Life + Culture

Helping Children Bear It

Stuffed animals can bring comfort in ways nothing else can. Article by Krista Minard | Photography by Bears By Your Side It all started about a dozen years ago when a compassionate high school senior wanted to send some soft, fluffy solace to children on the other side of the country.  What followed resulted in Bears By Your Side, a local nonprofit organization that gives handmade teddy bears to children in crisis in El Dorado County and beyond.  We caught up with Rebecca Giles, Bears By Your...

Local Services

Harvesting Holiday Spirit

Cutting down your own Christmas tree in the Eldorado National Forest Article by Todd Murdoch If you have ever seen the movie “Christmas Vacation”, you certainly can picture the Griswold family embarking on a noble but ill-fated quest to find the “perfect” Christmas tree—only to forget a saw. While your trip to the Eldorado National Forest to cut your own tree doesn’t need to be quite so adventurous, it can still be a fun, family-friendly experience. First, you’ll need to get a permit. Visit...

Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide

Shop Local for Family and Friends in El Dorado Hills Article and Photography by Matt Clark As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect Christmas gift begins. Shopping locally is not just an opportunity to find exceptional presents—it's a chance to support our community. From vintage treasures to gourmet treats, our local artisans and small businesses are ready to share their passion with you. We’ll explore the vibrant shops, boutiques, and more that make our town a perfect...

Shopping

A Family Tradition

The story behind Emigh Ace Hardware’s Christmas shop Article by Kristy Murdoch | Photography by Charlene Taylor For over a century, Emigh Ace Hardware has been a destination for Christmas shoppers, embracing the holiday spirit since 1908. Originally part of the main hardware store, the holiday section expanded in 2000 with the opening of the Outdoor Living Store in Sacramento. Today, this cherished tradition continues in El Dorado Hills, offering an array of Christmas décor and gifts. The...