Introduction
El Dorado, California is a small town with a big heart. It’s full of fun things to do and interesting people who love the town just as much as you will once you get here. From the murals to the music, there are plenty of reasons why everyone should visit El Dorado soon. Here are 14 great things about El Dorado that I think every visitor should experience at least once during their stay:
Murals
Murals can be found throughout El Dorado. These murals are painted on the sides of buildings and are a way to express art in a public space. Murals have been around for centuries, but they have become more popular in recent years as a way to bring art to the community. Murals can also be used as a way to convey political views or messages, so if you’re interested in seeing what’s going on with politics in El Dorado, keep an eye out for murals!
Grinderfest
Grinderfest is a celebration of grinders, that’s right, the delicious sandwich you can get at any local burger joint. Every year in September, El Dorado holds Grinderfest to honor this staple of their food culture and to raise money for charity. There are several activities planned around the festival including a chili cook-off, a grinder eating contest, and a 5K run or walk through town. For more information about the event itself or to sign up for the 5K visit their website: www.grinderfest5k.com
Celebrate Community Day
Celebrate the community with an old-fashioned parade and fair.
During this annual event, you can expect to see horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and a variety of carnival rides. The day also features a petting zoo, pony rides for kids, and plenty of food to fill your stomachs.
To get there: If you’re driving from El Dorado Springs (about 25 minutes away), take Highway 72 East then turn onto Highway 72B until it becomes Main Street. Community Day happens at the intersection of Main Street and Cedar Street in El Dorado Springs City Park (located at 100 S Cedar St).
Tour the local museum
The El Dorado Historical Society museum is located at the organization’s headquarters on the corner of Fifth and Main Streets. The museum is open to the public from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
The museum has a wide range of exhibits including historic photos from area schools, businesses, and churches; items related to agriculture in El Dorado County; artifacts from Native American cultures that lived here before European settlers arrived; military history items from World War I through Vietnam; restored items such as early automobiles, tractors, and farm equipment; vintage clothing worn by early residents through today’s styles; local artwork by regional artists like Lenny Gantt; city directories that list homes built before 1940 along with current phone numbers if they still exist (and many do).
Take in the art
- El Dorado Art Center
- El Dorado Art Guild
- El Dorado Museum of History and Art
- El Dorado Regional Arts Council
- El Dorado Art Festival
- El Dorado Artists Association
Singing Sons of Thunder Concerts
Singing Sons of Thunder is a community chorus that meets every Thursday night in June, July, and August. They perform in the park and are open to the public.
They perform at 6:30 pm on the third Thursday of each month from June through August. The concerts are free and are located at El Dorado Park (near Cherry Street).
Third Thursday Art Walk
The Third Thursday Art Walk is held every month from 5-8 pm in Downtown El Dorado. The art walk is free and takes place during the summer, fall, and winter months.
Have a picnic in the park
Picnics are a great way to spend time with family and friends, so El Dorado has made it easy for you to create a memorable picnic. The park has picnic areas that make it easy for you to pack up the perfect meal and snacks. You can bring your favorite foods and have fun in the sun at one of their many parks located near the lakefront or along the riverfront.
Watch a live performance at the El Dorado Musical Theatre
If you want to see a live performance, head over to the El Dorado Musical Theatre where they’ll be putting on performances of classic musicals until the end of 2020. You can also buy tickets for upcoming shows right now!
What can you expect at a musical theatre performance? Well, first off, there will be singing and dancing. Also: costumes! And sometimes props! The whole thing is usually set in a specific period (a different one for each show). In addition to these things that are happening during your musical theatre experience, there are also going to be people acting out what’s happening in the show itself—so if there’s a scene where someone is walking down the street and saying “hello” loudly at everyone they pass by while wearing their favorite hat on top of their head (and maybe also whistling), then someone will probably do that during your musical theatre event.
Listen to some music at an open mic night
An open mic night is like a Live Journal for the local music scene. You can expect to find both aspiring musicians and seasoned pros at any of the following venues, which host regular open mic nights:
- The Green Lady Lounge
- Backspace Bar and Grill
- The Bistro at Blue Moon Hotel
Attend a fundraiser for the community
One of the best ways to give back to your community is by attending a fundraiser. A good fundraiser will support local businesses and charities, so you can help contribute to your community while also enjoying yourself.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to finding a great fundraiser, look no further than our list below!
Visit the farmer’s market
What is a farmers market?
A farmer’s market is essentially a place where local farmers and producers offer their goods to the public, typically as an alternative to grocery stores. They’re open-air markets that often take place on weekends or during the summer. Farmers’ markets provide people with fresher food than what you’d find at most supermarkets because it hasn’t had to travel far from where it was grown or made. Farmers’ markets also allow you to get acquainted with your community’s agricultural sector and meet some of its hardworking citizens—it’s a great way to support local businesses!
When is the best time to visit a farmer’s market?
You’re always welcome at any farmers market in El Dorado, but if there are specific ones you want to check out while you’re here I recommend checking out one of these two: One takes place every Wednesday evening from 7 pm until 9 pm; another happens every Saturday morning between 8 am and 11 am. The former is held at Central Park; the latter takes place on Walnut Street between Main Street (US Highway 50) and Highway 40/50 Business Route (Highway 40).
Go to a sporting event
You can catch the El Dorado High School Panthers play at their home field, and check out the cheerleaders.
The El Dorado Community College Hornets play at their campus and have a great mascot that looks like an owl.
There’s also the El Dorado Sporting Complex where you can watch any number of local sports teams in action including soccer, baseball, football, and more. The complex has two full-size fields for all kinds of sports action!
Finally, there’s our very own El Dorado Golf Course which features nine holes with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (just don’t ask me how to get there).
There are tons to do in El Dorado every month of the year.
El Dorado is the perfect place to raise a family or spend your retirement years. It has something for everyone, no matter what time of year it is!
If you love outdoor activities, then you’ll find plenty to keep yourself busy during the summer months. Even if you don’t own a boat or an ATV (or whatever other expensive toys they have there), there are still lots of fun things to do in El Dorado during the cooler months like hiking through one of its many trails or visiting one of its many museums and historic sites. And if winter weather isn’t your thing either, then there are plenty of indoor activities that will keep everyone entertained all year long!
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation, El Dorado has something for you. Whether it’s food, music, or art; there are plenty of activities to choose from.
