The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Lodging
Where Every Day is a Birthday!
We all need great stories!
Whimsy = ‘The quality of being slightly odd or playfully humorous, especially in an endearing way.’ Aside from maybe Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka, who better embodies this concept than Dr. Seuss?! And to honor the beloved author Theodor Seuss Geisel, Fairytale Town is having one big, perfectly lopsided and satisfyingly silly birthday bash.
The fun will include continuous book readings at the Mother Goose Stage, Seuss-inspired hand’s on activities (like making ‘Cat in the Hat’ hats), and local celebrity appearances. The celebration is part of Read Across America Day, organized by the National Education Association to promote reading.
What: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration
When: Saturday, Mar. 2, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Park Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Where: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822
How Much: Admission Fees: $5 weekends & holidays, children 1 and under are admitted free
Hello: (916) 808-7462, mail@fairytaletown.org, http://www.fairytaletown.org
If you haven’t been to Fairytale Town, it’s really something everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. Coax your inner child out if you don’t have any of the flesh and blood type yourself. Although I do think Fairytale Town requires that adults be accompanied by a child, so maybe borrow one for the day… And then rest your weary head here: https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_rn=4&gs_ri=psy-ab&tok=G-xL_v0w70KE6xD2snNO8Q&cp=7&gs_id=q&xhr=t&q=hotels&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42661473,d.cGE&biw=1366&bih=643&wrapid=tljp1361470547275012&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl&authuser=0
Whimsy = ‘An idea that has no immediately obvious reason to exist.’ So does that make it superfluous?
I’d call it creative.
Comfort & Joy (& not necessarily in that order)
Holiday Shopping in Sacramento comes in all shapes and sizes, from malls to historic spots, boutiques to vintage shops, galleries to antique stops. Whether you’re in search of whimsical gifts or just want to reward yourself royally, sometimes the journey is the best part of the adventure. As for the destination, nevertheless, there are some really great shopping + hotel packages currently available for those wanting to immerse in the holiday cheer. http://pages.exacttarget.com/SacramentoWinter2012Deals/
For your shopping options, here are a few local favorites, as well as a few images to your right to stimulate the shopping appetite.
Malls:
Arden Fair, Downtown Plaza, Pavilions, Roseville Galleria, Town & Country
Historic Spots: Old Sacramento, CA State Railroad Museum
Specialty:
Evangeline’s, Lumens Light + Living, Collected Works Gifts
Boutiques:
Felicia Strati, Cuffs, French Cuff Consignment
Vintage Shops:
Thunderhorse, Crimson & Clover, Racks
Galleries: Crocker Art Museum, Artists’ Collaborative Gallery, Spanglish Arte
Antique Stops:
Sacramento Antique Faire, Fringe, 57th Street Antique Row
(Don’t forget your comfy shoes!)
Food, Shelter & Curiosity
Take a Nice Autumn Stroll…
Are you looking for a place to have a nice Thanksgiving meal?http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/events/index.php
Are you looking for a nice place to rest your weary head? http://pages.exacttarget.com/page.aspx?QS=38dfbe491fab00eaeef96aa0cf2aef64b0732a4cdc94047ff8ef05f40e7b5adc
Are you looking for a reason to be grateful? “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” — Thornton Wilder
Are you wondering why Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday?? Thanksgiving was established as a National Holiday by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War, and he specified that the last Thursday of each November should be set aside as a day to give thanks for the founding of our nation.
Ok…. but why?
Because that was the day President Abraham Lincoln observed the holiday when he declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.
Still not satisfied?
It is apparently not known on exactly what day the Puritans celebrated Thanksgiving, but it is believed to have occurred in October. “It may be that Thursday (and November) became tradition in order to distance the event from the Sabbath day among the Puritan colonists. Thursday was also a typical day for lectures in New England, with ministers giving a religious talk each Thursday afternoon.” Practically speaking, Washington celebrated Thanksgiving on a Thursday, and Lincoln continued the tradition.
Well, you can’t say our country isn’t at least interesting…
Bountiful Blessings, Everyone (and tip top digestion to you)!
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, http://www.LeRivageHotel.com
More: Fairytaletown.org, (916) 808-7462
Style & Comfort Meet Location, Location, Location
Looking out the 9th floor window of the Citizen Hotel in Downtown Sac, I immediately see the heart of the Central City, and then beyond it the foothills at the base of the Sierra Mountains. The ornate and looming Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament hoists five golden crosses in the air and six California and American flags wave from various nearby building tops. There’s a blanket of dark green trees to my left (east west) just beyond the stunning Elks Tower (circa 1926), but far and to the right is an even more expansive blanket of lushness softening the perimeters. The city is somewhat unfamiliar from this vantage point and that evokes in me a slight sense of excitement, like perching on the edge of a new adventure.
What’s the history of this long-standing building? I ponder… And are there any ghosts caught in the howling wind outside our door?
[Rates at the Citizen are surprisingly affordable, especially on the weekends. Try a Friday night and walk across the street for the FREE Friday Night Concert series; Walk to one of the nearby clubs or countless eateries; Check out the IMAX or visit the historic Crest Theatre for an independent or foreign film. http://www.CitizenHotel.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.
