Where to Stay in Placerville, Part 2

The only hotel in Placerville, the Cary House (reviews), has been here long enough to have registered Buffalo Bill, John Studebaker and, my personal favorite, Mark Twain who briefly wrote for our local fishwrap, the Mountain Democrat. We have had friends and family stay there over the years and they generally give good reviews. The rooms tend to vary in size and hot water may take a few seconds to get to the upper floors if you're an early riser, but all reports are that it's pleasant and comfortable. The Cary House is right on Main Street with two of the best local food shops a few steps from the lobby, Zia's Gelateria (reviews)and Dedrick's Cheese Shop (reviews).

As far as motels go, we have a few that are pretty typical. Blue's parents give the National 9 (reviews) their nod and use it regularly on their visits. More modern motels can be found 15-20 minutes west in El Dorado Hills and Folsom. The brand, spanking new Holiday Inn Express (reviews) at the El Dorado Hills Town Center is fairly predictable and located in a "mallish" development with more restaurants, theater screens and shops than you'll have time to visit. Of course, a walk over to the Nugget Market (reviews) will be rewarding if for no other reason than to ponder why so many people would come to a grocery store to buy prepared meals. (And to think that for years now, I was under the mistaken impression that grocery stores were places you bought ingredients to prepare meals...) Eclectic and gorgeous for a supermarket to be sure. A few minutes further west, the Courtyard (reviews) in Folsom gets solid reviews from business colleagues passing through. In  fact, I recommend it pretty much exclusively to folks visiting me in Folsom on business. And the Courtyard is right next door to Fat's Asia Bistro (reviews), a happening place with first rate, if spendy, oriental fare.