The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Accomodations
Out & About
If you’re in the Arden area…
You might be shopping at the light, bright Arden Fair and eating at the world-famous Cheesecake Factory, but you might also consider shopping at The Rack (where great deals can be found) and dining at Coco’s (where breakfast always comes with your choice of fresh-baked goodie).
If you’re in the El Dorado/Folsom area…
You might be shopping at the grand Palladio and listening to music at the new Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, but you might also consider Happy Hour at Sienna (a lively time with savory appetizers) or sake tasting at Gekkeikan Sake (take a tour and enjoy the Koi pond).
There’s so much out there to see, do, taste, feel and experience, one tiny move away from your norm can heighten your senses, enhance your spirit, and enrich your enjoyment. Isn’t that what life is all about?!
For more ways to kick up your Sacramento area experience, stay at a Gold Card participating hotel, where you’ll find great deals all around town! http://www.discovergold.org/visitors/goldcard/merchants.cfm
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 http://www.DiscoverGold.org. Sleep tight and see you around town!
Sacramento’s Hidden Gems – Discovered!
The new Sacramento Visitors Guide is here!
Pick up your free copy of the 2012 spring/summer Sacramento Visitors Guide now. Get it at participating hotels, Sacramento visitors centers or the Convention Center; order it online (http://www.discovergold.org/visitors/freevisitorsguide.cfm) or call for a free copy – 800-292-2334. And while you’re waiting, here’s a sneak peak…
Diamonds in the Rough ~ Uncover Sacramento’s Unique Gems
By Melanie Noel Light
Unique to Sacramento, eclectic in experience, and as quaint as the neighborhoods they’re in, these experiences will leave a lasting impression on your senses.
SAVORY
The Firehouse – Known for its overall elegance, romantic courtyard and impressive wine cellar, the aptly-awarded Firehouse Restaurant has been a charmer since it opened in 1960. Quality customer service and enhancement of celebrations are the goals of The Firehouse’s General Manager and Wine Director Mario Ortiz, who celebrated his 40th anniversary with the restaurant in 2011. Working his way from busboy to virtually self-taught sommelier, Mario spent years visiting with the area’s top winemakers and learning to pair The Firehouse’s “California nouveau continental cuisine” with the restaurant’s 2,400 labels. Go for a romantic meal in the courtyard or try wine tasting Tuesdays in the wine cellar. 1112 2nd St., 916-442-4772, http://www.firehouseoldsac.com
>Stay – Old Sacramento hotels include the Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn Capital Plaza
Jim Denny’s – The just-cooked-in-front-of-you quality of Jim Denny’s makes a visit to this tiny but mighty pre- and post-wartime eatery worth the typically-long wait. Known for their burgers, chili and monster omelets, it’s definitely quaint, always delicious, and a Food Network favorite. 816 12th St., 916-443-9655, http://www.jim-dennys.com
>Stay – Nearby Downtown hotels include the Hyatt, Sheraton Grand and The Citizen
STREET-SMART
Local Roots Food Tours – Let Lisa take you on a journey-afoot through Sacramento’s historic neighborhoods and unique eateries. Learn tidbits about the area’s architectural and haunted history, and sample locally-inspired signature dishes and drinks. Wear comfy shoes and have camera on hand for photo ops. 800-838-3006, http://www.local-food-tours.com
Bows & Arrows – Bows & Arrows is quintessentially Midtown with vintage shop, gallery space, café lounge and whimsical patio. The multi-use space, eclectic lighting and homemade goods (try the lime avocado popsicle) offer an intimate peek into what makes Midtown so uniquely “indy”. 1815 19th St., 916-822-5668, http://www.bowscollective.com
>Stay – Midtown accommodations include Amber House Bed & Breakfast
SOUVENIERS
Visions of Eden – For a glimpse of the finer (but still attainable) things in life, Visions of Eden is inviting and awe-inspiring. Luxuries for the home include dazzling Fire & Light glassware, mesmerizing pit and pendulums, luxurious tapestries and splendid garden decor. 126 J St., 916-448-1499, http://www.visions-of-eden.com
Evangeline’s – For a little unadulterated fun step into Evangeline’s for hard-to-find knick-knacks, costumes, accessories, and things that will coax a chuckle out of you. Never again underestimate the wonders of bacon- or mullet-inspired gifts. 113 K St., 916-448-2594, http://www.evangelines.com
>Stay – Old Sacramento area hotels include the historic Delta King
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~]
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here 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 night-time 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.
