The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Adult Fun
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
Magic, Mystery, Mayhem
Fairytale Town Lights the Night (Adults Only)
Finally, Fairytale Town sets the mood for adults with their 2nd annual Moonlight Costume Ball: Arabian Nights! Proceeds go back to the park and into kids’ programs, so don’t feel guilty leaving them at home for a night.
When: August 6th, 7-11PM
What: Live music and DJ, belly dancers, henna tattoos, physic readings, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine, and two exotic bars
How: Costumes required but Contests and Raffles yield prizes
How Much: $10 in advance or $15 at the door
Where to Stay: Le Rivage Boutique Hotel, www.LeRivageHotel.com
More: Fairytaletown.org, (916) 808-7462
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.
