Seeing Sacramento & Beyond
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Adult Fun
Short Drive Yields Wine, Gardens, Views
Old Barn, Rural Sacramento
Within minutes you’ll find buildings and subdivisions fading away as you drive toward the foothills, seeing a dotted mix of old factories, nurseries and fruit stands that soon give way to large pastures and farm houses. The drive quiets to a lull as you approach the lowest hills, the foliage bursting open to greet you as you pass the old Sloughouse Inn to Davis Ranch. A working farm and large outdoor market, Davis Ranch is perhaps best known for sweet corn in the summer (The Corn Festival is held in July).
Continuing along Jackson Hwy. you’ll reach the town of Plymouth, which is the main portal to 34-and-counting Sierra Foothill wineries. With excellent red varietals like Sangiovese and Zinfandel – and equally tantalizing views – the area is coined by many to be “The New Napa”. If you’re around in June, stop in for the 2nd Annual Barbera Festival at Cooper’s Ranch. For 360-degree views of the (slightly snow-capped) Sierras, drive a little farther up to Skinner Vineyards and take a picnic – and camera – with you. If you choose to go right at the fork rather than straight, springtime is the time to visit the Amador Flower Farm and Daffodil Hill in charming gold rush-era towns.
You may find that setting out on the open road for a few hours is just enough time to return refreshed and ready for dinner, as well as enjoy that bottle of red that’s perfectly ripe and ready for the un-corking.
www.DavisRanchProduce.com
www.AmadorWine.com
www.TourAmador.com
www.AmadorFlowerFarm.com
www.BarberaFestival.com
www.SkinnerVineyards.com
[see photos of Skinner and Karmere Wineries to the right]
Fall in Love with February
Sacramento's Historic Crest Theatre
Health First – To detoxify, soothe and pamper your entire being body, mind and soul, take a few gulps from the Fountain of Health and find that radiant you – Anytime. http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20666
Wallet and Family Friendly – Why not take advantage of these four letters (F-R-E-E) and attend Sac’s 14th Annual Free Museum Day?! – February 4. www.sacmuseums.org
Culture at Hand – Get a real visual of what makes Sacramento authentic by attending the 12th Annual A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival – February 2. www.accesssacramento.org
Belly Full of Beer – And watch for an up-close look at the upcoming 3rd Annual Sacramento Beer Week – February 24th – March 4th, www.sacramentobeerweek.com
For much more click and go: www.Sacramento365.com
Sacramento’s Winter Wonderland: Late Night Live Music Venues
Art of Chaos at The Boardwalk
If you enjoy the feel of late night and the pounding of live music through your veins, here are a few haunts in which to consider hanging.
Vega’s [Old Sacramento] – Mix of History and Haunted Club – This underground establishment doesn’t require a password to get in, but it has managed to remain a bit of a secret. It’s not exactly romantic, but seems to beg for a little intimacy while you’re there. Explore all the crannies in which to cuddle up with a partner and then bundle up for some cozy time by the outdoor fireplace. They (pretty much) only serve beer and wine (and a mysterious homemade punch if you dare), but it’s worth a dip into the underground and the building is as old as Old Sac gets. 910 2nd Street
The Boardwalk [Orangevale] – Bonafide Long-time Rockin’ Establishment – The Boardwalk has been hosting local and not-so-local hard rock and heavy metal bands and fans since 1987. A somewhat small and dark venue tucked into a vacuum-like section of Sacramento’s suburbs, its sound quality keeps bringing them back for more. They serve lots of fried food and are open to all ages, so don’t be surprised to see a few adolescents roaming the premises. While it’s not exactly an enchanting place, it doesn’t claim to be such. www.boardwalkrocks.com
On the Y [Arden-Arcade] – Dive Bar Meets Metal Madness – With that dive bar atmosphere, On the Y could simply be perfect for a cold beer (known for being “the coldest in town”). But late at night it comes alive with the sounds of screaming voices and thrashing instruments. A respected venue for hard-core music, On the Y manages to contain order with the music tidily tucked away in a corner, so you can still hold a conversation should you choose. If you prefer a more mainstream vein, they also host karaoke regularly. 670 Fulton Avenue
Shenanigans [Downtown] – Two-Headed Musical Monster – Not too many late night venues have two levels with such different feels. Shenanigans has a stage for all kinds of live music upstairs, while downstairs is all about DJs, dancing and dark corners. You might also just stop by early in the evening for a game of bar Jenga, plate of club grub, and chat with a friendly monkey (stuffed or otherwise). www.shenaniganssacramento.com
No Snow Day? Will You Settle for Some Sunshine?
Views from the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
If you’re a downtown/central city type… Stay at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, order some delicious and (surprisingly) reasonably-priced room service, and then enjoy the views as the sun sparkles through the Tower Bridge and settles into the Sacramento River.
Convenience is king here with immediate freeway access, but I suggest you park the car and leave it because you can hoof it to pretty much whatever your heart desires. Shopping and a brewery (River City) await you at the Downtown Plaza – just steps from your room – and Old Sacramento is not much farther the other direction, home to a handful of classy restaurants, historic sites, intriguing shops and photo ops.
Try Ten22 for dinner or drinks on the patio, Steamers for some breakfast tacos at a sunny sidewalk table, or the Delta King for river views and a more lavish (but still affordable) champagne brunch. Haven’t seen the newly-expanded and highly renovated Crocker Museum yet? It’s just another short jaunt away and will fulfill your more artistic, creative and cultured tastes.
If mom-n-pop is more your style… Stay at the comfy, cozy Amber House Bed & Breakfast in Midtown, unwind with a welcome drink on the porch, and then head out for some boutique shopping ‘afoot. Once those hunger pangs grab hold, grab some grub at Chicago Fire or Zelda’s pizzeria or try Kru or Tamaya Sushi. Independent bookstores and art galleries also abound around here.
Seriously, we’re all feeling pretty spoiled here since the New Year hit, and we’d like nothing more than to share our fine weather, amenities and attractions with you!
[Watch for more photos soon to come~]
Scenic Drives: Chico, CA
You either love it or not so much – Sierra Nevada Brewery’s signature green-label pale ale. But if you visit the brewery/restaurant/gift shop/tasting room, there’s really something to love for everyone. For instance, the truly scrumptious food and handful of beers on tap, the lively, inviting indoor ambiance and large outdoor patio, the hour-plus-long guided tour and friendly staff. But there’s plenty more to love about Chico, whether you’re an outdoorsy type, partygoer or mom-n-pop shop peruser.
Although Chico and I have a long history together, it had been at least 15 years since I’d been there. Chalk it up to fewer friends of college age… but Chico is still more than worth the hour-and-change drive from Sacramento.
First stop: Downtown. With plenty of boutiques, bars and restaurants, this is a good place to start. We didn’t get to explore Bidwell Park this time around, but hope to do so in any other season (than winter). Later in the evening, the Irish pub beckoned us from across the street, and we were sure glad it did because we discovered the best fish tacos to date! Now we were primed for some really loud music and LaSalles is the place, not to mention they have the coolest trees in the back (which mesmerized me nearly as much as Banshee’s fish tacos). Nighty night was spent walking distance to downtown at the Quality Inn, and I’ve got to say – quite clean and classy for a motel just off the main drag (and we hear the restaurant next door – Paradise Cafe – is delicious).
There’s certainly more culture and history to Chico than I’ve touched upon here, but perhaps you will be inclined to discover it for yourself.
Next Stop: Sacramento’s Dine Downtown Restaurant Week 2012… Yum!
{Photo courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing}
Eat, Drink, Walk & Be Merry
Turn Verein, a fine example of Sacramento’s rich and ongoing immigrant contributions
What’s fun to do in any season? Whether enjoying the body-temp warmth of summer, the beautiful blossoms of spring, the brilliant foliage of fall or the crisp blue-sky days of winter, Local Roots Food Tours will provide you with a full-bodied and full-bellied experience.
I recently joined ‘Gals on the Go’ from El Dorado Hills for a tour of the Sutter District and East Sacramento areas. Among others, it included delicious French toast and private chef talk at Café Bernardo, as well as mouth-watering lunch options in Centro’s sunny “paper flower” room. In between stops, we walked and talked about some of the area’s lesser-known history, and checked out the breathtaking fall foliage in East Sac’s Fab 40s neighborhood.
All in all, we tried some Czech beer, Italian pizza, Mexican food, Middle Eastern cuisine and coffee/pastry samples. We learned a bit about each chef’s niche of expertise and what makes each restaurant unique. We learned about coffee bean roasting, local humane food products, haunted places and Sacramento’s brewery past. We got to know Lisa Armstrong, the founder of Local Roots Food Tours, and chit chat as we walked Sacramento’s sidewalks.
From breakfast, lunch and appetizers to cocktails, dessert and coffee; from history, haunting and architecture to walking, talking and sightseeing… these tours (there are 3 different options in all) are certainly an enjoyable, comprehensive and distinctive Sacramento experience.
Way to create something both timely and timeless, intimate and expansive, Lisa!
www.local-food-tours.com, (800) 838-3006
Serendipitous Saturdays
Digging for nectar at Miner’s Leap!
So like many things in life, we found it by accident. On the way to Bogle we passed a very appealing-looking winery with signs that read: “Wine Tasting”, “Today” and “Open”. That’s all it took for us to turn the car around and make a detour from our original plans. Although we did manage to make it to Bogle before they closed, our first experience at Miner’s Leap was an all around pleasant – dare I even say inspiring – one.
From Mandy’s energy and friendliness to lazy rescue dog Lilly, from luscious red wines to well-stocked beer refrigerator, and from scenic grounds to getting to know Stefani, in total it was more than we bargained for… but in a ‘more is more (and better)’ kind of way.
Sipping wines just outside the 111-year-old barn with views of Yolo County’s agricultural landscape, Tom and I enjoyed hearing about Mandy’s adventurous life-shift from Cabo San Lucas to Clarksburg. A bit later lounging on the well-manicured patio overlooking the event grounds, we sipped a cool brew in the warm autumn sun and contemplated risk and worth in life.
Only getting tidbits of the colorful stories – the winery owners, their staff and animals included – their immense zest for life shows in their presence, their openness, and their wines alike. Making the very best of what they have to work with and being willing to risk it all, if necessary, in order to live to the fullest… Well, it’s not an easy way to go about it day to day, but it’s certainly a courageous and admirable one. And if a Miner’s Leap is one of faith – equipped with some preparedness and a love for both the experience and effect – I think that’s a mighty fine way to find and define success.
Miner’s Leap Winery
54250 S. River Rd., Clarksburg
916.641.7944, www.MinersLeap.com
Bows & Arrows: “Other” & Everything all at Once
In the mood for something fresh, a bit different, perhaps eclectic, useful and entertaining? How about a Downtown boutique that sells vintage and second-hand clothing, jewelry and art… One that also has a mini café with treats, spirits and plenty of space in which to relax, read or ponder the state of your reality… A spacious outdoor patio with an almost other-worldly feel, straight from a whimsical dream… A creative venture-venue that hosts artists, Second Saturday parties and unique musical guests…
Bows & Arrows – It’s a one-stop-shop for things a little left of center and experiences akin to a slightly alternate dimension. Check them out for a pair of 80s jeans, a glass of Allagash White, an artist’s rendition of the atmosphere (this Friday), or a gaggle of musical groups you’ve never heard of (but likely won’t forget).
Tues – Sat, 11-11
1815 19th St., 916.822.5668
http://bowscollective.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bowsandarrowsvintage
Come See Clem & Whet Your Whistle
Bogle Winery
Friday, September 2nd, 5-7PM, Bogle Vineyards, FREE!
Why?
Clem’s a real nice (and talented) guy.
Bogle is beautiful, the staff is friendly, and their wine is both affordable and yummy.
It’s a great start to a holiday weekend.
It’s a great ending to the summer months.
It’s a beautiful drive.
Wine, women and song.
You can sit on a wagon.
The vineyards are breathtaking.
You can re-stock the wine rack/closet/cellar.
Didn’t you hear me say it was free?!
37783 County Road 144, Clarksburg – just 15 minutes from town, www.boglewinery.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Music-by-Clemon-Charles/142906232414428
Summer: Don’t Kiss it Goodbye Just Yet
What wonderful weather we’ve been having in the greater Sacramento area! While I see back-to-school supplies and Halloween decorations in the stores, as long as it’s August, it’s still summer to me! So before school, Halloween and the nippier weather are actually upon us, here are a few things going on around town that you might like to check out:
August 17 (through the 21st) – Yolo County Fair Opens – It’s the last free fair in the state! Woodland, CA, www.yolocountyfair.net
Thursdays ‘til 9 – The Crocker Art Museum will remain open until 9PM on Thursdays through August and September. In addition, every third Thursday of the month the Crocker concert series continues through September 15. Sacramento, CA, www.crockerartmuseum.org
Mondays Added – Old Sacramento Underground Tours have added Mondays to their days of operation now through Labor Day. There’s still time to get a peek. Old Sacramento, CA, www.historicoldsac.org
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.
