Down on Main Street
25
By Krista Minard
SMALL TOWNS IN THE FOOTHILLS
W
e’re surrounded by Sierra foothills, where small towns teem with history that hearkens back to Gold Rush days. Anchored by preserved Main Streets, these towns call up the past with sweet old neighborhoods, 19th century homes and commercial buildings now housing museums and current-day businesses. Modern energy brings great coffee, farm-to-table dining and rich arts and culture—and shopping that’s more eclectic than utilitarian. We chose 25 towns within seven counties, all within reach—no farther than 120 miles from Sacramento, no higher than 3,000 feet—and with wonderfully walkable historic hubs. We do not even attempt to cover it all, so go for yourself—for the day or, if inns are ready to welcome guests, the weekend—and discover your own treasures. From what we’ve learned, small-town businesses are eager for visitors. Be respectful. Mask up, bring your own hand sanitizer, keep your 6-foot distance and be gracious if something you hoped to see turns out to be closed or tightly limited on access. The basics these days.
PHOTOS: Gabriel Teague
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SACRAMENTO MAGAZINE April 2021
• MAP: Ricardo Berumen Borrego