The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Museums
Majestic Mansions
Governor’s Mansion, Sacramento, CA
There is, undoubtedly, something magnificent about the grandeur of certain architecture that links our past with our present… Because it is not just about the architecture alone, but the people who created and inhabited the structures themselves. And thanks to several notable one-time Sacramento residents, the elegance and triumphs of the past can still literally be seen and felt by exploring a few of Sacramento’s most infamous mansions.
The Governor’s Mansion was built by a hardware merchant in 1877. It became California’s Executive Mansion in 1903. An example of Second Empire-Italianate architecture, the interior design reflects a mixture of tastes, ranging from the original Victorian builder through all the various governors and first ladies who lived there. With 30 rooms and nine bathrooms, 14-foot ceilings, Persian carpets, Italian marble fireplaces, chandeliers and French mirrors, it was home to thirteen of California’s governors, ending with Governor Ronald Reagan in 1967. [1526 H St., 323-3047, http://www.parks.ca.gov.
The Leland Stanford State Historic Park is a magnificent 19,000-square–foot mansion with soaring 17-foot ceilings, gilded mirrors and exquisitely detailed carved moldings, beautifully restored woodwork, elegant 19th century crystal and bronze light fixtures, historic paintings, 19th-Century style gardens and original period furnishings that belonged to its infamous owners. Originally built in1856, it was later purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford. Leland was a “Big 4” member as well as a California governor. [800 N St., 324-0575, http://www.stanfordmansion.org.
If you care to stay a little longer in one of Sacramento’s history-drenched structures, the Llewellyn Williams Mansion, which is now the International Hostel, is a splendid example of a gold rush era mansion. It has been touted by NorCalHostels.org as “one of California’s best travel deals and America’s most unique hostel.” Built in 1891, the mansion was deemed so historically valuable that it was relocated twice to protect it from demolition. Featuring lavish sitting rooms, stained glass skylights, elegantly carved stairways and chandeliers, its eclectic Italianate-stick style architecture is said to add a whimsical touch to the neighborhood. [925 H St, 443-1691, http://www.norcalhostels.org/sac/
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
No Snow Day? Will You Settle for Some Sunshine?
Views from the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
If you’re a downtown/central city type… Stay at the Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza, order some delicious and (surprisingly) reasonably-priced room service, and then enjoy the views as the sun sparkles through the Tower Bridge and settles into the Sacramento River.
Convenience is king here with immediate freeway access, but I suggest you park the car and leave it because you can hoof it to pretty much whatever your heart desires. Shopping and a brewery (River City) await you at the Downtown Plaza – just steps from your room – and Old Sacramento is not much farther the other direction, home to a handful of classy restaurants, historic sites, intriguing shops and photo ops.
Try Ten22 for dinner or drinks on the patio, Steamers for some breakfast tacos at a sunny sidewalk table, or the Delta King for river views and a more lavish (but still affordable) champagne brunch. Haven’t seen the newly-expanded and highly renovated Crocker Museum yet? It’s just another short jaunt away and will fulfill your more artistic, creative and cultured tastes.
If mom-n-pop is more your style… Stay at the comfy, cozy Amber House Bed & Breakfast in Midtown, unwind with a welcome drink on the porch, and then head out for some boutique shopping ‘afoot. Once those hunger pangs grab hold, grab some grub at Chicago Fire or Zelda’s pizzeria or try Kru or Tamaya Sushi. Independent bookstores and art galleries also abound around here.
Seriously, we’re all feeling pretty spoiled here since the New Year hit, and we’d like nothing more than to share our fine weather, amenities and attractions with you!
[Watch for more photos soon to come~]
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, http://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, http://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, 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!
All Aboard! for New “Fruit” Exhibit at Raiload Museum
If I could just absorb all the vitamin C in this upcoming exhibit, I doubt I’d currently be home nursing a sore throat and chest cold. But lucky for me, there’s still time to recuperate and get myself to the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento for the “Pick Me! Fruit Crate Art & the California Dream” exhibit. Starting March 5th (and running through March 30), we can view more than 80 iconic and whimsically designed fruit crate labels from the 1880s through the early 1950s that inspired many to “Go West” in search of the California Dream.
Gain an appreciation for an early art form that featured beautifully bold imagery, learn how California’s fresh produce was kept cool during transport before refrigerated cars, and discover why the railroad was the key to the early success of the California agriculture industry. Dripping with color, these labels depicted verdant fields and idyllic pastoral scenes, subtly suggesting that California was a magical place – a place where it was always sunny and the grass was somehow greener. To those of us who live here, we know there’s a certain magical aura around California, one usually best seen during dawn or twilight hours. Of course, we still have to deal with real-world stuff – just like everyone else. And no matter how much succulent fruit we produce here, we still get sick sometimes.
Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
More Information: http://www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645
Cost: $9 adults; $4 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under
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!
Museum Stores: Shopping Outside the Box
Unique Holiday Gifts
Be a great gift giver, enjoy the art of gift giving, and feel good about your purchases at the same time! How? By shopping at local museums, finding hidden treasures and holiday gifts, and supporting local history and the parks that preserve it.
When searching for holiday gifts, local shoppers often think of malls and mass retailers. However, hidden treasures and unique items are available at various museums and historic parks throughout the Sacramento area as well. Outlined below is a sampling of some of the unique, quality items waiting to be discovered at a few favorite historic destinations around town.
California State Railroad Museum
California Poppy Necklaces & Earrings — Made exclusively for the Railroad Museum Store, fashion necklaces and earrings are available that showcase an elegant floral design taken from the Santa Fe Railway’s “California Poppy” china pattern. This china pattern was used for decades on many Santa Fe passenger trains traveling to and from California. The necklace comes with a 30″ chain that can be shortened. The earring wires are hypo-allergenic.
Polar Express Merchandise — Of course, the Museum Store sells difficult-to-find and crowd-pleasing Polar Express merchandise, all officially licensed. Gift items include water globes, picture frames, throw blankets, mugs and holiday ornaments.
Gift Memberships — The gift of membership to the California State Railroad Museum makes a wonderful gift with many benefits such as free entrance into the museum, free excursion train rides, special discounts, invitations to members-only events and much, much more!
Huntington & Hopkins Hardward Store (located next to Railroad Museum)
Wooden Toys & Puzzles — Reminiscent of an earlier time, wooden puzzles and time-tested toys spur imagination and hands-on creativity for kids of all ages.
Local History Books — Wonderful and thought-provoking books are available about Sacramento’s role in the Gold Rush and the Pony Express.
Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park
California or State Parks Branded Merchandise — Perfect for California lovers, the Governor’s Mansion SHP store has California branded merchandise such as mini flags, California bear mugs,t-shirts, books, pins and more. Plus, a variety of State Parks branded merchandise is available, too.
Period Popular Jewelry — Affordable yet tasteful costume jewelry (that represents the period of interpretation 1903-1967) is available in the Mansion store and includes necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pins and earrings. Great conversation pieces!
Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park
Books About 19th Century Life — Appropriate for the restored Mansion, two popular books are available at the on-site store, titled “Essential Handbook of Victorian Entertaining” and “Essential Handbook of Victorian Etiquette.” Both books provide guidance for properly conducting oneself in an era where social norms differed materially from those we are familiar with today.
State Indian Museum
Native American Artwork — Unique and original artwork made by talented Native American artisans from all over California is available in the Museum Store.
Soapstone Kits — Wonderful for children with active imaginations who love to explore and enjoy hands-on activities, soapstone carving kits are available in a variety of figurines such as a bear, wolf, sun disk or dolphin.
Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
Corn Husk Doll Angels — Traditional corn husk dolls bring the magic of Christmas as charming angel ornaments. Available handmade by the artisans at Sutter’s Fort or as “do-it-yourself” kits.
Hand-Dipped Beeswax Candles & Pine Cones — Made on-site, Sutter’s Fort SHP has its very own line of beeswax candles and pine cones that range in shapes, sizes, scents and prices. Beeswax candles lit the night during the cold winter of 1846. Now everyone can enjoy the beauty and scent of hand-dipped candles.
No admission fee is necessary to browse through the various on-site stores. More information and hours for the various sites is available online at http://www.parks.ca.gov/CapitalDistrict.
Helloooo, Crocker!
Old Meets New at the Crocker Art Museum
Neo-Crocker 2010
A Modern Culture Party
Saturday, October 16, 8PM – 2AM
Multiple performances and “art experiences”, including DJ Shaun Slaughter, Sacramento Ballet, Unmata, body art, photo shoot, extreme poetry, videos and more. If you get what you pay for, you’ll probably have a lot to talk about come Sunday.
Tickets: $75 in advance, $95 at the door.
http://www.NeoCrocker.com, 1-800-838-3006
Back to Basics
‘Constitution Wall’ is a gigantic work of art built into the courtyard of the California Museum in Downtown Sacramento. On a quiet day you wouldn’t believe how peaceful it can be. On a particularly rambunctious day or while an event it taking place, it’s still breathtaking, even through the activity and noise.
Looking at giant stone words from the United States constitution – protruding and dripping with age – it’s enough to make one nostalgic about our country and how it all began… almost enough to re-ignite some appreciation for the values that originally shaped us… And it makes me wonder: What are we doing wrong these days? What simplicity and decency and agreement about fairness escapes us as a whole? Have we become disconnected from these core values or are they just clouded by other things?
Or, could it be that, “Because of metal oxides embedded in the surface, the colors change over time, ensuring that, like the Constitution itself, the Wall is constantly evolving,” just as we are?
It’s a worthy thought to contemplate alone or conversation to have with others while sitting and looking up at the ideals imbedded in the walls that surround you.
The California Museum • 1020 O Street • Sacramento, CA 95814 • (916) 653-7524
http://www.CaliforniaMuseum.org
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.
