The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Events
K Street’s KBAR: Can’t Complain
Cesar Chavez Park, Friday Night C in the P
They have patio and indoor open-air seating, a nice selection of savory bites (like Salt & Spice Peanut Caramel Corn, Housemade Chips, Mac & Cheese), late night hours, a can’t-beat Happy Hour, and bottomless Mimosa brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (see you there?!).
Now, I’m not usually tempted by specialty drinks but the ‘Love in a Glass’, ‘Springtini’, ‘Pineapple Vodka Mojito’ and ‘The Happy Hendrick’ made me second-guess my ‘vodka cran with a splash of soda’… and just may lure me back a second time.
http://www.paragarys.com/sacramento-restaurants/k-bar/
P.S. For cool and explosive things to do tonight and tomorrow (in honor of our Independence Day), check out: http://www.DowntownGrid.com
And for some mouth-watering, just-picked nutrition, check out what’s in season at Sacramento’s Farmers’ Markets. For instance, peach varieties include the white Ice Princess, the donut-shaped Galaxy White, and the yellow Summer Sweet. Nectarine varieties include the super sweet yellow Honey Blaze and the yellow Bright Pearl. http://www.california-grown.com/Market-times.html
A Spell of the Senses
A Great Gathering Place
Always refreshing it is for me to find people not operating from a place of rules and rigidity, but rather graciousness and openness. And since this usually breeds a sense of freedom and enjoyment, these are the people with whom I want to move forward in life.
This is how I feel when I am in the company of the people at Berryessa Gap. Their annual ‘Springtime in the Vineyard’ gathering over Memorial Day weekend, for instance, was like a breath of fresh air ~ with wine flowing, food in abundance, expansive views and friendly folks from all over. They just have a way of attracting and pulling fun, friendly people together; including the talented, folksy musical duo Misner & Smith, who painted the backdrop with their beautiful blend of harmonies.
Sipping a glass of Verdelho as Tom finishes his second shrimp and carnitas burrito, with the sun glistening on the just-sprinkled upon vines, it seems to me exactly what ‘The Good Life, Sacramento’ is all about. For if you listen, look, take a whiff, and happen to detect a slice of the good life… I’d say you were right on the money with this vintage. If you go, nevertheless, prepare for potentially rapidly-changing weather, as the same moisture that encourages the plumpness from the coastal range’s grapes has been known to make a sudden appearance on a perfectly sun-shiney day.
Berryessa Gap is known for their Spanish varietals and ‘Life is short so enjoy them now’ philosophy. They have two tasting rooms in Winters – one downtown and another in the winery – and plenty of great events (from small Friday night gatherings to the annual Paella Contest).
What’s a’Happenin’, Hotstuff?
Early Summer Fun
Sexy, saucy play ‘OR’ to debut and close out 6-year run at the Delta King Theatre – June 17 – July 17. In addition, the Pilothouse Restaurant will be offering a specially priced $29 three-course dinner for theatre patrons. 916-995-5464, http://www.capstage.org
From Farm to You~
Announcing New Farmers’ Markets Locations:
1)Beautiful east end State Capitol Park, 15th & L Streets, every Thursday, 10AM to 1:30PM
2)St. Rose of Lima Park, 7th & K Street, every Friday, 10AM to 1:30PM (street or mall parking, light rail)
http://www.ca-grown.com
Portuguese Partay~
Come One, Come All for a Parade, Mass, Auction, Eats, Live Music & Fresh Air! The Freeport/Clarksburg Portuguese Festa will be held Sunday, June 19th at 54113 S. River Rd. 916-373-9942
100 Years of Making a Difference~
Stop to once again celebrate your rights at the Sacramento History Museum with the unveiling of the ‘We Won the Vote’ exhibit on June 16th. 916-808-7059, http://www.historicoldsac.org
May Madness: So Much to See & Do in Sac & Beyond!
If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?
FUN, of course~
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Announcing the kick-off the 20th season of Friday Night Concerts in the Park.
May 6th and every Friday night, 5-9PM, through August 12.
Cesar Chavez Park, Downtown
http://www.SacFridayConcerts.com
ART & WINE AFFAIR
20 area wineries, artists, vendors, live entertainment.
Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8, 11-4PM
El Dorado Hills
916-802-6924, http://www.eldoradohillsartaffaire.com
PIXAR COLLECTION
Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions presents the Pixar Collection worldwide debut — One Day Only!
Sunday, May 15, 11AM to 4PM
California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park
916-445-6645, http://www.csrmf.org
NATURE TOURS
Delta Eco-Tours – Take a short or long nature and cultural history tour of California’s best and most breathtaking locations along the Sacramento Delta.
Saturday, May 21, 2-hour History & Riparian Cruise
Saturday, May 28, 4-1/2 hour Tule Wilderness Adventure
Delta Ecotours/Hartland Nursery
13737 Grand Island Road (P.O. Box 439), Walnut Grove, CA 95690
(916) 775-4545, http://www.DeltaEcoTours.com
HISTORY TOURS
Gold Rush Legacy Tours and Old Sacramento Architectural Tours begin in May and go all summer long.
Saturdays & Sundays at 11AM
916-808-7059, http://www.historicoldsac.org
And for more ongoing, engaging and special events check out http://www.Sacramento365.com!
Life, Death & Things to Do at the Old City Cemetery
Death is scary business. It can be scary for us all, but because it is a reality, it can also be a business… and yet it’s still more than that. Although a practical comparison, saying death is the opposite of life does not seem entirely true when one visits an old cemetery. Surely, there’s more to life than death, but I think there’s also more to death than death itself.
Consider the Old City Cemetery that borders Sacramento’s Downtown and Land Park neighborhoods. It is the resting place for many of Sacramento’s original inhabitants. And by marking and noting their deaths, we are also reminded of their lives… which makes me for one think about how I’m living my own.
There are stories of love tragically lost and life cut too short, and reminders of the hardships that befell those who came before us. There are also stories of love that seems to transcend life, and tales of life lived so fully that we are prompted to question the manner in which we are currently living.
History can be fascinating itself; it is especially fascinating when it covers the birth of a new age, like the Gold Rush era of the “old” west. And there is no place quite like the resting place for those early settlers. Walk yourself through the cemetery and ponder the lives and deaths captured there, or take a docent-led tour and learn about the early history of Sacramento. Watch for the wildly popular Lantern Tours in the fall, take a Garden Tour in the spring or History Tour this weekend. Perhaps consider getting involved with a volunteer project or just stopping by the new Visitor Center.
When all is said and done, there should be time to ponder, reflect and pay homage. The past, after all, is always imbedded in our future, whether we’re aware of it or not. Those who came before us are forever a part of us. Sometimes taking our eye of the prize off the future to look backward – and inward – we are reminded how precious every moment really is.
For a list of events and more, please visit http://www.oldcitycemetery.com
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.
