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. 
 

Even Teens Enjoy Family Travel to Sacramento

Thursday, March 8, 2012 by Rebecca Fong

Have teens who want to avoid family vacations like the plague? Maybe they'll change their minds after hearing about downtown Sacramento tourist attractions that cater to them... and parents won't have to hear complaints!

Sacramento Cycle Chic -- sport & recreation meets style, caught on cameraSports and Fitness
Cruise the capital in style. See the City of Trees from the seat of a bicycle. Family-owned Practical Cycle (916.706.0077) rents bikes made in the USA. Guided or self-guided tours get your teen exercising! Fast Eddie (916.812.2712) only offers guided tours; pricing includes bike rental.

Shock your X Games fan when you tell him or her to pack a helmet because the skate park at Sutter's Landing (916.808.5611) is on the itinerary. All sessions are supervised. Skateboarders, scooters and (inline) skaters are invited. The indoor street course features a bowl, quarter pipes, fun boxes, and grind rails -- can you picture it? Pro skaters Matt Pailes, Matt Rodriguez, and Omar Salazar are familiar faces.

When the sun goes down, student specials on glow-bowling appear at Capitol Bowl (916.371.4200). Remodeled. The 1950-era bowling alley is the first in the country to feature granite counters and restaurant-caliber dining. Don't wait til Thanksgiving to bowl a turkey! 

Another popular indoor activity is rock climbing. Pipeworks has a 40-foot-high lead wall with 11,000 square feet of climbing terrain -- plus 2,000 square feet of bouldering.


Sacramento Comedy Spot - Festival 2011Entertainment
Ever read Teens are from Mars, Parents are from Earth? Shrink the generation gap when families laugh together. Sacramento Comedy Spot (916.444.3137) at MARRS -- the Midtown Art, Retail and Restaurant Scene -- is an all-ages venue featuring weekly improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy shows. Material rated 'PG-13' (parental guidance recommended, age 13 and older) to 'R' (restricted, age 17+).

jetnjme photography: Papa Roach plays (nearly) hometown showIf your youth enjoy music, free summer Concerts in the Park or the all-ages, indoor Ace of Spades event facility can introduce them (or you) to a wide variety of live, local music: from blues and country, to punk and indie, to pop and hip hop. During the outdoor park series, more than 40 bands play on Friday nights from 5 to 9 PM. The diversity of talent and ages on stage may inspire your guitarist to learn more than 'Stairway to Heaven'.

Discover more inspiration at the California Museum (916.653.7524), home of the California Hall of Fame. This cultural destination is popular for its modern and thought-provoking storytelling of the state's rich influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Now through March 25th, Riding Concrete is a multimedia exhibit about skateboarding from California creation in the 1950s to its international appeal today. 

Pizza Rock - the destination pizzeria that rock built- Sacramento, CaliforniaFood and Shopping
Schedule a power-ballad lunch or dinner at Pizza Rock (916.737.5777). World pizza-tossing champion, Tony Gemignani, opened his flagship artisan pizzeria in Sacramento to re-establish respect for his craft by using seasonal and organic ingredients. The ceiling mural, semi-truck cab, and energy certainly suggest you aren't at Chuck E. Cheese. 

Got an adventurous or epicurean eater or chef? Downtown Sacramento dining can take you on a culinary tour of the world. Join a Local Roots Food walking tour. Or browse farmers markets

Finally, indulge designers or stylists with a shopping tryst. Explore Midtown's concentration of new and vintage clothing stores plus record, home, and gift shops. And if you feel like driving them, Arden Fair mall (916.920.1167) is 10 minutes away!


Let your teen to discover Sacramento, shortlisted by BETA UK -- the British Educational Travel Association -- as the Best International Youth Destination.

Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at tourism@discovergold.org to learn more about itineraries for traveling families with teenagers and tweens (pre-teens).
 

5 Things the SCVB Can Do to Make Your Sacramento Student Travel Trip Easy

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 by Leticia Bokan

Goldology with LeticiaA student tour company owner was in town conducting her own FAM "tour."  She had spent a lot of time and energy planning her student trips on her own, not always getting the best deals.  She happened to walk into our office one afternoon asking for some student tour information.  I sat down with her and introduced her to all the programs, information and services I could provide her with – completely free of charge.  She was pleased with what I was able to offer her and her students.  When she returned to her office, she called and we started planning.  I ended up helping her with not one, but five groups for this past 2010/2011 school season.

The tour company owner and I were able to build a great working relationship that benefitted her, her students and the great attractions we have here in Sacramento.  It was wonderful working with her, and I would love to work with you to help you give the best student tours possible in Sacramento.  I have compiled a list of the top 5 things I can help you with in planning your student tour to Sacramento.

  1. Provide you with our Student Planner
  2. Take advantage of all the great relationships I have with Sacramento museums and interactive attractions
  3. Get you the best deal on accommodations for your kids to lay their tired heads after a long day of FUN LEARNING – that is, of course, after they eat at one of our many student-friendly restaurants
  4. Show you attractions in Sacramento and open up your trip to our surrounding historic cities and towns that you might not be aware of
  5. Send your students home with their very own Sacramento backpacks – perfect for taking home all the great souvenirs and learning materials

I would be happy to discuss how the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can help you with your group’s trip to Sacramento.  Please email me at lbokan@cityofsacramento.org with any questions or if you would like me to send you a copy of our Student Planner. 

We also look forward to seeing everyone in September at the SYTA Summit in New York City!


Student Travel to Sacramento is Serious Business

Friday, March 11, 2011 by Rebecca Fong
This team means SERIOUS business. 
This weekend hundreds of high school students will convene in Sacramento. Sure, they may visit the California State Capitol for a quick civics lesson. They may even visit Old Sacramento for a refresher course on the 1849 California Gold Rush. But they are, here, on serious business. 

These student travelers are, here, to win BIG or go home.

Lethal weapons holding lead pencilsThe 2011 California Academic Decathlon brings together county champions from all over the Golden State to compete in a contest of academic strength and achievement. Students compete for awards in Math, Art, Music, Language / Literature, Economics, Science, Essay, Speech, Interview and a super quiz. 

The competition is broken into three different grade-point categories. Each team consists of three Honor students (3.75 & above GPA), three Scholastic students (3.00-3.74 GPA), and three Varsity students (2.99 GPA & below). Don't mistake the Varsity students for slackers. While they may have lower GPAs, they often have a natural aptitude for topics that others struggle to grasp.

Sacramento is fun student travel for the family!
Got free time? Some Sacramento venues popular with young travelers:
 
Yogurtagogo (19th & L streets) don't miss special flavors of frozen yogurt and toppings
Spin Burger (16th & K streets) we like the menus and stationary bike races!
Cafeteria15L (15th & L streets) yup, grown-ups eat mac 'n' cheese, tots, and grilled cheese
Luigi's Pizza by the Slice (20th Street btwn J & K) discover why this is called the 'fungarden'

Java City (18th & Capitol) one of Sacramento's earliest local roasters
Old Soul (alley near 17th & L streets) common grounds for cozy community gathering
Temple Coffee (10th & J streets) so popular it opened a second temple for its devotees
Naked Coffee @ Retrolodge (11th & H streets) even more coffee, tea, convo for the hip 

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

Monday, January 10, 2011 by Rachael Lankford
This Week: A Wintery Mix of Art, Film, Music, and More
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Museums: California Hall of Fame

Museums: California Hall of Fame 2010
California Museum
Ongoing-Oct 31
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun Noon-5pm
Celebrating the class of 2010 California Hall of Fame, this year's exhibition is the most exciting exhibition yet. It includes more than 100 unique items, many of which have never been publicly displayed such as props used in the blockbuster films of James Cameron, a Wayne Thiebaud gallery containing works selected by the artist himself, and much more.

 
 Theatre: The Musical of Musicals the Musical!Theatre: The Musical of Musicals the Musical!
Sacramento Theatre Company
Jan 12-Feb 20
Wed 12:30pm & 6:30pm; Thurs 6:30pm; Fri 8pm;
Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm
A hilarious homage to the great musical theatre genres of our time. Fun for musical fans and foes alike! Music by Eric Rockwell, lyrics by Joanne Bogard, book by Eric Rockwell & Joanne Bogard. Appropriate for high school aged and up.
 
 Museums: Art Mix: I Hear ColorMuseums: Art Mix: I Hear Color
Crocker Art Museum
Jan 13
Thurs 5pm-9pm
Be inspired by sensuous abstractions and vibrant colors found in the work of Paul Jenkins. Wear white and get "dressed" by local artists, make your own kaleidoscope, take the color swatch tour in the galleries, learn about color theory & optics with photographer Douglas Dertinger, play with color filters at the Beatnik Photo Studio, draw in the galleries to music, play the "Sounding Board" installation, & enjoy a concert by Sea of Bees.
  
 Food & Wine: Thursday Night Jazz & WineFood & Wine: Thursday Night Jazz & Wine
Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa
Jan 13
Thurs 6pm-9pm
Get ready to celebrate the spirit of the season with an evening of live jazz music by the New World Jazz Project and wine tastings from the Chalone Vineyard Estates, the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County. This is your chance to relax and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment while exploring award-winning wines and complimentary light appetizers provided by Arden Hills.
  
Film: MidMo Movie NightFilm: MidMo Movie Night
Verge Center for the Arts
Jan 13
Thurs 7:30pm
Enjoy a screening of two films by the Maysles brothers, both about husband & wife art duo Jeanne-Claude & Christo. The films, "Christo's Valley Curtain" & "Running Fence," will focus on two of the team's major works from the early to mid '70s. Doug Biggert, who visited "Valley Curtain" whilst it was in production and worked on "Running Fence," will speak about both.
  
 Comedy: Will FrankenComedy: Will Franken
Sacramento Comedy Spot
Jan 14
Fri 9pm
Will established himself as a San Francisco cult figure & was selected "Best Alternative to Psychedelic Drugs" by the SF Bay Guardian. His solo show Good Luck With It debuted at the NY International Fringe Festival to rave reviews. "Madonna reinvents herself every year. I reinvent myself every two minutes," Will says. That principle is at work in both his comedy & his life.
  
 Special Events: Great Train Expo

Special Events: Great Train Expo
Cal Expo
Jan 15-Jan 16
Sat & Sun 10am-4pm
The Great Train Expo is America's favorite traveling train show that caters to the model railroad enthusiast. The show features operating model railroads, train dealers, collectors, hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, and much more. It's great for the whole family-there are trains for kids to operate and play with, plus a huge train to ride.

  
 Film: Sacramento Film & Music Festival WinterFestFilm: Sacramento Film & Music Festival WinterFest
Crest Theatre
Jan 15-Jan 17
Sat-Mon: Screenings begin at 1:30pm
The Sacramento Film & Music Festival is debuting a WinterFest in Jan to complement their SummerFest in Aug. The Festival consists of 31 carefully selected films from around the USA and eight other countries. The film content covers everything from preserving the arts (Painting Bolinas, "My Brother Mike"), to the fate of two naïve Mormon missionaries (in the student short "Mercy, Grace and Crabmeat"), to people who have killed themselves rather than give in to rogue IRS agents (Death or Taxes--a Sacramento-based feature documentary).
  
 Music: Coming to America starring Jay WhiteMusic: Coming to America starring Jay White
Community Center Theater
Jan 15
Sat 8pm
Beautiful Noise presents Coming To America, a full-scale production that combines Broadway storytelling with the power of a live concert. Described as a "dramatically uplifting tale of life, liberty, and the American spirit as inspired by the music of Neil Diamond," the show stars Jay White, who appeared on the Las Vegas Strip for over 20 years.
  
 Nightlife: Sizzling Sirens Sacramento Nightlife: Sizzling Sirens' "Stick 'Em Up! A Criminal Cabaret"
Harlow's
Jan 16
Sun 8pm
Enjoy a full showcase of law enforcement and crime themed neo-burlesque performances starring Sacramento's very own vigilante vixens, the women of The Sizzling Siren's Burlesque Experience. Arrive early and enjoy a cocktail to live music from the Siren's main accomplices; the infamous Harley White Jr. Orchestra, with a set full of prohibition jazz & blues reflective of the 1920s-1950s.

 Sacramento365.com News

Dine Downtown Restaurant Week Continues
-Don't forget! Dine Downtown Restaurant Week continues through this Sunday. Enjoy Downtown Sacramento Dining with three-course prix-fixe dinner menus at the area's top restaurants for only $30 per person. Click the link above for a complete list of participating restaurants.

Create an Artist Profile on Sacramento365.com
-Sacramento365 offers a Local Artist Directory that allows you to meet the artists and performers that make up our region's thriving arts and culture scene. If you are a Sacramento artist, create your free profile and show your fellow Sacramentans what you do. To get started, go to the User Login page and follow the steps for creating a new account.

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.

Sacramento Makes An Impression...

Monday, September 13, 2010 by Terry Selk

 

 

on attendees at the 2010 Student and Youth Travel Association annual conference held August 27-31.  The professional travel representatives from across the nation and selected international cities consistently commented on the scenic beauty of the city, its cleanliness, impressive array of high quality restaurants within easy walking distance of Sacramento Convention Center and the overall friendliness of residents, both in businesses and on the street.  The comments were so plentiful, it almost became embarrassing.

The comments made me take a step back and really evaluate how perfect our city is for meetings and conventions.  When you look at the basic infrastructure needs of such a business gathering, Sacramento is a near perfect model based on the following:

-quality airport facility with convenient transcontinental service and close to the city center;

-picturesque river location, tree-lined streets and an abundance of parks making for enjoyable walks, runs and bike rides during breaks in business activities;

-a diverse, modern convention center facility surrounded by a variety of Sacramento area hotels, ranging from high standard full-service hotels to mid-service properties that offer attractive pricing when compared to larger cities;

-an abundance of interesting and low cost attractions;

-a wide range of quality evening entertainment options including pubs, bars, wine lounges, ethnically diverse restaurants and live entertainment;

-friendly, helpful people who are generally glad that visitors are in our city;

Not sure what else a conference organizer or a meeting planner might need to make their events a guaranteed success.

"Crazy in Love" with Sacramento Tourism

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 by Amber Bernhard

This Wednesday I had the pleasure to watch the Sacramento Theater Company (STC) present, "Always...Patsy Cline," a tribute to the legendary country singer.  I, along with our Tourism Manager Leticia Bokan and Events Coordinator Stacy Mello from the  Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, ventured out on the town after work for some good food at Lucca Restaurant, some great conversation, and an amazing Patsy show.

Patsy ClineHowever, aside from the obvious good time and Leticia's "Crazy Love" infatuation with Mrs. Patsy Cline, herself...OK, quick side-note...Leticia knew Patsy's life from A to Z!!! I am telling you, she gave a brief history lesson with each imitation performance and a psycho analysis of the lyrics and how we should interpret them in conjunction with the emotional state of Patsy's life at the time.  I was extremely impressed, and mildly weirded out at the same time.

Back on track, as I was trying to say before, there was a moment during the night that really stood out to me!  During intermission, a STC Board Member was greeting show-goers in the lobby thanking them for their support.  When he approached the three of us, I witnessed what was perhaps some of the most raw, genuine passion any one person could possess for their work, their city, and their customers. 

"Have you ladies been here before?" the STC Board Member simply asked.

And before Stacy and I had time to think, much less formulate a sentence, Leticia said, "We work for the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau; we love this place, of course we have been here, it is fabulous!"

Although I don't remember verbatim the rest of her monologue, it did go something like Leticia Bokan, Tourism Managerthis: 

"Not only have we all been here and think it is great, but we bring Sacramento student travel groups here as well.  I just brought a group from Stockton here not too long ago. I just love everything you do here at the STC and I think theater is one of those fun things to do in Sacramento that many groups forget to take advantage of.  We are also always looking for new student-youth performance venues, so if you ever have opportunities for opening acts, please remember to keep us in mind because we can put you in contact with some amazing young talent."

Now, this might not seem like a big deal to some, but I walked away from that conversation thinking: "Now that is a woman who loves her job and lives it even in her off hours."  She didn't come across like a pushy salesperson, but someone with a genuine love for Sacramento, a passion for  Sacramento student travel and an understanding of what her clients need and value.

Needless to say, I took mental notes. Hats off to Leticia! She is truly "Crazy in Love" with Patsy Cline, and even better, "Crazy in Love" with Sacramento tourism.

Wildlife and Nature Hidden In Plain Sight of Sacramento

Monday, May 3, 2010 by Terry Selk

Neck and neck with an Egret – that is the situation I found myself on Saturday as I rode my bike across the Yolo Causeway just west of Sacramento. Returning from the City of Davis, I found myself being paced by an egret, flapping his wings in perfect tempo with my pedal rotations. I took the opportunity to enjoy his somewhat effortless flying as I listened to my own labored breathing. 

I looked around me and realized I was surrounded on both sides by the Yolo Basin, a natural haven for migratory birds, wildlife and of course, a somewhat endless stretch of agricultural land, filled with acres and acres of rice fields.

 

The Yolo Basin, a true Sacramento attraction, has many treasures that help make our area unique. The watchable wildlife and education programs for the birdwatcher, naturalist and school groups are fascinating by themselves but one that really stands out in my mind is the Bats and Wine program put on by the Yolo Basin Foundation. Between May and September, nearly 10,000 bats reside under the Yolo Causeway bridge and the Yolo Basin Foundation organizes programs for groups to view them as they emerge in one continuous cloud at dusk to feed on insects. 

Willdlife refuge with City of Sacramento in backgroundFor kids, they also offer bat education programs at their center while for adults, they work with a local winery to experience some of the local bounty.

The Sacramento region is filled with nature preserves and wildlife refuges, which are perfect for tour groups looking for Sacramento outdoor activities and Sacramento student travel ideas. 



 

Why We Have Two Ears and One Mouth...Listening to Our Customers

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 by Terry Selk

Tour Group at California State Capitol
I had lunch with a prospective travel and tourism client last week and we enjoyed a little downtown Sacramento dining, I mentioned that one of the things that make the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau stand out is the level of personal service we extend to our customers and visitors, and more specifically what exactly we do for our travel and tourism clients.

The client seemed intrigued and asked what I meant as he had worked with many CVB's over his 20+ years in the industry. He said he rarely found one that did anything unique. In fact, he had shied away from using CVB's as a resource because he had many of his own contacts and often found working with a CVB to be more cumbersome than he felt was necessary.

I explained how we listen to clients' needs and try and find the best variety of products or services that will make their program successful and their experience memorable. Whether you are looking for Sacramento recreation, Sacramento student travel options, or simply various Sacramento tourist attractions,  we go above and beyond and truly cater your trip to your needs.  One specific example I shared is that we do not provide contact details of our customers in the leads we generate, unless requested by the client. Why? Because our customers don't want to be contacted by every business, nor do they want to be handed a list of names & businesses for them to sort. They have entrusted us to help them find the services they need and provide them with the best possible solutions. And we value that trust and abide by the customer's wishes.


He was genuinely surprised at this. "Other CVB's send leads out to everyone whether the business is appropriate or not, which results in a flurry of unwanted phone calls, emails, etc.," he said. "Essentially, wasting my time."

Whether we get his business or not remains to be seen, but this discussion with the customer reminded me how the simple effort of listening to the customer and treating customers needs first were somewhat of an anomaly in this modern day of marketing and sales.