For sure it's "tucked away back in the foothils", but it's not in what's considered North Central California. They're just East of Hopland (off of Highway 101) which is in a valley in the Pacific Coast Range. I think North Central California starts East of where I live (and I'm about 50 miles East of Hopland) over the last range before you get into the Sacramento Valley.

Anyway, although it's small it's a real nice place with friendly staff and a great dining room. And their slots have also been very friendly to me every time I stop by. They don't allow chip harvesting per se, but they will sell me a short stack of chips at the table and let me walk away. The last time I was there I went off to high grade what I got, cashed in the well used ones, and returned to get some more. That's when the pit boss told me he was doing me a favor, but they generally don't allow harvesting.

And yes, most of he $5s are worn around the edges. Every now and then I've been able to get 2-3 that are worth keeping. Some of the $1's I got the last time were just as nice as the chips I got a year ago. Maybe they're a reissue or the casino just released some "new" chips from their original order.

Enjoy the picture, and have a great weekend. Later - Buzz