My hubby and I received a couple of gift certificates a few years back for Christmas from his folks. Both were for businesses in Sutter Creek which is a quick 45 minute drive from El Dorado Hills. One was for a B&B called the Eureka Street Inn. It is an adorable little B&B located in the heart of Sutter Creek. The Innkeepers, Sandy and Chuck were hospitable and kind. There are 4 rooms available, each named after one of their granddaughters which is so personal and sweet. Chuck prepared a lovely breakfast which tasted as good as it looked. He made an apple french toast that was divine. Presentation is always fun when trying new foods.  Our second gift certificate was for a lovely restaurant called Susan’s Place. It was walking distance from the B&B. Susan’s is a quaint restaurant featuring Mediterranean style cuisine. We had a nice leisurely dinner complete with an appetizer, full course meal including soup or salad, desert and two beverages for $75. Not too shabby with an $80 gift certificate! I have actually heard that people travel from afar for their Asparagus Soup. I tried it and it was very good. We had plenty of time to enjoy the area. Sutter Creek is a quaint town filled with Craftsman Style homes. Most seemed to have inviting front porches with rocking chairs. I wanted to make myself at home but thought that might be a little strange! My point is that this town felt like a comfy lil’ hometown where anyone would be welcome. There are so many fun little stores to visit. One of my favorites was The Antique Gardener.  While wandering around this fun little shop — you will see a mix of things new and old. I also loved the cute little garden area out back where you could pick up pretty little plants, flowers and herbs. This is one of those great little stores where you will be sure to find a perfect present for someone on your list.

Another destination while we were in the area was Swingles Meat Company in Jackson. We have heard from friends that this is a great place to stock your freezer. We decided since Jackson is only a quick 5 minute drive from Sutter Creek, that we would check them out. Now, I had posted in a previous blog about watching Food Inc and how it was discouraging as far as eating anything but grass fed & organic meat. I had a great conversation with the owner {who’s name is completely escaping me and I am feeling some guilt for that!} in regards to his opinion of the latest movement in eating meats that are local and organic. After a lengthy conversation, I came to my own conclusion — I am content to buy from a semi-local butcher with an outstanding reputation that knows where it’s product comes from and is also aware of it’s entire journey. This allows for a quality control that might be missed in mass production with large companies. We are about to grill up one of our purchases which is a Kona Marinated Pork Tri-tip. Sounds like it will make for a good dinner to me!

All in all we had a great little get away sans kids. The location was close enough for a quick trip yet far enough away to feel like we could get away relax and enjoy ourselves. There are so many things to do in Amador County. Go here for a list of other things to do. There are several charming B&B’s, delightful restaurants, beautiful wineries and fun shops. If you are looking for a weekend away with out a lot of travel, head over to Amador County — I assure you, it will be an enjoyable experience.

Do you have a place that is semi local that you can escape to for a quick overnight or weekend getaway?