Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento has always been one of favorites. It's a wonderful place to play tourist. That's just what I got to do today. Lucas (10) is taking an ATS, engineering/architecture class/camp at Sacramento State University. Since it's over 20 minutes away, I have been playing in Sacramento for three hours each day while he is there. Monday....I hit every Goodwill in the area. That was blast. Today, I decided to drive through my old stomping grounds to Old Sac. Since I was a little girl I have been going there. A must see for all our European friends and visitors to the area. A great place for The annual Christmas tree lighting and host to The Sacramento Jazz Festival on Memorial Day weekend, The huge "Gold Rush Days," celebration on labor and just an overall fun place to explore.


                                                               Explore:

This is early morning. Soon the spaces will be full. Tourists will be taking pictures and filling the streets.  Keep in mind that you can buy a parking permit/ticket and place it on your dashboard. This ticket will work all over Sacramento. So, keep it for later if it's not expired. There are also meters that take quarters. One quarter will buy you about 15 minutes. Plan to spend a few hours here if not all day. There are several nearby parking garages as well.

Currently Old Sacramento is getting decked out for The Fourth of July. Many of the buildings still adorn the original hardware, like the huge metal shutters seen here in black.  All the sidewalks are made of wood. You really feel like you are in old western times.

Parts of Old Sacramento are paved in cobblestone. This adds to it's charm, but don't wear heels.  These pictures were taken extremely early. It will be extremely crowded by afternoon. There are many events held here throughout the year. We have been here for light shows, western showdowns, and once a year they go all out with a full-blown western celebration. 

I love this little, "one room school house" Take the kids in and you'll meet a docent that  can answer any questions you may have. Complete with typical desk, school supplies, chalkboards and lesson from the past. 

                                                                         Shop

Who wouldn't want to step into this shop? So inviting.

Again, who wouldn't want to step into this shop?  So inviting LOL. Love a good candy store.  This one carries just about everything including old favorites like Mary Jane and candy buttons. The candy store is always a good incentive (AKA bribe) for the children at the end of the day if they behaved well. Works for mine.

My favorite shop in Old Sacramento: Christmas Co.  It's just a fabulous store.

A small peek inside from the front door. They do a display for the current holiday, but  the whole shop is Christmas. 

You can see in this photo just how far back the shop goes. In the back is a big gorgeous fireplace.  The displays constantly change. Right now it is traditional green and red with a great vintage ladder and a little sneaky elf climbing up the tree. Too cute. No pictures allowed. I guess you better visit.

                                                                 History

Pioneer Park....the original level of Old Sacramento. I loved this area. Amazing.

River

\The Sacramento River and the iconic Tower Bridge

Joe's Crab Shack on the River. Casual fun dining for the family. Great view  on river.

The famous Delta Queen...dinner on the river. Wonderful old steam boat.

http://www.cybercruises.com/deltaqueen.htm

My favorite place to eat in Old Sacramento...or even just grab a drink. Maybe I am partial. Lots of good memories. One of my first dates with my husband. What a trip for him (hadn't been in The States long and would you believe as we sipped cocktails there one day we watched Elvis get married on the Delta Queen?)

TO DO:

http://www.riocitycafe.com/

http://www.csrmf.org/

The California State Railroad Museum.

http://www.wellsfargohistory.com/museums/museum_oldSacramento.html

http://www.scoe.net/oldsacschoolhouse/

http://www.historicoldsac.org/shm.asp

This is the biggest celebration in Old Sacramento

http://sacramentogoldrushdays.com/

So many great museums right here on Old Sacramento. Don't forget you can take a river taxi to various restaurants up the river. A very fun thing to do.

There is a great river walk and you are just five minutes away on foot to a modern mall. 

Come visit.........you'll have  a great time!