Are you ready for experiences that connect you with the essence of Sacramento and its people?

When you're traveling, sometimes it is comforting to stop into a Starbucks and get a "tall half-skinny half-one- percent extra hot split quad shot (two shots decaf, two shots regular) latte with whip" that tastes exactly like it does at home.

But it's not authentic.

Unlike bigger cities, Sacramento has an ideal size. There are no tourist-only areas where residents avoid. In fact, locals and tourists can enjoy a pretty similar quality of life. Meet some people in our neighborhood whose lives create lasting memories when you visit us:

THE COFFEE ROASTER, Jason Griest
In 2006 after opening another mainstay on the capital's coffeehouse circuit, Jason Griest and artisanal baker, Tim Jordan, started a wholesale coffee bean roasting business. Old Soul Co. sources green beans from small estates and fincas, then lightly roasts them in a 12-pound roaster.

"My favorite days are roasting days because it smells so great in there," hinted Diana, a regular patron.

"You can actually watch bakers put high-grade crack into those addictive ham and cheese croissants," remarked another patron, Richard.

Located only blocks from the Sacramento Convention Center and downtown hotels, the warehouse-cafe (and de facto community center) has even fueled real estate development with alley in-fill projects.

After opening two more coffee-inspired community centers, including one with beer and wine options, founders and fans petitioned to bring soul to the new terminal at Sacramento International Airport. After all, there's a very comforting feeling in enjoying a cup of coffee just before leaving on a trip (or coming home from one).

Throughout the Spring, I'll introduce you to more neighbors who shape experiential travel and tourism in Sacramento. Sign up to get the latest issue of our complimentary SCVB visitor guide.

Hello again. Well day two in Murphys started out a little cloudy and I don't mean the sky!  Actually the weather in the Gold Country was quite beautiful that morning.  We were lucky enough to stay at my friends brother's home up above Murphys and had a wonderful view of the hillsides!  Our first stop of the day was for breakfast in Murphys on Main Street.  We went to Grounds. It was a lovely place with inside and outside seating.  We enjoyed the morning outside with Bloody Mary's and Mimosa's.  The second day at Murphys (there is no apostrophe; you will read why when you click on the link) was saved to visit the outlying areas of the Gold Country.  At breakfast we mapped out the wineries we wanted to visit.  But before we left Main Street we stopped at one last winery, Frog's Tooth. They had some lovely wines and the staff was very nice!

Now we are off to visit the first Gold Country wineries off of Main Street, Ironstone Vineyards. 
Ironstone is a very large winery with a huge tasting room/deli, a museum and an amphitheatre where they hold concerts.  When you first enter Ironstone you see these amazing wine barrels planted with tulips and daffodils. It is so beautiful and I couldn't get over the amazing colors.  We were tasting a few wines when in walked a gold mine - really he was!  He showed us the gold he had taken from the river, but he wouldn't tell us where for fear we would want to start panning for gold.  He was a very interesting character with many stories. Ironstone has gold panning on their property. 

As we were  getting ready to leave, John Kautz (Kautz family owns Ironstone Vineyards) came in. I introduced myself and he offered to give us a tour of the jewelry shoppe/museum.  The museum is filled with historical artifacts. Here is John showing us some of the many historical pieces he has curated for the museum.  One he is especially proud of is the Gold Leaf specimen.  It is housed in a bank safe-type room for temperature and security reasons.   We then set off to visit some other wineries, Indian Rock and Coppermine.  Indian Rock is a small winery with a lovely pond to have a picnic around.  On Saturdays they BBQ for their winery guests.  Indian Rock had a lovely Barbera that made its way home with me!  Coppermine was next. They provided you with pub tables to do your tasting.  They also paired their wine with potato chips and chocolate. I could not have asked for a better combination!!  Last but not least we went to visit Twisted Oak Winery.  You drive up a twisted road with many roadside attractions along the way.   It is a fun drive through the vineyards and it overlooks the hills of the Gold Country. 

Here we tasted a few wines that were not in their tasting room on Main Street.  As we left the winery there is a large frog that looks like a rubber chicken. In our travels we saw a few of these large frogs and the story is that Calaveras County (where Murphys is located) is known for their jumping frog contests.  So here we are at our last stop with a frog that looks like a rubber chicken!

As we are leaving I stop to take one more picture and I feel like I am on top of the world or at least
"Queen of The Sierra."  
 

It was a wonderful two days in the Gold Country.  It is easily a day trip and you can stay at one of the Sacramento area hotels and enjoy one day visiting Sacramento, California, attractions, like Old Sacramento.  Or make a weekend of it and stay in one of the lovely and quaint Gold Country hotels!!  That is all for now.   I hope you enjoyed the tale of Murphys. Until next time, CHEERS!!

Amtrak, where have you been all my life?  Seriously. 

If you have kids, you are well aware of how stressful car travel can be.  Even if you are only driving a couple of hours away, you've got to think about meals and snacks, bathroom breaks, and bringing along fun things to keep the kids occupied. And heaven forbid you get stuck in traffic, or have a flat tire.  So many issues to think about and prepare for.  Any one of these issues can make traveling with kids a nightmare.

Well, believe it or not, you can dial down travel-related stress by taking the train.  Yep, I'm talking about Amtrak.  For the first time ever, my family recently hopped on Amtrak in Sacramento for a day trip into San Francisco.  I can't believe we waited this long to do this!  It was comfortable, convenient, surprisingly easy and definitely stress-free. 

We boarded the Capitol Corridor right downtown at the Sacramento Amtrak Station next to Old Sacramento. We enjoyed a comfortable ride into Emeryville, at which point we made a quick and smooth transition to a clean and comfortable Amtrak bus, which then took us the rest of the way into the city.  Twenty minutes later the bus dropped us off right in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf.  No dodging pedestrians, circling the parking lot waiting for someone else to leave, and no parking fees. 

We spent the day learning about sharks at the Aquarium of the Bay, watching the famous Pier 39 sea lions soak in some sun, shopping (and eating) at Ghiradelli Square and enjoying the beautiful weather while playing on the beach at Aquatic Park.  After a fantastic dinner at the Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39, we headed back out to the Amtrak bus stop just a few steps away and boarded the bus for home.  It was all so very nice and easy.  We will definitely make this trip again and recommend that others do so as well.  Not only is it a perfect way for locals to travel to the Bay Area, but it's even more perfect for out of town visitors who don't have a car or who simply don't want to navigate the Sacramento to Bay Area traffic.

 Here's what we loved most about taking Amtrak with our kids:

1 - Freedom.  My boys, ages 8 and 11, were absolutely ecstatic about not having to wear seat belts.  They could stretch their legs, move around and even get up and walk around, whenever they wanted to.  They also loved sitting at a table where they could take out the Legos they brought (snuck into their backpacks without my knowledge) and spread them out for the duration of the ride.

2 - Restrooms.  No more making unexpected potty breaks!  It was so nice to have access to a bathroom whenever my boys needed one...especially considering all the water and soda they drank throughout the day.  Boy was I glad we didn't have to make all those stops while in the car!

3 - Meals and Snacks.  We brought our lunches with us, but it was nice to know that there was a snack car on board, just in case we got hungry on the way back. I absolutely loved having the option!

4 - Free Wifi.  Bring your laptop (ipad or iphone will do) along and your kids will be occupied for hours due to Amtrak's free wifi access for passengers.  Amtrak even has travel games for kids to play on their website at Amtrak Kids Depot.

5 - Relaxation.  We got to relax and have fun, too.  Yep, I know it's almost undeard of, but when you are letting someone else do the driving (so to speak) you don't have to worry about a traffic jam, accident, or car trouble, all of which we witnessed on the highway beside us somewhere along the way.  I have to admit that I felt just a little bit smug about being able to race on by all those "poor" people stuck on the freeway.  I just sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed spending some quality time with my family.

So, next time you are planning a vacation, whether you are going somewhere far away, or fairly close by, consider taking Amtrak.  Our Sacramento Amtrak station location can't get much more convenient.  Located just off I-5's J Street exit, with Historic Old Sacramento, Westfield's Downtown Plaza, the California State Capitol and plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels nearby, it's perfect for outbound and inbound travelers.

I'm already planning our next trip...and I think this time it will be aboard the Coast Starlight heading down to Southern California.  I hear the views are spectacular as it coasts alongside the Pacific Ocean.  I Can't wait!

Sometimes traveling isn’t pleasant.  Gas prices, traffic jams and other factors can cause major anxiety on the way to your destination.  The trip to the destination is considered the means to an end.  Getting there could be considered the hard part.  What if the trip to the destination was part of the fun?  The Capitol Corridor is an excellent and convenient way to travel to Sacramento from the Bay Area.  There are several reasons you should consider using Amtrak and the Capitol Corridor when planning your next trip to Sacramento.

1. Convenience.  The Capitol Corridor provides direct train service to 16 stations along a 170-mile rail corridor between the Sierra Foothills, Sacramento, the Bay Area and Silicon Valley/San Jose.  Dedicated bus routes extend the service to various communities in Northern California.  If you live in Northern California and want to visit great Sacramento attractions, chances are you live conveniently close to one of these stations. 
2. Location.  The Sacramento Amtrak station is located in downtown Sacramento, walking distance from several Sacramento museums, hotels, attractions, shopping and restaurants.  Old Sacramento and the famous California State Railroad Museum are two blocks away from the station.  The train will drop you off in the heart of Sacramento – get off the train and start enjoying your vacation immediately.
3. Options.  There are several different ticket options tailored to your needs.  Discounts and promotions are often available for seniors, children, disabled persons and members of select organizations.  Amtrak also routinely offers specials to all of their riders, depending on the season.  Group travelers and frequent business travelers can also be eligible for special rates and discounts.  Plus, some Sacramento hotels offer special packages for travelers of the Capitol Corridor.
4. Stay Connected.  Did you know that Amtrak now offers free WiFi to passengers?  You don’t have to miss a thing when you travel.  You can plug your electronic devices into one of several surge-protected outlets located throughout the cabins, connect to the free WiFi and conduct your business without any interruptions or expensive fees.
5. Bring Your Own Connection.  Based on availability, you can bring your bicycle with you when traveling the Capitol Corridor.  The Sacramento area has world-class biking trails, including the American River Parkway, available for all cycling enthusiasts.  Sacramento is also a bike-friendly city with an abundance of bicycle racks for storage and bicycle lanes for travel.  Bring your bicycle, and enjoy all the fun things to do in Sacramento at your own pace.

Getting to Sacramento has never been easier and more convenient.  The Capitol Corridor is an excellent way to experience Sacramento.  Click here for more information about the Capitol Corridor.  Please visit our website to learn more about Sacramento attractions, accommodations and more to help you plan your visit to the Capital City.

This Week: Fashion Your Life Around Community & Culture
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		Festivals: Sacramento Fashion Week Various Locations Feb 21-Feb 25 Daily, times vary Providing the bridge between fashion designers, models, photographers, advertising agencies, make up and hair stylists in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industry, Sacramento Fashion Week brings a week of fashion events to the Sacramento Area.
		Dance: Sacramento Black Art of Dance: 20th Anniversary Concert Sacramento State - Solano Hall 1010 Ongoing-Feb 26 Wed-Thurs 6:30pm; Fri-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm Founded by Linda Goodrich, chair of the University's Theatre & Dance Department, S/BAD showcases Black concert dance forms such as West African, Brazilian & modern jazz in their 20th Anniversary Concert.
		Museums: Camellia Pin-On Day California State Capitol Museum Feb 23 Thurs 10am-1pm In honor of Sacramento's designation as "Camellia Capital of the World," camellia corsages, cut from Capitol Park bushes and trees, will be distributed to guests.
		Food & Wine: Sacramento Beer Week Various locations Feb 24-March 4 Daily, times vary Celebrates Sacramento's rich beer culture with more than 400 events, including beer tastings, beer dinners, food pairings, comedy nights, music, pub crawls, educational events, brewing demonstrations, and more throughout the week.
		Sacramento Nightlife: The Cave's Official Grand Opening Party The Cave Feb 24 Fri 8pm-11:30pm Help Sacramento's newest art dwelling--a relaxed atmosphere showcasing the best in live music, art, comedy, and local sports--celebrate their grand opening with an artistic triple threat featuring live music, comedy, and art.
		Music: Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi Community Center Theater Feb 24-Feb 26 Fri 8pm; Sun 2pm The Sacramento Opera & Sacramento Philharmonic present this concise, taut, and psychologically disturbing drama.
		Special Events: Mercy's Day of Dance Three Stages Performing Arts Center Feb 25 Sat 9am-Noon Join for an interactive event bringing people of all ages together for heart-healthy activities including care chats with Mercy experts, cooking demonstrations with Whole Foods Market and, of course, kicking up your heels.
		Festivals: Carnaval 2012 Old McCulley Bros. Auto. Bldg Feb 25 Sat 8pm-2am Come party Brazilian style with live music, dancers, performers, plus Brazilian food & drink.
		Sports & Rec: Getty Owl Run/Walk Crocker Park Feb 26 Sun 7am-Noon Join in Sacramento outdoor activities at the 1/4-mile kids run, 5K Walk/Run, or 10K Run around Downtown Sacramento, then enjoy the post-race family festival full of massages, vendors, food, music, & activities.
		Film: Media That Matters Short Film Festival Guild Theater Feb 26 Sun 7:30pm Movies on a Big Screen's annual festival of socially conscious short films are made by student and independent filmmakers and complied by Arts Engine in New York.

 
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Black History Month

Join in the celebration!

Check out Black History Month events in Sacramento here.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Kristin Hartman

Learn about oil painter Kristin Hartman in her Featured Artist Profile.

 Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Last issue, we looked at using a convention center. This month, we look at using self-contained properties, particularly those located away from the downtown core.

The advantages of a one hotel conference are obvious, number one being that your attendees typically need only travel down an elevator and the length of a hallway to get to their meeting rooms and events. Two, if your budget is tight rates may be lower and parking is either free or lower cost because these properties aren't located in the downtown core.

One such example is Sacramento Point West Marketplace, a collection of Sacramento area hotels - Hilton, Doubletree by Hilton, Marriott, Woodlake (former Radisson) - all with substantial meeting space under their roofs, and Cal Expo, a 350-acre venue. The properties have plenty of parking available. They're located next to shopping, low to mid-price dining options and family-friendly attractions.

Furthermore, the area is a 10-minute drive to downtown Sacramento, nearby attractions and Sacramento International Airport.

Hobby, fraternal, social and similar type groups are often good fits for the all under one roof conventions. For example, Sacramento has hosted several model train groups at hotels. There's ample space to display working model train displays, retail items and hold seminars.  Plus, there are comfortable sitting areas throughout the hotel for the members to congregate and socialize.

This doesn't mean, of course, your attendees never leave the property. Fraternal and social groups often look for fun things to do in Sacramento for day trips, such as winery visits, or post convention trips to places like Yosemite.

If you're not sure what kind of meeting space you need or don't have the time and resources to research hotels, contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau for assistance. We'll find out what your needs are and help you select the right hotel. Also, we can provide convention and meeting services, such as custom microsites to help build attendance or promotional materials to round out your conference.  

Contact Sarah Atilano (satilano@cityofsacramento.org) to help you create a great conference under one roof. 

To help you make the most of your theater experience in the capital, or you're planning a visit to Sacramento and would like to see a play or musical performance, we've compiled this insider's guide to venues in the area:

From Broadway to Cabaret
Broadway Sacramento — established nearly 25 years ago at downtown's Community Center Theater on the Sacramento Convention Center campus, and now the region's largest live performing arts event — is home to big, splashy musicals. Prices range from $16 a person midweek or matinees to $85 for orchestra seats on "premium" weekend nights. More than 200,000 tickets are sold annually to theatre-lovers from the California-Oregon border to western Nevada and the Central Valley. Remaining productions in the current season includes Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet and Wicked.

Don't miss its summer series, Music Circus. JUST ANNOUNCED: the 2012 season of musicals in the round: Grease, The Little Mermaid, The Music Man, and Fiddler on the Roof, and Crazy for You. Prices are slightly less than the Broadway series, making this an affordable tradition for families as well as groups.  

If you prefer cabaret, to drink or eat as you enjoy the musical production, The Cosmopolitan Cabaret offers a more relaxed and spacious experience. Tickets range from $33 to $48 a seat. Forbidden Broadway will have you laughing out loud and falling out of your seat.

Off-Broadway or Fringe Theater
Midtown Sacramento, where indie boutiques and locally owned restaurants flourish, is no exception to gutsy, thought-provoking, and intense productions.

Established by Timothy Busfield and his brother Buck Busfield, B Street Theatre has become recognized as one of Northern California’s top professional theaters. It has produced more than 100 new plays, 60 of which are world, national, West Coast, or regional premieres. The current season includes The Giver, based on the award-winning and widely-read novel by Lois Lowry. Prices range from $10-30 per person.

Since 1942, Sacramento Theatre Company has been professionally producing contemporary and traditional theatrical works, providing rigorous and comprehensive training to young professionals, and advocating theatre as a tool for educational engagement. From September through June, its theaters, including its own cabaret, feature eight performances each week for a total of more than 300 each year. Prices range from $15-$46 per seat. STC even offers senior and rush discounts. The current season includes Dial 'M' for Murder and Little Shop of Horrors. 

Now in its (lucky) 13th year, Capital Stage continues to bring bold, intimate and live plays from contemporary playwrights to audiences of no more than 125. Explore the human condition with your mind and soul -- at slightly less expensive prices. Highlights include periodic post-production discussions with the director and cast. Prices range from $16-38 per seat. Cap Stage also is expanding its high school, youth summer drama instruction programs.    

Off-Off-Broadway have even smaller (and perhaps scruffier) spaces with fewer than 100 seats. They can be found throughout the capital. Our pick is Big Idea Theatre, near uptown's Enotria restaurant and wine bar, a laboratory for new actors and the theatrical vanguard -- and tickets for as low as $10.

.... A dizzying number of options, and we haven't even talked about the community and school productions! Book a hotel room, pack your bags, and stay a while ...

The League of Sacramento Theatres lists dozens of curtains going up every week all over town. Don't believe me? Check out the list of current productions for yourself. Sacramento presents audiences with a surprising array of theater-going experiences, from blockbuster musicals to intimate monologues. Navigating all the choices to arrange a night (or matinee afternoon) at the theater is easier with a little help from your friends, here, at the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Ticket Timing and Specials
For Broadway (and Music Circus) shows that regularly or nearly sell out, get tickets weeks or months in advance. Midweek shows are less crowded (and often cheaper) than Friday, Saturday or Sunday shows. Saturday nights require booking the furthest ahead. Student tickets may be available, and some venues offer a limited number of cheap same-day rush tickets. Check each company box office for discounts and details.

Fueling Up
Several restaurants serve traditional pre-theater meals at reasonable prices; peek at the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau site list of eateries where you'll be in good hands. Book a reservation 90 minutes before curtain, and as soon as you're seated at the table, tell your server you're going to a show.

Looking for a special way to turn your Valentine's Day into a memorable holiday? There are myriad options in Sacramento365.com's Holiday Events section, but here are a few highlights for the upcoming weekend:

For the foodie (Fri & Sat 6pm): Let GrubCrawl USA's Pre-Valentine's Sexy Singles Mingle & Consensual Couples Crawl take you on a taste-tastic tour of Sacramento's finest dining spots. Whether you're single or paired up, there's a spot for you—Fri is aimed toward singles & Sat to couples (so, presumably, if you find someone on Fri you can make a return tour on Sat!).

For the single lady (Fri 9pm): Stroll Now 100.5’s Mile of Men at The Park Ultra Lounge and take your pick from the area's most eligible bachelors. Stay to participate in Sacramento nightlife at the afterparty and get your photo snapped in the photobooth manned by Nicholas Wray.

For the sporty sort (Sat 7am): Rise & shine Saturday morning and get your jog on at Race for Justice: 9th Annual Valentine Run, which begins from Country Club Plaza. This fun run has a kids' race component, plus a costume contest for dogs & humans alike!

For the musical type (Sat 10pm): Make your way to Vega's Nightclub & Sports Bar this Saturday night for Valentine's Heartbreak Hotel. Not only you will you enjoy live music by Barrel Fever and the Fortunite Few, you'll also get to see a live burlesque show and participate in a free pin-up photoshoot by Bad Bones Photography.

For the animal lover (Sun 10am-4pm): Head over to the Sacramento Zoo Sunday afternoon for I Heart Sacramento Zoo and watch the animals receive their Valentines, plus participate in informative talks and peruse activity tables.

For the anti-Valentine (Sun 7:30pm): Movies on a Big Screen notes that around Valentine's Day, they like to screen "some kind of movie that might make your date a little uncomfortable with your idea of romance." This Sunday evening, they feature the 1923 silent classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which, they claim, is a romantic movie (if you remove all of the violence, murder, mayhem, and obsession, that is).

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

This Week: Charm Yourself with Extraordinary Events
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		Theatre: Aliens with Extraordinary Skills B Street Theatre Ongoing-Feb 26 Tues 6:30pm; Wed 2pm & 6:30pm; Thurs & Fri 8pm; Sat 5pm & 9pm; Sun 2pm Based on true tales of immigration, this play explores the idea that we are all "aliens" in search for love, understanding, & a home.
		Film: Thurs 'Til 9: Film Frame: A Place Called Sacramento Crocker Art Museum Feb 2 Thurs 6:30pm Celebrate the 10 original, local short films that premiered at last Oct's Film Festival.
		Dance: Open Sky Benvenuti Performing Arts Center Feb 3-Feb 4 Fri & Sat 7pm Along with the usual showcase of tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and contemporary pieces, this production features a tribute to 9/11 choreographed by Jill Strippling.
		Special Events: Paula Deen Live Community Center Theater Feb 3 Fri 7pm Successful restaurateur, best-selling cookbook author, Food Network superstar, and multi-media personality Paula Deen comes to Sacramento for one night only!
		Sacramento Nightlife: Sacramento Valentine's/ Unvalentine's Party for Singles Hilton Hotel Arden West Feb 3 Fri 8pm-Midnight Enjoy DJ dancing, games, complimentary snacks, quality singles, & much more. Couples welcome too!
		Museums: Sacramento Museum Day 28 participating Museums Feb 4 Sat 10am-5pm This popular & fun cultural tradition encourages the community to experience the area's incredible wealth of art, history, science & wildlife--at little or no cost.
		Festivals: Sacramento VegFest Artisan Building Feb 4 Sat 11am-4pm Celebration raw, vegan, & vegetarian cuisines with exhibits, tastings, recipes, vendors, speakers, and more.
		Music: This Charming Band Blue Lamp Feb 4 Sat 9pm This Charming Band strives to make each show a celebration of unity in the love and appreciation of the music of The Smiths.
		Kids & Fam: Dino-Volcano Mobile Discovery Museum Feb 5 Sun 12:30pm-4pm Remember your day of exploring rocks, fossils, crystals, & dinosaurs in the Blast from the Past! exhibit by making a Dino-Volcano mobile.
		Sports & Rec: Super Bowl Party Arden Hills - Mangos Lounge Feb 5 Sun 3pm Complete with two big screen TVs, raffle prizes, drink specials & finger food favorites, you and your friends will enjoy the big end-of-season match-up in comfort and style.

 
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Forbidden Broadway debuts at Cosmopolitan Cabaret

 Read Sacramento365.com's review!

Sneak Preview! February's Featured Local Artist of the Month: Kristin Hartman

Learn about oil painter Kristin Hartman in her Featured Artist Profile.

 Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

Your motorcoach is essential to your group.  And it is also essential your motorcoach seamlessly fits into your scheduled itinerary.  Sacramento is a motorcoach-friendly destination with many options to ensure your motorcoach is staged, loaded, unloaded and parked with ease in reasonable time.  Here are five ways the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can ease your motorcoach worries:

This Week: Musical Merriment & Unexpected Revelry
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		Theatre: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) Capital Stage Ongoing-Jan 1 Tues 7pm; Wed 7pm; Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm *Xmas Eve 2pm & 7pm A fast, fond, and furious look at the holiday traditions we all remember, and a few we'd like to forget.
		Special Events: Nite Brite Bike Parade M Street between 40th & 41st Streets Dec 21 Wed 7pm The 5th Annual Nite Brite Bike Parade in East Sacramento is a parade of lights and sounds through the Fabulous Forties--fun for the whole family. Decorate your bike with lights and holiday cheer!
		Music: The Golden Cadillacs Torch Club Dec 21 Wed 9pm The Golden Cadillacs share their honey-baked California country rock with anyone who's ever hung their head at a bar searching for answers at the bottom of a drink.
		Film: Holiday Film Series: Miracle on 34th Street Crocker Art Museum Dec 22 Thurs 4pm Bring non-perishable food items for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services for entry in a raffle and enjoy a screening of the seasonal favorite, the original classic Miracle on 34th Street. Return later in the evening for a screening of the cult classic Satan vs. Santa.
		Music: Who Cares & Little Foxes Harlow's Dec 22 Thurs 9pm Who Cares, who play hip hop based in jazz, electro, and broken beats, and electronic band Little Foxes team up with Concerts 4 Charity to bring you a Christmas Party with proceeds going to charity in the Sacramento area.
		Music: Rock for Tots 6 Ace of Spades Dec 23 Fri 6:30pm Rock out to performances by Lonely Kings, Dogfood, A Single Second, I'm Dirty Too, and Street Urchinz. Bring a toy and receive a raffle ticket for prizes from local vendors. All toys go to the Sacramento Salvation Army.
		Nightlife: Blue Collar Burlesque Sterling Hotel Dec 23 Fri 8pm Celebrate the holidays Siren-style for a night of bawdy live entertainment. Enjoy live jazz & blues from the Harley White Jr. Orchestra, a Siren Burlesque Boutique, Isabella Corsetry "unwrapped" holiday fashion show, and free audience raffle giveaways.
		Kids & Fam: Pajama Party Christmas Eve Sacramento Zoo Dec 24 Sat 10am-1:30pm Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Zoo, and you don't have to change out of your pajamas--admission is free! Be sure to head across the street to Fairytale Town, too, where admission is also free for the day.
		Christmas Eve Events: Sat, Dec 24 -Kids & Fam: Coyote Tales: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 10:30am -Food & Wine: Christmas Eve at Ten22: Ten22, 11:30am-10pm -Sacramento Nightlife: Xmas Eve Bash: District 30, 9pm-3am See more Holiday Events>
		Christmas Day Activities: Sun, Dec 25 -Food & Wine: Christmas Supper Cruise: Empress Hornblower 3:30pm-6:30pm -Sacramento Nightlife: Bah Humbug!: MiX Downtown, 8:30pm-2am -Music: Christmas with Arden Park Roots: Harlow's, 9pm See more Holiday Events>

 
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Happy Holidays from Sacramento365.com!

We hope you enjoy your holiday season!

If you are looking for things to do around town, don't forget to check our Holiday Event section.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Tracy Saville

 Learn about creative writer Tracy Saville in her Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

This Week: Snuggle Up and Stay Local
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		Local Marketplace: Create in Cal Shop & Drink Tweetup Hot Italian Dec 13 Tues 5:30pm-8:30pm Buy local, original gifts this year from small, independent designers. Grab your friends, a local drink, & your shopping list!
		Music: Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall Dec 15 Thurs 8pm The Blind Boys' holiday spectacular is a roof-raising musical event that features bluesy, gospelized versions of seasonal favorites, old and new.
		Comedy: Late Night Recreation Comedy Troupe Marilyn's on K Dec 15 Thurs 9pm Late-Night Recreation, Sacramento's newest live, mixed-media comedy troupe, will perform their debut show, combining smart, edgy writing & compelling performance with video, music, and live burlesque from the super sexy Sizzling Sirens.
		Kids & Fam: Swim with Santa Sacramento Area YMCA Dec 16 Fri 5:30pm-7:30pm Come take a dip in the pool & share your Christmas wish list with Santa and the "Y" Elves! There will be plenty of photo opportunities as the kids swim, play, & visit with Santa.
		Music: Submerge Magazine's 100th Issue Party Ace of Spades Dec 16 Fri 6pm Submerge Magazine, Sacramento's free biweekly music/art/lifestyle publication, celebrates 100 issues with a huge show featuring Sister Crayon, Tera Melos, & many more.
		Theatre: Chicken Little's Christmas Party Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre Ongoing-Dec 24 Fri & Sat 7pm; Sun 2pm Chicken Little invites Santa Claus to a Christmas party as the unique Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre presents its annual holiday offering. Bring a camera for photos with Santa Claus!
		Film: Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival Crest Theatre Dec 17-Dec 18 Sat & Sun 1pm, 4pm, 7pm A bunch of the very rarest (and sometimes weird) Christmas filmic moments have been gathered together in Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival for what has to be the funkiest, silliest, and least emotional movie experience you'll have this holiday season.
		Special Events: World Series of Dreidel Congregation Beth Shalom Dec 17 Sat 7pm Bring your friends and recall the thrill of dreidel, with a grown-up twist. The buy-in gets you a stack of chips and as many visits as you can handle to the dessert buffet.
		Sports & Rec: Fleet Feet's Holiday Classic Fun Run Sutter's Landing Regional Park Dec 18 Sun 8am *Run begins 9am Do all those cozy holiday gatherings make you sweat? Run for the chill of it! The race is a lighthearted reason to gather for a run during the holiday season & is also a toy drive for Salvation Army. Finishers are greeted with a steamy cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
		Sacramento Nightlife: Snowfall Xmas Party Shady Lady Saloon Dec 18 Sun 8pm-11pm Shaun Slaughter (self-proclaimed king of Christmas) & the Shady Lady (Sacramento's most elegant bar & only speakeasy) team up to bring you an evening of glitz, glamour, spirit, & festive fun with holiday spirits & treats, plus warm and cozy Christmas tunes.

 
Sacramento365.com News

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Thank you for coming to Sac365.com's Holi-Day at the Ice Rink

Thank you to everyone who stopped by on Saturday! It was great to see so many faces & we hope you enjoyed skating!

We will be contacting the winners of our ticket giveaways this week.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Tracy Saville

 Learn about creative writer Tracy Saville in her Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

Along with the musical programs at the Capitol on Wednesday, December 7, at 4:45, join Governor Brown as he lights the 40 ft. tall Christmas tree at the 80^th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  The tree will be decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. - By Heather Crivellone

On display at the Old Schoolhouse  until December 18 will be dozens of gingerbread creations.  Houses, mansions, shacks and more made by children, bakery academy students and others will be on display for your viewing pleasure.  Study and marvel at the creativeness of our Sacramento area resident gingerbread bakers and vote for your favorite before you leave.

Prizes will be awarded and refreshments served at 2 pm on December 18.  Selected entries will be presented to the Receiving Home of Sacramento, Shriner’s Hospital and the Sacramento Children’s Home.

This Week: Explore Locally in Honor of Discovery!
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Music: Incubus with AWOLNation Raley Field Oct 11 Tues 7pm Over the course of their decades-long career, Incubus has utilized elements from a variety of genres and styles in their music. Indie rocker AWOLNation opens.
		Theatre: Frankenstein Sacramento Theatre Company Ongoing-Oct 30 Wed 6:30pm; Thurs 12:30pm & 6:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm Sacramento Theatre Company's Frankenstein is dramatized by Tim Kelly from the classic novel.
		Film: Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Crest Theatre Oct 13-Oct 15 Thurs-Sat 7:30pm The Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival celebrates their 20th anniversary with three nights of film screenings and activities.
		Food & Wine: A Taste of Sacramento Sacramento Convention Center Oct 14 Fri 5:30pm Easter Seals of Superior California presents this celebration of the finest food, wine, and beer that the Sacramento area has to offer.
		Special Events: Acorn Day California Indian Museum Oct 15 Sat 10am-5pm Observe the tradition of preparing acorn for food, learn Native arts & crafts-making, sample Native foods, & spend the afternoon celebrating the acorn harvest season!
		Kids & Fam: Spookomotive Train Rides California State Railroad Museum Oct 15-Oct 30 Sat & Sun 11am-4pm Spookomotive train rides are aboard a whimsically decorated train crawling with spiders, cobwebs, & cornstalks, staffed with an entertaining "skeleton crew."
		Festivals: Midtown Modern Arts Festival MARRS Building Oct 15 Sat Noon-6pm Attendees have the chance to explore a variety of innovative art processes, & enjoy performances by performing artists & musicians.
		Sacramento Nightlife: Midtown Vampire Pub Crawl Begins from Lounge ON20 Oct 15 Sat 4:30pm Join Dracula, his vampire women, ghosts, ghouls, the Sacramento Ballet, and the stars of Planet of the Vampire Women for some fun.
		Food & Wine: Jewish Food Faire Congregation Beth Shalom Oct 16 Sun 9am-3pm The 34th Annual Jewish Food Faire features iconic Jewish deli items, plus local arts and crafts, kids' activities, music, & more.
		Festivals: Water: A Free Family Festival Crocker Art Museum Oct 16 Sun 10am-4pm From the Salton Sea to the Sacramento Delta, celebrate water as an essential part of everyday life and a source of creative inspiration.

 
Sacramento365.com News

Join Sac365 on Twitter & Facebook to get the day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Artober is in full swing!

October is National Arts & Humanities month, and Sacramento is celebrating in a big way this year.

Check our Artober listings & find out what's happening!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Brooke Walker-Knoblich

Learn about painter Brooke Walker-Knoblich in her Featured Artist Profile.

Sacramento365.com is honored to be an:

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?
Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

Did You Know?

• ... the average-sized hotel purchases more products in one week than 100 California families do in a year?
• ... the hospitality industry spends $3.7 billion dollars a year on energy? Electricity use accounts for 60 to 70% of the utility costs of a typical hotel.
• ... that 2% of California’s food waste comes from the hotel and lodging industry? That’s 112,000 tons per year! This food waste can be composted or donated to charities.
• ... that hotel waste can be as high as 30 pounds per room per day? As much as 80% of these materials can be recycled.
• ... the typical hotel uses 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room? Water-efficient fixtures can reduce water and sewer bills by 30%.

 
Green Lodging Program

In 2004 California Integrated Waste Management Board created the Green Lodging Program to bring together the lodging industry and state travelers, to protect the environment by diverting waste from landfills, conserving energy and water, and providing cleaner air to breathe. The Department of General Services (DGS) assumed the operation in September 2008.

The program is solely for hotels and was developed to help the hospitality industry minimize its waste and conserve energy and natural resources. The program provides the industry with practical suggestions for sustainability practices that could improve the hotels' bottom line. The California Green Lodging Program is also a way for travelers, including those on state business, to select properties that have been certified as an environmentally preferable lodging option. These travelers can have confidence in their green choice, as certified properties have been verified by program staff.

Click here to learn how a hotel receives a Green Lodging Program certification.


Sacramento Green Hotels

Seventeen Sacramento area hotels currently participate in the Green Lodging Program. The hotels along with the Sacramento Convention Center have taken proactive steps to help make your meetings and conventions a little more green. Feel good about selecting a destination that provides cosmopolitan amenities in a sustainable way. Discover Gold and Green in Sacramento.

To view the Sacramento hotel Green Lodging Program participants, click here. 


Information provided by Department of General Services.