Hitting the Road: Best Spots in Jackson

Jackson, California is located about 45 minutes east of Sacramento. The city is big enough to offer plenty of restaurant choices and things to do and see in a weekend away, but still small enough for the quaint small town feel. If there's too much to fit into a day trip from Sacramento, you can stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area for a relaxing weekend stay. There is something for everyone on our list of favorite things to see and do in Jackson.

Kennedy Gold Mine
12594 Kennedy Mine Road
Jackson, CA 95642
(209) 223-9542
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open Weekends and Holidays from March through October
Price: Guided tours are $10 for ages 13 to adult, $6 for kids ages 6 to 12 and children under 6 are free
http://www.kennedygoldmine.com

Kennedy Gold Mine is one of the deepest gold mines in the world at nearly 6,000 feet. The mine was a working gold mine from 1860 through 1942 and holds much of the gold mining history of the region. Currently, visitors can take surface tours of the mine and check out the three-story Mine Office Building where flakes of gold were melted in to bricks then transported to San Francisco. You can take a guided tour or you may purchase a book in the bookstore and tour the area without a guide. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the history of the area while you eat.

Pioneer Cemetery
33 Broadway
Jackson, CA 95642
(209) 223-1646
Hours: Open a half hour before sunrise to a half hour past sunset
http://www.ci.jackson.ca.us

For those of you interested in paying your respects, Pioneer Cemetery is a place of reverence and beauty. The cemetery was created in 1854 and those at rest there include many of the pioneers of the Jackson area, miners, heroes of war, and United States Senators.

Antique Shopping
Main Street
Jackson, CA 95642
Hours: vary according to shop
http://jacksonmainstreet.com

Antiques shoppers will love Main Street in Jackson. There are some wonderful antique stores with furniture, refurnished antiques and antique collectibles. Even if you're not looking to make a purchase, the window shopping is great. You'll find many of the store owners to be friendly, knowledgeable and ready to help you find the perfect piece for your home. Because Main Street is fairly short, you can park on one end and walk up, then down each side of the street with no problem.

Hein and Company Used and Rare Books
204 N. Main Street
Jackson, CA 95642
(209) 223-9076
Hours: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hein and Company, if I may say, may be one of the best used bookstores on the planet. Combine amazing customer service with thousands of used, rare titles with a charming old building on an historic main street and you have Hein and Company Used and Rare Books. They accept trades, will recommend books, and have pretty good sales on a regular basis. If you're a fan of vintage and older books, come prepared with a few hours to spend perusing the shelves.

Jackson Rancheria
12222 New York Ranch Road
Jackson, CA 95642
(800) 822-WINN
Hours: All day, everyday
http://www.jacksoncasino.com/

You've seen the commercials on TV or have heard them on the radio. The Jackson Rancheria is located in Jackson and boasts a casino, multiple dining options and offers luxury hotel rooms. You should note, alcohol is neither served nor allowed on the property and the minimum gaming age is 21. If you want to spend some time gambling, but don't want to stay in the city, The Rancheria offers a multitude of gaming options just minutes from historic Jackson and other activities in the gold country.

Michelle Ventress lives in Sacramento with her husband and two dogs. When she's not writing or traveling she enjoys spending time working in her garden and volunteering.