Sacramento’s Best Restaurants, Museums and Shopping
One of the hottest housing markets here is Natomas, with its huge variety of restaurants and shopping. New units are being built offering affordable housing alongside acres and acres of open space. Urban Jack’s, Mimi’s, Chilis, Johnny Carino’s and
TGIF just opened, with more upscale dining planned for construction later this year. The newly opened Inkerdum High School is one of a few in the state that utilizes solar and other green sources of energy for lighting and heat.
Arco Arena is home of course to the Sacramento Kings, our city’s pride and joy. In addition to the King’s games, Arco also hosts big name concerts as well as many other family centered activities throughout the year.
Shopping here is simply awesome. Sacramento offers something for every shopoholic, from major department stores like Nordstroms, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus to boutiques found in almost every area of this sprawling city. Strip malls boast anchors like Target,Wal-Mart, Marshalls, and Linen’s n Things. From haute couture to casual everyday wear, this city has it all.
Sacramento doesn’t lack for natural beauty, found along our two great waterways, the American and Sacramento Rivers. On any given day, these long meandering waterways are filled with hikers, joggers and of course boaters of every description. In warm weather, you can find families picknicking, wading or taking nature walks along the rivers edges. Jet skis, fishing trawlers, and houseboats all take advantage of the cool green waters of these lovely rivers. Bird lovers sit for hours watching geese, ducks, owls, egrets, herons, cranes and other birds as they swoop, soar and dive over the waterways. Local artists, set up easels and often spend hours trying to capture the exquisite play of the light upon the waters here.
The Sacramento Rose Garden is a thing of beauty to rose lovers of all ages. In late Spring, these exquisite blooms start displaying their fragrant beauty for all to see. You can find everything from hybrid teas, antique roses, to showy floribundas, all laid out with love and care. Another little known place to find some truly old rose specimens is the Old City Cemetery. Wild ramblers, climb up stone and wood, along with old, old roses, brought in by early settlers. Take a tour of the formal gardens, or simply wander through this historic site. Late Fall and early Spring are best for seeing the place in all it’s beauty.
And, if you love camellias, Sacramentans are already looking forward to the huge showy Spring bloom. Almost every neighborhood sports loads of these short-lived but lovely flowers. Their vivid reds, pinks and spectacular white flowers brighten up the dreariest days here. If the roses and camellias weren’t enough, we boast a huge assortment of wonderful trees in this city. From old oaks and maples, to magnolias, elms and river birches, they are part of this city’s charm.
For art lovers, we offer numerous galleries, and the well known Crocker Art Museum downtown. Many of the local artisans offer their works in Old Town. This is a wonderful place for a casual day trip, with it’s wooden sidewalks, and Wild West air. Take a carriage ride around the area, or hop on board a train for an hour long trip around the prairie areas. Or take the River Taxi to one of 3 great restaurants along the river. Top it off with a visit to the Sacramento Train museum, and your day is complete.
Children love the Sacramento Zoo with its special treats, including meeting a new baby snow leopard or other exotic acquisition. Afterwards, stroll across the street to Funderland, where they can enjoy the roller coaster and other great rides. Cal Expo offers Water World USA and Paradise Island, both perfect for a family day of sun and water. A short 45 minute drive brings you to Apple Hill, a place filled with farms and loads of activities. All along Apple Hill trails, you’ll encounter family run farms offering fresh fruits, herbs and veggies, not to mention the wonderful apple pies in the Fall. Winter sports at Tahoe are a mere hour away along Highway 80, offering skiing for every level of experience.
Dining choices in the city range from haute cuisine to dirt cheap. For great Asian cuisine try Frank Fats downtown, or the New China House Buffet. Italian cuisine lovers will drool over Biba’s exquisite northern Italian cuisine, lovingly prepared by Biba Caggiano and her staff. The Old Spaghetti Factory and The Family Room offer child friendly places to dine with children. You can discover cuisines from Russia, India, Afghanistan and Ethiopia here, as well as down home bbq and absolutely wonderful Creole and Cajun spots.
Between beautiful parks and miles of unspoiled nature, the lovely trees, and the friendly people, it’s no wonder Sacramento is such a popular place to put down roots.
