2021 VISIT SACRAMENTO' VISITORS GUIDE

2021 Visitors’ Guide

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IN THIS ISSUE ON THE COVER:

2021 Visitors’ Guide

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The summer sun sets and casts a beautiful glow over Golden 1 Center, DOCO and Downtown.

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WELCOME BACK

26 SACRAMENTO CONVENTION CENTER

FEATURES 6

Instagram: #VisitSacramento

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Across Sac: Farm to Fork

12 Welcome Back to Sacramento!

16 Weekender: California Gold Country 24 District Spotlight: Oak Park 26 What’s New: Convention Center 30 Museums and Performing Arts

Tim Engle

Tim Engle

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SAC FACTS 4

Mayor’s Welcome

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Getting Around

21 Pullout Maps

CITY GUIDE 34 Accommodations: Stay Awhile 42 Event Calendar: Well Worth the Wait

36 Dining: Be Our Guest

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WELCOME TO SACRAMENTO DEAR FRIENDS, I cannot express how wonderful it feels to welcome you back to Sacramento.

After so much time spent in our own homes and managing tremendous challenges, I hope you’ll find that our city is the perfect place to reclaim some adventure, some fun and some relaxation.

Sacramento was built for moments like this.

Throughout our history, our community has overcome significant challenges and emerged even stronger in the end. I think you’ll quickly discover that from our restaurants to our museums, our performing arts centers to our retailers, Sacramento stands ready for exploration with open arms.

And there’s truly never been a more important time to travel. Your support of our local businesses is essential in helping residents

regain jobs, rebuild their neighborhoods and re-enter life with a sense of hope. Travel is also restorative in nature, providing the human spirit time to reconnect with the people and experiences that are most important. And right now, I think we all need that more than ever.

In this issue of the Visitors’ Guide, you can learn more about some of the people and places that continue to make Sacramento such a special place. And I hope whether you are a visitor or longtime resident, you’ll consider this your invitation to do some exploring. Because no matter the circumstances, there’s still nowhere else quite like Sacramento.

Sincerely, Mayor Darrell Steinberg

SACRAMENTO VISITORS’ GUIDE PUBLISHER

Dennis Rainey, Sacramento Media

MANAGING EDITOR

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Brandon Darnell

EDITOR

ONLY IN SACRAMENTO Hailed as one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in America, Sacramento got its start as a supply center for prospectors from around the globe during the 1849 Gold Rush.

Since 1854, the city has served as the political nucleus of the nation’s most influential state, with the sixth-largest economy in the world.

The Sacramento Visitors’ Guide is a marketing piece for Visit Sacramento. Visit Sacramento is not responsible for any discrepancies or changes that may occur. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Additional copies are available from Visit Sacramento.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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1608 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 808-7777 (800) 292-2334 Fax (916) 808-7788 FOLLOW US FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND SACRAMENTO

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Photo courtesy of Regional Transit

GETTING AROUND

Parking Your Car Sacramento is a very walkable city, but with so much to see and do throughout the region, it helps to have an insider’s peek into the best ways to get around.

We know a lot of our visitors drive into Sacramento, and if your hotel doesn’t have a parking garage, or you just need to park for dinner or a visit to a museum, there’s an easier way than just driving around looking for spots. City parking spots in certain areas can be reserved via the ParkMobile app, letting you better plan what time you leave and be confident that you’ll have parking close to your destination.

The ParkMobile app also allows drivers to pay for parking, and if the meter is about to run out, drivers receive an alert on their phones letting them know, with the option to add more money to keep from getting a ticket.

In many places in Sacramento, drivers will see a circular sign with a number and a plus sign in it, such as (2+). That sign means that the rate for parking will go up after the first two hours, and the meters themselves have the information of exact costs.

Public Transit For those who prefer to leave the car at home and travel around the region and downtown area, the Sacramento Regional Transit operates an array of buses and light rail lines that quickly and efficiently serve most areas visitors wish to go in California’s capital.

A mobile-optimized website at m.sacrt.com allows riders to plan trips and check real-time bus and train locations as well as the next scheduled stops at each station. The mobile site also makes it easy to find information on any delays via its service alerts tab.

Get to the Airport on RT A new Sacramento Regional Transit bus service connects downtown Sacramento to Sacramento International Airport, giving travelers an economical alternative to parking their cars or taking more expensive transit options. Standard fares are $2.50, with discounted tickets for eligible riders coming in at $1.25, and rides for K–12 students are free.

Buses will run every 20 to 30 minutes, and drop off at the airport from approximately 3:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The direct service stops at both airport terminals as well as several spots in downtown Sacramento on J Street, around the State Capitol, Golden 1 Center arena and several downtown Sacramento hotels.

Riders can pay for fares with exact change on the buses themselves or through the ZipPass mobile app, as well as other methods. To read more about payment options, visit SacRT.com.

Yolobus will continue to serve the airport as well.

When it comes to purchasing and managing tickets, the easiest way is to use the ZipPass mobile app from Sacramento Regional Transit.

Tickets can also be purchased at kiosks, but let’s face it—you’re probably more likely to forget where you put a paper ticket than your smartphone.

Share the Mode Look for Lime bikes and scooters within city limits of Sacramento and West Sacramento. Make sure you’ve got the app loaded and grab a ride to take you as far as you need to go.

Just make sure to park it properly once you’ve arrived.

LOCALLY GROWN, NATIONALLY ENVIED RESTAURANTS & DRINKS

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#VISITSACRAMENTO INSTAGRAMMERS LOVE SACRAMENTO! HERE ARE A FEW FAVORITES. WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS OF OUR CITY IN PRINT? TAG YOUR POSTS WITH #VISITSACRAMENTO FOR POTENTIAL INCLUSION IN A FUTURE VISITORS’ GUIDE.

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American River

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EXPLORE

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FARM TO

SACRAMENTO IS AMERICA’S FARM-TOFORK CAPITAL, WHICH MEANS THAT WHEN YOU’RE HERE, YOU’RE GETTING THE BEST FOOD STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE.

By Brandon Darnell

When you wake up in your hotel room, and throw open the curtains to let in the warm California sunshine, the foods you’ll eat for dinner may have just been plucked from the ground and are on their short trip to one of Sacramento’s amazing restaurants—12 of which are Michelin-rated.

Our chefs work directly with our farmers, in many cases purchasing the night’s menu items directly from them at one of the 28 regional farmers markets, so you can expect to see ever-changing menus depending on what’s available.

In this city, a restaurant’s daily special does not mean “we’re trying to get rid of this before it goes bad”—it’s more likely to mean it’s the freshest item on the menu.

So, what does Sacramento do best? You’ve probably heard about our tomatoes, or even maybe a sometime-nickname for the city: Sacratomato. But it’s well beyond that. Summer is stone fruit season, and in the springtime, asparagus reigns supreme. The fertile agricultural land surrounding the city on all sides makes for some of the best fruits and vegetables you’ll ever eat— far more than we can list here, but it’s more than just what grows in the ground.

Sacramento produces 80% of the domestic caviar, thanks to the sturgeon that come from the region, and we grow so much rice that we ship it around the world, including to Japan for sushi. Blue Diamond Almonds are processed in downtown Sacramento, and local ranches provide poultry, beef, pork, lamb and so much more.

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23 BOUTIQUE WINERIES 15 CRAFT BREWERIES 1 CRAFT DISTILLERY Just a short drive from Sacramento and accessible from both Interstate 80 and Hwy 65, the Placer Wine & Ale Trail is that authentic experience you are looking for in the Sacramento Region’s Farm to Fork scene. 23 wineries, 15 craft breweries and dozens of tap rooms, wine bars, eateries and more! Whether for local wine, craft beer, spirits, food or specialty products, Placer has it all!

Discover the people, places and stories that put the Placer Wine & Ale Trail...At the Intersection of Food, Drinks and Fun!

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Savor. Learn.

Explore. Connect.

Our tours offer cuisine as an opportunity to connect with restaurants & their chefs, shops & their keepers, history & the current day, all while showcasing Sacramento and its wonderfully diverse neighborhoods.

Tours Daily. Visit our website or call.

PLACERWINEANDALE.COM l VISITPLACER.COM Download Map & Listings for Placer Wineries & Breweries Find Places to EAT, PLAY & STAY

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800.407.8918 Private Tours . Gift Certificates

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Telehealth Express Care Guest services

Connecting you to world-class care on the go Looking for world-class urgent care without the emergency room wait? Then choose UC Davis Health’s new Telehealth Express Care Guest service, an easy way for anyone in California to connect with UC Davis providers via a smartphone, tablet, or computer for non-emergency same-day and extended-hours video visits. From flu-like symptoms and headaches to GI problems and joint pain, our doctors are standing by to serve your health care needs.

To get started and to connect with a doctor today, visit ucdavis.health/express-care-guest-services.

More about Telehealth Express Care Guest services:  A convenient way for anyone in California to virtually receive care from a UC Davis Health team member.  Available Mon–Fri, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Sat–Sun 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (open during holidays).  Telehealth Express Care Guest is not for emergencies.

If you believe you are experiencing a true medical emergency, dial 9-1-1 or go to the hospital emergency room.

ChooseHealth.ucdavis.edu

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Ruhstaller Brewing Company Hops Farm, Dixon

Drink. It’s not just about food. Ruhstaller Brewing Company proudly grows hops in nearby Dixon to put in their bottles that have “Sacramento” emblazoned on them, and you’ll see their labels saying, “We Grow Beer.” Other local brewers send their mash to local pig farms to serve as feed, ensuring that as much stays local as possible. When it comes to wine, the Sacramento region grows so many wine grapes that many are exported to other wine regions, and we produce excellent wines at wineries that have an approachable yet sophisticated atmosphere. Make sure to book a tasting or two while you’re in town.

Celebrate. If you’re here in September, you’re in for a treat, as that’s when Sacramento celebrates everything farm to fork with a series of events from the Legends of Wine tasting event at the State Capitol to the Tower Bridge Dinner and culminating in the free two-day Farm-to-Fork Festival, which drew 155,000 people to Capitol Mall in 2019.

Regardless of what inspired you to visit Sacramento this time, we know that when you plan your next trip, part of the reason will be your craving for some of the foods you have this time.

Grange Restaurant and Bar

How can you experience the culinary bounty of America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital?

Visit a farmers market. We have the largest Certified Farmers’ Market in California every Sunday at Arden Fair, and you can go to the Midtown Farmers Market on Saturdays, or hit up the communal atmosphere at Winn Park for Wednesdays at Winn, where it’s not just about food, but items crafted by local artisans as musicians play to the locals who come and sit on the grass to picnic and catch up with friends.

Eat. You can dine at one of our restaurants, and while most of them source food locally, some, including Mulvaney’s B&L, Ella Dining Room and Bar and Grange Restaurant and Bar—and many more—make it a top priority.

Visit Sacramento Podcast Tune in to stay up to date visitsacramento.com/podcast

Ella Dining Room and Bar

While the Farm-to-Fork Festival takes over Sacramento every September, we live with farm-fresh food every day. Hear from the people who make Sacramento America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, whether they’re urban farmers like Chanowk Yisrael, restaurateurs like Taro Arai of Mikuni or producers of artisan products at Wellnut Farms.

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We’re so glad you’re here! The past year and a half was difficult for everyone, and Sacramento was no exception, but now we are looking to the future, and happy to have you back in town.

And we’ve missed you.

O

ver the course of 2020, we dealt with the same hardships all of you did—closed restaurants, shops, wineries, breweries and museums; having to stay distanced from our friends and loved ones; and the anxiety posed by the threat of the global pandemic and the difficulties of never knowing what would happen in the next days, weeks or months.

But now, we are happy to say that California is open, and Sacramento is ready to greet you with a smile.

And we’ve been busy getting ready for you.

Our hospitality industry was thrown a curveball by the pandemic, but we kept investing in making Sacramento an even better place to visit. Construction continued on the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. That means that not only will we be welcoming conferences back to Sacramento in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, but when the Broadway Sacramento Series returns this fall, it’s in the new theater space that’s got a whole host of features to make the viewing experience better, and that’s more accessible to all.

But it wasn’t just the big infrastructure projects that continued during the pandemic. You can now stay at the newest hotel adjacent to the oldest building in the city. The Fort Sutter Hotel opened, bringing 105 brand-new guest rooms in a boutique hotel across the street from Sutter’s Fort in the heart of Sacramento’s trendy Midtown district. The lobby features a new bar and also includes a Cafe Bernardo, a Sacramento favorite from legendary local restaurateur Randy Paragary.

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Sacramento has always been a resilient town, harnessing a pioneer spirit and pairing it with a taste for the finer things in life, and as we forge ahead into the coming months and years, we’re embracing good food, live music, and really taking the time to sit and savor some of the things we missed over the course of the pandemic—in a word, togetherness.

Sure, we could get a fair-trade latte made with locally roasted beans and organic milk from a farm on the edge of town and take it home, but as delicious as taking that coffee to-go was, it just wasn’t the same as sitting down and connecting with old friends or making new ones, and enjoying the Delta breeze wafting off the Sacramento River through the patio seating area.

Now that you’re coming to Sacramento, we’re pleased to welcome you back and invite you to experience those moments unique to travel when you find yourself in a new place surrounded by people you’ve never met, but before long you have new friends. The city is California’s capital, but it still has a small-town vibe, and when you hop on a barstool at a local brewery, there’s a TIM ENGLE

We also took advantage of the excellent weather in Sacramento and expanded outdoor dining to a large degree, shutting down lanes of traffic to expand our restaurants and even opening an al fresco dining experience in Downtown Commons around the Golden 1 Center, home to the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. It’s too early to tell how much of that will continue to be a normal thing going forward, but we get the feeling that now that so many have enjoyed outdoor dining more frequently, it’s not going away anytime soon.

While 2020 may forever be known as the year everything was canceled, we at Visit Sacramento were pleased to announce the return of the Farm-toFork events in September 2021. Join us to celebrate all things fresh food, from the Legends of Wine tasting evening at the Capitol (Sept. 9) to the Tower Bridge Dinner (Sept. 12) and the two-day free Farm-to-Fork Festival Sept. 17-18, which not only features food samples, chef demonstrations and food and drinks for purchase, but a free concert series. Visit farmtofork.com to see who is headlining the festival and to get more information on the events and purchase tickets to Legends of Wine.

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good chance that the beertender behind the counter is the person who actually brewed your beer.

Speaking of beer—the Sacramento region has approximately 80 craft breweries, and they offer a little bit of everything. You can get a classic lager from a place like New Helvetia Brewing Co. that recalls Sacramento’s storied brewing history, or hit up Track 7 Brewing Company for a west coast-style IPA, or anything in between. Fortunately, the Sacramento Area Brewers Guild has a brewery passport program that will help you keep track of what there is to do and where you’ve been.

It’s not just beer that Sacramento does well when it comes to drinks. Did you know that the Sacramento region grows more wine grapes than the Napa Valley? Well, now you’ve got your next piece of cocktail party trivia, and your marching orders to go explore some of the local wineries. From Clarksburg’s Bogle Vineyards to Andis Wines in the Sierra Foothills and Boeger Winery in the Apple Hill area—and many more—you now get to enjoy the fruits of the labor our local vintners put in during the pandemic shutdowns. That bottle with “2020” printed on the label will at last give you something truly good to associate with that year.

Of course, one of the most routine and enjoyable aspects of life that we all missed over that time was the simple act of getting together with friends and loved ones and sharing a meal. Sure, we had our small groups, but now that it’s safe to see more people again, Sacramento is here to ensure that you’ve got the best, freshest food you can find.

Our 12 Michelin-rated restaurants deliver unique experiences from chefs who have mastered the ability to turn our locally sourced bounty into something truly special.

And what of that bounty?

Sacramento is America’s Farm-toFork Capital, and as the urban center surrounded by a vast amount of agricultural land—from produce to proteins— our restaurant menus change at least as frequently as the seasons, offering you food that, in many cases, was plucked from the ground earlier that same day.

Maybe you’ve enjoyed—or dreamed of enjoying—sushi in Tokyo, a macaron in Paris or caviar in New York City. If you have, you may be surprised to find there’s a good chance that your sushi rice came from Sacramento, the almonds used to make the macarons were

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processed by Blue Diamond Almond growers in Sacramento, and the caviar came from Sterling Caviar in, yep, Sacramento.

We’ve turned food into art here in America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital, but we’re also fans of art for art’s sake. Our annual mural festival, Wide Open Walls, draws in local and international muralists to paint the city, and we currently have close to 800 murals around town. New public artwork at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center inspires the imagination—and makes for a great selfie spot for your Instagram followers. Sacramento also boasts one of the best art museums on the west coast in the Crocker Art Museum, which features art from antiquity to the present day, one of the largest collections of European pencil sketches in the United States, and, perhaps most notably, a robust collection of California Impressionist paintings.

One of the best ways to experience Sacramento’s public art is to hop on a bike and take a self-guided tour of the murals and other pieces throughout the city. There are few better experiences to be had in Sacramento than cruising un-

der the tree canopy of a Midtown street on a Jump bike on a warm summer evening, taking in the art, stopping off for a latte, and then making your way to a restaurant for a delicious meal and craft cocktail while the tunes from a local musician filter through the din of the dining room. If it’s a Wednesday, you can head to Winn Park in Midtown for the Wednesdays at Winn farmers market, which features local artisans as well as fresh food, and, of course, local live music.

As 2020 dawned in Sacramento, we were all looking forward to enjoying the music festivals that were increasingly coming to Sacramento to be enjoyed by thousands of fans. And while COVID-19 threw a massive wrench into the live music scene, we still managed to have Dance Gavin Dance rock out on Tower Bridge to an audience from a dozen countries in a massive streaming event. It was fun, it was unique, and it was exciting. And now that music is back on the menu, that’s exactly how you’ll be able to describe Sacramento’s live music scene going forward. Hard times foster great art, and perhaps nowhere is that more true

than with music, so make sure to check Sacramento 365 for concerts, music festivals and local bands playing coffee bars when you’re in town, because they’ve all had a lot of time at home recently to hone their skills.

While there is so much to do in Sacramento, and we want you to come and experience it all, we also recognize that everyone has different levels of comfort as we emerge from the pandemic.

The Sacramento hospitality industry puts safety first, and while that sounds cliche—and often is—in Sacramento, it’s real. Look for the S.A.F.E. Pledge from our hotels and other hospitality businesses. This means they’ve pledged to go above and beyond the cleanliness and safety guidances put forth by public health officials to ensure you have the best and safest vacation when you’re here.

After being cooped up for more than a year, we know everyone wants to travel, and you could choose anywhere. So, since you’ve chosen to come to Sacramento, we just want to say two things: Thank you, and welcome back.

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WEEKENDER California

Gold Country

By Brandon Darnell

Auburn

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Sacramento sits in the heart of California Gold Country, which is the perfect road trip area for those who enjoy scenic drives, quaint towns and excellent food while steeped in the lore of one of the most impactful events in United States history: the California Gold Rush.

Your ideal Gold Country road trip starts in Sacramento, where you can immerse yourself in the feel of the era with a walk through the Old Sacramento Waterfront and treat yourself to a meal at one of the area’s many Michelin-recognized restaurants serving fresh local fare.

A Gold Country road trip is a great way to see some sights with your loved ones as we continue the process of emerging from the COVID -19 travel restrictions. Sacramento hotels are clean, safe places to stay while you get in the vacation mindset. Local restaurants are itching to serve you their best food indoors, outdoors and to-go, and the Northern California weather is particularly ideal for sidewalk seating.

Auburn and bread photos by Gabriel Teague

The Gold Rush in Sacramento Walking through the Old Sacramento Waterfront gives you a glimpse into what Sacramento looked like during the Gold Rush.

Wander the wooden sidewalks and pop into shops selling souvenirs, candy and more, then take part in the real wealth Sacramento was able to harvest from the ground—excellent food.

Walk along the river, and get a view of the Delta Sacramento’s King Hotel, a Delta King Hotel historic paddlewheeler that is now docked near the city’s iconic Tower Bridge. The California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento History Museum, Eagle Theater and the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum are all located in the 28-acre Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Check their websites or call ahead for visiting information.

Bug Mine in Placerville, you can tour an original gold mine as well as learn how miners processed the rocks and gold they carved out of the mountains before taking them back Gold Nugget down to the valley to claim bread from Alchemy Cafe their fortunes. in Murphys Continue on Highway 49 to the town of Coloma and the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, where a replica of Sutter’s sawmill stands today on the site where James W. Marshall discovered gold in the American River in 1848. Walk to the nearby river and take a look down. Do you see gold there? It’s estimated that more than half of the gold is still out there, so keep your eyes open.

Across the road from the sawmill, wander through the park where you’ll find the ruins of an old jail and other buildings, as well as a great spot to picnic. Typically, you can rent a gold pan and try your luck, but be sure to call or visit the website for visitor information.

If you’re in and around Coloma in the summertime and want to get out on the river for something more adventurous than gold panning, consider whitewater rafting. The North, Middle and South forks of the American River offer rapids suitable for families, those seeking a little more adventure, South Fork of the American and for experts.

Continue walking through Sacramento’s Downtown and Midtown areas, and wander the grounds of Sutter’s Fort. The fort dates to before the Gold Rush when John Sutter came to what is today Sacramento and set up his outpost. It was from the fort that rescuers embarked to find the Donner Party when they were stuck in the nearby Sierra Nevada. Today, the restored fort is a museum, and living history actors relate tales of the early days in Sacramento. The adjacent California State Indian Museum shares the history of the native tribes—an important aspect to remember and ponder as you enjoy your trip through California and the Gold Country.

Shortly after the Gold Rush, Sacramento became the capital of California, and the California State Capitol is today a living museum where visitors can see government at work as well as tour the historic wing of the building, with rooms showing what it was like during the early days of statehood.

As with all sites in California’s Gold Country, the echoes of the past come down to us, but today’s Californians have transformed some of the historic buildings into thriving coffee bars, restaurants, art galleries, breweries, wineries and more. Enjoy the history, but take time to explore what makes each stop on your road trip fun for locals today.

Historic Highway 49 Driving from Sacramento east on Highway 50 to Placerville, you’ll come to historic Highway 49, which connects the mining towns of Placerville and Auburn. This loop is a must for any Gold Country road trip, and at Gold

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Continue on Highway 49 to historic Auburn, another Gold Rush town that’s now the seat of Placer County. Pose in front of the miner statue, hike in the nearby trails that dot the landscape, and enjoy a bite to eat in the historic downtown area.

More Gold Country Regions California’s Gold Country stretches more than 300 miles, so you can make a Visit Sacramento Podcast long day trip or spend a Tune in to stay up to date whole week or more tourvisitsacramento.com/podcast ing the different areas.

From north to south, the Gold Country falls in the Learn more about California’s Gold Country by tuning in to the podcast. following counties: Sierra, Plan your Sacramento-based road trip Nevada, Placer, El Doraor discover outdoor activities in nearby do, Sacramento, Amador, Placer County—a perfect day trip from Calaveras, Tuolumne, the city of Sacramento.

Mariposa and Madera.

In Sierra County, you’ll encounter rugged mountains, seemingly untouched wilderness and be able to hike the Pacific Crest Trail or experience the rush of mountain biking.

In Nevada County, the cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City are on the previously

mentioned historic Highway 49, and you’ll discover Victorian bed & breakfast inns, arts and culture, and more great scenery.

Placer County is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, from the previously mentioned whitewater rafting to mountain biking and hiking trails. Thrill-seekers can even skydive, and the county ends at the stunning Lake Tahoe.

Wine tasting is popular in El Dorado County, which foregoes the pretense of some other wine destinations and has a welcoming vibe. When you’re at a winery, the person behind the counter may just be the owner or winemaker, happy to tell you about their wines in a gorgeous foothill setting. Also popular in El Dorado County is Apple Hill, with its vast array of apple orchards, cider mills, breweries and Christmas tree farms.

Amador County is another destination for wine lovers, with the oldest Zinfandel planting in the United States. The Mother Lode accounted for $160 million in gold in Amador County between 1851 and 1942, and elevations range from 300 feet to 9,000 feet, giving those with a sense of adventure a blank canvas to create lasting memories.

The rolling foothills of Calaveras County include gold mining towns like Angels Camp

Skinner Vineyards in Somerset, El Dorado County

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Sutter Creek photo: Gabriel Teague; Apple Hill photo: Larsen’s Apple Barn

Sutter Creek

and Murphys, and you’ll enjoy boutique wineries, waterspouts on the five reservoirs and exploring the region’s caves as well as the Big Trees State Park where the famous giant sequoia trees grow.

Railroad buffs will love Tuolumne County, with its historic Railtown 1897, as well as horseback riding, hiking and taking in the expansive Tuolumne Meadows. The county is located just outside Yosemite, so rafting and mountain biking are popular, and if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can even stay in a covered wagon.

Mariposa County is best known as the home of Yosemite National Park. The majestic valley is a global destination, and it’s impossible not to be awed by the towering El Capitan, Half Dome, North Dome, Yosemite Falls and other natural features. Space is currently limited due to the COVID -19 pandemic, so make sure you have reservations if you plan to visit the park.

Madera County is known as the gateway to Yosemite, and it also features the gorgeous Bass Lake, boutique wineries, and

Apple Hill, Camino

the Sugar Pine Railroad—a one-hour steam train ride through beautiful countryside.

As you travel through Gold Country, make sure to plan ahead, but also to leave yourself plenty of time to explore the unexpected.

Take that enticing fork in the road and see what’s around the next bend, stop at that small rural general store for a snack and a chat with the owner, and raise a glass at that quaint winery in the small town that radiates the aura of a bygone time.

Yosemite As the COVID -19 pandemic continues, Visit Sacramento asks that as you plan your trip, keep Visit California’s responsible travel code in mind and take the necessary steps to ensure that your trip doesn’t negatively impact the safety of regions you’re visiting.

For more information on the California Gold Country, visit the Gold Country Visitors Association at visitgoldcountry.com.

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7

6

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City Water Intake Facility

5

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WATERFRONT

KD

S R IVER RD

PA R BALL

Sacramento Marina

A

P

Embassy Suites Hotel

TOWER BRIDGE GATEWAY

L ST

Delta King Hotel

OLD SACRAMENTO WATERFRONT J ST

Walk WEST SACRAMENTO Park Tower Bridge

BUS 80

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Depot Park

D BLV RDS A Y L AI

WATER ST

Fredrick Miller Regional Park

DOWNTOWN

P

The Westin Sacramento To Delta

BROADWAY

C

O’Neil Field

P

80

99

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Historic City Cemetery

50

Theodore Roosevelt Park

P

Quality P Inn

Econo Lodge

Washington Park

G

E

John Fremont Park

Inn Off Capitol Park

160

R

160

160

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G

BROADWAY

X ST

BUS 80

W ST

V ST

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T ST

S ST

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Q ST

P ST

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80

DEN

H WY

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Attraction

B ST

P Parking

Shopping

Albert Winn Park

Light Rail Stop

Museum

I

50

Fort Sutter Hotel

Sutter’s Fort

James W. Marshall Park

SAN JUAN RD

LR D

Bus.

XE

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99

BUS 80

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Y ST

I ST

H ST

McKinley Park

Park

McKinley Discovery Park

William

. EL CAMINO ABLVD WMCKINLEY VE

C ST

B ST

D ST

80

DEL PASO RD

80 Hilton Garden Inn Courtyard

by Marriott

Residence Inn

by Marriott Springhill Suites

by Marriott

Fairfield Inn & Suites

BROADWA Hotel

B ST99

5

Sleep Train Arena

Homewood Suites

NATOMAS John Sutter’s Landing Park

I

Leland Stanford Park

Four Points

by Sheraton

CA Indian Museum

CAPITOL AVE

L ST

K ST

J ST

I ST

H ST

G ST

F ST

E ST

D ST

C ST

MIDTOWN

Ulysses S. Grant Park

Amber House Inn of Midtown

Governor’s Mansion P P P P Visit Sacramento Sheraton Memorial P Grand Auditorium P P SAFE Credit Union P P Convention Center Esquire IMAX Theatre P P P P P P P Hyatt Residence Inn

by Marriott State Capitol Regency at Capitol Park P Capitol Park P

160

John Muir Park

Holiday Inn Express

N A ST

ST 2TH N 1 N C ST N B ST

Leland Stanford Mansion The California Museum

CAPITOL MALL

The Kay

P

160

Best Western Sutter House

J. Neely Johnson Park

Tsakopoulos Library Galleria Cesar E. Chavez P P P Plaza Cathedral P Citizen Hotel

Certified Farmers’ BUS Market

Southside Park

Inn at Parkside Bed & Breakfast

P

F

24TH ST

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Kimpton Sawyer Hotel Golden 1 Center Hyatt Centric Sacramento Downtown

Crocker Art Museum

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California Automobile Museum

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5

N ST

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P

P The Exchange Hotel DOCO Visitor P Center

Holiday Inn Downtown Arena

P Sacramento Valley Amtrak Station

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Emiliano Zapata Park

N B ST

Airport (10 miles, exit Airport Blvd.)

CA State Railroad Museum Vagabond Sacramento History Museum P Inn P

5 Sutter Health Park R

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11TH ST

1

5TH ST

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13TH ST

6TH ST 6TH ST

N 14TH ST

14TH ST

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by Best Western Hawthorn Suites Sacramento International

by Wyndham

12TH ST

RIVERSIDE BLVD

15TH ST

Tiscornia Park

8TH ST

WASHINGTON SQ

NATOMAS

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N 17TH ST 17TH ST

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Hotel Med Park, Sacramento

50

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Rodeway Inn

Larkspur Landing

3RD ST

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P Parking Lot

5

Embassy Suites

To Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento

BUS 80

Sacramento Cal Expo

OLD SACRAMENTO

American River

160

C A P I TO L M A L L

C

ROSEVILLE RD

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S ac ram e n to R i ve r

Raging Waters

P Parking Garage

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Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum

Heart Health Park

CAL EXPO

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NG E

Pavilions

E

P Parking Garage

F

F

BUS 80

5

2ND ST

Visitors Center

FIREHOUSE ALLEY

FRONT ST

Delta King Hotel

POINT WEST MARKETPLACE

80

HWY 80

Walkway to Downtown

City Cruises

Cal Expo RV Park

WA Y

Arden Fair Mall EN

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E

EXPOSITION BLVD

BUS 80

P Parking Lot

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WA Y

AG H E RIT

DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento

T RD S RVA HA

Hilton Sacramento Arden West

Courtyard by Marriott, Cal Expo

TownePlace Suites Sacramento Cal Expo

Sacramento Convention Center 3 miles

LEISURE LN

ARDEN WAY

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B

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SACRAMENTO POINT WEST MARKETPLACE

D

UTE R

TRIB

McClellan Business Park

G

P Parking Garage

H

80

Lion’s Gate Hotel

Railroad Depot

Pony Express Monument

A ST PALM AVE

80

MADISON AVE

I

WALERGA RD

I

California State Railroad Museum

Sacramento History Museum

Underground Tours

P Bus Parking

5

J

5

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I Street Bridge

MARCONI AVE

OM ST

American River College

Crowne Plaza Sacramento Northeast

J

CARMICHAEL

EDISON AVE

W INDIN G WAY SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity

McClellan Conference Center

Aerospace Museum of CA

H

NORTH HIGHLANDS

The Eagle Theatre

Wells Fargo History Museum

5

D D BLV URN AUB N AVE O EDIS Hampton Inn & Suites

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

G

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16TH ST RALEY BLVD ILLE BLVD

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LIN DEN RD

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99

FRUITRIDGE RD

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M ST FOLS OM

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160

47TH AVE

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99

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BLVD

F R E E P O RD T

BLVD

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H ST J ST

ELVA S AV

CAL EXPO American River Parkway

EXPO SITION BLVD

Arden Fair

GERBER RD

FLORIN RD

F

FOLSOM BLVD

50

Pavilions

ARDEN WAY

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NB

LVD

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CARMICHAEL

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The Delta / Clarksburg Wine Region

MEADOWVIEW RD

Sacramento Executive Airport

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FLORIN RD

LAND PARK

SUTTER

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D IN BLV FRANKL

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160

SAFE Credit Union Convention Center

CAPIT OL AV E P ST

Fairytale Town

Sacramento Zoo

160

BROA DWA Y

State Capitol

Golden 1 Center

B

VD N BL

80

ANTELOPE RD

NORTH HIGHLANDS

UR BUS AUB 80 Town & Country Village

McClellan Business Park

ELKHORN BLVD

SACRAMENTO POINT WEST EL CAMINO AVE MARKETPLACE LVD

O PAS DEL

MAIN AVE

Carl Hansen Park

DOWNTOWN / MIDTOWN

Amtrak Rail Station

Discovery Park

GARDEN HWY

EL CA MINO AVE W

SAN JUAN RD

80

ELVERTA RD

Gibson Ranch County Park

SACRAMENTO REGION RIO LINDA

U THER KING JR BLVD

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SLEEP TRAIN ARENA

DEL PASO RD

North Natomas Regional Park

EWAY Health TOWER BRIDGE GAT

ND US TRI AL

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99

70

OLD SACRAMENTO

NATOMAS

5

ELKHORN BLVD

WEST SACRAMENTO

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San Francisco, Napa/Sonoma Wine Region

Vacaville Premium Outlets

UC Davis

GA RD

EN

HW

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Redding 16

POWERLINE RD

F

MAYHEW RD

8

7

6

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AIRPORT BLVD

SACRAMENTO INT’L AIRPORT (SMF)

N BL VD

ELVERTA RD

LVD

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7TH S

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117

D FREEP ORT B LV

H A R B O R BL VD

SACRAMENTO CO.

2

ST 33RD

TRUXEL RD

D BLV RSID E

6TH ST W

NORTHGATE BLVD

ST ST 25TH

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45TH

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80

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Golf Course

Mather Field

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South Lake Tahoe

KIEFER BLVD

NG

Folsom Lake State Rec Area

Folsom Premium Outlets

Nimbus Dam

E3

Nimbus Fish Hatchery

D BLV SOM FOL

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ORANGEVALE

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FAIROAKS

Point West Marketplace

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PLACER CO. SACRAMENTO CO.

WINDING WAY

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Downtown

FAN ZIN

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RD

80

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WINDING WAY

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FOOTHILL FARMS

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FOL

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CITRUS HEIGHTS

ANTELOPE RD

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POWER INN RD

ER ILL SEV

16TH ST 16TH ST RALEY BLVD

MA RYS VILL E BLV D 5 58TH 5TH ST ST

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1ST S T

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DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT By Marybeth Bizjak

OAK PARK

Oak Park Gateway Arch, McClatchy Park on Fifth Avenue

Located just east of Midtown, the neighborhood of Oak Park has been undergoing a renaissance of late. As young professionals move in, hip new lofts and townhouses are sprouting up next to classic Craftsman cottages built in the previous century. The increasingly vibrant commercial district is clustered in and near Broadway Triangle, architect Ron Vrilakas’ stylish mixed-use development. Within just a few blocks, you’ll find some of Sacramento’s most interesting cafes, restaurants, shops and public spaces.

To start your day, you can’t beat Old Soul Co. (3434 Broadway) for a latte and a house-made pastry or breakfast sandwich. One of Sacramento’s original third-wave coffee houses, Old Soul sources and roasts its own coffee beans. Salads and sandwiches are also available, and the cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Across the street, Faria Bakery Faria Bakery (3417 Broadway) boasts about its “natty leavened, freshly milled” artisanal breads, including country loaf, pan de mie and, on weekends, fougasse, seeded rye and spelt breads. One block

“personal pizzas” in two sizes: slim down the street, Vibe Health Bar (10 inches) and husky (16 inches).

(3515 Broadway) is known for its You can custom-build your own health-conscious menu of wraps, combo or order one of the cleverly power bowls, cold-pressed juices named options, including Cee No and protein shakes. If you’ve never Green (made with five meats) and tried kombucha, the fermented, Smokin’ Herb (topped with smoked lightly effervescent drink beloved chicken or salmon). T&R Taste of by millennial hipsters, stop by Texas Barbeque (3621 Broadway) KC Kombucha (3326 Broadway), is a no-frills purveyor of soul food where you can order it in any such as ribs, mac ’n’ cheese and number of appealing flavors, includbraised greens. They’re not trying to ing pineapple ginger, grapefruit reinvent the wheel here, just serve lavender and blueberry mint. And good, old-fashioned Southern barfor a chill dessert, check out Conbecue with all the trimmings. On the scious Creamery (3400 Broadway), other hand, Fixins Soul Kitchen an ice cream shop that serves (3428 Third Ave.) is a modern dairy-free gelato, hand-craftsoul food restaurant, ed from organic, fair-trade serving 21st century takes ingredients. Flavors on classics like shrimp include hazelnut, matcha and grits, fried catfish and strawberry and London Conscious Creamery gumbo. There’s a wonderful Fog (made with Earl Grey patio for dining alfresco. tea), along with old-school In terms of shopping, Oak Park is favorites such as dark chocolate home to a number of boutiques and and peanut butter fudge. retail stores where you can browse If you want a real, sit-down to your heart’s content. Strapping meal, Oak Park offers a variety of (3405 Broadway) bills itself as a gift dining options. For tacos and other shop, and it offers an awesome Mexican fare, there’s La Venadita selection of items both wacky (socks (3501 Third Ave.), a pretty, brickwith naughty sayings) and serious walled restaurant with a full bar (Herschel Supply Co. backpacks). serving craft cocktails such as the The amount of inventory is astoundMezcal Old-Fashioned, along with ing; if you can’t find something here a full list of tequilas. If pizza’s your to buy, you’re not really trying. Jam thing, hit up Slim + Husky’s Pizza Baby (3328 Broadway) is an absoBeeria (3413 Broadway). Part of lutely delightful boutique, selling a Nashville-based chain, it serves

thoughtfully selected baby and children’s clothes made from organic fibers such as linen and cotton, along with beautiful wood toys. The most striking thing about this store is the wares’ color palette; the clothes all come in muted pastels and earth tones; no primary colors and no pink! Underground Books (2814 35th St.), which considers itself the literary hub of Oak Park, is one of a handful of Black bookstores in the United States. The store carries predominantly works by Black authors. The bookstore shares space with 40 Acres Market, which sells Oak Park swag, Harriet Tubman “The Original Ride or Die” T-shirts and items made by local Blackowned businesses. Just across the street, The Plant Foundry (3500 Broadway) is an independently owned urban nursery specializing in organic edible plants. Here, you’ll find plenty of gifts and reminders of your trip to Sacramento, including vintage-style oilcloth tablecloths, blown-glass terrariums, bird feeders and garden art. There’s also a great selection of heirloom seeds by the likes of Renee’s Garden, Baker Creek and Botanical Interests. To bring home a little bit of California that’s easy to stash in your suitcase, grab a packet of California poppy seeds.

The packets from Hudson Valley Seed Co. look like miniature works of art.

In Oak Park, public gathering spaces such as the Guild Theater (2828 35th St.) and Brickhouse Art Gallery (2837 36th St.) provide residents and visitors an opportunity to mix and mingle at art receptions, lectures, Brickhouse plays and concerts.

Art Gallery And finally, Oak Park Farmers Market (3500 Fifth Ave.) is a wonderful place to see Oak Park in all its diverse glory. Held 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays and 3–7 p.m. Wednesdays from May through October, the market offers fruits, vegetables, plants, cut flowers, breads and other artisanal foodstuffs, along with live music and children’s activities.

Oak Park Farmers Market

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Find your next

LOCALLY GROWN, NATIONALLY ENVIED THINGS TO DO

great adventure written on the rails

Trains run weekends and holiday Mondays through September.

Buy your tickets today.

TO GO TO VISITSACRAMENTO.COM SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE’S CAMERA

pg.25.indd 25

Take an exciting ride on the historic Sacramento Southern Railroad. Then explore the engaging exhibits, awe-inspiring restorations and more at North America’s largest railroad museum. Our shared railroad legacy comes to life every day in the heart of the Golden State in Old Sacramento Waterfront.

CaliforniaRailroad.Museum California State Railroad Museum is operated by California State Parks with financial assistance from the nonprofit California State Railroad Museum Foundation. All schedules, offerings and prices are subject to change without notice.

8/3/21 5:31 PM

What’s New?

The newly expanded SAFE Credit Union Convention Center boasts 240,000 square feet of programmable space, 160,000 square feet of exhibit space, a new ballroom, an expansive outdoor plaza, four exhibit halls, an on-site kitchen and Starbucks, three lobbies and 37 breakout rooms for smaller groups. Learn more at visitsacramento.com/meetings PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM ENGLE & GABRIEL TEAGUE

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8/3/21 5:19 PM

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8/3/21 5:19 PM

YOUR ESCAPE IS NOW BOARDING

Step aboard the River Fox Train and reconnect with your sense of adventure. From our railbikes to our beer, wine, and family-friendly trains, this is your invitation to escape and have an experience you can’t get anywhere else in Sacramento.

Book your ticket at RiverFoxTrain.com/SacVisitorsGuide

River Fox Train.indd 29

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MUSEUM AND GALLERY EXHIBITIONS, LIVE PERFORMANCES AND MORE ROUND OUT A VIBRANT ARTS COMMUNITY IN SACRAMENTO.

California State Capitol Museum

W

hen you visit Sacramento, take some time to immerse yourself in the arts, culture and history of California’s capital and those who live here.

Wander the halls of a museum for a deeper understanding of our past or to see some of the artwork that shaped who we are today, or go see a live performance at one of our performing arts venues.

With a wide array of options, there’s something to fit your interest or pique a new one.

MUSEUMS

This living museum has been open to visitors since 1869, and in addition to the preserved historic spaces that show how it looked in the early days of statehood, you can go and see the chambers of the California State Senate and Assembly for a glimpse at how laws are made today. Don’t miss the surrounding grounds of Capitol Park, with myriad statues, memorials and a World Peace Rose Garden.

1315 10th St., Sacramento.(916) 324-0333 capitolmuseum.ca.gov

4

3 By trekandshoot / Shutterstock

BY BRANDON DARNELL

California State Railroad Museum

Tim Engle

Full of original and restored locomotives and train cars, the California State Railroad Museum is your ticket to fun and adventure, whether you’re looking to learn about this history of the Transcontinental Railroad or take a ride on the historic Sacramento Southern Railroad. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit one of the best railroad museums in North America.

125 I St., Sacramento. (916) 323-9280 californiarailroad.museum

5

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

Crocker Art Museum

One of the best art museums on the west coast, the Crocker Art Museum features works from antiquity to present day, with a special focus on the California Impressionists. Interactive programs and classes are also available. Check online to see what’s happening when you’re in town. 216 O St., Sacramento.

(916) 808-7000 crockerart.org

Aerospace Museum of California

1

Discover the magic of flight at this museum that not only houses traditional exhibits, but also features an outdoor park with more than 40 military and civilian aircraft and the opportunity to take part in interactive exhibits, in particular STEM activities and flight simulators.

3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan.

(916) 643-3192 aerospaceca.org

California Indians: The First People

California Museum californiamuseum.org

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2

Learn about the history of California and its people, as well as how its ideas and innovations influence the world today. Exhibits include the California Indians: The First People, California Missions: A Journey Along the El Camino Real, and the popular California Hall of Fame.

1020 O St., Sacramento. (916) 653-7524

6

Sacramento History Museum Dive into what made Sacramento the city it is today at the Sacramento History Museum, which also operates the popular Sacramento Underground Tours. Explore the early pioneer days of the city, the constant threat of flooding until a herculean effort was made to raise the area that is today the Old Sacramento Waterfront, and trace the region’s agricultural history that ensures you have such excellent food when you’re here today. Oh, and you can join the million people who follow the museum on TikTok if you want a preview of what you’ll see. 101 I St., Sacramento. (916) 808-7059 sachistorymuseum.org

Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum This museum is dedicated to bringing African art from around the world to the general public. Named in honor of the celebrated abolitionist and women’s rights activist, the museum seeks to honor her legacy and has a wide range of classes, workshops and other events. 2251 Florin Rd., Ste. 126, Sacramento. (916) 320-951 sojoartsmuseum.org

7

8/6/21 10:30 AM

Eclectic yet refined.

Classic yet surprising.

T

is as California as they come, boasting one of the nation's premier collections of art from the Golden State, plus European, Asian, African and Oceanic works, international ceramics, and one of America's finest early collections of European master drawings. he crocker art museum

Programmed to engage, entertain, and inspire, the Crocker brings art to life with tours and talks, films and concerts, art classes, parties, delights, and surprises for visitors of all ages and interests.

Discover it all at crockerart.org.

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Performing

Photo courtesy of The Sofia

B Street Theatre

1

One of Sacramento’s favorite local theater groups performs original plays on in its multi-stage theater, The Sofia, on Capitol Avenue in Midtown Sacramento. Founded by actor Timothy Busfield in 1986 as the Theatre for Children, Inc., the focus moved to a broader audience with the creation of B Street Theatre in 1991 and performs for 70,000 adults in a typical year. 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. (916) 443-5300 ext. 1 bstreettheatre.org

2

Hold These Truths

by Jeanne Sakata

3

Capital Stage This local theater is another popular Sacramento institution located in the heart of Midtown.

As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the theater plans to reopen in fall or winter of 2021 and once again bring engaging shows to the Sacramento region. 2215 J St., Sacramento.

(916) 995-5464 capstage.org

Broadway Sacramento

Photo by Keith Sutter

4

Sacramento Ballet

Founded in 1954, the Sacramento Ballet entertains, educates and inspires people through dance, including shows that have been longtime favorites like The Nutcracker.

While the 2020-2021 season was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company is gearing up for its 2021-2022 season, so check online for show availability. 2420 N St., Sacramento. 916-552-5800 sacballet.org

5Sacramento

See some the most popular plays from Broadway her win Sacramento at the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. This year’s season kicks off with Hamilton, and there’s plenty more to come. 1510 J St., Sacramento. (916) 446-5880 broadwaysacramento.com

Philharmonic & Opera Bringing shows that are uniquely of Sacramento, the Philharmonic & Opera performs concerts and operas as well as working to engage with the community to further the passion of classical music. 1110 Second St., Sacramento.

916-476-5975 sacphilopera.org

Photo courtesy of Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera

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UNCOVER NEW EXPERIENCES Immerse yourself in a unique mix of scenic beauty and vibrant community with a visit to Elk Grove. Just outside the hustle and bustle of the capital, you’ll find yourself in a town like no other, where laid-back vibes meet the finer things in life.

Explore, uncover and enjoy.

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exploreelkgrove.com 7/30/21 8:59 AM

ACCOMMODATIONS

stay awhile SACRAMENTO’S BEST PLACES TO STAY For a list of all Sacramento-area hotels, please visit our online accommodations directory at visitsacramento.com/hotels

DOWNTOWN/OLD SACRAMENTO WATERFRONT

Miles from Airport

Number of Rooms

Dining

Pool

Map Page/ Coordinates

AMBER HOUSE INN OF MIDTOWN, 1315 22nd St. 95816; (916) 444-8085; amberhouse.com

13

10

N

N

21/G5

AMERICA’S BEST VALUE INN, 430 16th St. 95814; (916) 444-3670; abvidowntownsacramento.com

12

34

N

N

-

BEST WESTERN PLUS SUTTER HOUSE, 1100 H St. 95814; (916) 441-1314; thesutterhouse.com

12

94

Y

Y

21/E3

BEST WESTERN SANDMAN MOTEL, 236 Jibboom St. 95811; (916) 443-6515; bestwestern.com/prop-05240

10

116

Y

Y

21/A2

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT–SACRAMENTO MIDTOWN, 4422 Y St. 95817; (916) 445-6800; marriott.com/saccy

16

139

Y

Y

21/J8

DELTA KING HOTEL, 1000 Front St. 95814; (800)825-5464, (916) 444-5464; deltaking.com

12

44

Y

N

21/B4

N

N

21/F3

ECONO LODGE DOWNTOWN, 711 16th St. 95814; (916) 443-6631; choicehotels.com/california/sacramento/econo-lodge-hotels

12

40

EMBASSY SUITES SACRAMENTO HOTEL, 100 Capitol Mall 95814; (916) 326-5000; sacramento.embassysuites.com

11

242

Y

Y

21/B5

FORT SUTTER HOTEL, 1308 28th St. 95814; (916) 603-2301; fortsutterhotel.com

14

105

Y

N

22/I5

HAMPTON INN & SUITES AT CSUS, 1875 65th St. 95819; (916) 451-1135; hilton.com/en/hotels/sacsuhx-hampton-suites-sacramento-at-csus

18

116

Y

Y

-

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS–SACRAMENTO CONVENTION CENTER, 728 16th St. 95814; (916) 444-4436; holidayinnexpress.com/sacramentoca

14

132

N

N

21/F3

HOLIDAY INN SACRAMENTO DOWNTOWN–ARENA, 300 J St. 95814; (916) 446-0100; holidayinnsacramento.com

10

359

Y

Y

21/C4

HYATT CENTRIC DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO, 1122 7th St. 95814; (916) 371-7000; hyattcentricdowntownsacramento.com

11

172

Y

N

22/C4

HYATT REGENCY SACRAMENTO, 1209 L St. 95814; (916) 443-1234; sacramento.regency.hyatt.com

10

505

Y

Y

21/E4

INN OFF CAPITOL PARK, 1530 N St. 95814; (916) 447-8100; innoffcapitolpark.com

11

37

N

N

21/F5

KIMPTON SAWYER HOTEL, 500 J St. 95814; (916) 545-7100; sawyerhotel.com

12

250

Y

Y

21/C4

MOTEL 6, 623 16th St. 95814; (916) 476-4499; motel6.com

12

40

N

N

-

LA QUINTA, 200 Jibboom St. 95811; (916) 448-8100; lq.com

10

165

N

Y

21/A1

QUALITY INN, 818 15th St. 95814; (916) 444-3980; qualityinn.com/hotel/ca505

12

40

N

Y

-

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO DOWNTOWN AT CAPITOL PARK, 1121 15th St. 95814; (916) 443-0500; marriott.com/sacdt

12

235

Y

Y

21/F4

SHERATON GRAND SACRAMENTO, 1230 J St. 95814; (916) 447-1700; sheraton.com/sacramento

12

503

Y

Y

21/E4

SURESTAY PLUS HOTEL BY BEST WESTERN, 350 Bercut Dr. 95811; (916) 497-0955; heritagehotelgroup.com/sacramento-ca-hotel

10

103

N

N

21/A1

VAGABOND EXECUTIVE INN–OLD TOWN, 909 Third St. 95814; (916) 446-1481; vagabondinn-sacramento-old-town-hotel.com

12

108

N

Y

21/C4 21/D4

THE CITIZEN HOTEL, 926 J St. 95814; (916) 447-2700; citizenhotel.com

12

196

Y

N

THE EXCHANGE HOTEL, 1006 Fourth St., 95814; (916) 931-3300; hilton.com/en/hotels/smfsaqq-the-exchange-sacramento

11

100

Y

N

-

THE WESTIN SACRAMENTO, 4800 Riverside Blvd. 95822; (916) 443-8400; westinsacramento.com

14

101

Y

N

21/B8

10

149

Y

Y

21/I3

NATOMAS/AIRPORT COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 2101 River Plaza Dr. 95833; (916) 922-1120; marriott.com/sacch FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 2730 El Centro Rd. 95833; (916) 923-7472; marriott.com/sacwn

8

93

N

Y

21/H2

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON SACRAMENTO AIRPORT, 4900 Duckhorn Dr. 95834; (916) 263-9000; fourpointssacramentoairport.com

3

100

Y

Y

21/H1

HILTON GARDEN INN SACRAMENTO/SOUTH NATOMAS, 2540 Venture Oaks Wy. 95833; (916) 568-5400; sacramento.hgi.com

9

154

Y

Y

21/I3

HOMEWOOD SUITES SACRAMENTO AIRPORT/NATOMAS, 3001 Advantage Wy. 95834; (916) 263-9510; sacramentoairport.homewoodsuites.com

3

123

N

Y

21/I1

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 2618 Gateway Oaks Dr. 95833; (916) 649-1300; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacsn-residence-inn-sacramento-airport-natomas

11

126

N

Y

21/I2

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT, 2555 Venture Oaks Wy. 95833; (916) 925-2280; marriott.com/sacsh

10

95

N

Y

21/I3

STAYBRIDGE SUITES SACRAMENTO AIRPORT NATOMAS, 140 Promenade Circle 95834; (916) 575-7907; ihg.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/sacramento/sactr/hoteldetail

10

117

N

N

-

TOWNEPLACE SUITES AIRPORT/NATOMAS, 4090 East Commerce Wy. 95834; (916) 419-8811; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacta-towneplace-suites-sacramento-airport-natomas

6

119

N

Y

-

WYNDHAM GARDEN SACRAMENTO AIRPORT, 2298 Terracina Dr. 95834; (916) 419-2222; wyndhamsac.com

6

117

Y

Y

-

34 Sacramento Visitors’ Guide visitsacramento.com/guide

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ACCOMMODATIONS Miles from Airport

Number of Rooms

ARDEN STAR HOTEL, 1413 Howe Ave. 95825; (916) 999-1233; ardenstarhotel.com

15

128

N

Y

-

CAL EXPO RV PARK, 1600 Exposition Blvd. 95815; (916) 263-3187; calexpo.com

18

65

N

N

22/E4

COMFORT INN & SUITES, 21 Howe Ave. 95826; (916) 379-0400; comfortinnsacramento.com

9

68

N

Y

-

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, CAL EXPO, 1782 Tribute Rd. 95815; (916) 929-7900; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacce-courtyard-sacramento-cal-expo

12

152

Y

N

20/B3

CROWNE PLAZA SACRAMENTO NORTHEAST, 5321 Date Ave. 95841; (916) 338-5800; cpsacramento.com

18

230

Y

Y

22/J2

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SACRAMENTO, 2001 Point West Wy. 95815; (916) 929-8855; doubletreesacramento.com

12

448

Y

Y

20/D2

FAIRFIELD INN BY MARRIOTT SACRAMENTO CAL EXPO, 1780 Tribute Rd. 95815; (916) 920-5300; marriott.com/sacxp

13

74

Y

Y

22/B3

HAMPTON INN & SUITES, 2230 Auburn Blvd. 95821; (916) 927-2222; sacramentoauburnblvd.hamptoninn.com

13

70

N

Y

22/G4

HILTON SACRAMENTO ARDEN WEST, 2200 Harvard St. 95815; (916) 922-4700; hilton.com

14

331

Y

Y

22/D1

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES CAL EXPO, 2224 Auburn Blvd. 95821; (916) 923-1100; hiexpress.com/sacramentone

13

81

N

Y

22/G4

LARKSPUR LANDING, 555 Howe Ave. 95825; (916) 646-1212; larkspurlanding.com/sacramento

18

124

N

N

22/B4

LIONS GATE HOTEL, 3410 Westover St. 95652; (916) 643-6222; lionsgatehotel.com

15

112

Y

Y

22/H1

RODEWAY INN, 25 Howe Ave. 95826; (916) 386-8408; choicehotels.com/california/sacramento/rodeway-inn-hotels/cah72

17

102

N

Y

22/C4

TOWNEPLACE SUITES SACRAMENTO CAL EXPO, 1784 Tribute Rd. 95815; (916) 920-5400; marriott.com/saccx

13

118

N

Y

22/B3

POINT WEST MARKETPLACE/HIGHWAY 80

Dining

Pool

Map Page/ Coordinates

GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA HOTEL SUTTER, 53 Main St. Sutter Creek 95685; (209) 267-0242; hotelsutter.com

55

21

Y

N

-

JACKSON RANCHERIA CASINO RESORT, 12222 New York Ranch Rd. Jackson 95642; (800) 822-WINN; jacksoncasino.com

62

86

Y

Y

-

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES, 11131 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova; (888) 312-2399; wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/rancho-cordova-california/la-quinta-rancho-cordova-sacramento

27

132

Y

Y

-

SACRAMENTO MARRIOTT RANCHO CORDOVA, 11211 Point East Dr., Rancho Cordova; (916) 638-1100; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacmc-sacramento-marriott-rancho-cordova

27

264

Y

Y

-

SPRINGHILL SUITES, 3455 Reed Ave., West Sacramento 95605; (916) 873-8222; marriott.com/hotels/travel/sacsw-springhill-suites-west-sacramento

11

97

Y

Y

-

THE MURIETA INN AND SPA, 7337 Murieta Dr. Rancho Murieta 95683; (916) 345-3900; themurietainn.com

35

83

Y

Y

-

Made Hot On The Spot

Mini Donuts • Hot Food WE ARE MORE THAN MINI DONUTS! OUR EXPANDED MENU INCLUDES CAROLINA FRIED CAT FISH, MUMBO WINGS AND MORE! OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 10AM UNTIL 6 PM.

CALL (916) 498-9255 2021 Sacramento Visitors’ Guide 35

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Be Our Guest After a year of shutdowns, Sacramento restaurants eagerly open their doors.

Tim Engle

By Marybeth Bizjak Sommelier Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou and Chef Deneb Williams of Allora Restaurant

36 Sacramento Visitors’ Guide visitsacramento.com/guide

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YOUR elevated

WEEKEND GETAWAY $1 Tasting fees with code: GETAWAY Reservations required.

MURPHYS, CA | IRONSTONEVINEYARDS.COM

GREAT EXPERIENCES, PEAK MOMENTS

THE PLACE TO GO IN CAPAY VALLEY GREAT SERVICE | AMERICAN CUISINE | FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

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Open Wednesday through Saturday from 11-9pm.

Don’t forget about brunch! Open every Sunday from 10-3pm

16867 Yolo Ave, Esparto, CA 95627 | (530) 787-5005

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T

number of diners they could seat, it became imperative for Allora to maximize check size. “Restaurants thrive on volume,” says Williams. “You have to turn tables and move product or you won’t be able to keep up with rent and everything else.”

Today, Allora’s prix-fixe menu is a chooseyour-own-adventure sort of experience, with three levels—three courses ($85), four courses ($105) and five courses ($125)—and four or ALLORA five choices per category. The menu is hyperDuring the pandemic, few Sacramento seasonal and subject to change; you might restaurants adjusted as fast and as hard as start your meal with a tuna crudo, move Allora, a modern Italian seafood on to octopus with balsamic glaze, restaurant in an upscale residenfollowed by seafood fettucine, tial neighborhood just east of then Allora’s fabulous 72-hour Midtown. The married owners, chef Deneb Williams and short rib, and finish with a sommelier Elizabeth-Rose pavlova for dessert. Diners Mandalou, added fancy also receive three completakeout to their repertoire, mentary extras: an amuseupgraded an already-lovely bouche to start (perhaps a patio and switched from a la gazpacho shot with Dungeness carte to a prix-fixe tasting menu. crab), a palate-cleansing sorbet They also changed the restaurant’s Tuna Crudo midmeal and a mignardise—a tiny tipping system, adding an automatic 20% service fee and a 3% kitchen fee, to sweet—at the end. The restaurant also offers address the pay-equity issues that currently separate vegan and vegetarian menus, plus bedevil the restaurant industry. caviar service—something you don’t see often The most impactful change, for both diner at Sacramento restaurants. The wine list is and restaurant, was the adoption of a prixalmost entirely Italian, with a few Greek botfixe menu. Before the pandemic, someone tles thrown in for good measure. A certified could walk in, sit at the bar and order a plate sommelier is always on the floor, available to of oysters and a glass of wine. But when COVID forced restaurants to restrict the advise guests on selecting the perfect bottle.

Anna Wick

hat huge sigh of relief you hear is the sound of Sacramento restaurateurs shaking off more than a year of stress from trying to stay in business during a global pandemic. As visitors return to Sacramento, the following four restaurants are ready to welcome diners back with exciting menus and a renewed focus on the guest experience.

In 2019, Allora received a coveted Michelin Plate designation, just one step below a star.

While the pandemic temporarily derailed the owners’ ambitions to shoot for a star in 2020, they are now looking forward to consolidating Allora’s position as one of Sacramento’s leading fine-dining destination restaurants.

5215 Folsom Blvd.; (916) 538-6434; allorasacramento.com

BURGER PATCH

For a few lucky restaurants, the pandemic hardly registered as a barrier to business.

Such is the case with Burger Patch, a homegrown fast-food chain specializing in plant-based burgers, fries and shakes. “We had to make only a few minor adjustments,” says Phil Horn, who owns Burger Patch with his wife, Danea. “Our business was built on the takeout model from the start, so the shutdown didn’t affect us much.”

The couple started Burger Patch as a popup in 2017, then opened their first brick-andmortar in Midtown in 2017. They’ve since opened two more locations, in Davis and East Sacramento, with a fourth set to debut in Land Park in late 2021. So far, they are successfully riding the zeitgeist of the meatless movement. “We’re 100% plant-based,” says Horn. “It’s what we do and who we are. It’s not an afterthought.”

Strawberry Pavlova, Allora

38 Sacramento Visitors’ Guide visitsacramento.com/guide

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Let’s do LUNCH A Sacramento Tradition Since 1939

RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE

Lunch • Dinner • Weekend Brunch 11:30a-9p M-F | 9a-10p Sat | 9a-8p Sun

2232 Fair Oaks Blvd – UV CENTER | 916.515.9680

fatsrestaurants.com

www.bennettsamericancooking.com

WELCOME BACK! At Tapa the World we encourage you to relax, linger and converse while enjoying a glass of wine and variety of small plates, both traditional Spanish dishes and worldly chef creations.

FARM TO TABLE FOOD. ARTISAN COCKTAILS. BEER AND WINE.

Pg.39.indd 39

BEAUTIFUL AMBIANCE. HAPPY EMPLOYEES. THAT’S WHAT WE’RE ABOUT.

Sacramento’s Best Tapas

2718 J St, Sacramento 916-706-2275 | theredrabbit.net

2115 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 916.442.4353 www.tapatheworld.com

7/30/21 9:50 AM

Horn claims that the seasoned burger patties, made in-house using a commercial product called Beyond Meat, are designed to appeal to everyone from vegetarians to meat eaters. “To get people to switch from a meat burger to a plant-based one, that first burger has to be incredible,” he says. “This is the best burger you’ll ever have.”

The burgers are the “gateway product” to other plant-based items on the seasonally changing menu, such as chick’n mac ’n’ cheese, pulled “pork” sandwich and a meatfree spin on the Philly cheesesteak. A blend of cashew, soy and almond milks, the shakes come in an array of fun flavors, such as s’more and apple pie.

While the pandemic didn’t affect Burger Patch’s product, it did force the owners to tweak the way customers get their food. They came up with a contactless ordering and pickup system called FastPatch. Instead of walking into the store, diners order online, then grab their food from a wooden cubby on the sidewalk. “That’s an innovation that’s here to stay,” says Horn. “We’re building it into all our places.”

Burger Patch’s success has the Horns looking for new locations, both in the Sacramento region and beyond, and they’ve already received franchise requests from around the world. With renowned restaurants like New York’s Eleven Madison Park going meatfree, they see themselves as part of a global movement that is kinder to the planet, to animals and to the community they serve.

Growth is secondary to that end. “While we’re excited and eager to drop one on every block in America, we have to do it right,” Horn says.

“We want a world where everybody has plantbased options.” 2301 K St.; (916) 750-4200; theburgerpatch.com

Double Patch Burger, Burger Patch

Gabriel Teague

MAGPIE

Some restaurants responded to the pandemic by going back to basics. Take, for instance, Magpie, one of Sacramento’s leading farm-tofork restaurants, long known for its innovative cuisine and dedication to seasonality.

Since opening in 2009, it had grown from a small order-at-the-counter-style operation to a full-blown restaurant, open daily for lunch, dinner and, on weekends, brunch. But when COVID-19 shook the industry’s foundations in 2020, Magpie’s owners took a giant step back, pruning their menus and their days and hours of operation.

That period of retrenchment turned out to be “a joy,” says Ed Roehr, who runs Magpie with his brother, Charles, and his wife, Janel Inouye. It allowed them to return to their original vision of MagGrapefruit Haze Cocktail pie as a casual gathering spot with great farm-to-table food. Now, the restaurant is open just four days a week (Thursday–Sunday) and offers one all-day

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menu, featuring “greatest hits” from the old Magpie. Stuffy old rules of what you can eat when have gone out the window, says Roehr: A diner can order pan-roasted quail and a cocktail at noon, or Magpie’s famous BLT and a beer at 9 p.m.

As the pandemic eases and customers return to indoor dining, Roehr plans to add more old favorites to the menu, such as beef tartare and the Dragon Gourmet mushroom plate. To augment the menu, daylong specials will make an appearance—avocado toast with a poached egg, for instance, would be available all day long, not just at brunch. 1601 16th St.; (916) 452-7594; magpiecafe.com

THE FIREHOUSE

When restaurants had to seat diners outdoors during the pandemic, The Firehouse had a not-so-secret weapon: a large brick courtyard that is widely considered one of the most beautiful alfresco dining spaces in the region. Located in Old Sacramento in a historic firehouse, the restaurant barely missed a beat during the shutdown.

Although out-of-town visitors and tourists— traditionally a large portion of its clientele— were nowhere to be seen, local diners made up for their absence, drawn by the quality of the food and the comfort of the patio.

(To keep diners warm and dry during the pandemic, the restaurant invested in a professional-grade, custom tent for the courtyard.)

Chilean Sea Bass, The Firehouse

Open since 1960, The Firehouse is a special-occasion restaurant, known for its classic food preparations and extensive wine list. Neither of those things changed during the pandemic, according to assistant general manager Dan Hatch. “We stayed with the same format and were able to maintain our energy as a restaurant,” he says.

Here is a place where you can start your meal with a half-dozen fresh oysters, followed by a Caesar salad or an iceberg wedge, and an herb-crusted rack of lamb or Chilean sea bass with potato “risotto,” English pea puree and blistered tomato relish. Special menus include one for “young patrons” (children 10 and under), with both a cheeseburger and a kid’s version of the sea bass that comes with French fries instead of risotto. There’s also a luxurious five-course chef ’s tasting menu that

might include a starter of oysters and caviar; lamb lollypops; seared foie gras; filet mignon and butter-poached lobster; and a cheese plate. The tab: $119 for food only, $169 with wine pairings.

During the pandemic, The Firehouse started offering takeout for the first time in its history. It was a truncated version of the restaurant’s dine-in options, featuring dishes designed to be travel-friendly. One of the most popular offerings was the three-course chateaubriand dinner for two, with Caesar salad, filet mignon with béarnaise sauce and choice of dessert (chocolate pavé gâteau or carrot cake) for $135. It was an experiment that proved successful, says Hatch. “I think we will keep it.” 1112 Second St.; (916) 4424772; firehouseoldsac.com

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event calendar

well worth the wait What’s going on in sacramento As the year-round source for Sacramento events, Sacramento365 features comprehensive listings of arts, culture and recreational activities, allowing you to experience all Sacramento has to offer. Visit Sacramento365.com at any time and search by date or category to find outings that pique your interest!

SEPTEMBER Sept. 3–6: FoodieLand Night Market

Cal Expo FoodieLandNM.com Sept. 4–6: Chalk It Up! Festival Fremont Park ChalkItUp.org Sept. 9: Legends of Wine California State Capitol FarmToFork.com Sept. 9–19: Wide Open Walls Throughout Sacramento WideOpenWalls.com Sept. 10: Joe Rogan: The Sacred Clown Tour Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Sept. 11 & 12: Sacramento Mile Cal Expo SDI-Racing.com Sept. 11 & 12: Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival Southside Park SacGrilledCheese.com Sept. 11 & 12; 18 & 19: Sac Open Studios Online and Participating Artist Studios SacOpenStudios.com Sept. 12: Tower Bridge Dinner Tower Bridge FarmToFork.com

FARM TO FORK Sept. 15–Oct. 10: Hamilton

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center BroadwaySacramento.com Sept. 17 & 18: Farm-to-Fork Festival Capitol Mall FarmToFork.com Sept. 18: California Brewers Festival Discovery Park CalBrewFest.Com Sept. 18: Brazilian Carnaval Sacramento CLARA Midtown BrazilianCenterSac.org Sept. 18: Louis the Child: Euphoria Tour Memorial Auditorium SAFECreditUnionConventionCenter.com Sept. 24–26: Sacramento Reptile Show Cal Expo SacReptileShow.com Sept. 24–26: California Capital Airshow Mather Airport CaliforniaCapitalAirShow.com

OCTOBER Oct. 1: Kane Brown: Bless & Free Tour

Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Oct. 2 & 3: Jo Koy: Just Kidding World Tour Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Oct. 2 & 3: Lost in Riddim Music Festival Cesar Chavez Plaza LostInRiddim.com Oct. 7–10: Aftershock Festival Discovery Park AftershockFestival.com Oct. 12: Eagles Hotel California 2021 Tour Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Oct. 12: Flogging Molly and Violent Femmes Heart Health Park CalExpoStateFair.com Oct. 15: Phish Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Oct. 16: Capital Beer Fest Capitol Mall CapitolBeerFest.com

FARM TO FORK

Oct. 16: Brothers Osborne: We’re Not For Everyone Memorial Auditorium SAFECreditUnionConventionCenter.com Oct. 23: Andrea Bocelli: Believe World Tour Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Oct. 24: IRONMAN California Throughout Sacramento Ironman.Com/IM-California

NOVEMBER Nov. 3: Karol G: Bichota Tour

Memorial Auditorium KarolGMusic.com Nov. 13: Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin Golden 1 Center Golden1Center.com Nov. 19–21: Harvest Festival Cal Expo HarvestFestival.com

And more fun is on the way!

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