Introducing Vibrant Sacramento, California
Located in the vast Central Valley, Sacramento is the capital of California. This industrious and scenic city is the cultural and economic center in the metropolitan area combining four cities. Because of its pleasant location and weather, it is a desirable place to live or visit. Population growth has indicated that more people are noticing this vibrant city.
Sacramento is built at the confluence of two rivers, the American and the Sacramento. There is a deepwater port that connects to the San Francisco Bay through the Sacramento River Delta. This 43-mile channel provides a route for international shipping and day trips to the Bay Area. Sacramento is the shipping and rail center for the shipment of local goods. Fruit, vegetables, rice, wheat, dairy, and beef are the major exports.
Brief History of Sacramento
The original inhabitants of the Sacramento Valley were the Miwok and Nisenan Indians. Their sustenance was dependent mostly on the fruits of the area; acorns, bulbs, seeds and roots. Around 1800, the Spanish explorer Gabriel Moraga came to the valley and named it. In 1839, Swiss pioneer John Sutter arrived with settlers. A trading colony and Sutter's Fort were built by the local Native Americans. In 1847, a shipment of 2,000 fruit trees arrived and thus began the agricultural industry in the valley.
In 1848, gold was discovered about 50 miles north and the population of Sacramento began to grow rapidly. The 1850s were hard on Sacramento, with devastating floods, fires, and cholera epidemics. But because of the proximity to the gold fields in the Sierra Nevadas, the city continued to grow.
More about Sacramento
The weather and climate in Sacramento are close to ideal. Little rainfall, continuous sunny days, and a mild winter combine to make it comfortable essentially all year round. Rain usually only falls from November to March and then tapers off.
The population growth has also been aided by people migrating from the San Francisco Bay Area and immigration from Asia, Central America, Mexico, and former Soviet Union countries. Many have sought this area because of lower housing costs and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Where to Go in Sacramento
Discover the history of culture, fine arts, wildlife, and natural beauty in the excellent museums of Sacramento. The California State Capitol Museum (capitolmuseum.ca.gov/) is a working museum with guided tours, films, and historic rooms to explore past and present government workings. The California State Indian Museum is beside Sutter's Fort where you can learn of the California Indian culture and traditions. Special events honor Ishi Day, Acorn Day, and Gathering of the Elders.
More museums include the Gold Rush Museum, Science and Space Center, and the Wells Fargo Museum. At Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, see interesting exhibits and authentic rooms. Observe a blacksmith shop, carpenter shop, bakery, and living quarters.
Try gold panning at the gold mines in the nearby Sierra Nevadas. Tour the Kennedy Gold Mine and the Sutter Gold Mine and Volcano, which were some of the richest lodes in the area. There are historical buildings, underground tours, and even a Civil War cannon.
An outing to the beautiful Sacramento Zoo will be an inspiring experience. Over 500 animals from 140 species include exotic and endangered animals. See the snow leopards, lemurs, reptiles, and birds in a lush setting. Learn from the exhibits and have fun with the hands-on interaction. Endangered baby lemurs were born in May, and will be on exhibit soon.
Outdoor Recreation and Events
In this ideal climate, golf is a very popular pursuit. At the Haggin Oaks course, you may choose the course you want to play, shop in the gift shop, and relax in the luxuriant lodge. At the Bing Maloney Golf Course, you can play among the stately oaks at this historic facility. Choose from an 18- or 9-hole course and participate in special events and tournaments. These are just two of many courses to choose from.
Families will enjoy visiting Fairy Tale Town, where all the fairy tales come to life. Year-round events, performances and educational programs entertain all ages. Have your birthday party here and let the children explore King Arthur's Castle, Jack's beanstalk, Cinderella's Castle, Robin Hood's Fort, and much more. Raging Waters (www.rwsac.com/) is a water park with rides, dives, and slides including the Dragon's Den and the Honolulu Half Pipe. It also features a wave pool, a volleyball court, and a winding, lazy river.
Sacramento is rich with many parks and recreational facilities. Biking, hiking, boating, and picnicking can be enjoyed at dozens of parks throughout the city. During the year, various events are held in these locations, such as musical concerts and farmer's markets. Stone Lake is a beautiful nature preserve located in southern Sacramento. Here among ancient Indian sites, you will find many migratory birds and indigent animals.
The Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malakoff_Diggins_State_Historic_Park) has a museum, cabin rentals, and campsites. This was the largest hydraulic mining site in the world. The Oroville State Wildlife Area is a huge preserve of more than 11,000 acres. Visitors can experience great bird watching and camping in this rugged wilderness.
Staying in Sacramento
You can easily find accommodations in Sacramento to suit your needs and lifestyle. From luxurious downtown hotels to the comfortable bed & breakfasts, there are lodgings to suit all budgets. The Amber House is a full-service bed & breakfast with a gourmet breakfast, Internet service, cozy fireplaces, and in-room Jacuzzis. It is located on a quiet tree-lined street just eight blocks from the capitol building.
The Best Western Sutter House is conveniently located close to downtown attractions. The spacious rooms feature Internet access, coffee machines, iron and ironing board, and complementary breakfast. There is a heated pool in a private courtyard. There are meeting rooms for business needs. Larkspur Landing is a midrange hotel with an artsy décor and self-catering conveniences. Kitchens, meeting rooms, laundry facilities, and complementary room favors are part of the services.
Sacramento is a great place to live and work. Part of the attraction is weather, location, and quality of life. Anyone on vacation or traveling for business will find this an interesting and amusing place to visit. Take time to explore the historical sites, the outdoor activities, and the top-notch shopping and dining.