Best of the Burbs 2014: Guide to Folsom & El Dorado Hills

Landmarks

The El Dorado Hills rocks (north of Highway 50 on El Dorado Hills Boulevard). A couple of huge boulders with art and messages on them.

Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park (9980 Greenback Lane in Folsom). Home to a 100-year-old hydroelectric generator.

The old gold-rush town of Mormon Island has been at the bottom of Folsom Lake until this January, thanks to the drought. Access it via Brown’s Ravine (661 Green Valley Road in El Dorado Hills).

Where to observe the natives

Sunbathing on the rocks by the American River under the Rainbow Bridge in Folsom.

Fashion and what to wear

Hiking shoes, cargo shorts and bedazzled jeans will have you fitting in with the locals.

Folsom and El Dorado Hills for lovers

Romantic views abound on the trails that wrap around Folsom Lake.

Spot to lose the kids

Folsom Prison Museum gift shop (312 Third Street in Represa, www.folsomprisonmuseum.org). A great place to take the kids if they’ve been naughty. Force them to learn about Johnny Cash and other history.

BusyKidz (118 Woodmere Road, Suite 110 in Folsom; www.busykidzfolsom.com). An indoor playground with a miniature city the kids can inhabit.

Where to eat and drink like a local

Snook's Candies (731 Sutter Street in Folsom, www.snookscandies.com). Buy house-made candy and chocolates.

Mraz Brewing Company (2222 Francisco Drive, Suite 510 in El Dorado Hills; www.mrazbrewingcompany.com). Hang out on the patio for a brew after a day on Folsom Lake.

Local culture and museums

Harris Center for the Arts (10 College Parkway in Folsom, www.harriscenter.net). A great spot for live theater, music and dance of all kinds.

Shopping and notable strip malls

El Dorado Hills Town Center (4364 Town Center Boulevard in El Dorado Hills, www.eldoradohillstowncenter.com). This is the center of El Dorado Hills commerce.

Palladio at Broadstone (Palladio Parkway and Iron Point Road in Folsom, www.gopalladio.com). Fifty stores, restaurants and a high-tech movie theater—some screens are three-stories tall, and some seats move during select movies.

Folsom Premium Outlets (13000 Folsom Boulevard, www.premiumoutlets.com/folsom). A favorite for many bargain shoppers.