueria Roberto is serving traditional, delicious Mexican fare (including tacos, of course!). Pro tip: Everyone’s talking about the breakfast burritos. 3071 Stanford Ranch Road, Suite 1, Rocklin, 916-824-2111

Taqueria Garibaldi in Roseville opened in October and they’re already winning local hearts with their great (big) burritos, tacos, impressive salsa bar, and fresh-squeezed juices. Cozy up at their bar with a draft beer or margarita and while away the weekend watching sports on their big-screen TV. 10000 Fairway Drive, Suite 110, Roseville, 916-783-2443

Coming soon: mouthwatering burgers. Location: your belly. Broderick Roadhouse—the beloved Sacramento burger joint that began as a food truck and has since expanded with a handful of brick and mortars—is bringing their famous Johnny Cash burger to Folsom this year. The best part? They cater to carnivores and vegans, so everyone leaves pleased. 185 Placerville Road, Folsom, broderickroadhouse.com 

Giddy up! Iron Horse Tavern is branching out from Downtown Sacramento with a new location in Folsom’s Palladio this fall. Expect epic brunches (biscuits and beignets, oh my), burgers, beers, and all the mouthwatering fare you can handle. ironhorsetavern.net 

One of life’s underrated pleasures is a burger that fits in your mouth. Burgerim has added two new additions—one in the El Dorado Hills Town Center and another in Folsom—where they serve customizable “sensibly sized” gourmet burgers. Oh, and their Party Box is literally a crowd-pleaser (16 burgers with up to four of your favorites)! 4540 Post Street, Suite 290, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-9101; 1880 Prairie City Road, Suite 100, Folsom, 916-358-9075, burgerim.com

Folsom’s Corner Tavern & Grill, brought to you by the owners of Dominick’s Italian Market & Deli in Granite Bay, is officially open and serving up great burgers, creative salads, delicious entrées, and the best pizza (of course). You wanna be where everybody knows Dominick’s name. 700 Glenn Drive, Suite 170, Folsom, 916-467-7800, cornertaverngrill.com

The historic Sheepherder’s Inn in Rancho Cordova reopened this past summer as Magnolia House and includes an exciting new restaurant with a classy speakeasy vibe that highlights the building’s historic origins. Post-dining, check out the adjacent card room that offers games like pai gow, baccarat, and blackjack. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 11275 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, 916-476-6114 

Mouths are watering in anticipation of Buckhorn BBQ at Folsom’s Palladio. The best news? It’ll be home to Buckhorn’s first ever “Barbecue Brunch” on weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patrons can also expect a full-service bar with craft cocktails on draft, a “Fire Bar” where you can order rotating seasonal items that are cooked over a live fire grill, and Buckhorn staples like meat platters, tri-tip sandwiches, burgers, and salads. 250 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1339, Folsom, 916-292-9739, facebook.com/buckhornfolsom

Discover modern twists on American classics like burgers, sandwiches, and steaks at Eureka!, the California eatery coming to Roseville this spring at the Highland Village Center, right by the Westfield Galleria. 234 Gibson Drive, Roseville, eurekarestaurantgroup.com   

The only thing better than fried chicken is more fried chicken. Kiki’s Chicken Place has two new locations: one in Rocklin (opened August 2018) and another in Folsom (opened November 2018). It’s a fried paradise of wings, tenders, smothered fries, and chicken & waffles, with family meals and combo deals galore. 5050 Rocklin Road, Suite 1 & 2, Rocklin, 916-259-2949; 313 Iron Point Road, Folsom, 916-294-0052, kikischicken.com 

Placer County farmers’ market regulars, The Natural Trading Company, have opened a new community market and deli in downtown Auburn’s Central Square. Along with farm-fresh produce, they sell sandwiches, organic juices, smoothies, natural foods, and bulk items, with an impressive salad bar to boot. 937 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-820-3210, naturaltradingco.com 

Osteria Moto has officially parked their cool Italian scooter in the El Dorado Hills Town Center. With a down-to-earth approach to Italian country cuisine, they serve up simple, uncomplicated Italian dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms and regional farmers’ markets in a casual setting. 4364 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 124, El Dorado Hills, 916-573-6200, eatatmoto.com

If it’s a taste of the old country you crave, Trattoria Da Gino’s authentic Italian cuisine could be just what mama ordered in Roseville. The husband-and-wife team has plans to dish out plates of homemade pasta, sausage, pizza, and more, with an extensive wine selection. 1465 Eureka Road, Suite 100, Roseville 

Some local Dickey’s BBQ Pit franchisee locations have undergone a facelift and a name change: They’re now Side Burn BBQ and Brew, serving barbecue and brews with a local flavor. Folsom and Auburn had soft openings in November, with Rocklin and Rancho Cordova hot on their heels. 1016 Riley Street, Suite 4 & 5, Folsom, 916-550-9525; 11875 Willow Creek Drive, Auburn, 530-878-5052; 5406 Crossings Drive, Suite 104, Rocklin, 916-652-7239; 2320 Sunrise Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, 916-858-8195, sideburnbbq.com 

Folsom’s Zaap Thai House is bringing the heat and the flavor in 2019. They had their grand opening last fall and are serving up delicious Thai cuisine, with weekday lunch specials and mouthwatering entrées like mango curry. 1750 Prairie City Road, Suite 150 Folsom, 916-467-7449, zaapthaihouse.com

ZPizza’s popular taproom and pizza concept should be open for business in Folsom now and plans for a future Roseville location are also in the works (opening date TBD). Expect a huge range of customizable pies with flavorful toppings, vegan and gluten-free options, and self-pour craft beers on tap. Stay z-tuned! 1840 Prairie City Road, Folsom; 711 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Suite 160, Roseville, zpizza.com     

Life is a highway AND a brewery at the new Hwy 50 Brewery in Camino. From the owners of Nello Olivo Winery and co-founder/brewer Gary Ritz comes rotating taps of great beer (clean, well-balanced English-inspired ales), brick-oven pizzas, live music, and picturesque views from the outdoor patio. Plus, their taproom is seriously friendly: dogs, U.S. veterans ($1 off pints year-round), and craft beer enthusiasts are all welcome. 3544 Carson Road, Camino, 530-556-5060, hwy50brewery.com

Downtown Roseville’s Goose Port Public House has the motto “Be Nice or Go Home.” Craft beers, sports, and elevated pub food in a family-friendly atmosphere are all on the menu. You know, it might pay for some of us to be a little nicer this year…316 Vernon Street, Roseville, gooseport.com

New Glory Eatery & Taproom opened in Granite Bay’s Quarry Ponds Town Center in October, and their excellent beer is bringing all the boys (and girls) to the yard. And the eatery? The menu includes a Beautiful Brussels Pizza (with beer-infused dough), a Croque Monsieur sandwich (see page 98 to read all about it), and Fried Avocado Street Tacos. Can’t talk. Drooling. 5540 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 140 & 150, Granite Bay, 916-872-1721, newglorybeer.com/eatery 

Auburn Alehouse has a spinoff and it’s way better than Joanie Loves Chachi. The Annex Tap Room & Provisions launched in November just steps away, offering great beer (of course), wine, cocktails, shareable eats like poutine, and next-level dough-sorcery from their custom pizza oven. Stromboli, you guys, stromboli. 103 Sacramento Street, Auburn, 530-537-2895

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander: Blue Goose Fruit Shed’s new Gander Taphouse is expected to open any day now. With 30 craft beer taps, small plates, live entertainment, plenty of seating inside and out, plus shuffleboard and games, bring the gaggle for a family-friendly night out! 3550 Taylor Road, Loomis    

Winemaker Paul Sobon has been producing award-winning Amador wines since 1983 and has now launched Paul J. Wines, offering small-lot, high-end red varietals and blends. The gorgeous new Plymouth tasting room is dog-friendly and offers bocce ball, wines by the glass, and plenty of seating so you can soak it all in (the view and the wines). 10775 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, 209-304-4235, pauljwines.com

Mediterranean Vineyards launched its tasting room in September 2018, offering varietals from countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Translation: delicious wines. Add regular live music, craft workshops, bocce ball, and killer views, and you have the recipe for wine tasting success. 7449 Fairplay Road, Somerset, 530-497-0175, medivineyards.com 

El Dorado County’s “Fork in the Road” will showcase hidden culinary gems throughout the month of January with special offers and delectable deals to celebrate California Restaurant Month. Check out the website for deals and participating locations. visit-eldorado.com/fork-in-the-road

 

Dutch Mafia, mount up! Dutch Bros Coffee is coming to Folsom this year and are setting up shop in the Walmart Center on Riley Street. Finally, Folsomites can discover what the buzz is all about (there are currently eight locations in the greater Sacramento area). dutchbros.com

Get a taste of the sweet life at Dolce Vita Caffè, Folsom’s newest Italian-inspired bistro that serves a delectable array of sandwiches, salads, sweet and savory pastries (most baked fresh daily by co-owner Joseph Husary), cakes, desserts, and Italian coffee. Stay tuned for imported Italian products like olive oil, coffee beans, and more. Bon appetit! 1008 Riley Street, Suite 2, Folsom, 916-467-7679 

Citizen Vine is now pouring coffee as well, with the August 2018 launch of Citizen Grind—a veteran-owned craft coffee bar and café—in Lincoln. Enjoy great java (courtesy of Roseville’s Mast Coffee) with killer latte foam art, delicious breakfast sammies (we’re drooling over the Sous Vide Egg Jar offering with smoked bacon and Gruyère), gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches (pesto, tomato, and melty mozzarella is an ingredient match made in heaven), bowls, salads, and more. 825 Twelve Bridges Drive, Suite 65, Lincoln, 916-409-2101, facebook.com/citizengrindcoffee

Cameron Park’s Blue Lotus Café opened last September and serves up local Temple Coffee, breakfast sandwiches and pastries, salads, smoothies, wraps, Shorty’s Donuts on “Donut Friday,” and great local beer and wine. What’s more, they even have a drive through for a quick pick-me-up. 3389 Mira Loma Drive, Suite 2, Cameron Park, 530-350-7492, bluelotus.cafe 

Who’s your huckleberry? Huckleberry’s opened a new location in Roseville in last September with their Southern take on all things breakfast, lunch, and Southern—think Cajun omelet, beignets, sweet tea, fried okra, and grits, as well as traditional breakfast and lunch favorites. 10000 Fairway Drive, Suite 170, Roseville, 916-771-7017 huckleberrys.org

Brissa & Co.—a Mexican market, kitchen, and bakery, and Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant’s sister location—is expected to open any day now in Folsom. Expect Carmelita’s classic dishes, plus fusion creations, sweet treats like pan dulce, tres leches cake, and pineapple empanadas from the bakery; coffee specialties like café de olla; plus candy, handmade goods, and even dresses from the market. 409 Natoma Street, Folsom, 916-791-3733, facebook.com/brissaandco     

HEALTH & WELLNESS 

Folsom is gonna make you sweat in 2019. Not one but three fitness centers are coming to the Folsom Square shopping center. Boutique fitness outfit Fitness Academy is now open with boot camp-style workouts and smaller class sizes for all levels (1012 East Bidwell Street, Suite 600, 916-790-8972, fitnessacademyfolsom.com). In addition, Crunch Fitness is bringing (judgement-free) pain, high-intensity training, lifting, cardio, and group fitness classes in early 2019 to a location near Target (1010 East Bidwell Street, 916-527-1190, crunch.com). And, a UFC gym is expected to also join that space this year (details to come). Bottom line: The entire population of Folsom will have buns of steel by 2020. 

Unleash your inner Sheila E. or Neil Peart in 2019 and get into Cardio Drumming courtesy of Folsom Parks and Recreation. This latest fitness sensation is an easy, high-energy, full-body workout: Pound on a yoga ball with drumsticks to the beat of your favorite ’80s, ’90s, and current hit songs. It’ll leave you smiling, singing, sweating, and feeling great! Open to ages 15+, the class can easily be modified for all fitness levels. Must bring own yoga ball and an 18-gallon tub. Classes are Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at 48 Natoma Street and Friday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Andy Morin Sports Complex (66 Clarksville Road). 916-461-6601 

“Siri: Send me a fitness guardian angel, but make it science.”  New personal training studio KrickFit brings you one-on-one holistic lifestyle coaching, married with assessment-based functional training and high-level trainers with a personalized approach. Science and measurable data are where it starts, and it ends with lifelong lifestyle changes. 4810 Golden Foothill Parkway, Unit 2, El Dorado Hills, 415-707-9912, krickfit.com 

Learn the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo from real-life champion Art Vega at his brand new Paratus Academy in Rancho Cordova, opened since September. Classes for all levels are available for kids as young as four and all the way up to as fit as you feel. Learn self-defense and get fit while you’re doing it! 3350 Mather Field Road, Rancho Cordova, 650-815-6246 paratus-academy.com

Described as a place where parents won’t have to say, “I’m sorry,” Placerville’s We Rock the Spectrum is a new gym that specializes in serving special-needs children. The space features uniquely designed sensory equipment that encourages children of all ability levels to play with and learn from each other. 1412 Broadway, Placerville, 530-748-3862, werockthespectrumplacerville.com

Prepare to get fit or pampered (or both!) at the new VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa, coming to Roseville this spring. You’ll find resort-style amenities like indoor and outdoor recreation pools and lap pools, a fitness center, day spa, cafés, social clubs, and more, as well as great amenities, activities, and kids’ programs. 291 Conference Center Drive, Roseville, 916-672-1557, villasport.com/roseville

Feel the burn at Hard Exercise Works (HEW for short), now open in Rocklin. *Harness your inner superhero and in five weeks you’ll be flipping truck tires, climbing ropes, and doing pull ups like the Hulk and Wonder Woman. 

*Superhuman superpowers not guaranteed. 6506 Lonetree Boulevard, Suite 107, Rocklin, 916-701-9304, hewrocklin.com

Bigger and better is the mantra for Anytime Fitness in Penryn: Their bigger and better location could be completed as early as February. The 4,600-square-foot complex will give much-needed space for more amenities, additional staff, new equipment, and expanded fitness and weight areas. We feel a hashtag coming on: #Gains2019. In the meantime, the current location on Penryn Road is fully operational. 3226 Boyington Road, Penryn, 916-660-0700, anytimefitness.com/gyms/1783/penryn-ca-95663

New to Placerville, Hangtown Range partners with Mosquito Creek Outfitters and brings sport firearm shooting and archery to interested men, women, and children who would like to participate in the sport in a friendly place that provides safety and proficient training at all levels. 1540 Broadway, Placerville, 530-497-5443, hangtownrange.com

Lincoln’s California Bike Pickers opened in 2018, and they’ve already settled into their role as the friendly neighborhood bike shop. With new bikes, used bikes, and electric bikes, you’ll find something on two wheels to suit your needs, and their service and know-how takes the worry out of repairs. Come by for a chat and get to know Lincoln’s cycling community! 69 Lincoln Boulevard, Suite I, Lincoln, 916-299-3020, californiabikepickers.com 

Awake Yoga & Meditation Sanctuary in El Dorado Hills opened in November and incorporates all aspects of yoga, including classes for a variety of ages and experience levels, with special prenatal and kids’ yoga series. The non-heated studio (students learn to harness heat from within) also offers open hours when classes aren’t going on so yogis can practice or meditate on their own. 2201 Francisco Drive, Suite 130, El Dorado Hills, 916-461-3377, awakeyogaedh.com

Placerville’s Fan Chiropractic & Reflexology had their grand opening this past October. In addition to adjustment services, they offer a holistic approach to healing that includes infrared light therapy, supplement consultations, and more, plus a family wellness program for affordable treatment. Can we say it’s cracking good? 7559 Green Valley Road, Suite A, Placerville, 530-303-3518, fanchiropractic.com

Folsom’s new Oak Parkway Trail—which will connect to the Johnny Cash Trail near East Natoma Street and Prison Road via a tunnel directly under East Natoma Street—is scheduled to open for public use this spring, providing a safe passage between both trails for cyclists and pedestrians. folsom.ca.us/parks/parks_n_trails/default.asp

Work to open the Sunset Whitney Recreation Area (the former Rocklin Golf Club) to the public remains ongoing in 2019 while funding and an overall master plan are determined. Public meetings will be held over the coming months to resolve these and related matters, and your voice is needed! Attend and provide feedback and keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer and fundraising opportunities to help turn the dream of a beautiful park into a reality. rocklin.ca.us/sunset-whitney-recreation-area

Big plans are afoot in 2019, as the El Dorado Hills CSD begins their plans to make Bass Lake Park the largest park and recreational project in the area, ultimately spanning over 200 acres, thanks to a recent purchase of a 142-acre parcel from Rescue Union School District. Initial plans for the area include a disc golf course, a trail system, and sport fields. Stay tuned for exciting developments! eldoradohillscsd.org

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES 

Take a dive into SeaQuest Folsom, which opened at Folsom’s Palladio this past November. Families and kids of all ages can get acquainted with fun animals from five continents including Asian small-clawed otters, giant sulcata tortoises, and exotic birds. Dare to explore the walk-in aviaries or even snorkel in the premier swim tank filled with reef sharks, stingrays, and more! 430 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1801, Folsom, 800-484-9745, folsom.visitseaquest.com 

Warm up your bowling/dart-throwing/pizza-holding arm: Round 1 Bowling and Amusement is coming to Roseville’s Westfield Galleria this year. They’ll go into the former Sears location, bringing with them up to 20 bowling lanes, karaoke rooms, hundreds of arcade amusements, billiards, darts, and ping pong, plus beer, wine, and all the pizza you can handle. round1usa.com

Exploring the cosmos, killing zombies, slaying orcs, slashing beats: Being there is half the fun, right? Roseville’s Heroes Virtual Reality Adventures opened this past June and is your gateway to virtual reality gaming fun. Choose from hugely popular VR games (hello, Beat Saber), and experiences (Google Earth). Bring a group, go solo, or join a league or social night! 1801 Taylor Road, Suite 130, Roseville 916-772-4376, heroesvradventures.com

Love puzzles and locked rooms? There’s probably an escape room just for you. Here’s a rundown of the latest and greatest. Exodus Escape Adventures (opened February 2018) offers historical heroes with a twist (311 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-634-5100, exodusescapeadventures.com); Escape Folsom (opened in March 2018) has a bonus creepy ambience from its 160-year-old surrounds and even boasts a restaurant (727 Traders Lane, Folsom, 916-790-8740, escapefolsom.com); JAR Studios (opened in June 2018) has a nuclear fallout theme for added end-of-the-world adrenaline (2725 Dawes Street, Rancho Cordova, 916-821-4793, escapejar.com). 

If you build it, they will come. Kevin Costner can have his little baseball stadium, but we all know that Sephora is where cosmetic dreams come true, and they truly did this past November when they opened a new temple—oops, I mean location—at Folsom’s Palladio. 280 Palladio Parkway, Suite 901, Folsom, 916-817-8386, sephora.com

Acid wash jeans, floral backpacks, crocheted cardigans…goodbye 1992, hello Forever 21. The ’90s nostalgia infusion in retail form is now open in Folsom’s Palladio. 350 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1941, 916-850-8765, Folsom, forever21.com

Ch-ch-changes…Lincoln’s Hi-Tones Record Store moved into their new Downtown Roseville locale this past September. It’s like a classic album reissue with previously unreleased bonus tracks—everything you love is still there, and now there’s something new to enjoy. It’s the place to go for hard-to-find music and collectibles: new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes, plus comic books, T-shirts, and more. 244 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-864-3386, hitonesrecordstore.com 

Fashionistas, assemble! The region’s first Tory Burch store has arrived at Roseville’s Westfield Galleria. And in answer to the question already forming in your mind: Yes, you DO need those flats, that purse, and that incredible shirtdress. 1151 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-771-8149, toryburch.com 

Auburn’s Gold Rush Museum had its grand reopening this past August and…okay, let’s just get this out of the way: eureka! The upgrades are gorgeous—there’s even an indoor panning stream. Here’s our pro tip: The 19th century “Twitter Wall” is hilarious and totes worth your time. The best part? Admission is free. 601 Lincoln Way, Auburn, 530-889-6506, placer.ca.gov/departments/facility/parks/parks-content/museums/gold-country-museum

Last year, Folsom Premium Outlets added two huge names in fashion that will exponentially improve your 2019 wardrobe. Kate Spade’s iconic, stylish, expressive collection—from purses to dresses, stationery to shoes—is now yours for a song (13000 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 806, 916-357-5243, katespade.com/stores/en/folsom-premium-outlets). And Project Runway fans won’t find any “Crazy Disco Turkeys” or “Tin Man Hershey’s Kisses” (Google it) at the Michael Kors Outlet (13000 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 1006, Folsom, 916-357-5223, michaelkors.com/us/ca/folsom/13000-folsom-blvd.html)—just all of his fabulously stylish designs at a fraction of the normal retail price. 

We love Macy's, and Macy’s loves Roseville. The Westfield Galleria location received a well-deserved makeover and an upgrade in the past few months, with new lighting, revamped fitting rooms, and even personal “style advisers.” Coming in February, they’ll add a Taste Bar on the first level, which, among other things, will serve Peet’s Coffee. 1197 Galleria Boulevard, Roseville, 916-771-3333, macys.com

More good food, fresh produce, and friendly service are coming to Campus Oaks Roseville (behind HP Campus) this spring when Nugget Markets opens. Other potential tenants include Ace Hardware, 24 Hour Fitness, Mod Pizza, and Starbucks, to name just a few. nuggetmarket.com

Don’t save that beautiful diva voice for the car on your drive home from work; get some professional singing lessons and be your best Whitney in 2019. Rocklin’s The Professional Voice has opened a new location in Folsom and here’s the great news: The first class is free! See? The universe is telling you to sing. 705 East Bidwell Street, Suite 10, Folsom, 916-261-1146, professionalvoiceonline.com

Study hard, do your homework, and one day you’ll shred on stage in front of screaming fans. That’s the School of Rock way, coming soon to Roseville. Lessons combine one-on-one instruction with group band practice. The school is open to kids ages 4-18, and even adults! (Check out their camps, too!) 228 Vernon Street, Roseville, 916-500-7625, locations.schoolofrock.com/roseville

New to Placerville’s Main Street is Artistic Beads & Studio, offering not only beads and jewelry-making supplies but jewelry-making classes and an open studio. Learn wire wrapping, bead stringing, and exotic techniques like tambour beading, or make earrings and bracelets. 617 A Main Street, Placerville, 530-363-2475, artisticbeadsstudio.com 

Free your mind, and your art will follow. Placerville’s first expressive arts studio, Athena Art Spa opened last year and is uniquely focused on the process of creation rather than the finished product. Check out their exciting workshops in everything from writing and painting to textiles (even altar making!) and much more. 1234 Broadway, Placerville, 530-320-7118 athenaartspa.com

The list of reasons to stay overnight in Apple Hill just got longer: Ponderosa Ridge, a bed-and-breakfast nestled on 11 acres (including a three-acre apple orchard!) opened this past summer. Guests enjoy a scratch-made country breakfast and fresh-cooked baked goods every day, plus comfortable rooms perfectly designed for you to relax, unwind, and forget, well, everything. The only downside is leaving. 2360 Union Ridge Road, Placerville, 530-344-9220, ponderosaridgebnb.com

Mama needs a new pair of shoes! Construction is well underway on two new casinos coming to the region: Harrah's Northern California Casino (4650 Coal Mine Road, Ione, facebook.com/harrahsnorcal) is opening in Amador County near Ione and will be developed, owned, and operated by the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians; and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (3317 Forty Mile Road, Wheatland, hardrockhotelsacramento.com) is coming to Wheatland near the Toyota Amphitheater this fall, partnering with the tribe formerly known as Estom Yumeka Maidu tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria. 

June 8 marks the 150th anniversary of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony, the first Japanese colony in the U.S. and birthplace of the first Japanese-American. Don’t miss American River Conservancy’s WakamatsuFest150 from June 6-9 at the farm with Japanese and Japanese-American food, art, music, performances, and more. arconservancy.org/wakafest150 

by  Sharon Penny