Sightseeing in Sacramento, California requires a smile, a love of great food and a genuine Cowboy spirit. At just 20 miles southeast of the Sacramento Airport visitors to the City of Trees can step back in time in Old Sacramento.
Its worn plank sidewalks line original Turn of the Century saloons, dress shops, general stores and a livery stable. You’ll find a costume store, a sweet shop, a groovy sock store and olive oil tasting in this little old west town.
Old Sacramento is home to the burgeoning city’s first fire department and opens to the rattle of the Delta River that flows all the way to Stockton, CA.
Visiting The California State Railroad Museum is worth the price of admission. For several select weeks throughout the year, visitors can experience the magic of railroading on some of the museum’s beautifully restored trains including the Spookomotive in October. What a treat!
What’s that clop-clop, clop-clop sound you hear? It’s a horse-drawn carriage just like in New York’s Central Park. Anyone can experience Old Sacramento like fine ladies and gentlemen riding in one these ornate carriages under a blanket of stars on a chilly Winter’s night. Horses named Ellie, Spit Fire, Dash and Snow Flake are accustomed to cars, tourists, pictures and obey the rules of the road in this historic city.
Pop into any one of the many sweet shops for a pink cloud of cotton candy, hand-pulled taffy or a popcorn covered candy apple while walking this old west town.
But wait! What’s that? Is that a ghost? No. Local actors are hired to portray historical townspeople to promote events in Old Sacramento and to give tours of this wonderful Sacramento landmark.
At the edge of Old Sacramento and floating elegantly is The Delta Queen; a 5-star hotel that offers sumptuous dining and beautiful accommodations. When stepping aboard the Delta Queen, one can only imagine beautifully bustled ladies with pin-curled coifs and dancing with their pencil mustached, tuxedo-clad partners sipping pink champagne as the ship glided quietly on the water. Home to the Suspects Dinner Theater, the Delta Queen offers guests a murder mystery to solve while enjoying a lovely five course meal.
The Rio City Café is mere steps away from the Delta Queen. Its reminiscent of the type of place a lucky gold miner would dine to flash his newly acquired wealth. From just about anywhere in its cozy dining room or on its umbrella-lined patio is a view of the Delta topped with a picturesque lavender and gold sunset. Known for its delicious offerings of Kobe beef, Rio City Café never ceases to amaze with its extensive wine list, generous cocktails and sought after Rosemary French Fries.
Cowboys never had it like this.