Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 209-223-0500;
www.national-hotel.com
; 2 Water St; r $125-165, ste $175-300)
Jackson's historic hotel has had a serious upgrade from the Gold Rush era. While the re-
stored building retains its historical details, all rooms are newly refurbished with luxurious
details like gas fireplaces and heated floors. The top-notch steakhouse and bar downstairs
complete the picture.
Mel's and Faye's Diner
AMERICAN
(
www.melandfayesjackson.com
; 31 N Hwy 49; meals $7-12; 10am-11pm Sun-Thu, to 2am Fri & Sat)
A local institution near Hwy 88, there's a takeout window but it's not meant for quick
stops. Take a seat for solid diner fare that includes huge breakfasts, classic burgers (try the
chili-soaked 'Miner') and - to balance the grease binge - a decent salad bar.
Information
Amador County Chamber of Commerce
TOURIST INFORMATION
(
209-223-0350;
www.amadorcountychamber.com
;
115 Main St;
8am-4pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm
Sat & Sun)
Smack in the middle of Main St, has enough brochures to fill several recycling bins.
Getting There & Away
The only way to easily travel through this area is with your own wheels. Placer County
runs its bus system out of Jackson, but good luck catching it - the buses are few and far
is a bit better. It makes a weekday connection through Sutter Creek to Sacramento ($1, one
hour) and, if you have enough patience, you can connect to Calaveras County and southern
Gold Country. By car, Jackson is 2½ hours from San Francisco and just over one hour to
the ski resorts of South Lake Tahoe.
CALAVERAS COUNTY & SOUTH GOLD COUNTRY
The southern region of Gold Country is hot as blazes in the summer so cruising through its
historic Gold Rush hubs will demand more than one stop for ice cream. The tall tales of
yesteryear come alive here through the region's infamous former residents: author Mark
