The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for animals
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~
The Pony Express Rides Again
Wanted: A Few Good Horses
The term “lightening speed” is certainly relative; what was considered lightening speed in the 1800s can hardly compare to the progress we’ve made today. However, imagine living in a simpler, more rustic time… when travel was always cumbersome and communication across vast lands was painstakingly slow. And then imagine something coming along – say, a horse and man – that changes everything you once knew – practically overnight.
When people moved out west, letters were carried by boat, and it took about six months to send or receive a letter by ship. It was a way to communicate, yes. But as far as efficiency goes, it was obviously far from ideal. So when the Pony Express was imagined to life in 1860, and it only took 10 days across the United States on horseback, imagine how many facets of life were affected by it!
The Pony Express was special because it connected East and West in a manner never done before. For 19 months the Central Overland and California Pikes Peak Express Company carried letters and telegrams through challenging terrain to prove the most central route through Salt Lake was passable year round. That trail is now a federally designated Historic Trail.
2010 marks the 150th Anniversary of inception of the Pony Express. And from June 6th to the 26th, The National Pony Express Association will conduct an anniversary Re-Ride over the 1,966 mile route of the National Historic Trail from California through Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas to Missouri. There will be various checkpoints and exchange stops with operators who will radio information to the public. GPS transmitters will also be carried by the riders, which will transmit location to a satellite.
The men and horses of the Pony Express originally set off on their journey from what is now Old Sacramento. You can see the statue at the corner of 2nd and I streets and see artifacts at the Wells Fargo History Museum.
Sometimes, something comes along that changes what we know, how we live and how we think. And sometimes, we have to look back and honor what was to more thoughtfully and deliberately appreciate what is. As for the period of the Pony Express, while it may have been brief, its existence was far from insignificant. After all, it was a simpler but groundbreaking time, and the Pony Express is a symbol of our love affair with the American West.
Come join the kick-off anniversary ride and festivities: Monday, June 7, 10a.m., Old Sacramento. Visit www.xphomestation.com for more up-to-date information and anniversary events across the nation.
Golfing for Charity: Hole in One
Did you hear about the charity events?
Do you like golf and charity? The great outdoors and little critters? Here are two options to fulfill all of the above just in time for spring and right around the bend:
You can help the SSPCA aim for the well being of our furry friends with the first annual PAWS, PALS, & PUTTS Golf Tournament on April 26th at the Del Paso Country Club. Specifically, the benefits proceed the Sacramento SPCA Senior Services, which help facilitate ongoing relationships between seniors and pets. Helping both people and animals… now that’s my cup of tea! For more information, call (916) 383-7387, ext. 9102 or visit www.sspca.org.
Or join the Yolo Basin Foundation in rooting for our feathered friends at the PUTTS for DUCKS Golf Tournament, Friday, May 14th at Wildhorse Golf Course in Davis. Proceeds from the golf tournament will fund Discover the Flyway, the hands-on wetlands education program that serves 4,000 students annually. It’s another win-win. Just call (530) 758-1018 or click on www.YoloBasin.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.
