If you are looking for a nice ride off the beat and path,
take a trip to Folsom, CA. Johnny Cash once wrote of this town in his album "At Folsom Prison" to regain popularity in his career, but there is much more than a correctional facility there now. The Folsom Historic District has more than 80
businesses, including restaurants, art galleries, live theater, museums, antique
stores and specialty shops. With at least one event happening every month,
Historic Folsom is the place to visit for events and festivals! The diverse
event schedule includes Live Entertainment, Art Walks, Car Shows, Antique
Fairs, Craft Fairs and wonderful community events throughout the year!
For example there is the Folsom History Museum. The Museum
is operated by the Folsom Historical Society, located in historic downtown
Folsom. It is the home to a wonderful collection of artifacts and treasures
that chronicle the settlement and development of the Folsom area. You'll see
fascinating and educational exhibits throughout the year along with special
events highlighting the Gold Rush era and Folsom. The History Museum focuses on
exhibits about Folsom's native people, the discovery of gold and the formation
of mining camps, ethnic groups who contributed to the area, the formation of
the town, railroad, prison, powerhouse, and later efforts at gold mining.
You might also like the stay a night at the Folsom Hotel and
Saloon. This hotel, previously named the New Western Hotel, was built by
Charles Zimmerman. The hotel’s Completion was marked by the installation of the
back bar mirror. Samuel Levits, the maker of the mirror, accompanied it on it’s
journey to California. Eager to start his new life in the silver mines of
Virginia City, he persuaded Zimmerman to give him the hotel keys so that he
could work through the night to install the mirror. While cutting the mirror,
Levits was cut severely and he died before dawn. Although dead, he still
resides in the hotel. Many nights, Levits can still be heard in the bar kicking
the keys toward the locked front door in an effort to get out and get help. Levits
is not alone in the Folsom Hotel either. Camille, an aloof woman who once
served Zimmerman as a maid and cook in payment for her son’s education, is
still present. She continues to help the present owners tidy up in the early
morning hours, spending most of her time in the dining room and kitchen.
Looking for a reason to get out for the weekend? Music,
food, wine and of course, beer will be on tap for Ramona's third annual
Oktoberfest on October 4th. Oktoberfest means "celebration of the
harvest" and this year there will be plenty to celebrate. The event will
feature traditional Bavarian accordion musicians, a beer garden, stocked by
Stone Brewery of Escondido and a wine garden showcasing local Ramona wines. Traditional
Bavarian food, such as brats and pretzels, will also be available.
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