Fly In Visitors to Placerville Airport
Welcome to EAA 512 at the Placerville Airport. We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada's Wine Country and the heart of the Gold Country...
We have a loaner car donated by our Chapter here on the airport. For more information please visit our loaner car page.
History: Placerville in the California Gold Country was once called Hangtown. An effigy of a man being hung is roped from the second floor of a building where the Hangman's Tree bar, an historic spot marks the spot of the town hangings. Gold was discovered in this region, and the wild west atmosphere created a dire need for laws to regulate criminals and those who took what they wanted, including lives. Hangtown was one of the first places where justice was delivered with a rope from a tree. It was initially called Dry Diggins but changed its name to Hangtown for the many hangings that meted swift justice to offenders during the mid 1800's.
What to see in Placerville, modern conveniences such as Starbucks mix with turn-of-the 20th Century Cary House, a bed and breakfast-styled hotel featuring themed rooms, many with antique furnishings.
The Belltower situated in the middle of the street on Main was played an extremely important role during the Gold Rush. Mining camps were prone to catching on fire because the tents and lean-to homes were made of flammable materials. Placerville suffered three fires in 1856 and the citizens needed an alarm system to quickly call their volunteer fire department. A bell ordered from England was cast in 1860 and mantled in 1865 in a 25' high wooden tower. In 1898 a steel structure was built to replace it. This tower rose 50 feet from an 11 foot square concrete base, with a drinking fountain in the center. It had cast-iron ornaments topped with a weather vane and featured a miniature bronze fireman holding aloft a red globe containing an electric light. When completed it was presented to the city on September 8, 1898 during Admission Day celebration.
Wine Country Trails - El Dorado County boasts of over 60 unique wineries encompassed in two appellations within its borders. Some of the names you may recognize include Boa Vista Vineyards, Boeger Winery, Chateau Rodin Winery, Chevalier Winery, David Girard Vineyards, Fenton Herriott Vineyards, Lava Cap Winery, Narrow Gate Vineyards and many more, all located in Placerville.
Hangtown's Gold Bug Park & Mine - The City of Placerville owns and operates Gold Bug Mine, the only gold mine in California that is open to visitors. goldbugpark.com
Places to eat - From fine dining to burger joints and everything in between. We recommend using Yelp, Tripadvisor or your favorite app to find that just right place.
Lodging - From Best Western, to the historic Cary House on Main Street or the many quaint B&B's located in the area, there is something for everyone.
Please visit the El Dorado County Visitors Authority by clicking here