The Sacramento and American Rivers run through the Sacramento Valley and converge near Old Sacramento at Discovery Park. Needless to say, river recreation – ranging from boating, jetskiing and fishing to riverfront dining, drinking and sightseeing – is a locals’ favorite. But there’s also biking, running and nature viewing on the beloved American River Parkway, which gets a near 5-star overall rating on Yelp.com. There’s nightlife and live music at various locations along the rivers, from the delta towns of Nicolaus and Clarksburg to the lake-bejeweled city of Folsom. There are beaches, boat docks, riverfront parks and plenty of visitor experiences (complete with river-view hotels) as well, lining certain swatches of land along the lush riverfronts. But if you ask any one local, you’re likely to get a variety of responses, suggestions and impressions of how the rivers help characterize our fair city.

For instance, Swabbies is a rustic restaurant and bar that serves up ultra-fried foods, refreshments for the whole family and live music every weekend. Just a few minutes northwest of the airport off I-5, it’s a bit of a local local’s secret, if you know what I mean. But it’s earthy and welcoming enough for just about anyone. You can putter up and dock there by boat or jetski, roll up on the hog, or pull up in the family station wagon. While it’s a bit of an old school ‘party place’, it’s one place you’re also likely to see a bachelorette party peacefully perched right next to a family birthday celebration.

The only thing I think it’s missing: An old weather-beaten Pirate ship half buried in the sand, along with the ghost of its captain dangling from the upper deck, his “Aaarrrrs” sometimes audible when the Delta breezes gently tousle your hair.

www.Swabbies.com
916.920.8088