California Travel Insider

Sacarmento California Even the Shopping is Old & New

Even the Gold Rush had Retail Therapy Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

Play & Shop!

The list of things to see and do really took me by surprise. Of course, I was well-aware that Old Sacramento is part of a 28-acre state historic park, a California Historical Landmark, and National Historic Landmark; so this tells you it’s something pretty special.

Speaking of play:  Old Sacramento is the perfect place to hang-out before and after a River Cats’ baseball game. It’s a pleasant stroll to the ball park just across the historic Tower Bridge. How about a little theatrical play? Live theater is performed at Capital Stage, Suspects Murder Mystery Theater, and the Eagle Theatre—a reconstruction of California’s oldest playhouse.

Throughout the year, historical walking tours—Gold Rush, architecture and ghost—are conducted by characters in period costumes. Get into the groove at newly opened Sacramento City Dry Goods who makes and sells Victorian clothing; or get spooked at Evangeline’s Costume Mansion, August-October.

Along the promenade, a series of interpretive panels provide glimpses into Sacramento’s past. Children (and parents) will delight in excerpts from the “Wind and the Willows,” Chapter 1, The Riverbank. At the Embassy Suites Riverfront Promenade, displays of exquisite public art are viewable throughout the hotel. If this free gallery exhibit motivates you, newbie Taylor’s Art & Soul sells fabulous handcrafted art, jewelry and gifts—national, regional, and local. Long-time resident Visions of Eden specializes in fantastic gifts for any occasion including California-made Fire & Light Glass.

With more than 80,000 vinyl albums, audiophiles from around the world seek out Brooks Novelty and Records tucked away on Firehouse Alley. There’s also a cool collection of pinball and slot machines, neon signs, and old toys.

Romance is alive at Tango by the River! Northern California’s premier venue for authentic Argentine tango offers classes for both experienced and amateur dancers.  Twice monthly public dances—milongas—include introductory tango lessons designed specifically for the inexperienced.

Sacramento California Celebrates Its Newest Citizen

At Long Last, the Grand Opening of Citizen Hotel Photos & Story  by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

Sacramento's historic 1925 Cal-Western Life building has a new life and a new glow as the Citizen Hotel, the latest in the Joie de Vivre Hotels hoteldom. Known locally as the J Building (located at 926 J Street), the Beaux Arts Citizen was painstakingly restored, remade, and reinvented as Downtown Sacramento California's first and long-awaited luxury, boutique hotel. After much anticipation and a few weeks of a soft opening, the Citizen Hotel made its debut...a debutante ball as such...on February 26. A regular red carpet event...the spotlights lit up a the sky and even Marilyn and Groucho look-alikes were there to greet the throng of A-list guests.

From the locally-fresh and contempoary Grange...Citizen's ever-so glamorous restaurant...to the 12th-floor penthouse and all spaces in between, the Citizen was buzzing with excitement. Enormous flower displays and pink-hued crystals adorned tables of jumbo shrimp, cracked crab, oysters on the half shell, crab salad, and ceviche -- a temple of seafood delights. Wine fountains flowed and music filled the air. The balcony of Mezzanine lounge Scandal was jazzed and jumping. The 7th-floor tented rooftop terrace delivered more musical vibes and capital views...literally...the Capitol a jewel in the night sky.

It was exhilarating to say the least. JDV and their partners have done Sacramento proud. If you haven't been. Go! Stay! Eat! Enjoy!

And photos tell the story. Click to enlarge.

                         

How Much is that California Doggie?

The Rest of the Tail:

 Pretty darn cheap at The Hotdogger in downtown Davis, California. For more than 20 years, Hotdogger has walked many a joyful diner down ‘the dog’ path. This wiener-sized café provides limited counter-seating for about five. The dogs, on the other hand, are not your tea-cup variety.

These California dogs may not be AKC line-up, but they are pure-bred delicious! Your classic all-beef Chicago Dog with German mustard, tomatoes, diced onion and relish will set you back $3.50. From across the border, the spicy Ortega Dog with green chilies and pepper jack cheese will light your fire for $4.00. The Gut Bomb ($5), The Bandito ($4.25)...Louisiana hot links, chili, salsa, onion…where’s the Tums and Scope? Of course they also serve the PC Veggie Dog breed. Well-groomed with mustard, ketchup, relish, onion and a sprouted wheat bun, it’s just like the real thing. Well, maybe.

The owners, the Franks – no, I’m not kidding – have been Davis’ tube steak mavens for the past 13 years. One counter-person had been adorning dogs in buns for three years. Woof, that’s dedication! Her favorite was a personal creation: Portuguese wine sausage (chicken with white wine and garlic), tomatoes, celery salt, ketchup, pickles, and Hawaiian mustard. Tums, anyone?

Oh, and about the buns! An often overlooked, but integral part of the whole doggone dog experience. Hotdoggers’ buns are locally made at the Village Bakery – another closet-sized establishment. Davis may just be a breeding ground for this kind of thing.