California travel tips host Veronica Hill visits California Gold Country, Sutter's Mill and historic Coloma in this episode of "California Travel Tips."

On Jan. 24, 1848, James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma California, starting the California Gold Rush.

Today, you can learn about Gold Rush history and lore at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, a ghost town with several living history exhibits and restored buildings. You can even view the original James Marshall cabin, located on the hills above Church Street.

After making his money in gold, miner James Marshall turned to winemaking, winning a medal at the 1860 county fair. Today El Dorado wine country continues his tradition, crafting delicious wines throughout Placerville California.

El Dorado County accommodations are mostly mom-and-pop operations. For an authentic Gold Country hotel, check out the American River Inn, once known as the American Hotel. Located in Georgetown California, the hotel was built in 1853 as a miner's boarding house, and is a popular Victorian B&B today. This haunted California hotel is said to be graced by the spirit of Oscar, a miner who lost his lady love here many years ago.

If you still have time to spare during your Mother Lode vacation, don't miss a white water rafting vacation on the American River. American River rafting is best during the spring and summer, and there are many outfitters throughout Coloma and Lotus. We personally recommend OARS (www.Oars.com), a California river rafting vacation outfitter that's been in business since the 1960s.

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