Author: Rick Rockwell
The Historic Oleta Schoolhouse of Fiddletown
In 1849, a group of men from Missouri established the uniquely named Fiddletown as they prospected for gold in Amador County. Within a few years, the town grew from a few tents and wagons to over 100 homes and businesses. It was also around this time that the first schoolhouse was constructed on a southern …...
The Frog Rock of Fiddletown Rd
A few miles east of Plymouth sits a one-of-a-kind roadside attraction that will surely catch your attention. In fact, if you are heading out along Fiddletown Rd. towards historic Fiddletown, you can’t miss this large rock formation that’s been painted to look like a frog. Now, some of you may not care about a frog …...
Abandoned Nevada County Hospital: the historic and tragic tale of the HEW building
On the outskirts of Nevada City, sits an abandoned mental health facility with a tragic story to tell. In addition to being filled with asbestos, lead paint, mold and graffiti, this complex also contains stories of murder and haunted encounters. The HEW Building The 34,000 square foot complex has had many incarnations during its...
7 tips for finding fall colors in California
Fall is a beautiful time of the year for people to get out and explore the season’s wonderful changes in color. Unfortunately, many residents and tourists don’t know when or where to go in California to see these stunning fall landscapes. In fact, many still believe that California doesn’t even have any fall colors, or …...
Fort Ross: a multicultural historic landmark along the Pacific Coast
About two hours north of San Francisco, along the coast of California, sits one of California’s Historic State Parks – Fort Ross. Given the name Krepostʹ Ross, this fort brought many firsts to Alta California, such as the first windmill, glass windows, stoves and all-wood houses. It also became a prime example of Europeans...
Johnny Cash Trail: Walk the Line across the overpass
Since 1968, no other man, woman or child has had more of a profound impact on the city of Folsom than Johnny Cash. Some may even say that “The Man In Black” put the town on the map. We here in California are more than familiar with Folsom. But, on a global scale, Mr. Cash …...
The Hollow Log Truck: a 1945 truck with a 1000 year old log
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors to the Avenue of The Giants can see this roadside attraction parked in front of the “Burl n’ Drift” shop and possibly climb inside depending on time of day and supervision. Affectionately known as the Hollow Log Truck, this vehicle’s mission is to bring awareness and...
Alden Park: an ideal park setting with historic Military firepower
Alden Park, located on Mare Island, is quite possibly the most unique little park I have ever seen. It’s overall landscape is well maintained with a bandstand in the middle. A variety of large trees provide shaded areas for picnics and the park benches present visitors with an opportunity to sit and enjoy a pleasant …...
Point Arena Lighthouse: the tallest lighthouse on the Pacific Coast
Positioned on a narrow peninsula of land along the Mendocino Coast, is the Pacific’s tallest lighthouse – the Point Arena Lighthouse. At 115 feet in height, this lighthouse provides priceless views of California’s northern coast and an opportunity for visitors to experience a more charming period in time. Lighthouse...
Mare Island Naval Cemetery: remembering the soldiers who served this country
The Mare Island Naval Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark and probably the most charming little cemetery in all of California. Positioned on a hillside in the southern region of Mare Island, this two-and-a-half acre cemetery is surrounded by a white picket fence, overlooking the Napa River. At the entrance, are a variety of roses...
