The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Free
How to Save Gas and Live Longer
Stroll or Roll around the City~
Have you laughed yet today? And do you have any plans to get out there and commune with nature and/or your community?
Correlated? Maybe not directly. But it is hardly disputed that both laughter and connection are good for general wellness. And so, well, that’s in your hands, is it not?!
So I suggest you get out of the house or office, grab the person or people who make you feel lightest, step out of your car or enclosed mode of transportation, and hit the pavement strolling (or rolling). Sacramento is a great place for on-foot adventures and you’ll discover a different kind of intimacy with the city when you explore with all senses exposed. Not to mention, it might remind you of being a kid and all the silly fun that goes with it.
Here’s a link for some tour(ing) ideas… http://discovergold.chambermaster.com/list/category/sightseeing-visitor-services-131
TGIF, Everyone~
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
Fall in Love with February
Sacramento's Historic Crest Theatre
Health First – To detoxify, soothe and pamper your entire being body, mind and soul, take a few gulps from the Fountain of Health and find that radiant you – Anytime. http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/directory/view/entry/20666
Wallet and Family Friendly – Why not take advantage of these four letters (F-R-E-E) and attend Sac’s 14th Annual Free Museum Day?! – February 4. http://www.sacmuseums.org
Culture at Hand – Get a real visual of what makes Sacramento authentic by attending the 12th Annual A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival – February 2. http://www.accesssacramento.org
Belly Full of Beer – And watch for an up-close look at the upcoming 3rd Annual Sacramento Beer Week – February 24th – March 4th, http://www.sacramentobeerweek.com
For much more click and go: http://www.Sacramento365.com
Art, Culture & Ice Cream…. All Free!
Planes, trains and automobiles…
Settlers, science and space…
Art, history and education…
Gold, pottery and artifacts…
Lions, tigers and bears… Say it with me now…
It’s time for the 13th annual Sacramento Museum Day, and all it costs is your time in return!
When: Saturday, February 5, 2011
What: 26 local Museums
Where: Sacramento, CA
Why: Why not?!
Who: Find out at http://www.sacmuseums.org
How: Presented by Sacramento Association of Museums and sponsored by Umpqua Bank
And for the icing on the cake… free ice cream will be served at locations to be determined!
Seeking Musically Inclined, Outdoorsy Types
Friday Night Concerts at Cesar Chavez Park
Sacramento’s Friday Night Concert series is free, sells food and beer, and serves up a nice amount of shade on those hot summer nights. It’s family-friendly, open to all ages, and hosts bands from a range of genres including rock, pop, punk, blues and folk.
Since there are only 2 shows left, all the more reason to partake in a free outdoor concert, complete with diverse people to people-watch, eclectic music as a backdrop or focal point, and special-after concert deals at nearby clubs and restaurants.
It’s a groovy urban experience with plenty of grass underfoot, blue sky above and chillax’n all around. I think they still offer $5 all-night parking at the 10th & I garage as well. And since Downtown Sac is so accessible, there aren’t a lot of legitimate excuses not to try one of the Friday Night Concerts on for size. But hurry! Or wait until next year…
August 6- The Golden Cadillacs, Light Rail, Johnny Guitar Knox & the Soothers
August 13- The Brodys, The Phantom Jets, This Luxury
Friday Nights, 5-9PM
Cesar Chavez Park, 10th & J streets
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.
