Looking out the 9th floor window of the Citizen Hotel in Downtown Sac, I immediately see the heart of the Central City, and then beyond it the foothills at the base of the Sierra Mountains. The ornate and looming Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament hoists five golden crosses in the air and six California and American flags wave from various nearby building tops. There’s a blanket of dark green trees to my left (east west) just beyond the stunning Elks Tower (circa 1926), but far and to the right is an even more expansive blanket of lushness softening the perimeters. The city is somewhat unfamiliar from this vantage point and that evokes in me a slight sense of excitement, like perching on the edge of a new adventure.
What’s the history of this long-standing building? I ponder… And are there any ghosts caught in the howling wind outside our door?
[Rates at the Citizen are surprisingly affordable, especially on the weekends. Try a Friday night and walk across the street for the FREE Friday Night Concert series; Walk to one of the nearby clubs or countless eateries; Check out the IMAX or visit the historic Crest Theatre for an independent or foreign film. www.CitizenHotel.com]
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which she was built, the rivers that flow through her, the bounty around her and the people who make it their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town after a cleansing rain.
There’s truly something for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and nighttime adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
