Welcome aboard
Sacramento
SMF is the best airport to fly into. It is approximately 45 minutes from the venue.
San Francisco
SFO is approximately 2.5 hours from the venue without traffic. On a Friday afternoon or Sunday, this may be up to 4 hours with traffic.
Oakland
OAK is much easier to fly in and out of when compared to San Francisco, but has similar drive times as SFO. You may save 20 min - 1 hour when compared to SFO.
Reno
RNO is 1.5 hours from the venue. You shouldn't hit too much traffic heading down the mountain to Auburn as the arrival times would likely place you as reverse commute. RNO is a great option if you wanted to visit Lake Tahoe before or after the wedding.
Here are some of our favorite wineries in the area:
Paza Estate Winery: Beautiful outdoor setting with views over the winery as you try some fantastic red wines.
Mt. Vernon Winery: Very beautiful grounds to enjoy some award-winning wine from the area.
Ciotti Cellars: A relaxed environment with very nice people to enjoy small-batch, single-vineyard, Italian wines.
Dono dal Cielo: Just down the street from the wedding venue. Relaxing spot to enjoy some wines.
Wise Villa Winery & Bistro: Fanciest and most awarded winery on the list where you can enjoy a full lunch on the grounds. The only winery you will need reservations for.
Vina Castellano: A very cool wine cave to taste wines, or enjoy some relaxation by their pond. They serve Spanish wines, and although not our favorite wines the setting was very cool.
The link below gives details on all the wineries and breweries in the area. We haven't visited them all, so have fun exploring!
Here are some of our favorite breweries in the area:
Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewing: Beautiful outdoor setting where you can enjoy the beer on the farm they grow the hops. Also, enjoy some food from their food truck.
Dueling Dogs Brewery: Another farm setting to enjoy beers. They also serve meads and ciders, and will sometimes have a food truck available.
Crooked Lane Brewery: Lots of delicious beers to choose from and close to the Old Town area of Auburn. Food trucks typically onsite.
Moonraker Brewing: A wide and creative selection of beers, which can be enjoyed under the large tent outside with their food truck.
Knee Deep Brewing: A more industrial-feel taproom that has lots of beers to choose from. Just across from Moonraker Brewing.
Auburn Alehouse: A full restaurant in the heart of Old Town, that serves their craft beer along with liquor and wine.
The link below gives details on all the wineries and breweries in the area. We haven't visited them all, so have fun exploring!
Location: 10 minute drive from hotel
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Mountain Biking
Recommended Hiking Trails: Calcutta Falls Trail, 2.2 mile out & back, flat trail along the American River to see Calcutta Falls. The trail continues further if desired.
Lake Clementine Trail, 4.5 mile out & back, mild elevation gain, along the American River finishing at a dam.
Find other recommended trails in the American River Canyon HERE.
Trail Map: We recommend using the App or Website All Trails
Recommended Swimming: Auburn Swimming Hole, several spots to hang out between the two large bridges. Otherwise find any spot that looks good along the river.
Fishing: HERE is a map and brief write-up for fishing the American River. Or check out this article for local info for fishing the American
Mountain Biking: Rentals available at Bicycle Emporium. Talk with the people in the shop for best places to go. E-bikes available for rent.
Location: 20 minute drive from hotel, closer to the wineries and breweries
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, & Fishing
Recommended Trail: Hidden Falls Trail, 3.3 mile loop trail mostly flat, to see Hidden Falls
Mountain Biking: Rentals available at Bicycle Emporium. Talk with the people in the shop for best places to go. E-bikes available for rent.
Trail Map or use the App/ Website All Trails to find other great hikes.
Parking: Parking Reservations are REQUIRED IN ADVANCE to access this park on the weekends
Get your adrenaline going on the world-famous American River!
There are several companies that offer trips on the river. Go HERE to see a list.
The trips range from half-day, full-day, 2-day, and 3-day.
Some trips will pick up in Auburn, CA, but many of them you will have to meet in Coloma, CA (30 minutes from hotel).
The rapids will vary in each section from from Family-friendly Class II - III to adrenaline-pumping Class IV - V.
Book with American Whitewater Expeditions and camping the night before at American River Resort is free.
The Ridge Golf Course - 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. is the nicest course in the area. 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Black Oak Golf Course - 18-hole course with pretty grounds is very economical. 10-minute drive from the hotel.
Regional Park Aubun Disc Golf - Clubs not your thing? Grab a disc and head to the 18-hole disc golf course. 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Ikeda's - If you're a fan of pies either sweet or savory, then you need to check this place out! You can have a slice there or take a whole one to go. They also have delicious burgers. 3-minute drive from the hotel.
Club Car - American-Italian food serving meat, fish, burgers, salads, and pasta. A cool dining room with live music often on Friday and Saturday nights. Less than 1 mile from Old Town Auburn.
Taqueria La Herradura: Casual and simple taqueria with delicious burritos, tacos, and salsa bar. Less than 1 mile from Old Town Auburn.
Pizzeria Luba: East Coast-style sourdough pizza with wine and a good craft beer list. Less than 1 mile from Old Town Auburn. Reservations are required for 6 or more people.
We have not personally tried any of the below restaurants, but have heard some good reviews.
Auburn Alehouse: Extensive bar food menu with a great selection of local craft beers. Also has a full bar. Located in Old Town Auburn
Crudo: Asian-fusion restaurant serving soups, noodle dishes, and sushi in Old Town Auburn.
Monkey Cat: American fare serving meat, seafood, and vegetarian entrees. Less than 1 mile from Old Town Auburn.
Tap & Vine: American fare serving meat, seafood, burgers with an extensive cocktail and wine list. Located in Old Town Auburn.
La Fornaretta: Sicilian restaurant serving pastas, pizza, and salads. In Newcastle, CA, 10-minutes from hotel and less than 10-minutes from Old Town Auburn.