Auburn, CA

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Auburn, California, has an estimated population of about 13,000 people in the city proper, and about 44,000 in the greater Auburn area. Located 30 miles northeast of Sacramento, the state capital, Auburn offers more than a quick rest stop for tourists traveling the Interstate 80 corridor.

Because of its close proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Auburn experiences changeable climate. The best time to visit Auburn is during the fall and spring months. Summer brings dry, hot weather (up to 100-degrees Fahrenheit, and the winter is known for cold temperatures (as low as 20-degrees Fahrenheit).

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in Auburn is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Auburn accommodate around 5,400 houses, out of which more than 5,300 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 3,100 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 2,100. The neighborhoods of Auburn have a housing density of around 740 houses or condos per square mile.

The walkability of Auburn is very good. Except some movie theatres and some libraries, most of the places are within a mile's distance from the center of the city.

Downtown Auburn features unique shops, hair salons and spas, bookstores and local eateries. These historic spots can be found within walking distance of each other:

• Auburn Drug Co. was founded by James Thomas Gibson in 1896 and offers a turn-of-the century experience with its original soda fountain counter, which is still full-service. The Auburn Drug Co. features historical displays and fun gifts.
• Power's Mansion Inn was constructed in 1884 with the Power family's gold mining fortune. This elegant Victorian home is now run as a bed-and- breakfast and wedding site.
• Gold Country Museum, located at the Gold Country Fairgrounds (WPA Building), presents replications of gold mining life. Visitors can step back in time with historical Gold Rush exhibits and pan for gold at the indoor stream.
• The Bernhard House Museum Complex, Auburn's oldest standing building, takes visitors back to the Victorian era. Visitors can enjoy a walking tour of this traditional 1800s farmhouse that once was a bustling hotel for gold miners and weary travelers.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Major industries in Auburn include educational, health and social services, retail, art, entertainment, recreation and food. Approximately 66 percent of the workforce work for companies, 17 percent work for the government and 13 percent work for themselves.

FOR VISITORS

Auburn is one of the earliest gold mining towns located in California's historic Gold Country. In May 1848, French miner Claude Chana took a shortcut and accidentally stumbled upon gold in the Auburn Ravine. As a result of Chana's discovery, Auburn became a booming mecca for gold miners. The majestic Placer County Courthouse, built between 1894-1898 in the center of what is now Historic Old Town Auburn, is a lasting reminder of the city's contribution to California's Gold Rush.

Old Town Auburn is a great place for visitors to take their picture next to a larger-than-life statue of gold miner Claude Chana and take a walking tour that includes:

• Placer County Museum, located on the first floor of the historic courthouse, features the Pate Collection of Native American Art, the Gold Collection, an old-time stage coach and other interesting artfacts.
• The Firehouse and Bell Tower, built in 1891, sits at the edge of Old Town Auburn. Once the station house for the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department, which was founded in 1852, the Firehouse and Bell Tower remains one of Auburn's most popular historical attractions.
• Old Town Post Office , located on the James Block, was built about 1857. It is the oldest post office in California to remain in its original building and the oldest one in continuous operation in all of the western U.S.

BEST BETS

Aptly nicknamed the "Endurance Capital of the World," Auburn hosts the internationally acclaimed Western States Endurance Run each year. Western States Endurance Run, which begins in Squaw Valley and ends in Auburn, is one of the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile ultra-trail events in the world. Ultra-thon runners from across the nation and the world participate in this rigorous endurance event each June.

Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to Auburn's many scenic hiking, cycling, horseback riding and running trails found along the American River. White-water river rafters enjoy the challenge of Class Three rapids found on the American River. Lake Clementine offers a summer haven for recreational boaters and campers.

Avid golfers enjoy scenic public courses, including the Ridge Golf Club, Raspberry Hill Golf Course, Black Oak Golf Course and DarkHorse Golf Club.

EVENTS

• Auburn-Foothill Farmers Market (Historic Old Town Auburn): Year-round, held every Saturday.
• Mountain Mandarin Festival (Gold Country Fairgrounds): Held the last weekend in November.
• Old Time Country Christmas (Historic Old Town and Downtown Auburn): Arts and Crafts Festival, held in early December.
• Auburn Wild West Stampede Rodeo (Gold Country Fairgrounds): Weekend event; held during the spring.
• Auburn Art Walk (Historic Old Town and Downtown Auburn): Held the second Thursday of every other month.

FUN FACTS

• Kane Hodder, Hollywood stuntman and actor, was reported to be the largest baby born in Auburn (11 pounds, 9 ounces).
• Several movies were filmed in Auburn, including: Phenomenon, xXx,Dragonfly, and Salvation,