8 because we LOVE ANIMALS

Because Beer

With more than 50 breweries operating in the Sacramento region, we’ve definitely got hops, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise: Before Prohibition, Sacramento was the largest beer production spot west of the Mississippi. Our breweries have also earned accolades outside the city limits: In 2022, ALARO CRAFT BREWERY ’s first IPA took home a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival; URBAN ROOTS won California Brewery of the Year in 2021; and just across the causeway, Davis’ SUDWERK BREWING CO. won Top U.S. Brewery and Brewer of the Year at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival.

If the couch is starting to feel a little empty, there are plenty of places to find a new best friend: Sacramento County Animal Care Services, also known as Bradshaw Animal Shelter (3839 Bradshaw Road), and Sacramento City Animal Care, also known as Front Street Animal Shelter (2127 Front St.), plus the Sacramento SPCA (6201 Florin Perkins Road). For the latest in canine fashion, we can stop by Leash and Collar dog boutique (1901 Q St.) and then show it off at one of the city’s 14 dog parks. For pups that prefer to sit by our sides instead of play with other dogs, there are spots for that, too: Most patios in town are dog friendly. One spot where we love to have pints with our pooch is SacYard Community Tap House & Beer Garden (1725 33rd St.): Pups can sit both inside and out, and there’s plenty of space for dogs to sprawl.