The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialThe Good Life, Sacramento (Or Wherever You Are)
Here’s to the Good Life!
I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
I wish I didn’t work so hard.
I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
I wish that I had let myself be happier.
But we can also learn from those more innocent and carefree, like children who see life as a safe, magical and happy place with a world full of potential for them. So why should it be any different for us? Sure, we have responsibilities as adults, but those can be managed. And if you’re managing them, then there’s no need for worries. In fact, the only use for worrying is to compel us to do something about the situation causing us concern. If it’s out of our hands, the best we can do is find the silver lining and slip into it (or point to it for others to see as well).
In keeping with this respectfully lusty take on life, we’ve changed the name of www.SeeingSacramento.com to www.TheGoodLifeSacramento.com. We thought it a more fun and fitting name for all that the Greater Sacramento area has become and all it has to offer. So whether you’re a resident of this fine land, a visitor, or just an onlooker, we hope you’ll take some time out of every day to wring the good stuff out of your very own life!
Positively Yours,
Melanie
Andis is What it’s All About
Just 45 minutes from Sacramento, it’s obvious to see that things slow down in a town like Plymouth. What isn’t so evident is the fact that it’s a gateway to multiple magnificent wine-growing regions.
Driving in, I see an Inn and Mexican restaurant to the right, machine shop and trailer park to the left… an entrance to the fairgrounds, plenty of trees and open space… a little grocery store and breakfast spot with small town names… You could easily miss the charming historic downtown if you don’t take a left before the yellow brick roads and rolling hills yield sip, glass, bottle, barrel and egg (yes, egg – I’ll get to that later) of delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and plenty of luscious nature and palate-inspired surprises. But you really don’t need a map – unless you really want to know where you’re headed – for the roads before you will lead the way as you discover precious view after view and liquid gem after gem.
The scenery begs for picnickers and cameras, the vistas so looming and long you’ll want to linger. Luckily, the folks are friendly, and it’s always fun seeing how far some people have come to taste these delicate creations. As for the wine-cradling egg, you’ll find that at Andis Wines, one of the area’s newest, freshest and ‘greenest’ wineries with one of the best views around. They have a great patio for sipping wines by the glass, and an expansive tasting room with large screen TV to invite lingering and lounging during special events (such as the Kentucky Derby, which was upcoming that weekend).
Andis’ special event coordinator Kimm chatted us up as we sipped white, rose and lots of red, later offering us a tour of the winery where we met winery assistant Steve and fore-mentioned egg (both charming and a little elusive too). Through an open door the powers that be at Andis were sharing a bottle of Rose over an afternoon meeting. And in the blissful quiet of that rural-drenched Friday afternoon, I couldn’t help thinking that all was just as it should be…
11000 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA, 209-245-6177, www.andiswines.com
For more on Sacramento area wine regions, also check out the new wine guide website! www.sacramentowineguide.com
Who’s Up for a Little May-hem?!
For Adults:
MOVIES ON A BIG SCREEN –
For the kookiest, raciest and most absurd film fun, visit MOBS in May and break out of that blockbuster film rut. Catch movies like ‘Quicksand’ with Mickey Rooney, the extra gory ‘The Brain that Wouldn’t Die’ and ‘Gamera the Invincible’ (the giant flying turtle). Why is May extra special for MOBS? Because it’s their last month at the historic Guild Theatre, with a new location yet to be determined. (Think you can handle all that excitement?
www.MoviesOnABigScreen.com
For the Kiddies:
FARMS, FRIENDS & FAIRYTALES –
The 5th annual FF&F will take place at FTT on Saturday May 19th, with a celebration of all-things agriculture! Featuring live sheep shearing, wool spinning, a mini-farmer’s market, hands-on art activities, and plenty more fun from the farm for the whole family. See the twin Babydoll sheep and other rare and miniature animals, make your own ice cream… and as usual, climb through the giant Swiss cheese.
Fairytale Town is a unique environment where children can learn how animals contribute to society, as well as represent the fairytales children know so well. Farms, Friends & Fairytales is made possible in part by generous sponsorships from Whole Foods Market and Farm Fresh to You. (Aw, shucks – thanks guys!).
www.fairytaletown.org, (916) 808-7462.
ACCOMMODATIONS -
If you need lodging, there’s hardly anyplace closer or cooler than Le Rivage Hotel. Right on the Sacramento River, it’s an “affordable luxury” with pool, fire pits, spa services, terrific food and town car service. Heck, even locals might want to consider escaping here for a night or two! www.lerivagehotel.com, (916) 443-8400
Just a few more great reasons to get out there and experience Authentic Sacramento at its finest~
Getting Around isn’t always Black & White or Such a Bear…
There’s another option for seeing the Sacramento region – and California for that matter – on the horizon, and while it’s not a new name, it might just be a more viable selection than it had once seemed. Yesterday was launch day for Greyhound’s Premiere Express service in California, a new service designed to give riders convenience and comfort at a cool price.
The pros are that the routes involve very few stops (in some cases zero), passengers are said to get guaranteed seating, and every trip is run on modern, environmentally-friendly buses with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra legroom and leather seats. Now, I’m not sure how far it’ll get you, but trips start at just $1.
“The goal of Express is to give riders a better overall travel experience by combining affordable prices with amenities usually found in more expensive forms of travel. In other words, travelers no longer have to sacrifice comfort and convenience for affordability, and vice versa,” said Greyhound’s public relations team.
Greyhound Express works for daytrips, weekend getaways or business trips, and the cities currently operating in and out of Sacramento are Stockton, Modesto, Fresno, Bakersfield and Los Angeles. I’m always up for reliable, affordable, comfortable and convenient public transportation, and may myself consider riding this grey pony all the way into the Sacramento sunset… or off into the distant horizon.
Greyhound’s main bus terminal is downtown at 7th & L streets.
Phone is (800)231-2222
Seeing is Feeling
Discovering...
What does it feel like to walk around an eerily empty nightclub alone or wander through a haunted historic ship? What does it feel like to look at things from the inside out or capture something unexpected?
Any kind of openness or exploration always breeds some kind of discovery – whether inner or outer.
Images – they’re sometimes more powerful than words.
And basic moments – always more poignant than we know.
Superb Sacramento Subs
There’s really no need to introduce the subject matter of this post, is there? Put some meat, cheese, condiments and perhaps wild extras in between two slices of bread and there you have a sandwich. But for food or just plain sub lovers, it’s really an artform, isn’t it? And learning this tasty past-time ~ not too unpleasant. So stomachs: Start your engines, taste buds: Start the salivating, and lunchtime: Hurry up already.
Here are just a few Sacramento-area sub shop favorites. Got any faves of your own not mentioned here? Share the love and let us in on the flavor revelations!
Roxie Deli & Grocery – Upside: Hearty and addictive sandwiches with lots of vegetarian options and noteworthy sides. Downside: The place has an odd smell, but you can’t eat inside anyway (so does that make it an upside?). 3340 C St, East Sacramento, (916) 443-5402
Corti Bros. – Upside: Very high quality (and piled high) meats and cheeses; a sandwich called the Italian (fennel salami and red pesto – woah). Downside: Pricey. 5810 Folsom Blvd, East Sacramento, (916) 736-3800
Dad’s – Upside: Creative hot and cold subs with fun names, old-school cooler of eclectic pop, patio dining, parking. Downside: Complaints that the portions aren’t big enough. 1310 S St, Downtown, (916) 448-3237
Sampino’s – Upside: Authentic Italian deli with bliss-inducing meatball sub, great Italian breads and soups. Downside: Sandwiches can range from “overeager” to “boring”, but it’s all in the taste buds of the beholder, right? 1607 F St, Downtown, (916) 441-2372
Honorable Mention: Beach Hut – Upside: Beachy-themed decor with friendly staff, fresh, sassy sammies and grass-skirted umbrellas. Downside: Pricey for such a “hang loose”-styled joint. 2406 J St, Midtown (+ various locations), (916) 442-1400
Titanic’s 100th Anniversary…. and the Bright Side to Life
As my husband and I set sail on a cruise tomorrow – the 100th Anniversary of the Titanic sinking – I feel compelled to honor the century-old event, as well as consider the preciousness of what is left behind. Reading survivor stories on the Biography channel (http://www.biography.com/bio-now/titanics-100th-anniversary-6-survivor-stories-20799733), I find some sentiments we can all hold onto.
“White Star Chairman Bruce Ismay boarded a lifeboat to safety and was criticized by many for his decisions regarding Titanic.” A letter from his wife, Florence, however, reveals a desire to focus on the positive:‘I know so well what bitterness of spirit you must be feeling for the loss of so many precious lives and the ship itself that you loved like a living thing. We have both been spared to each other, let us try to make our lives of use in the world.’
Later responding to an inquiry regarding her resilience of spirit, seven-year-old survivor Eva Hart said, “(L)ife has to be lived irrespective of the possible dangers and tragedies lurking round the corner.” So as life does go on for the rest of us and the sun is once again a’shining in good ol’ Sacramento, I suggest you get out there (or come hither) and experience what life presently has to offer!
Such as Sacramento’s Second Saturday events and Sac State’s Festival of the Arts; celebrations of birds, wildflowers and creeks; indigenous history, women in brewing and Banjo-Rama… And that’s just the tip of this week’s events iceburg.
For more info and more things to do check out:
www.Sacramento365.com
www.DowntownGrid.com
Natomas & Her Airport-Friendly Accommodations
Just off the I-5 freeway, minutes from the Sacramento International Airport to the west and downtown Sacramento to the south, is the easy-to-navigate Sacramento suburb of South Natomas. For residents, it’s a haven of restaurants, big-name stores, wide streets, movie theatres and pampering services. For visitors… well, it’s pretty much the same. Plus, a variety of hotels designed to accommodate your business travel, children, pets and airport transportation needs.
So whether you have family coming into town, a business meeting or conference to attend, or you’re the family traveling to the area, here you’ll find Amtrak station and airport terminal shuttles, amongst a host of other amenities and extras!
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Sacramento Airport 95 all-suite rooms, complimentary Suite Seasons breakfast, wireless internet access, business center, indoor pool and jacuzzi, executive boardroom and fitness facility. 2555 Venture Oaks Way, (916) 925-2280
Residence Inn By Marriott- Sacramento Airport 126 oversized studio and two-bedroom suites- many with fireplaces, complementary breakfast, hospitality hour, fully equipped kitchens, exercise room, pool and spa-ahh. 2410 West El Camino Avenue, (916) 649-1300
Homewood Suites Sacramento Airport Upscale family friendly extended stay hotel with 24-hour complementary airport shuttle, 24-hour guest service, hot breakfast, manager’s evening reception, complementary wireless Internet, and Park & Fly packages. 3001 Advantage Way, (916) 263-9510
Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento 154 deluxe accommodations, on-site restaurant and bar, heated outdoor pool and spa, fitness center with in-room Stay-Fit-Kits, 24-hour business center and Pavilion Pantry Convenience Mart, complementary airport and Amtrak shuttle, banquet and meeting space. 2540 Venture Oaks Way, (916) 568-5400
Fairfield Inn & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas Complementary 24-hour airport shuttle, impeccably clean and comfortable rooms, free upgraded continental breakfast, Black Bear Diner. 2540 Venture Oaks Way, (916) 568-5400
Four Points By Sheraton Sacramento Comfortable and uncomplicated, with a full restaurant, room service, lounge and 24-hour shuttle, outdoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, free Internet access, Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed. 4900 Duckhorn Drive, (916) 263-9000
For more information visit www.DiscoverGold.org. Sleep tight and see you around town!
Sunday’s Best
Spend Easter at Enotria or just another Sunday...
EASTER SUNDAY – April 8th, Enotria Sunday Brunch
Join Enotria Restaurant & Wine Bar for a springtime brunch with fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared by Chef Lance Carlini. Featuring Champagne, Mimosas, and a Bloody Mary Bar with House-infused Vodka selections. Dining in the courtyard is available weather permitting, serving hours are 10:00AM to 3:00PM, the cost is $30 per guest, and reservations are recommended. www.enotria.com
STAY: The Greens Hotel (http://www.thegreenshotel.com)
UNIQUE SUNDAY – April 15th, Sews & Bows
Bows & Arrows Beginning Sewing Classes begin, 5-8PM, $25. www.bowscollective.com
STAY: Amber House Bed & Breakfast (www.amberhouse.com)
BOUNTIFUL SUNDAY – Ongoing, Cerftified CA Farmer’s Market
8th & W streets, 8AM-noon. And be sure to click on the link ‘To Your Health’ for immunity tips, energy boosts, fresh recipes, and much more! www.california-grown.com/Market-news.html
STAY: Residence Inn at Capital Park (www.marriott.com)
Enjoy the fine weather, fresh bounty and fun, ecletic things to do in Sacramento~
Revolution Wines V. Rominger West Winery
Celebrating Food, Friends, Wine & Life!
In one corner of Sacramento’s central city we have Revolution Wines, a winery, tasting room and bistro. And in one southeast corner of Davis we have Rominger West, a winery, tasting room and event space. Rominger (pronounced ‘roam’inger) West’s grapes are grown in the coastal range that overlooks the Sacramento Valley. Revolution’s grapes come from various locales in California, including the Sacramento Valley. Both produce and serve red and white wines, although I’ll refrain from comparing them, since wine palate and preference are so individual.
Just off Hwy. 80 at the Mace Blvd. exit, Rominger is in a ‘business park’-like setting across from Target. But once inside, it’s really a non-issue. Revolution is right off of – and almost beneath – the 160 freeway… So as far as convenience goes, they’ve both got that going for them. Revolution hosts wine dinners and release parties, happy hour and Second Saturday functions, and it also has a restaurant on the premises. Rominger West has local businesses cater during their weekly social events that include Thursday Happy Hour, Friday night parties, live music and dance lessons.
Rominger tries to be as sustainable as possible, is in a college town, and yet draws plenty of older folks. Revolution has a nice outdoor patio and offers a $10 deal for tasting and a glass of wine. Seems nearly neck and neck to me, but since these days more than one winner can exist at the same time… I figure it might just come down to where you’re headed or coming from, what day or time it is, and whether or not there’s enough room in your schedule for both.
Here’s to the urban wineries~ Making wine more accessible and mainstream!
www.Revolution-Wines.com, (916) 444-7711, 2831 S St, Sacramento
http://RomingerWest.com, (530) 747-2044, 4602 Second St, Ste 4, Davis
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.
