Farm to Fork Tour begins at Farmers Market

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 by Rebecca Fong

Chef Oliver Ridgeway loves his proximity to the farmers market.May 2 marked the return of Wednesday certified farmers markets and 'Follow the Chef' tours to downtown Sacramento, namely Cesar Chavez Plaza, the park that faces Grange and The Citizen Hotel

Since Chef Oliver only unpacked his knives and settled into Grange in November, he introduced himself in a casual California way that betrayed his Sussex [read: British] accent. However he restrained his gestures (arms) as he described how much he loves the restaurant's proximity to the growers. Trust your chef when he tells you that he and executive sous chef, Brad Cecchi, were there much earlier. The early bird catches the worm!

As we casually walked between booths, Chef Oliver entertained questions about seasonal crops, cooking and pairing foods, and his personal relationships with local farmers. (Some growers won't even sell you certain harvests because they've set them aside for specific chefs!) As we stopped at certain canopies, we were given helpful pointers: how to spot fresh asparagus, how to cook fava beans [or broad beans] and how to encourage children to eat healthy foods. Who knew dried apples and marshmallows are so similar?! Despite the dry winter in Sacramento, Chef Oliver notes 'pockets of abundance' in the region keep his creative menus thriving.

Beatriz, now serving asparagus and beans... but don't miss the melons and squash later.

The tour also highlights the people who bring such fresh ingredients to market. All that charisma is definitely missing from the supermarket aisle. Near the corner of 10th & I streets, Beatriz typically brings the best melons and squash. Closer to 9th & I streets, Ryan of Bogdanich Farms features naturally sweet snacks from dried fruits to jams that pair well with goat cheese -- or grilled steaks. He knows his regulars, but is ready to help anybody entertain hungry guests. My favorite was Dr. Charles French, who retired from family medicine in East Sacramento to produce Tehama Blend Olive Oil. No special orders needed from your primary care physician to see this heart health specialist!

Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Follow the Chef culinary tour experience.Good thing we received a reusable grocery bag at the outset. It helped me bring home some juicy red strawberries and green sugar snap peas. I'm imagining salad and grilled chicken paired with a viognier. 

As the tour continued, I had the pleasure of meeting  various Sacramento community members and visitors: from a food literacy advocate to a women's online magazine editor, from a California legislative lobbyist to a Illinois resident on vacation. 

We knew the tour had ended when Natalie oh so tactfully asked, 'When do we get to eat?' That was kind of her to mask the growling sounds from my tummy! 

Part 2 of our farm-to-fork adventure was waiting for us back at the  restaurant... Ready for the conclusion of our Park-to-Plate narrative?

Are you meeting planner who's already picturing 'Follow the Chef' as a team building activity, incentive, or networking event for your conference? Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau to ask us how to make the most of your downtown Sacramento dining partners.

Mother's Day events in Sacramento

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

 

 

You know Mom deserves a day off, so why not take her out on the town this weekend in celebration of Mother’s Day? Below are a few of our picks, but be sure to visit Sacramento365.com's Holiday Event section for even more options.

 

 

Museum hop:

Mother’s Day at the Auto Museum:

California Automobile Museum, Sun 10am-6pm

Take a step back in time with classic cars at the California Auto Museum. Mother's receive free admission on this day.

 

Mother’s Day Excursion Train Rides: CA State Railroad Museum, Sun 10:30am-5pm

Moms are treated extra special on Mother’s Day with complimentary decadent double fudge dipped cake pops given to all mothers who take a train ride, while supplies last.

 

 

Enjoy Sacramento outdoor activities:

Mother's Day Celebration with the River Cats: Raley Field, Sun 1:05pm

Treat Mom to a day of baseball as the River Cats continue their tradition of Mother’s Day at the ballpark. It's also Sunday Funday with a pregame autograph session and kids running the bases postgame. Also available is the Macy's Mother's Day Brunch Ticket Package which includes a senate ticket, pre-game brunch (11:30am-1:30pm), and $10 Macy’s Gift Card.

 

Mother Nature Stroll: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Sun 1:30pm-3pm

Celebrate the beauty of spring with a delightful guided walk through the Nature Preserve on Mother’s Day. You may want to bring your binoculars (or borrow some from the Center).

 

 

Feed Mom well:

C.L.A.S.S.Y. Mother Daughter Brunch: Holiday Inn Express – Elk Grove, Sat 10am-1pm

C.L.A.S.S.Y. (Captivating Ladies Acquiring Successful Standards Yearly) will be hosting their annual Mother, Daughter, Big Girl, Little Girl Brunch, offering a buffet style brunch, Mother Daughter photo, gift bag, music, dancing, and so much more!

 

Mother’s Day Brunch at the Hyatt: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, Sun 9am-3pm

Treat your mother like a queen with made-to-order omelets, a seafood bar, a carving station, and a fantastic assortment of desserts, plus live music and, of course, a special treat for mom!

 

 

Shop ‘til you drop:

The Hen’s in the Vineyard: McConnell Estates Winery, Sat 11am-5pm

This is a fabulous event featuring local artisans and their one-of-a-kind handmade designed goods. You will find the perfect Mother's Day gift, plus be able to shop with a glass of wine in hand.

 

MoM’s Day Bake Sale: Sacramento Zoo, Sun 10am-3pm

Buy some delicious baked goods donated by local Sacramento bakeries and enter a raffle to win fun zoo prizes. All proceeds go to support Missing Orangutan Mothers (MOM), an organization that aids orphaned Orangutans in the wild.

 

 

Music for Mommys:

Sac’s A-List Poetry & Music Event: The Show: Florin Business Arts Complex,

Sat 7pm-9pm

This is a special Mother's Day Dedication Poetry & Music event featuring M.E. Miller, T.D. Trice, Malik Saunders, Jamie Jackson, Terry Moore, and the band LSB.

 

Jazz Sunday: Clint Baker: Dante Club, Sun 11:30am-5pm *Music begins at Noon

Since this Jazz Sunday takes place on Mother's Day, all moms in attendance will receive a free carnation! Socialize, dance, or just hang out and listen to some great live music at the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society’s monthly 2nd Sunday celebration. This month’s guest artist is multi-instrumentalist Clint Baker.

 

A Jazzy Mom’s Affair: Red Lion Hotel, Sun 5pm-8pm

This Mother's Day Jazz Celebration features Virginia Ayers-Dawson (vocals) & AyerPlay (Eric Tillman/piano, Bob Bell/bass, Jeff Minnieweather/drums, & Otis Mourning/reeds).

 

Sunday Circus: Mother's Day MILF Edition: MiX Downtown, Sun 8:30pm-2am

Celebrate all the beautiful mothers of the world with the Sacramento nightlife scene. DJ Gabe Xavier will be playing hip hop & dance remixes. Enjoy amazing drink specials: $3 you-call-it cocktails (up to a $10 value), $4 vodka-Redbulls, & $4 jack & cokes all night! $125 Kettle One Bottles available for VIP booths.

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Cinco de Mayo events in Sacramento

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

 

Sacramento's Cinco de Mayo celebrations branch out this year with Mexican music, tequila tastings, full-on fiestas, of course the requisite drinking & dancing events, and even a few options for the non-drinking crowd. Check out our round up below, and don’t forget to head over to our Holiday Event section to check out the whole shebang. Ay-yi-yi!

 

 

Foodie focus:

5th Annual Tequila Festival: Zocalo, Thurs 6pm-9pm
This year features six different tequila distilleries: Siete Leguas, Herencia Mexicana, Fortaleza, Avion, Seleccion, and Tres Agaves. Hosted by Joe Anthony, Jimmy, and Ernesto. And, for aficionados, a cigar bar hosted by Fat Man Cigars.

Tequila & Beer Social: Centro, Thurs 6:30pm-8pm
Tequila representatives from Partida, Tradicional, and Cazadores, along with beer representatives from Modelo Especial, Corona, and Pacifico, will be at Centro on Thursday to share tastings of their delicious tequilas and beers.

Cinco de Mayo Viva la Vino: Old Sugar Mill, Sat & Sun 11am-5pm
Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Clarksburg Wine Company, located within the Old Sugar Mill. There will be complimentary tacos, a live Mariachi band, and, of course, wine!

All-day Fiestas:

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Centro: Centro, Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat 3pm-1am
Friday features all-day drink specials to kick off Cinco de Mayo weekend. Enjoy $1-off all Mexican draft beers all day long! On Saturday, celebrate Cinco de Mayo on the extended back patio and outdoor bar. There will be drink specials (such as $6 margaritas), music, food, and a bartender competition.

Cinco de Mayo: Mayahuel One-Year Celebration: Mayahuel – Tequila Museo; Fri & Sat 4pm-Close
Mayahuel is extremely happy to celebrate this year's Cinco de Mayo holiday as their one-year milestone celebration. To celebrate in style there'll be special food, drinks, music, and festivities all day and well into the night. Alex Trujillo & Rico Rivera play DJ Latin-infused music on Saturday.

All Dayo Cinco de Mayo: Zocalo, Sat 11am-Midnight
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with all the fixings: live mariachi, ballet folklorico dance performances, drink specials, pig roast, street tacos, plenty of tequila and beer, and much more.

Bulls Cinco de Drinko Fiesta: Bulls Restaurant & Bar, Sat 3pm-2am
Don't miss the biggest Cinco de Drinko Fiesta at Bulls! $1.50 street tacos on the patio, $6 tacos and tequilas, free sombreros, and raffle tickets for a chance to hit the pinata!

Cinco de Old Sacto: Old Sacramento Bars, Sat 4pm-1:30am
Sacramento celebrates Cinco De Mayo in Old Sacramento with 12 bars all within two blocks! So, if you’re looking for live music, DJ dancing, sports, theatre, comedy, and great Mexican food & drink, then Old Sacramento has your party this Cinco De Mayo.

 

Celebrations for the non-drinking crowd:

Sober Cinco de Mayo Dinner & Awards Ceremony: Sacramento Association of Realtors, Thurs 7pm
The event will include guest speaker Dr. David W. Smith, awards in four categories, a silent auction to benefit the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Sacramento's programs, and Mexican cuisine.

Beary Special Dance Party: Sacramento Children’s Museum, Sat 5:30pm-8pm
This is a Cinco de Mayo dance party for children with special needs. Of course, friends and siblings are very welcome too. All kids are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear to dance the night away. There will be holiday decorations, a disc jockey, and light refreshments.

Zaira Meneses: Three Stages Performing Arts Center, Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm
Mexican sensation Zaira Meneses and Cinco de Mayo coincide! Born in Xalapa, Mexico, from an early age she showed great talent for music, studying both classical guitar and voice. Since moving to the USA in 2001, she has built a stellar reputation for her warm sound, limpid technique, and superb natural musicality. Her beautiful singing voice and talent for the dance are both frequently featured in encores following her appearances as guitarist.

 

Get your groove on, Sacramento Nightlife style:

Cinco de Mayo with DJ Mike Moss: MiX Downtown, Sat 8pm-2am
Join MiX Downtown and celebrate Cinco De Mayo by indulging in premium tequila specialty margaritas. DJ Mike Moss spins music from all decades; club hits, party jams, and classics provide the soundtrack to an amazing night.

Cinco de Mayo: DJ Pedro V: The Park Ultra Lounge, Sat 9pm-2am
Join The Park as they do it big on the biggest party night of the week. Come dance to the sounds of DJ Pedro V and enjoy $5 shots and $6 margaritas of 1800 tequila.

Cinco de Mayo at District 30: District 30, Sat 9pm-3am
DJ David Carvalho will be playing the best in hip hop, house, electro, and more. There'll be live conga drummers, sexy salsa-style dancers, Bud Light promo girls, and San Francisco & Northern California's finest talent. Enjoy $3 Bud Light Lime a Rita and $5 Avion Tequila Shots.



No matter what you do: stay safe!

Berg Injury Lawyers Safe & Sober Program
On Sat, May 5, 3pm-3am, call Yellow Cab Company of Sacramento at (916) 444-2222 and tell them the ride is on Berg Injury Lawyers. There’s a $35 cap on all rides; patrons are responsible for costs more than $35. Patrons must be picked up at a participating restaurant, hotel, or bar within Downtown Sacramento to qualify for a free ride.

Cinco de Mayo: Hopper Style
Join for a night of fun on the Sac Town Hopper to celebrate Cinco De Mayo! $10 gets you all night access to the Hopper & the wristband also gets you front of the line access to Social with free entry all night and front of the line at Barwest! Take advantage of the Hopper and start on their 9pm bus to Downtown. Three pick ups near Sac State, five stops Downtown.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

 

Day Two of Murhpys Wine Tasting

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 by Wine Gals

The front of Grounds restaurantHello 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!Frogs Tooth Winery

 

 

 

Gold miner, AUTHENTIC gold minerNow we are off to visit the first Gold Country wineries off of Main Street, Ironstone Vineyards
Ironstone is a very Gold panning, REAL gold!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. Bautiful flowers at the entrance to Ironstone

 

 

 

Gold Leaf SpecimanAs we were  getting ready to leave, John Kautz (Kautz family owns Ironstone Vineyards) came in. I introducedJohn Kautz giving us a tour 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 Indian Rock winerypotato chips and chocolate. I could not have asked for a better combination!!  Coppermine Wine and ChocolatesLast but not least we went to visit Twisted Oak Winery.  You drive up a twisted road with many roadside attractions along the wayAlong the road to Twisted Oak winery.   It is a fun drive through the vineyards and it overlooks the hills of the Gold Country. 

 

 

Twisted Oak WineryHere we tasted a few wines that were not in their tasting room on Main Street.  As we left The Rubber Chicken Frogthe 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!

 

Last Stop Drytown Cellars!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."  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!!

 

 

Visitors Prioritize In-N-Out Right Behind Baggage Claim

Tuesday, April 24, 2012 by Rebecca Fong

The Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau has the privilege of hosting meeting planning professionals and conference delegates from throughout the United States. Shortly after their flight arrives and luggage claimed, one of the most common requests we've received from out of state visitors is 'Where is the nearest In-N-Out?'

In-N-Out (2900 Del Paso Road, Sacramento, Calif. 95834 // 1-800-786-1000 // www.in-n-out.com ) is only 10 minutes from the Sacramento International Airport, en route to dowtown and Sacramento meeting facilities. It's typically open from 10:30 AM to 1 AM.

This California institution has a cult following because it quickly serves up high-quality burgers, fries, and shakes from a streamlined menu... as well as a not-so-secret menu of variations like 'animal style' or '4x4'. Look for the marquis and signature crossed palm trees.

In-N-Out Sacramento store #213

See's Candies -- downtown Sacramento

The second most common request is 'Where is See's Candies?'

It's 10 minutes from In-N-Out! Located in downtown Sacramento, See's Candies (1009 L Street, Sacramento, Calif. 95814 // 916-443-4497 // www.sees.com) faces the California State Capitol, which is only a block from the Sacramento Convention Center and downtown hotels.  

This California original has its own devotees as well. In fact, the company was one of Warren Buffett's earliest purchases! Our East Coast and international visitors are very fond of the chocolates, peanut brittle, and other candies. They often buy them by the pound to take home for gifts -- or for themselves! And locals are almost guaranteed to receive See's from family, friends, even business partners during year-end holidays.

Got a California exclusive you want to check out during your stay in the capital, Sacramento? Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau to ask us.

Wine Tasting In Murphys - Day One

Monday, April 23, 2012 by Wine Gals

Hello all you lovers of wine!!  I know many of you have been to wineries in California and in asking around I found that several of my co-workers and friends have been to Murphys in Calaveras County.  Well, I had not until now!!  Murphys is in the Gold Country and is known as the Queen of Sierra. 

I am excited to get to talk about Murphys but I must start at the beginning.  My girlfriends and I left Lidos Bar & Grill is the best-kept secret in Carmichael
Sacramento on Saturday morning.  We were in the car 10 minutes and made a stop at Lidos Bar & Grill in Carmichael. I told the girls we didn't get very far. in Lidos we planned our trip and within the hour we were on the road with The Sacramento Regional Wine Tasting Guide and Map and heading towards the Gold Country and the town of Murphys!  One of my friends grew up near Murphys and she loves wine so I knew I was in good hands! 

The drive at this time of year was absolutely beautiful; all the hillsides were green and they looked like green velvet blankets!  We arrived in Murphy's in about 90 minutes.  We drove down Main Street in Murphys where you see several wine tasting rooms, quaint shops and restaurants and Gold Country Hotels.  We parked and began the day with our first winery, Twisted Oak.  They served us some lovely wines. Most of the reds were of the Spanish varietal.  We were told that the owner was talking about one of his wines and stated that it pairs with chicken. He said, "it's so good it would pair with a rubber chicken!" (We didn't actually have any rubber chickens to eat.)

 

Entrance to the tasting room at Newsome-HarlowEnjoying Sauvignon Blanc on the outside patioOutdoor seating at Newsome-Harlow

Our next stop was Newsome-Harlow Wines. The first wine we tasted was their Sauvignon Blanc, one of my favorite varietals. It was lovely and several bottles were enjoyed at the tasting room and will be enjoyed at home.  Newsome-Harlow has several other delicious  wines. One red I really enjoyed was named Train Wreck, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah! There is a wonderful outside patio and we were told that on sunny warm days it is the place to be.  We were also treated to their restaurant The Kitchen, it is adjacent to the tasting room and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. The other days it is used for their wine club. All these wineries we are visiting are on Main Street in Murphys, so we are taking a nice stroll looking at the quaint shops, restaurants and the unique Gold Country hotels available for your enjoyment.

Heading down the stairs to HatcherHatcher winery dog, Rasta
Sewell Hatcher
On to Hatcher Winery.  You go down a few steps to the winery and are greeted by the cutest dog around, Rasta.  
We noticed that most of the tasting rooms we visited in Murphys were dog friendly!!  Hatcher had a lovely Barbera that was served up by the winemakers brother, Sewell. There is even a wine named after him in their tasting room.  The last two wineries we visited were Lavender Ridge and Zucca.  At Lavender Ridge we found a lovely dessert wine 2010 Vin Doux Dessert Wine.  They paired their wines with lovely cheeses that they sold in their tasting room. Zucca had some lovely wines to offer too. Zucca is also located a few steps down from Main Street.   Very small tasting room but they served up some lovely reds.  I came home with their Tesoro. Here are the girls enjoying the last winery of the day.
Lavender Ridge Tasting RoomElise and Kelly at ZuccaElise going into Zucca tasting room
 

 

Now we get to eat dinner. There are a lot of nice restaurants to choose from, we chose Mineral because my girlfriend is a Entrance to Mineral Restaurant off of Main Street, Murphy's
vegetarian and she knew the chef. Here we are enjoying our dinner, I chose the Mineral Burger which was delicious. We brought in a Barbera that we purchased from Hatcher and had a lovely dinner with old and new friends 

Dinner at Mineral

That is the end of Day One in Murphys. I hope you enjoyed reading about Main Street in Murphys, Queen of the Sierra. The next day we visit some of the Gold Country wineries that surround Murphys! You will see at the end of Day Two why I thought I was Queen of the Sierra!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sacramento's Hometown Tourists Visit the Leland Stanford Mansion

Thursday, April 19, 2012 by Sacramento's Hometown Tourists

Janet (top) and Carol pose at the front entrance of the Leland Stanford Mansion.When Cindy, Carol, and I heard that the Leland Stanford Mansion and the California Governor’s Mansion were rumored to be on the State Parks closure list, we decided we wanted to see both of these important Sacramento attractions. 

We were able to take the public tour of the Leland Stanford mansion at 8th & N Streets on a recent chilly but sunny morning.  Our tour guide, Richard, explained to us how the Mansion’s structure was built in phases.  It went from being a small plain boxy structure (circa 1856) to a large ornate one with its distinctive front porch stairway by the end of the 1870’s.  The whole building was raised 12 feet during one of the addition projects, about the same time as the rest of downtown Sac was being raised to avoid recurrent flooding.

The entire tour of the Leland Stanford Mansion was very interesting.  From the unusual 4-pocket pool table, to the beautiful ceiling medallions that acted as “soot catchers” in the days of gas lighting, to the mirrors in the fireplaces so that Victorian ladies could check to be sure their ankles weren’t showing, to the massive wood furniture in the dining room with seemingly straightforward carving which are actually reminiscent of railroad locomotives, to the “ice bucket” fishbowl in the ladies’ parlor, the Stanford Mansion is full of fascinating pieces and stories.  The museum/gift shop/visitor center in the back yard is small, yet thorough. 

One place I could really enjoy spending some time is the 2nd floor master bedroom/bath.  I wonder if it is the fact that there is a comfortable looking “fainting couch” in the corner by the front window.  Carol, Cindy, and I laughed with relief that we are living in the 21st century when our guide reminded us how useful that particular item of furniture was to women who wore tight corsets and had just climbed 2 flights of stairs!  The adjoining master bath had its own Victorian-era wood-trimmed metal bathtub, with a curtained exterior window behind it looking out onto the interior hall.  That window was a particularly unusual and interesting artifact of one of the Mansion’s several addition-remodel events. 

The Leland Stanford mansion has been put to several different uses over the years, including an orphanage and teenage girls home.  Currently, the Mansion is used for official State receptions, since California doesn’t have an active Governor’s mansion.  There is an historical “reception” office in one wing, with a “working” (i.e. includes phone, fax, computer, etc.) office behind it. 

We knew the Leland Stanford Mansion would be interesting to see, but as Cindy exclaimed at the The mansion is located in downtown Sacramento, close to great downtown museums, dining and  hotels.conclusion, “That was better than I expected!”  We recommend that you go see it if you can.  We could only wish to be lucky enough to attend an official function there - that would be fantastic!  We have not made it yet to the historic Governor’s Mansion at 16th and H Streets, but hope to get there soon!  It is great that both of these great Sacramento tourist attractions are located in downtown Sacramento, steps from several great restaurants and hotels.  Click here for more information about this and several other great Sacramento museums.

Five Things We Love About Traveling Amtrak With Kids

Thursday, April 19, 2012 by Alyssa Green

Traveling Amtrak With KidsAmtrak, 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.

Take Amtrak for a fun day trip to San Francisco

 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 SacramentoWestfield'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!

 

What's New in Sacramento Student Travel

Monday, April 9, 2012 by Leticia Bokan

Click here for the "Goldology" homepage.There are some new and exciting developments in the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau “Goldology” program.  "Goldology" is defined as “a study of finding student-friendly treasure in Sacramento, especially with reference to performance venues, educational growth and historic significance.”  We have been working hard to create some new student-friendly events and collateral materials for your groups.
 

  • The Sacramento Student Activity Book features Gold Rush and Sacramento history, puzzles and more!Student Activity Book.  Please contact me if you would like a sample of our brand-new Sacramento Student Activity Book.  The book includes a detailed Gold Rush history, crossword puzzle, word find and more.  Students are encouraged to tell us their favorite thing they learned while they were in Sacramento.  We will provide prizes for the best answers!  For your group to be eligible to receive the Student Activity Book, a one-night minimum stay in a Sacramento hotel is required.

 

  • Mt. Eden High School shows off their trophies and their love for Sacramento at the California Capital Vocal Jazz & Show Choir Festival.California Capital Vocal Jazz & Show Choir Festival.  This event was held over two days in March at the Woodlake Hotel in Sacramento.  Nine schools and 15 choirs participated in the event that featured two days of competition, a karaoke dance, an option to see “Mamma Mia!” at a discounted rate at the Community Center Theatre, and an awards ceremony.  We plan for this event to grow exponentially each year, so contact us to learn more about your group performing in this event next year.  We are already in the process of planning the 2013 festival, so be on the lookout for more information.

 

  • Performance Venues.  Speaking of performance groups, we know that you have several groups that may be interested in performing in venues throughout the city.  The Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can arrange this for you. Click here for a pdf of student-friendly performance venues.  I would be thrilled to arrange one of these venues for one of your performance groups.


Choose the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau for all your Sacramento student and youth travel and itinerary needs.  Sacramento offers a variety of educational experiences from history and government to environmental to agricultural.  The Capital City is also an ideal destination for performance groups as there are numerous performing venues in and around the city.  We're safe, affordable and above all, student and youth friendly!  You may visit our Goldology webpage at www.discovergold.org/students.  Please feel free to contact me with any of your student travel needs. 
 

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of April 9

Monday, April 9, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Be on the Hunt for Libations & Revelry
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Food & Wine: Mastermind Pub Hunt Food & Wine: Mastermind Pub Hunt
Begins from Sutter's Fort
April 10
Tues 6:30pm

Love treasure hunts? Love beer? Be here! Solve clues that lead you to different locations. The first team to the pub with all clues solved gets bragging rights & a round of beers!
 

 Music: Brokedown in Bakersfield

Music: Brokedown in Bakersfield
Harlow's
April 12
Thurs 7pm

A collective of acclaimed West Coast artists join forces in a spirited tribute to the Bakersfield sound: California country music made raw and rocking, spiked with twang and sweetened with heartfelt harmonies.
 
Music: Banjo-Rama 2012 Music: Banjo-Rama 2012
Red Lion Hotel
April 13-April 15
Fri & Sat Noon-9pm; Sun Noon-5pm

Enjoy a weekend of banjo performances featuring locally, nationally, and internationally renowned artists. Come enjoy the fun and the toe-tapping music.
 
 Festivals: 44th Annual Bockbierfest 2012

Festivals: 44th Annual Bockbierfest
Sacramento Turn Verein
April 13-April 14
Fri 6pm-Midnight; Sat 3pm-Midnight

Sacramento's version of the Bockbierfest includes lively German music by the Sacramento Turner Harmonie, Bavarian folk dancing, German food, coffee cake, and Bockbier flowing like the Sacramento River.

 
 Food & Wine: Wine & Chocolate: A Harmony of Tastes Food & Wine: Wine & Chocolate:
A Harmony of Tastes

Beatnik Studios
April 13
Fri 7:30pm

Join as the finest confectioners compete with delectable chocolate desserts to benefit the Sacramento Children's Chorus.
 
Theatre: Woody Guthrie's American Song Theatre: Woody Guthrie's American Song
West Sacramento Community Center
Ongoing-April 29
Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm

Come experience the words and music of one of America's greatest folk poets and champion of the common citizen. A large cast of actors, singers, and musicians bring Woody Guthrie's music to life.
 
Festivals: Festival of the Arts

Festivals: Festival of the Arts
Sacramento State
April 14-April 21
Daily, times vary

The revelry includes attractions during the day and evening including theatre, music performances, visual art works, performances by faculty and staff in the Library Galleries, modern dance, literature, and more.

 
 Festivals: Fiesta Mexicana celebrating International Day of Dance

Dance: Fiesta Mexicana celebrating
International Day of Dance

John F. Kennedy High School
April 14
Sat 7:30pm

Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes School, the Sacramento-based Mexican folk dance group, presents Fiesta Mexicana (Mexican Fiesta). Magic and color intertwines with traditional dances and authentic regional outfits highlights the colorfulness and versatility of Mexico's national musics.

 
 2nd Saturday Activities   2nd Saturday Activities:
-2nd Sat Coffee Bike Tour:
Broadacre Coffee, 10am
-Annual Spring Flowers Show:
Kennedy Gallery, 3pm-9pm
-2nd Sat SCVNGR Hunt:
Fremont Park, 5:30pm-8:30pm
See more 2nd Sat events>
 
Sports & Rec: Jackie Robinson Day with the Sacramento River Cats Sports & Rec: Jackie Robinson Day with
the
Sacramento River Cats

Raley Field
April 15
Sun 1:05pm

Sacramento outdoor activities are starting up as the weather brightens with springtime! In this baseball game against the Reno Aces, the River Cats honor Jackie Robinson, the Hall of Fame second baseman who broke baseball's color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

 
Sacramento365.com News

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

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Daniel Mendoza

Flor Series by Daniel Mendoza

  

 

Learn more about this talented painter & poet by reading his Featured Artist Profile.

 

 

 

 

 Make It A Night with Sacramento365.com

Make It A Night

 


Learn how you can!

 

 

 

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

Like Sacramento365.com on Facebook

 

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.

Egg-cellent Easter Events in Sacramento

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com



It's finally spring time in Sacramento, and what better way to celebrate than with egg hunts, yummy food, and visits from the Easter bunny. Why not continue your Easter traditions or start a new one by attending one of the events below? See even more in our Holiday Events section.

 

Alternative Adventures:

It's the Easter Beagle: Charlie Brown: Victory Life Church, Sat 9am-11:30am; Sun 4pm
Join THE Actors Workshop & Integral Theatre Company for a classic, beloved story of Charlie Brown and the gang. Saturday is a special Kids' Day with snacks, craft stations, and more.

17th Annual Easter Bonnet Promenade & Spring Ball: Sacramento History Museum, Sat
Promenade 11am; Ball 2pm

Dress up in your favorite Easter finery & celebrate in high style through the streets of Old Sacramento!

Screening: Easter Sunday School at Movies on a Big Screen: Vintage Creepy Christian Kids Shows: Guild Theater, Sun 7:30pm
If you saw this before, well, it's been a year--come out and be amazed again by the clips from vintage creepy Christian kids shows and weirdly excessive Christian scare films! If you missed it last year, make sure to break away from your Easter festivities to be at this!

 

Egg-centric Activities: Egg Hunts & More!

Easter Eggstravaganza: Fair Oaks Park, Sat 8am-1pm
In addition to egg hunts for both children and adults, you can enjoy a breakfast, carnival games, face painting, and more.

Spring EGGstravaganza: Elk Grove Regional Park, Sat 8:30am-2pm
Take part in an egg hunt and spring activities with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy the day with your kids and family while participating in multiple carnival games including a Egg Scramble and an Egg Drop!

Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt: Southside Park, Sat 10am-Noon
Enjoy an afternoon of egg hunting (with 15,000 eggs to be found!), crafts for the kids, raffle drawings, and more.

Easter Egg Express: Sacramento RiverTrain - West Sacramento, Sat & Sun 10am & 2:30pm
This fun family trip rides to a park where the Easter Bunny hides 100s of easter eggs for the kids to find! Along the way, there is entertainment strolling car to car and homemade cupcakes will be served.

 Alkali Flat & Mansion Flat Egg Hunt: Zapata Park, Sat 11am-3pm
Enjoy an afternoon of egg hunting at Zapata Park. Fun for the whole family!

Spring Eggstravaganza: Fairytale Town, Sat & Sun 11am-4pm
This popular fun-filled family weekend features egg hunts, prizes, and spring-themed hands-on activities. Puppet Art Theater will be performing Bunny Boot Camp in the Children's Theater.

Egg-cellent Adventure: Crocker Art Museum, Sat Noon-1:30pm
Look at different kinds of eggs, from ancient giant emu egg carvings to sparkly Fabergé eggs. Spend time together decorating papier mâché eggs with paint, fabric, and beads, then have fun hunting for eggs in the E. Kendell Davis courtyard.

Dinosaur Eggstravaganza: Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, Sat 12:30pm-4pm
Looking for unusual eggs? The Discovery Museum has prehistoric egg fun for everyone! See dinosaur eggs in the Blast from the Past exhibit and a collection of bird eggs on display in the classroom. Children are encouraged to wear a dinosaur shirt or costume and can learn how to make a paper Protoceratops egg.

 Easter Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast: Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Sun 9:30am
In addition to a family friendly pancake breakfast and egg hunt, there will be free golf clubs, stuffed animals, and other prizes for children under 10, along with a visit from the Easter Bunny.

 

Brunches & Lunches:

 Easter Brunch at the Hyatt: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, Sun 9am-3pm
Treat your family to a bountiful holiday buffet brunch featuring omelets made to order, a seafood bar, a carving station, an extravagant assortment of desserts and much more. There will be live music and of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny.

 Easter Brunch at the Grand Ballroom: Doubletree Hotel, Sun 10am-2pm
The Doubletree Hotel's delicious Easter brunch includes an omelet station, seafood station, dim sum station, and more.

 Easter Brunch at Sheepherder Bar & Grille: Sheepherder Bar & Grille,
Sun 10am-2pm

Sheepherder Bar and Grill is pleased to offer an amazing Easter Brunch, including $8 bottomless mimosas. With so many choices you will leave full and satisfied.

Celebrate Easter at Ten22: Ten22, Sun 11am-10pm
Ten22 is celebrating Easter with extended hours and delicious food specials! In addition to Ten22's modified lunch menu, guests can also choose from several of Chef Jay’s special brunch creations.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

 

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of March 26

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Don't be Foolish: Appreciate Silence and Sound
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Film: Silents Were Golden Film: Silents Were Golden
Creative Vera Studio
March 27
Tues 6pm

The silent film era produced films of lasting beauty, power, & merit. Come celebrate these films with wine, light fare, & a discussion led by writer & film buff Cliff Weimer.
 

 Music: Jackie Evancho

Music: Jackie Evancho
Community Center Theater
March 28
Wed 7:30pm

Eleven-year-old Jackie Evancho's unique, gorgeous soprano has won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the music and DVD charts.
 
Music: Goapele Music: Goapele
Harlow's
March 29
Thurs 10pm

Singer/songwriter Goapele seamlessly blends genres while refusing to be limited by the "neo-soul" tag. This eloquent voice completed her first release, Closer, in 2001 and never looked back.
 
 Final Friday: Arts, Music, & Pub Crawl

Sacramento Nightlife: Final Fri: Arts, Music, & Pub Crawl
Beatnik Studios
March 30
Fri Crawl 5pm-8pm; Reception 6pm-9pm; Music 9pm-11:30pm

In addition to celebrating the original art work in Tower and the Broadway Icons, this month's Final Friday includes a pub crawl along the Broadway Corridor, a reception with local food trucks, and music by The Gins & Full Melt.

 
 Comedy: Neil Hamburger Comedy: Neil Hamburger
Sacramento Comedy Spot
March 30
Fri 9pm

Neil Hamburger's live act features a barrage of question/answer jokes often aimed at celebrity targets.
 
Special Events: Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs Special Events: 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt
for Dogs

McKinley Park
March 31
Sat 11am-1pm

Bring your furry friend to Wag Hotel's Egg Hunt, where dogs will be able to sniff out eggs filled with delectable treats, & much more.
 
Museums: Weekend Excursion Train Rides

Museums: Weekend Excursion Train Rides
California State Railroad Museum
March 31-Sept 30
Sat & Sun 11am-5pm *Trains depart every hour on the hour

Journey along the Sacramento River while enjoying sights, smells, & sounds of authentic locomotives rolling down the tracks.

 
 Music: Once Upon a Time/Streets of Soul featuring Early States

Music: Streets of Soul/Once Upon a Time
featuring Early States

Artisan Building
March 31
Sat 6pm

This musical extravaganza features performances by Early States, Autumn Sky, Hero's Last Mission, Bell Boys, and James Cavern. A night full of indie pop and rock is sure to get your foot tapping!

 
 Nightlife: 3rd Annual Serge Gainsbourg Party   Sacramento Nightlife: 3rd Annual Serge Gainsbourg Birthday Party
1630 I St, Sacramento
March 31
Sat 8pm

Celebrate French icon Serge Gainsbourg with music by DJ Christophe and DJ Roger, live tribute bands, film clips, and a psychedelic light show by pioneering liquid light show artist George Holden.
 
Special Events: April Fools Sacramento History Special Events: April Fool's Sacramento History
Central Library
April 1
Sun 2pm-4pm

Come attend a historical lecture by renowned resident historians James Scott, Tom Tolley, and Amanda Graham, who will speak with vivid manner upon incredible occurrences in Sacramento history.

 
Sacramento365.com News

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

Promote Your Business with Make It A Night

Make It A Night

 

While standard listings (name, address, phone) on Make It A Night are free to all businesses, enhanced listings are available at an additional cost and include a picture, web link, description, and video.

Learn more>

 

 

 Featured Local Artist of the Month: Steve Hamm

Steve Hamm -  Featured Local Artist
 

Learn about designer, artist, and artisan Steve Hamm in his Featured Artist Profile.

 

 

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

Like Sacramento365.com on Facebook

 

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.

St. Patrick's Day Events in Sacramento

Thursday, March 15, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Uppercut RFSt. Patrick's Day is on a Saturday this year, which means many events start early and go late. If you are up for an all-day affair, head to MiX Downtown, which kicks off their festivities bright and early at 6am. At 8am you can mosey next door to de Vere's for their annual Pub Party (note that the block party is not occurring this year).

Many other local haunts are serving Irish-themed food & drink specials during their open hours as well, including: O'Mally's Irish Pub, Club 2 Me, Fox & Goose, Streets of London, Bonn Lair, and The Golden Bear.

If you're looking to hop from spot to spot, consider one of the several pub crawl/block party options (perhaps the one closest to stumbling distance from your house?). There's one in The Sutter District and one in the R Street Corridor (14th-15th Streets), as well as 5Hundy Social Club's 7th Annual Crawl which kicks off at Blue Cue and traverses all the way across town before ending at Shenanigans.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Old SacramentoBut, not all St. Patrick's Day celebrations center around food & drink. If you're looking for something family-friendly, head to Old Sacramento for the 16th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, led this year by the Girl Scouts in honor of their 100 year anniversary. Or, take your kids to the Sacramento Children's Museum for Green Day, where, if you're wearing green, you'll receive half-off admission.

Feeling philanthropic? Join in at the 2nd Annual Green Tie Affair at Kennedy Gallery Art Center and help raise funds for C.G.N.I.E.'s La Kish Hayworth Memorial Scholarship Fund. Or, attend the "An Evening with Cary Farley" concert at the Guild Theater in benefit of the Mustard Seed School Sacramento.

Happy St. Patrick's DayNo matter what activity you opt for this St. Patrick's Day, don't forget that, as always, safety is the priority!

Once again, Berg Injury Lawyers is offering their Safe and Sober program for St. Patrick's Day revelers. The program provides free cab rides (up to $35) on Sat, March 17, from 3pm-3am. Call Yellow Cab Company of Sacramento at (916) 444-2222 and simply tell them the ride is on Berg Injury Lawyers. Patrons must be picked up at a participating restaurant, hotel, or bar within Downtown Sacramento to qualify for a free ride.

New this year is the Sac Town Hopper which, for only $10, will pick you up near Sacramento State and take you around downtown, picking up every hour on the hour, 9pm-2am, from four locations: R15/Shady Lady, de Vere's/MiX, Dive Bar/Social Nightclub, & BarWest/Momo Lounge. (Note that this service is not limited to St. Patrick's Day. It occurs every Friday & Saturday night.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

See even more St. Patrick's Day Events in Sac365's Holiday Event section.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

5 Reasons to Travel to Sacramento by Train

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 by Matthew Guillory

The Capitol Corridor is a convenient way to travel to Sacramento.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.

See a Play - Insider's Guide to Theaters in Sacramento

Monday, February 13, 2012 by Rebecca Fong

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.

Valentine's Weekend Events in Sacramento

Thursday, February 9, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

Valentine's heart

 


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).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 30

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Charm Yourself with Extraordinary Events
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Theatre: Aliens with Extraordinary Skills
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

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 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

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!

 
 Nightlife: Sacramento's Valentine's/Unvalentine's Party for Singles 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
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

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

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
  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 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.

 
Sacramento365.com News

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

Forbidden Broadway debuts at Cosmopolitan Cabaret

Photo by Charr Crail

 

 Read Sacramento365.com's review!

 

 

 

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

Genesis by Kristin Hartman
 

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

 

 

 

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

Like Sacramento365.com on Facebook

 

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.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 23

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Rendezvous All Week Through
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Music: Allstar Weekend
Music: Allstar Weekend
Ace of Spades
Jan 25
Wed 5:30pm

Pop rock group Allstar Weekend gained popularity from the Disney Channel television network & comes to Sacto with special guests The After Party.

 Theatre: In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play

Theatre: In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Capital Stage
Jan 25-Feb 26
Wed 7pm; Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm

It's the 1880s and for the wife of eminent scientist and inventor Dr. Givings, the vagaries of the medical field have never held much allure...until now.
Film: Media Mentoring: Miss Representation Film: Media Mentoring: Miss Representation
Crest Theatre
Jan 26
Thurs 6pm *Screening 7pm

Mix with Sacramento's film makers & media professionals, watch Miss Representation, a documentary on how media affects kids and young adults, and engage in a panel discussion focusing on media literacy & how to get distribution without misrepresentation.
 
 Museums: Thurs 'Til 9: Open Art

Museums: Thurs 'Til 9: Open Art: William Eiland
on St. Sebastian

Crocker Art Museum
Jan 26
Thurs 7pm

A lecture examining imagery of St. Sebastian, a common figure in the paintings featured in the exhibition Florence & the Baroque, & its cultural meanings for LGBT viewers.

 
 Special Events: Pirates Rendezvous Special Events: Pirates Rendezvous
Sac. Marriott - Rancho Cordova
Jan 27-Jan 28
Fri 5pm-Midnight; Sat 10am-Midnight

Come play all day with the Pirates! Fri night is boarding night & Sat is Pirate family fun day.
 
Food & Wine: Winter Wine & Food Fest
Food & Wine: Winter Wine & Food Fest
Sacramento Convention Center
Jan 28
Sat 5pm-7:30pm *VIP event until 10pm

Enjoy a live and silent auction, live entertainment, and delicious food and drink from over 120 of Sacramento's best local restaurants and wineries. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Sacramento & Northeastern California.
 
Special Events: Ladies Night Out ft. Danny Boy

Special Events: Ladies Night Out 2012
ft. Danny Boy

Guild Theater
Jan 28
Sat 7pm-10pm

Award-winning poet Terry Moore hosts Ladies Night Out, a night of recognition, featuring R&B crooner Danny Boy, plus many others. This is a fun and different way to take part in Sacramento nightlife.

 
 Comedy: 14-Hour Comedy Challenge

Comedy: 14-Hour Comedy Challenge
Sacramento Comedy Spot
Jan 28
Sat 10:30pm

This one day competition requires participants to incorporate criteria given at the beginning of the day into their video sketch, live sketch or stand-up routine and perform it that night. Come see what's made!

 
 Music: Cold Eskimo
  Music: Cold Eskimo
Fox & Goose
Jan 28
Sat 9pm

Cold Eskimo is moody and eclectic, energetic and pretty, creating a full sound. See them play along with Golden Youth.
Music: Hot Club of Cowtown with The Alkali Flats Music: Hot Club of Cowtown with
The Alkali Flats

Harlow's
Jan 29
Sun 7pm

Hot Club of Cowtown are the most globe-trotting, hardest-swinging Western swing trio on the planet.

 
Sacramento365.com News

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

Are you ready to Make It A Night?

Make It A Night Map

Keep an eye out for Sacramento365.com's new feature launching next month, "Make It A Night," which lets users see restaurants, bars, and hotels nearby the event of their choosing.

  
 

Streamline events with a Calendar Widget
A Calendar Widget is a customizable, plug-in calendar of Sac365.com content for your website. All the usefulness of a calendar without all the hassle of managing it! For more info, email support@sacramento365.com.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Alex Trujillo

by Alex Trujillo
 

Learn about multi-media visual artist & DJ Alex Trujillo in his Featured Artist Profile.

 

 

 

 

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

Like Sacramento365.com on Facebook

 

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.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 16

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Crave Classical Celebrations
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Sports & Rec: International Sportsmen's Expo
Sports & Rec: International Sportsmen's Exposition
Cal Expo
Jan 19-Jan 22
Thurs & Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm

ISE Sacramento is your one-stop place to get everything you need to be successful in the outdoors.

 Special Events: Arch Lighting Celebration

Special Events: Arch Lighting Celebration
Fox & Goose
Jan 19
Thurs 4pm

Celebrate the new arch and other improvements on R St--enhanced streetscapes, public art, bike racks, pedestrian archways, expanded public seating, and more.
Dance: Diavolo Dance: Diavolo
Three Stages Performing Arts Center
Jan 19-Jan 20
Thurs 7:30pm; Fri 8pm

Comprised of a team of dancers, gymnasts, rock climbers, athletes, and actors, Diavolo and its large-scale interdisciplinary performances examine the funny and sometimes frightening ways individuals interact with their environment.
 
 Food & Wine: Taste Social Craft Beer Tasting & Social Event

Food & Wine: Taste Social: Craft Beer Tasting & Social Event
Kupros Bistro
Jan 20
Fri 6:30pm

Asobuyo presents a great opportunity to start the weekend off right: socialize & learn some of the finer distinctions of craft beer while enjoying the ambiance, delicious food, diverse drink selection, & hospitality of Kupros Bistro.

 
 Theatre: The Wedding Singer Theatre: The Wedding Singer
24th Street Theatre
Ongoing-Feb 5
Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm

Runaway Stage presents the always-enjoyable musical comedy The Wedding Singer, featuring New Jersey's favorite wedding singer, Robbie Hart.
 
Festivals: Bacon Fest Sacramento
Festivals: Bacon Fest Sacramento
Midtown locations
Jan 20-Jan 22
Fri-Sun, times vary

Bacon activities abound at Sacramento's inaugural Bacon Fest. From a Kevin Bacon-themed musical tribute to a Bacon Fest Chef's Competition, with many delicious, bacon-filled activities inbetween, you will be sure to leave this three-day event full and satiated.
 
Special Events: Verge Ahead Success Party

Special Events: Verge Ahead Success Party
Verge Center for the Arts
Jan 21
Sat 6pm-Midnight
This Sacramento nightlife event is an exciting visceral experience featuring a massive art installation by Future Art Notables, open studios, Art Golf, live music, DJs, and more.

 
 Music: The Romantics

Music: The Romantics
Community Center Theater
Jan 21
Sat 7pm

Everyone enjoys (and deserves!) a romantic evening out. Let the Sacramento Philharmonic provide the passionate music for yours.

 
 Local Marketplace: Holistic Living Expo
  Local Marketplace: Holistic Living Expo
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Jan 22
Sun 10am-6pm

Shop here for many delightful products and services: items for healing & rejuvenation, sessions with holistic health practitioners & psychics, gemstone jewelry, stones & crystals, aromatherapy products, healthy coffee, & much more.
Music: Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys Music: Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys
Torch Club
Jan 22
Sun 8pm-Midnight

Hear one of the world's most respected practitioners of American roots music, western swing, rockabilly, and traditional country.

 
Sacramento365.com News

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

Through this Wednesday, Jan 18:

Dine Downtown Restaurant Week

Read our write up on this Downtown Sacramento dining event:
I got hungry just writing this: Dine Downtown Restaurant Week is in full swing.

  
 
 

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Alex Trujillo

by Alex Trujillo
 

Learn about multi-media visual artist & DJ Alex Trujillo in his Featured Artist Profile.

 

 

 

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

Like Sacramento365.com on Facebook

 

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.

All Aboard! Five Ways Sacramento Gives You a Hassle-Free and Value-Added Motorcoach Experience

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by Matthew Guillory

Sacramento Gives Your Group A Motorcoach-Friendly ExperienceYour 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:

1. Sacramento International Airport.  Many airports are not motorcoach-friendly.  We are proud to say that Sacramento International welcomes all motorcoaches so that your groups can get started on schedule immediately after picking up their bags.  Most Sacramento area motorcoaches come equipped with a pass that immediately allows them into the passenger area.  If you are using an out of town motorcoach, transportation to and from the airport is still fast and easy.  When planning your itinerary, we can help you choose a local motorcoach company that currently works with the airport.  Or we can help to ensure that your out of area motorcoach is equipped with the proper information to get to and from the airport with ease.

2. A Grand Welcome.  Our local hotels are always ready to accept motorcoaches quickly and efficiently.  But, if your group is planning on staying two nights or longer, the SCVB would be happy to set up a welcome reception for your group.  While the luggage is being delivered and keys handed out, we can entertain guest tired from traveling with a regional wine and cheese or juice and cookie reception.  We want your groups to feel welcome and at ease as soon as they step off of the motorcoach.

3. We Have a Spot for You.  Sacramento has many tourist attractions within short drives of one another.  And no matter which one of our hotel partners you choose, most of our Sacramento area hotels are only minutes away from our tourist attractions and dining.  It is important that your motorcoach is able to load and unload easily.  It is also important that the motorcoach is able to find nearby parking.  Old Sacramento has dedicated FREE motorcoach parking behind the California State Railroad Museum.  There is also motorcoach parking on 15th Street near Capitol Park.  The SCVB will also work with you to make sure your guests enjoy all aspects of your itinerary, including downtown Sacramento dining, without having to walk several blocks after unloading from the motorcoach.

4. This Is a Stick-Up.  As an added value, we can have your motorcoach greeted with costumed characters in Old Sacramento.  As your motorcoach unloads, your travelers will be greeted by old-time gunslingers and characters in costumes from the Gold Rush era.  Don’t worry; these bandits are only here to entertain.  Your motorcoach is safe!  We would be happy to arrange this FREE welcome service for any of your groups.

5. You Have a Dedicated Team.  You have a dedicated team to help you plan itineraries with your motorcoach convenience in mind.  Sacramento is an excellent “Hub & Spoke” location that can be used as a gateway to all Northern California has to offer.  We are expecting your motorcoach, and we are here to make your groups’ experiences convenient and memorable.

We are here to ensure every last detail of your itineraries is handled with care.  Please contact us at tourism@discovergold.org to start working on your motorcoach-friendly itinerary today.