Fun Guide

Aerospace Museum of California: This is an aviation museum located in North Highlands, California on the grounds of the former McClellan Air Force Base. It features displays of authentic military and civilian aircraft as well as space vehicle replicas. The museum has over 40 aircraft in its collection from the fully restored, one-of-a-kind 1932 Curtiss Wright B-14B Speedwing to one of the last Grumman F-14D Tomcatsretired from U.S. Navy service in 2006. Contact information: www.aerospaceca.org. 3200 Freedom Park Dr. McClellan, CA 95652. (916) 643-3192.

Black Chasm Cavern: This cavern was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1976 and is considered a "nationally significant natural area.” Visitors to the cave are enchanted by the beauty of a wide variety of formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and the vast arrays of rare helictite crystals, for which Black Chasm Cavern is justly famous. Above ground, kids love the gemstone mining at the mining flumes right outside the Visitors Center. Everyone is guaranteed to find some real gemstones; the perfect start to a rock collection! Try their new incredibly popular geode cracking too! Contact information: www.caverntours.com. 15701 Pioneer Volcano Road, Volcano, CA 95689. (866) 762-2837.

Codfish Creek Trail: Codfish Creek Trail is a 3.4 mile out and back trail that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for camping, hiking, scenic driving & walking and is accessible from December until May. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Contact information: www.alltrails.com. Weimar, CA 95736. (530) 885-4527.

Hagan Community Park: This is the largest park within the Cordova Recreation and Park District. Nearly 80 acres, the park offers multiple baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, aquatic center, community center, dog park, youth playground, fishing lagoon, restroom, and various family and group picnic locations. Additionally, adjacent to the American River Parkway Hagan Community Park provides quick access to natural walking and biking trails and eco-friendly commuter routes to downtown Sacramento. Contact information: www.crpd.com. 2197 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670. (916) 362-1841.

Nevada City: Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, Nevada City is a wonderful way to get away for a few hours, relax and recharge. The drive is quiet and beautiful and the shops are quaint and inviting. The City of Nevada City is dedicated to preserving and enhancing its small town character and historical architecture while providing quality public service for their current and future residents, businesses and visitors. Contact information: www.nevadacitychamber.com. Visitors Center 132 Main Street Nevada City, CA 95959. (530) 265-2692.

Phoenix Dog Park: The Phoenix Dog Park is situated in the southwest corner of Phoenix Park in Fair Oaks, CA, formerly occupied by the Jim David T-ball Fields. There are three fenced in areas: one for small dogs and puppies, one for large dogs and another for small to medium dogs that are less sociable. Contact information: www.fairoakspark.org. 9050 Sunset Ave. Fair Oaks, CA 95628. (916) 966-1036.

Theatre of Lights: Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights blends a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects that transport the audience back in time with a reading of the famous poem The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. The narrated reading of the powerful and nostalgic poem is brought to life through theatrical elements and visually-exciting lighting choreography that takes place on the balconies and rooftops of Old Sacramento’s historic buildings. Contact information: Old Sacramento Business Association. info@oldsacramento.com. 980 9th Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814. (916) 442-8575.

The California Museum: The museum opened in June of 1998 through a unique partnership with the State of California as a private non-profit institution focused on California history and culture. In 2003, former First Lady Maria Shriver began working with the museum to expand its vision and mission. Since then, the museum’s exhibitions have continued to emphasize stories not presented to reflect all aspects of California’s diverse population and culture, with an emphasis on the contributions of women and under-represented groups. Contact information: www.californiamuseum.org. 1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
(916) 653-7524.

The Discovery Museum Science & Space Center: This museum was originally founded in 1951 as The California Junior Museum. The center was designed as a space where children could experience science and nature through interactive programs and exhibits. Today, the Discovery Museum is one of Northern California's premier institutions with an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education and hands-on learning. Contact information: 3615 Auburn Bl. Sacramento, CA 95821. (916) 808-3942.

Velocabs: Velocabs are zero emission, human-powered vehicles - the latest evolution in pedicab
design. They operate in the downtown/midtown grid, around the Capitol, Convention Center, Old Sacramento, Raley Field and midtown. If you see one empty, flag it down and catch a ride. Contact information: www.ridevelocab.com. (916) 498-9980.

Go for it Fun Guide

California Auto Museum: On May 1, 1987 the Towe Ford Museum opened to the public, displaying the personal collection of Edward Towe, which included one of almost every car Ford ever made, from the pre-Model T to the Pinto. In the mid 1990’s, the IRS slapped a lien on the cars and an auction in 1997 broke up the Towe Ford Collection. The renamed Towe Auto Museum began displaying vehicles of all makes and models, creating a much broader story of the automobile through history. In 2009, the Board of Directors officially changed their name to the California Automobile Museum. Contact information: 2200 Front St. Sacramento, CA 95816. Phone: (916) 442-6802. Website: www.calautomuseum.org.

Old Folsom: In 1856, the arrival of the Sacramento Valley railroad set in motion the development of Sutter Street, as entrepreneurs constructed stores and businesses to profit from the influx of rail passengers. At the turn of the century, autos were soon the preferred mode of travel, and in 1915, Sutter Street became part of the nation’s first transcontinental highway, the Lincoln Highway. Today, Old Folsom has a variety of businesses, most of which line Historic Sutter Street. Old Folsom businesses include restaurants, pubs, wine bars, art galleries, jewelry and antique shops, boutique stores and a hotel.

Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge: Petroglyph is an upscale paint–your-own pottery studio. Explore your personal creativity, enjoy time with friends and take home a unique ceramic art you create. Founders Jennifer and Michael Rubin opened the original studio in 1994 and after almost 20 years Petroglyph is one of the largest and most successful businesses in the industry and continues to be privately owned and operated. Contact information: 2030 Douglas Blvd. Roseville, CA 95661. Phone: (916) 772-4278. Website: www.petroglyph.com.

Red Hawk Casino: As stewards of the land, it was the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians’ vision that this casino be created to honor the past and celebrate the future. Located on a beautiful hilltop less than 20 minutes east of Sacramento on Highway 50, Red Hawk casino is an oasis for gamblers who seek excitement and adventure close to home. Several great restaurants provide a delicious assortment of appetizing entrees to satisfy most palates and family friendly entertainment is also available. Contact information: 1 Red Hawk Parkway Placerville, CA 95667. Phone: (530) 677-7000. Website: redhawkcasino.com.

Steven’s Trail: This is a popular year-round hiking trail in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The trail provides a gentle slope that is suitable for even the most novice hikers.  During your journey you will enjoy a series of spectacular views of the famous Gold Rush era river, pass the infamous China Wall built by Chinese laborers, several mine shafts and other early signs of mining. Follow I-80 East towards the town of Colfax and exit at North Canyon Way.  Travel along North Canyon Way past the Colfax cemetery to the Stevens trailhead. Contact information: 5152 Hillsdale Circle El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. Phone : (916) 941-3101. Website: www.blm.gov.

Strikes Unlimited: Strikes Unlimited is the premier bowling venue in Rocklin, CA. Whether you’re looking for bowling, dancing, live music or a great place to hold a party, Strikes Unlimited and Halftime Bar & Grill (formerly Strikes and Coaches) delivers.  This facility features 50 state-of-the-art lanes in a fun and vibrant atmosphere.  Each lane is outfitted with personal seating and tables, flat-screen TV's and giant projection screens.  Their restaurant, Halftime Bar & Grill, offers a wide variety of food, drink and entertainment. Contact information: 5681 Lonetree Blvd. Rocklin, CA 95765. Phone: (916) 626-3600. Website: www.strikesrocklin.com.

The California State Railroad Museum: First opened to the public in 1976, the California State Railroad Museum complex is one of Sacramento's largest and most popular visitor destinations. Over 500,000 visit the museum annually. With over 225,000 square feet of total exhibit space, the buildings within the California State Railroad Museum complex use stimulating exhibits, enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents and beautifully restored railroad cars and locomotives to illustrate railroad history in California and the West. Contact information: 125 "I" Street Sacramento, CA 95814. Phone: (916) 445-6645. Website: www.csrmf.org.

William Land Park: William Land was a quiet and self-contained man who was viewed as an active businessman in the Sacramento community and who gave the city nearly half a million dollars to enhance the conditions of its citizens. A beautful park was named in his honor and is located in the Land Park neighborhood just south of downtown Sacramento. The park includes several popular attractions, including The Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, Funderland and The William Land Golf Course. Contact information: 4000 S Land Park Dr. Sacramento, CA 95822. Phone: (916) 808-5200. Website: www.cityofsacramento.org.

The Capitolaires: The Capitolaires have been singing in the Sacramento area since 1946 and welcome men who like to sing.  They meet every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Sierra Arden Untied Church of Christ at 890 Morse Avenue, Sacramento 95864. If you are interested in singing with them, please call (888) 877-9806. Their website is www.capitolaires.org.

Fun things to do in and around Sacramento

I love going out to eat at Dos Coyotes because it’s a fun place to go. I also enjoy taking walks around Phoenix Field Park with my two Schnauzers. Rose Erickson, The Moth Hole.

I like going to the Bay Area and watching a sporting event. The new AT &T park is really nice.

Brandon Brockway, Max Muscle in Fair Oaks.

We love to go skiing at Northstar in the winter. In the summer, we like riding our bikes on the American River bike trail. We also love staying at home and having friends over for a barbeque. Emmanuel Osorio, D.D.S., Osorio Dental Care.

I like to get out of town and go to Perry Creek Winery in the foothills near Jackson for wine tasting and a relaxing picnic. We also enjoy the art exhibits and operas in San Francisco.

Rita Pichler, Facial & Cosmetic Center of Andrew Pichler, M.D.

I like to go along the walking trails along the American River because it’s very beautiful and kayaking at Lake Natoma. I may be a Pariasian who enjoys fashion all week long, but I’m also an outdoor girl!

Maryse de-Col-Normand, Tickled Pink Consignment Boutique.

In the summertime, I love to eat out in old Sacramento. I also want to take a cruise down the Sacramento River.

Chris Chewong, Takieng Thai Cuisine & Thai Jasmine Thai Cuisine.

I do like to go to the B Street Theatre because the plays are always great and it’s a very small, intimate and casual place.

Michael Cook, Cordova Sewing and Vacuum Center.

I like going to Monster Mini Golf in the Nimbus Winery off Highway 50 in Rancho Cordova. That’s a lot of fun!

Amber Elliott, Elliott’s on El Camino Ave.

Depending on the weather, Gregg (husband) and I drove his M.G. convertible up to Nevada City and had lunch. We took the back-roads through Colfax and it was beautiful! Lynn Lawson, Ralph Opfer Floors.

I love to kayak on Lake Natoma. There’s a canal that goes under the bike trail bridge and it looks like a scene out of Avatar…it’s amazing! Jim Vierra, Nor Cal Scooters.

I love the American River! You can raft, bike, hike, jog and just enjoy the beauty of the river.

Joel Perez, Remax Realty and Jimboys in Rancho Cordova.

I love Sacramento because it’s so centrally located. We can go to the Bay Area and sail one weekend and ski in Tahoe the next. I also love Old Sacramento and taking my dogs to the river. Annette Arent, Easy Living Cleaning.

The one really nice thing about living here is the warm summers. I spent a year in Portland, Oregon in my early 20’s. It’s green for a reason! I will never complain about the summer heat while I barbeque in my backyard.

John McCain, Premiere Nutrition.

My husband Ron and I love boating along the Sacramento River. As members of the Sacramento Yacht Club, we’ve traveled all over and as far as San Francisco and we love it! Judy Sheets, Salon Nouveau.

I like doing yard work and walking one of my dogs along the American River. I have two dogs and only My Girl likes to go. My Boy is too old. Kay Wilson, Stoney Folks Jewelers.

I like to ride my bike on the American River Bike Trail from end to end and I I love splashing around in my pool.

Karen Anderson, Callen Pool Supply.

My favorite thing to do is karaoke at Sharon’s Lounge in Rancho Cordova, which is funny because I don’t drink alcohol. They’ve made and named a special drink just for me called the no-tini! Steve Honesto, My Comp IT.