Presidents Day isn’t just an excuse to binge-watch documentaries or finally clean out your garage. For Placerville locals, it’s a chance to tip your hat (or baseball cap) to the folks who shaped this country—ideally while enjoying a three-day weekend. Here’s the lowdown on what this holiday’s about, why your calendar might be fibbing, and how to celebrate without leaving El Dorado County.

From George’s Birthday to Your Day Off

Back in 1885, Congress decided George Washington deserved his own holiday. His actual birthday? February 22. Fast-forward to 1968, when someone in a suit thought, “Hey, let’s make all federal holidays fall on Mondays.” Thus, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was born, and Washington’s Birthday got shoved to the third Monday of February. Blame it on bureaucracy or a love of three-day weekends—either way, we’re not complaining.

Fun fact: The feds still call it “Washington’s Birthday.” The whole “Presidents Day” thing? That’s what retail’s doing. In the ‘70s, advertisers realized that “President’s Day” sounded snappier on sales signs than “Washington’s Birthday.” Lincoln’s February 12 birthday didn’t hurt either. Congress never officially renamed it, but try telling that to the guy hawking mattresses at 50% off.

Presidents Who Loved Parks (And One Who Worked at One)

Placerville folks know a thing or two about the great outdoors. Turns out, so did some presidents:

• Ulysses S. Grant: Signed Yellowstone into existence as the first national park. No bison emojis—just pure, unadulterated wilderness.
• Teddy Roosevelt: Holds the record for most parks named after him. Dude basically invented the “outdoorsy president” vibe.
• Gerald Ford: The only POTUS who moonlighted as a park ranger. Imagine him handing you a map of Yosemite.

California’s got its own presidential ties. The closest? The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library isn’t exactly a national park, but it’s a solid day trip for history buffs. Or channel your inner Teddy and hit the trails at Eldorado National Forest—no naming rights required.

Placerville’s Presidents Day Survival Guide

What’s open?

• Retail shops: Main Street’s antique stores and coffee spots will be buzzing. Pro tip: Skip the online deals and support local businesses.
• Grocery stores: Stock up on hot dogs for that impromptu BBQ.
• Ski resorts: Sierra-at-Tahoe’s a short drive away. Presidents Day + fresh powder = yes.

What’s closed?

• Post offices: Sorry, no mail delivery. Your Amazon package can wait.
• Banks: Take it as a sign to stop ignoring your savings account finally.
• Most schools: Kids get a free pass. Parents, we salute you.

Why Placerville’s the Perfect Spot for a Presidential Adventure

You don’t need to jet off to D.C. to feel presidential. Swing by Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and ponder how James K. Polk’s era of westward expansion shaped our Gold Rush roots. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, a road trip to Sequoia National Park is not named after a president, but those giant trees make you feel small (in a good way).

And hey, if all else fails, fire up the grill and argue about whether Teddy Roosevelt could’ve taken Lincoln in arm wrestling. That’s what long weekends are for. Presidents Day 2025 lands on February 17. Federal offices closed, retail open, and California sunshine (probably) included. Go forth and be vaguely patriotic.

Sources: britannica.com, nationalparks.org, livemint.com
Header Image Source: Suzy Brooks on Unsplash