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September 1, 2017

Fall in Downtown Sacramento

Fall season in downtown Sacramento, USA

After a long and hot summer, locals in Sacramento usually welcome in the crisp, cool days of fall with open arms. For those who want to make the most of all that the season has to offer, here are a few of the best fall activities to try in the city.

Sacramento River Fall Foliage
Fall foliage is always one of the highlights of the fall months, and the best place in Sacramento to view this is along the Sacramento River. The river is lined on both sides by a variety of different trees, all of which transform from green to golds and reds in the late fall months. While you can simply take a stroll along the river to take in all of the colors, you could also try out a river cruise, which will give you the opportunity to enjoy a meal or a glass of champagne as you cruise by the stunning foliage.

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Walking Tours
With the weather being slightly cooler in the fall, this is a great time of the year to sign up for a walking tour, as you will not feel as overwhelmed by the heat as you would have in the summer. There are so many different tours available, depending on what you are interested in. For those who want to soak up some history, try a historic walking tour of Old Sacramento, or, if you are an avid foodie, sign up for food tours that showcase the city’s culinary specialties.

Fall Festivals
There are so many fall festivals to choose from in Sacramento, ranging from music to food to beer. The California Brewers Festival is always a popular one, as this showcases an incredible selection of local brewers and beers, as does Oktoberfest, which is also a great place to soak up some German culture. The annual Farm to Fork Festival is another one that you should not miss, especially since Sacramento is the farm to fork capital of the United States, guaranteeing the highest quality food. For those visiting Sacramento with their family, including young children, do not miss out on the Delta Fall Harvest Festival, which offers everything from grape stomping to pumpkin picking to hay rides. The Sacramento Harvest Festival is also worth checking out, and this takes place on the weekend before Thanksgiving, with everything from music and entertainment to hundreds of stalls where you can do some shopping.

Woman picking red apples

Apple Hill
As you would imagine from its name, Apple Hill is abundant with apple trees, and there are over 50 ranches located here. In the fall, these apples are ripe for picking, and many of the ranches here offer pick-your-own experiences for visitors. Denver Dan’s is one of the very best orchards to head to, as they grow over 50 different varieties of apples, giving you the opportunity to sample different types and learn about the unique features of each.

Sacramento is a fantastic destination to visit throughout the year, but it definitely does take on a magical air during the months of fall. From bountiful harvests to seasonal festivals, this is a great time of the year to visit California’s capital.

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August 30, 2017

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Top Five Outdoor Activities in Sacramento

Couple cycling in the outdoors

Sacramento enjoys gorgeous weather throughout the year, and there will always be days when it is just too beautiful to stay cooped up inside. From splashing away in the river to taking a bike ride, here are the top five outdoor activities that California’s capital has to offer.

Cycling The American River Trail
The American River Trail stretches for 32 miles, beginning at the heart of downtown Sacramento and ending up at Folsom. While it is just as enjoyable walking this trail, this does mean that you will not get to see all of it, which is why cycling is usually the preferred option, as there is so much scenery that you will not want to miss. If you do not want to cycle on your own, there are many different cycling events that you can sign up for, as well as races if you are feeling especially competitive.

The Sacramento River
There are so many outdoor activities to be found along the Sacramento River, making this a great spot for water-lovers to head to. In the summer months, the water levels are lower, but there are still plenty of stretches that are great for white water rafting, making this one of the most popular river sports. Alternatively, there are many outlets that rent kayaks for the day, or, if you would prefer something more relaxing, you could simply grab a tube and float your way down the river.

Amusement Parks
Sacramento is home to several different amusement parks, and these are always a fun way in which to spend a sunny day. Funderland is one of the most popular, and is designed for children between the ages of 2 to 12, as is Fairytale Town, which features characters and play sets from popular fairytales. If you are seeking out a larger, more thrill-focussed amusement park, you may have to head further afield to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, which is about a two hour drive from the city center.

Man playing golf outdoors

A Round of Golf
Sacramento boasts several spectacular golf courses, making this a haven for those who enjoy the sport. Each course is quite unique in its own way, such as with Teal Bend, which features 250 acres of natural wetlands and the largest all-grass driving range in the entire city. Dark Horse is a course with quite an innovative layout, while the granite quarry turned lake at Turkey Creek is the focal point of the course. For those who are seeking out a private, rather than public, golf course, head to the Winchester Country Club, where you will be able to enjoy amazing views of Sacramento Valley as you play.

William Land Park
Although William Land Park may be located in the heart of the city, it is easy to forget that you are in Sacramento once you enter its green, expansive grounds. There are so many different outdoor activities that you can try your hand at here, from baseball to the zoo, and there are also several outdoor special events held here throughout the year.

For those who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, you will definitely have fun in Sacramento. Whether you are into adrenaline-filled sports or simply want to lay back and soak up some sun, you will be spoilt for choice with all that the city has to offer.

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August 28, 2017

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Night Life in California’s Capital

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While Sacramento may already be buzzing during the day, the city comes to life in a whole new way once the sun goes down. From sleek cocktail bars to pulsating nightclubs, here are some of the night life spots in Sacramento that you will not want to miss out on.

Mix Downtown
Many would consider Mix to be the most sophisticated club in Sacramento, especially since they have 25 different wines available by the glass. This is a rooftop club that offers fantastic views of the city from its open patio, as well as fire pits and heated lamps for those chillier evenings. If you are looking for a bargain, try to plan your visit during happy hour, or on a Sunday when there are so many drink specials available.

Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co.
The Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Co. pride themselves on showcasing some of Sacramento’s fresh produce, and use this to create one-of-a-kind concoctions. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a few cocktails, all of which feature such a unique mix of ingredients, resulting in flavors that you will have never tasted before.

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Vanguard
While Vanguard may be one of the smallest nightclubs in the city, its intimacy and original décor helps it to stand out from its competition. The brick walls add a laid back feel to the venue, while the leather armchairs and books almost make it feel like a library. However, thanks to the resident DJ that spins a mix of hip hop and house, as well as handcrafted cocktails, this is a club that is always jumping.

The Park Ultra Lounge
For those seeking out a sophisticated nightclub at which you can really dance the night away, the Park Ultra Lounge is the place to go. While you may have to queue up for a while outside before entering, the wait is usually worth it thanks to the clubs expansive layout. In addition to its massive dance floor, the club also boasts several different bars and a fire pit, as well as plenty of table space, which is something that is lacking from many of the other nightclubs in the area.

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Harlow’s
Harlow’s is known for its live music, and showcases renowned musicians as well as up and coming locals. Whether you are into blues and jazz or classic rock and roll, there will no doubt be a musical act performing here that you will love. The club has been designed in quite a clever way, in that you can see the stage from just about everywhere, while the dance floor is large enough to not feel too claustrophobic. The outdoor patio here is also a highlight, with many considering it to be one of the finest in the city.

Sacramento boasts some incredible night life, and this is something that every visitor should experience at least once during their stay. Whether you head to Hook & Ladder for some speciality cocktails, or do some wine tasting at Mix, the nightlife that you will find in California’s capital will definitely not disappoint.

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February 17, 2017

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Plan a Day Trip: San Francisco to Sacramento

Filled with history, culture and plenty of entertainment, Sacramento makes for the perfect day trip destination. For those visiting Sacramento from San Francisco, here are a few snippets of information to make planning your trip much easier.

Getting to Sacramento
While there are a few different ways in which you can travel from San Francisco to Sacramento, driving is by far the easiest, as well as the quickest, with the journey only taking one and a half hours. For those who want to be car-free for the trip, you also have the option of taking the train or the bus, which only takes slightly longer.

Things to Do
Sacramento is home to a number of different museums, from history to art to transportation, and this tends to be one of the highlights for many visitors. The Crocker Art Museum is a world-famous one, with art collections from Europe, Asia and California, while the California State Railroad Museum is considered to be one of the best in the state. Other museums worth checking out include the California State Capitol Museum, the California Automobile Museum and the California State Indian Museum. For those visiting the city with young children, a visit to the Sacramento Zoo is a must, as is Funderland Park. This is a small amusement park that dates back to 1946, and has nine rides aimed at young kids, meaning that it will not take up too much of your day either. For those who want some time outdoors, head to Discovery Park, which stretches out for over 300 acres and contains everything from biking trails to fishing boat launches, or simply take a stroll along the River Walk, enjoying the views of the city skyline.

Sacramento river walk

Where to Eat
When you first arrive in Sacramento, chances are you will want a quick breakfast stop, so head to the Freeport Bakery, whose fresh, warm cinnamon rolls make for the perfect morning pick-me-up. When it comes time for lunch, the 33rd Street Bistro is a great spot to eat at, as it specializes in casual, regional American cuisine. Of course, you are likely to want a more upscale eatery for your dinner, of which there are plenty to choose from. The contemporary Kitchen Restaurant is known for serving up some of the best food in the city, but often has a month long waiting list, making advance booking absolutely essential. Paragary’s Bar and Oven in Old Sacramento is another hotspot with their hearty, seasonal cuisine, while The Firehouse is a historical institution that dates back to 1853, and has won numerous awards for its food. Biba can also be found in Sacramento, which is the restaurant run by Biba Caggiano, host of a national cooking show and author of six northern Italian cookbooks.

In order to really make the most of your Sacramento day trip, you need to do as much advance planning as possible. From working out the route that you need to take to actually get there, to planning a detailed itinerary for the day, Sacramento is a day trip destination that you will likely want to return to sometime soon.

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February 15, 2017

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Take a Stroll Through Old Sacramento

Established during the 1849 California Gold Rush, Old Sacramento was the very first historic district to be created in the western United States, and is home today to a wide variety of museums, attractions and dining options. Covering an area of 28 acres along the banks of the Sacramento River, here are just a few of the highlights that you can expect to see when taking a stroll through Old Sacramento.

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The Museums of Old Sacramento
While you may not have time to fully tour each of the museums of Old Sacramento, they are all located within walking distance of each other, making it easy to spend a small amount of time at each as you pass by. The California Automobile Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts, as it has over 150 exhibits that tell the story of the development of the automobile. The California State Railroad Museum is another one that focuses on transport, with everything from extravagantly restored trains to antique locomotives. Of course, the Sacramento History Museum is definitely worth stopping off at if you want to learn more about the city’s dramatic history, as well as its turbulent Gold Rush past, while the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a living replica of a one-room schoolhouse from California’s early days.

The Delta King
Located at the end of Old Sacramento, the Delta King is a historic riverboat that dates back to 1927, and has been beautifully restored since then. While the boat does not run anymore and is permanently docked here, it is still open for the public to explore, and even has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a stunning waterfront backdrop.

Old Sacramento Underground Tours
Depending on how much time you have to spare, an underground tour of the city is well worth taking. These tours begin at the Sacramento History Museum, and take visitors down through excavated foundations and enclosed pathways, while teaching them all about the only successful street-raising project in California.

Shops and Restaurants
Old Sacramento is home to a wide range of shops and restaurants that each manage to maintain a quaint and traditional charm. The shops, of which there are everything from toys to handcrafted jewellery, can easily be browsed as you stroll through the town, and you are likely to pick up a few unique souvenirs, whether this may be a local piece of art, or a photograph of you and your group dressed up in Old West attire, a service that is provided by the town’s two old-fashioned photo shops. When it comes to restaurants, there are many to choose from, but if you are just seeking a sweet treat to snack on while you wander through town, head to Danny’s Mini Donuts, or to Munchies Salt Water Taffy.

Old Sacramento is an area unlike any other, and really does make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. While you may not be able to explore the entire area on foot, a leisurely stroll through Old Sacramento will still reward you with plenty of memorable experiences.