Heading to the Golden State’s capital? Then toss the guidebooks and let these famous locals tell you about their city’s best spots. --
Janet FullwoodTravel editor, Sacramento Bee“The city’s rivers are great for fishing and
kayaking, and I love
biking the 30-mile path that runs alongside the American River. If you tire of our beautiful outdoor spaces, Napa and Sonoma are very close by.”
Wild Bill Hill (a.k.a. William Hill)Owner of Wild Bill’s Tattoo“For the very best sushi, the only place to go is
Mikuni Japanese Midtown. The Spicy Johnny Roll is to die for. And for a little local culture, don’t miss the
Towe Auto Museum and the
Railroad Museum.”
Kitty O’NealKFBK news anchor“Catch a meal at the
Esquire Grill for the best petrale sole ever! If you have a sweet tooth, try
Rick’s Dessert Diner, a nostalgic setting for some mile-high treats -- and they’re open late.”
Maria ShriverFirst Lady of California“The
California Museum for History, Women and the Arts is a great place to learn about the extraordinary individuals who created and built this state … out-of-the-box thinkers who faced adversity but dared to take risks.”
Christian Kiefer, PhDLocal indie-rock musician/composer“When the sun goes down, the city’s vibrant music scene appears.
Old Ironsides is Sacramento’s most venerable live-music spot and caters to drinkers and rockers. More quiet-leaning listeners might appreciate
Luna’s, which features live poetry and singer-songwriters.”
Lial A. JonesExecutive director, Crocker Art Museum“Visit the wineries in Amador and El Dorado counties. The tasting rooms there are similar to Napa’s 20 years ago; you might actually get to speak with the winemakers. [Afterwards, head to]
Taste in
Plymouth -- the meal alone will make you happy you made the drive.”
<
br/>CHARLES RUNNETTE is the deputy editor of
Hollywood Life in
Los Angeles and a frequent contributor to
American Way. His favorite memory from the Sacramento area is of skydiving in nearby Yolo County.
Global traveler that you are, you surely have favorite places in all the cities you visit. Why not share them with others? Send us an e-mail with your picks at favorites@americanwaymag.com, or go to www.americanwaymag.com/favorites and join in the discussion.
Web ExtrasPeggy ShannonArtistic director of the Sacramento Theatre Company“Sacramento is becoming a capital city not to miss. There is an
energy about
midtown and downtown that is infectious. … For a killer burger, try
Lucca’s Restaurant.”
Jay WaldingFounding member of the Sacramento Poor Boys Car Club “If you’re into cars, Sacramento’s annual
California Expo -- from August to September -- is the place to go. They host two of Northern California’s biggest shows:
Sacramento Autorama and the Midnight Mass, put on by my group, the Poor Boys.”
Bradley BuchananPoet and professor of English at the California State University, Sacramento “I love the [
Second Saturday Art Walk], when you can walk around and visit the many art galleries. [And on Monday nights] there are poetry readings organized by the nonprofit
Sacramento Poetry Center.”
American River (for biking)
www.sacparks.netCalifornia Exposition & State Fair
1600 Exposition Boulevard
(916) 263-3000
www.calexpo.comCalifornia Museum for History, Women and the Arts
1020 O Street
(916) 653-0650
www.californiamuseum.orgCalifornia State Capitol
10th Street between L and N Streets
(916) 324-0333
http://capitolmuseum.ca.govCalifornia State Railroad Museum
111 I Street
(916) 445-6645
www.ca.govThe Esquire Grill
1213 K Street
(916) 448-8900
www.esquiregrill.comLucca’s Restaurant
1615 J Street
(916) 669-5300
www.luccarestaurant.comLuna’s Cafe & Juice Bar
1414 16th Street
(916) 441-3931
www.lunascafe.comMidnight Mass
www.theoriginalpoorboys.comMikuni Japanese Midtown
1530 J Street
(916) 447-2111
www.mikunisushi.comOld Ironsides
1901 Tenth Street
(916) 443-9751
www.theoldironsides.comOld Sacramento
1002 Second Street
(916) 442-7644
www.oldsacramento.comRick’s Dessert Diner
2322 K Street
(916) 444-0969
www.ricksdessertdiner.comSacramento Autorama
February 6-8, 2009
Cal Expo Fairgrounds
1600 Exposition Boulevard
(916) 263-3000
www.calexpo.comSacramento Poetry Center
1719 25th Street
(916) 979-9706
www.sacramentopoetrycenter.orgSacramento Poor Boys Car Club
www.theoriginalpoorboys.comSacramento Theatre Company
1419 H Street
(916) 443-6722
www.sactheatre.orgSecond Saturday Art Walk
www.2nd-sat.comTaste Restaurant
9402 Main Street
Plymouth, California
(209) 245-3463
www.restauranttaste.comTowe Auto Museum
2200 Front
(916) 442-6802
www.toweautomuseum.orgThe Waterboy
2000 Capitol Avenue
(916) 498-9891
www.waterboyrestaurant.com