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1. Friday Night Concerts in the Park - Every Friday from May 2nd - August 15th at Cesar Chavez Park, 10th & J Streets in Downtown Sacramento. This free outdoor concert series is the hottest summer spot for Friday nights downtown. The shows feature local artists, representing several music genres including rock, pop, blues and folk. Visit www.downtownsac.org/concerts for full details.
2. Roseville's Downtown Tuesday Nights - Every Tuesday night, May 6th - July 29th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm on Vernon Street. This weekly street-fair offers plenty of “high octane” excitement with free family fun, live musical entertainment and the largest weekly classic car cruise in Northern California. Always free admission and free parking, featuring over 100 vendors. For more information, visit downtownroseville.com
3. Outdoor Movies in El Dorado Hills - Every first and 3rd Saturday, May - August at Serrano's Village Green Outdoor Amphtheatre. 4525 Serrano Parkway, El Dorado Hills. Open lawn seating begains at 7pm, and the film begins no later than 8:30pm, but be sure to get there early! For more information, and a list of dates and movies, visit Sierra Outdoor Cinema, by clicking here.
4. The Home Depot Clinics "Grilling 101" - Sunday, June 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th 1:00pm-2:00pm. Grilling is an art of timing. The Home Depot will teach you how to make direct and indirect heat work together for perfectly grilled food. You'll also learn the signs of overcooking, how to adjust a recipe for grill cooking, and how to avoid a flare up. Register at your local Home Depot at www.homedepotclinics.com
5. Children's Entertainer, Gary Lapow - Thursday, June 26th at the Elk Grove Library, 8962 Elk Grive Blvd. in Elk Grove. Disney Channel Magazine calls Gary Lapo a "Sparkling entertainer", and your kids can participate in the fun at 2:30pm and 3:30pm, ages 5-12. For more information visit www.saclibrary.org or call (916) 264-2920.
6. Folsom Concerts in the Park - Friday, June 27th from 6:30-8:30pm in the Folsom City Lions Park Gazebo. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music by Dave Russell Band. For a full concert calendar, please click here.
7. Arden Arcade 4th of July Parade -Friday, July 4th at 10am, Fulton Ave. and Cottage Way. For more information, visit www.ardenarcade.org/parade2008.html
8. 24th Annual 4th of July celebration - July 4th and 5th at Hagan Park in Rancho Cordova.
The Sacramento region's largest Fourth of July celebration. This year we celebrate the beauty of our country with our theme:"HEART OF AMERICA: Rancho Cordova, U.S.A. There will be a Kids Zone, Guitar Hero competition, live music, and of course, fireworks! For more information, visit www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com.
9. 4th of July in Downtown Roseville - Friday, July 4th. The Downtown Roseville parade begins at 10am at the Vernon/Douglas/Riverside intersection, continuing down Vernon, right on Lincoln, and right on Park Drive. After the parade, Royer Park will have lots of activities and games, including the Capitol Pops concert band starting at 12noon. Free fireworks will be on display beginning at 7pm at the Placer County Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.roseville.ca.us/4th
10. Masque Ristorante Concours Raduno - July 8th at 6:30pm at Masque Ristorante in El Dorado Hills. The Concours Raduno at Masque Ristorante is a gathering of motorcar owners for an evening spent enjoying the art of the automobile. If you are the owner of a motorcar of significance please feel free to display it so all may enjoy. For more information, please visit www.neilloconcoursatserrano.com
11. Summer Nights 2008 - July 16th, 23rd, & 30th. During Summer Nights, Nevada City’s landmark historic district is closed to motorized traffic and filled with arts, crafts, classic cars, food, drink and music. Leading Sierra foothills musicians perform on outdoor stages throughout the downtown area. Hours are 6-9 p.m. There is no admission charge. For more information visit www.nevadacitychamber.com or call (530) 265-2692.
12. 9th Annual Marysville Peach Festival - July 19th & 20th, D Street, between 1st and 6th Streets in Marysville. The Marysville Peach Festival features food, entertainment, crafts, and more. Saturday 11am-11pm and Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information call (530) 749-3954 or visit www.marysville.ca.us
13. Strauss Festival of Elk Grove - July 24th - 27th at Elk Grove Regional Park. This annual free event began in 1987, and is described as "enchanting, magical, and romanctic." Each year features a different choreographed storyline set to music by the family of Austrian composer, Johann Strauss, played by a live 32-piece orchestra. Bringing the story to life are elegantly costumed waltz and polka troupes, and elaborate handcrafted sets. For more information, visit straussfestival.com
14. 36th Annual Pear Fair - Sunday, July 27th in the River Delta Town of Courtland. Entertainment, food, parade at 1pm, children's area, arts and crafts, and much more! For more information visit www.pearfair.com. Parking is $10.
15. Screen on the Green Outdoor Movie - Saturday, August 23rd at Glen Hall Park, 5415 Sandburg Drive in Sacramento. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" will begin playing at sundown, and be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. For more information, call (916) 808-5240.
16. Folsom Prison Museum & Gift Shop - Folsom State Prison is California's second-oldest prison, long known for its harsh conditions in the decades following the California Gold Rush. Construction of the facility began in 1878 on the site of the Stony Bar mining camp along the American River. The prison officially opened in 1880. www.myfolsom.com
17. Denio's Auction/ Flea Market - Everything under the Sun! Free on Friday - Normally $1 Admission
18. Coloma - Visit the historic Gold Rush town of Coloma made famous in 1848 when gold was discovered in its stream bed at Sutter's Mill. www.coloma.com
19. Historic Locke - Historic Chinese Town built by Chinese immigrants in 1915. Be sure to visit "Al the Wops" - South of Sac www.locketown.com
20. Poor Reds in El Dorado -Visit El Dorado and take a picture in front of the home of the famous "Golden Cadillac" at Poor Reds. Originally an important camp on the old Carson Trail, by 1849-50 it had become the center of a mining district and the crossroads for freight and stagecoach lines.
21. Enjoy the Second Saturday Art Walk in Sacramento - On the second Saturday of each month, galleries in Sacramento, California stay open late into the evening. www.sacramento-second-saturday.org or www.2nd-sat.com
22. Historic Cemetery - Burial sites of Sacramento Mayors and California Governors as well as memorials to Civil War Veterans and Volunteer Firemen built in 1849, Broadway & 10th in Sac
23. Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum - A replica of the one-room schools found around the region in the latter half of the 19th century, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse is furnished with a combination of antiques and reproductions, and it contains collections of photographs, books and desks from an earlier period. Costumed schoolmarms and masters guide visitors and "teach" classes. Call to reserve one-hour lessons. 1200 Front Street, Old Sacramento www.oldsacschoolhouse.org
24. Jelly Belly Factory - Take a tour of the famous candy factory in Fairfield, Ca www.jellybelly.com
25. Anheuser-Busch - Take a brewery tour of the King of Beers! Fairfield, Ca www.budweisertours.com
26. Memorial Union Art Gallery -University of California, Davis Davis, Ca www.daviswiki.org
27. American River Bike Trail - Take your bike & enjoy one of the most beautiful trails in the world! www.saccycle.com
28. Historic Old Folsom - The city's rich history began with California's American River in the area known as Negro Bar. Walk down Historic Sutter Street full of Antique Shops and more! www.folsom.ca.us
29. Folsom History Museum - Sutter Street in Old Folsom. Kids 12 & under are free! www.folsomhistorymuseum.org
30. Capital Park - Walk through the 40 acres of Capital Park at Capitol Ave & 15th St. www.parks.ca.gov
31. Lotus Garden Yoga Studio and Meditation Retreat Center - Free Meditation Classes Carmichael
32. California State Capitol -Tour the capitol building for the State of California - Try to catch a glimpse of The Governator! www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov
33. Mix 96 Live Broadcasts - Win Prizes, meet Air Personalities! Check our website for schedule! www.kymx.com
34. Apple Hill - Fresh Apple Pie & Cider - Great Day Trip! Located in the hills along Highway 50 in El Dorado County east of Sacramento, this slice of American pie includes dozens of ranches, orchards, wine tasting and scenic, meandering roads well-traveled every fall by visitors from as far away as San Francisco. www.visit-eldorado.com
35. Daffodil Hill - Each spring, from mid-March through mid-April, Daffodil Hill explodes with thousands of blooms, attracting visitors from around the world. Daffodil Hill opens when 25 percent of the flowers are in bloom and closes when only 25 percent remain and is Free! The best time to visit Daffodil Hill is the spring, usually from the end of March through the first three weeks of April. Daffodil Hill can be reached from either Sutter Creek or Jackson. Each trip is about twelve miles. Sutter Creek and Jackson are located on Highway 49 in Amador County. www.amadorcountychamber.com
36. Amador County Wine Tasting - Another region rich with great local wineries! www.cheers2wine.com
37. Shepard Garden & Arts Center - McKinley Park, Floral shows & creative hand-crafted art shows - www.cityofsacramento.org
38. Port of Sacramento - In 1849, the thriving gold rush town of Sacramento became a port when a schooner loaded with iron and steel arrived at the wharf in downtown Sacramento. The river port prospered during the mid-1800's helping to move men and equipment to gold fields. Guided tours may be arranged in advance - www.portofsacramento.com
39. Historic Old Town Roseville Farmers Market - Every Tuesday night, from the beginning of May through the end of July on Vernon Street - Live Music, Classic Cars. www.roseville.ca.us
40. Folsom Lake - Folsom Lake is Northern California's most popular fresh water lake. The once important town of Mormon Island is almost forgotten and is now buried under the lake. Free on Bike or foot! Hike or take a dip in the lake! www.myfolsom.com
41. Visit the Nimbus Salmon/Steelhead Fish Hatchery -Watch the spawning fish - Around the first week of November the salmon make their way up a "fish ladder" to lay eggs in the pond at the top. The Hatchery has a capacity of 30,000,000 eggs! 2001 Nimbus Rd., Rancho Cordova
42. Effie Yeaw Nature Center - Award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within the beautiful American River Parkway in Carmichael River Parkway in Carmichael. www.effieyeaw.org
43. William Land Park - In the heart of Sacramento! Also referred to as Land Park , Home of the The William Land Golf Course, FairyTale Town, Funderland and across from the Sacramento Zoo. www.cityofsacramento.org
44. McKinley Park Rose Garden - McKinley Park, H Street near 33rd Street, Sac. www.cityofsacramento.org
45. California Vietnam Memorial - Capitol Park, Sac
46. Governor's Mansion State Historic Park - Stanford Mansion, once owned by Leland Stanford, Governor of CA., from 1862 to 1863 at 16th & H St., Sac 16 & Under tour for free! www.parks.ca.gov
47. The Fab 40's - Take a driving tour of some of Sacramento's finer homes located in the "40's" Blocks in Downtown Sac
48. Free Fishing Days - For 2008, Fish for free on JUNE 7TH and SEPTEMBER 27TH. www.dfg.ca.gov
49. The American River - Float down the river on an inner-tube, in the Summer of course! Wear a life jacket - Check with local authorities for free life jacket stations along the River in the Summer! www.sarariverwatch.org
50. Borders Books Free Classes - Borders has a host of free classes on a variety of interests and subjects. A great way to meet people! Available at the Roseville, Natomas and Fair Oaks Blvd. locations. Check website for complete list of times and classes www.bordersliveclasses.com
51. Cameron Park Skate Park - Christa McAuliffe Park on Merrychase Drive, Cameron Park www.cameronpark.org
52. Ballroom Dancing - The Ballroom 6009 Folsom Blvd. Check for Free Dance Camps & Lessons! www.sacdance.com
53. Whole Foods Market - 4315 Arden Way, Sac - Check schedule for Free classes & events. www.wholefoodsmarket.com
54. Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op - Orientation and Owner workers training (register) Healthy eating & nutrition for teens - www.sacfoodcoop.com
55. The Avid Reader at the Tower - Check website for events, 1600 Broadway, Sac. www.avidreaderbooks.com
56. Blue Diamond Almonds Retail Store - Watch a video about almond growing and processing, and have a taste -1701 C St., Sac. www.bluediamond.com
57. Jensen Botanical Gardens - The quiet solitude offers a variety of exotic flora, 8520 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael. www.carmichaelchamber.com
58. Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park - On the American River in Folsom, Tours are available throughout the week by special arrangement, 9980 Greenback Ln., Folsom - Call 916-985-4843. www.parks.ca.gov
59. Livermore Park - Everything a kid could want! Man-made creeks and waterfalls for the kids to splash in! 6004 Riley St., Folsom.
60. Folsom City Park - Next to the beautiful Folsom Zoo, Natoma Street, next to the Community Center and City Hall
61. The Sacramento River - The river and adjoining public lands are home to a wide variety of fish, birds, mammals and other wildlife, and a wide range of recreational opportunities. www.sacramentoriver.org
62. Visit the Old Towns - Folsom, Fair Oaks, Roseville and Elk Grove to glean a little bit of history and knowledge of what life was once like!
63. Pops in the Park - Annual Summer Concert Series in the parks every Saturday in June! http://midtowngrid.com
64. River Walk Park - The best view of Old Sacramento and the Sacramento skyline, near Raley Field at the base of the Ziggurat Building - Home of the summer concert series, "Harmony on the River", and the Riverbank Music Festival, which takes place in late September. www.cityofwestsacramento.org
65. Area Farmer's Markets - Take advantage of living in our agriculturally rich region by enjoying farm-to-you fresh produce at area farmers markets www.cafarmersmarkets.com or www.california-grown.com.
66. Art in Public Places - Are you interested in learning more about public art in Sacramento? Docent tours are available for groups of the public art in Sacramento. www.sacculture.com
67. Bannon Creek Park - Off leash dog park which also offers Picnic Areas, Children's Play Area, Group Picnic Shelter, Nature Area and a Bicycle Trail. www.cityofsacramento.org
68. Vic Fazio Yolo Wildlife Area - Classified as a Globally Important Bird Area because it provides habitat for a globally significant number of waterfowl. Check website for annual events. www.trails.com
69. Donald F. Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum - Inspired by California’s unique and rich history of pharmacy, the Donald F. Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum celebrates the role of the pharmacist in the promotion of health and well-being of Californians since the state’s inception in 1850. A tour of the museum will take you through three distinct time periods in California history: the late 1800s, the 1940s, and the present. Educational tours available by appointment. 4030 Lennane Drive, Sac. www.pharmacyfoundation.org
70. Museum of Medical History - Experience the evolution of medicine from the Gold Rush to today in this unique museum of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society. Educational tours available by appointment. www.ssvms.org
71. California Foundry History Museum - Enter at Peacekeeper Way off Watt Avenue. Located at the Technikon facility. Foundries melt metal to make fire hydrants, water pipes, car engines...so ring a trolley bell, work a water valve, see fascinating castings as well as film and photographs from the Gold Rush to the present. 5301 Price Avenue, McClellan Park, Sac www.foundryhistory.com
72. Old Sacramento State Historic Park - A cluster of noteworthy, early Gold Rush commercial structures located within the Old Sacramento Historic District. Included are the 1849 Eagle Theatre; the 1853 B.F. Hastings Building, once home to the California Supreme Court and western terminus of the Pony Express; and the 1855 Big Four Building, which today houses the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store and the California State Railroad Museum Library. Front and I Streets, Old Sacramento www.parks.ca.gov
73. Visit historic Old Sacramento - www.oldsacramento.com
74. Wells Fargo History Museum - Examine a transportation icon of the West, a restored Concord stagecoach, in the Wells Fargo History Museum. Drawing from the company’s rich history, interpretive exhibits explain Wells Fargo’s express, banking, staging operations, and its commercial role in Sacramento’s history. Original artifacts include documents, gold, treasure boxes, postal history and numerous attention-grabbing items. Educational and audio wand tours are available. 400 Capitol Mall, Sacramento. www.wellsfargohistory.com
75. B. F. Hastings Building - This building housed the western terminus of the Pony Express, the original California State Supreme Court, Theodore Judah’s office and various commercial activities. Today it houses the Wells Fargo History Museum and the Sacramento Visitors Center. 1000 2nd Street (Corner of 2nd and J Streets) Old Sacramento
76. Big Four Building - Named for the "Big Four" of western railroading; Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington and Charles Crocker. Includes the Huntington & Hopkins Hardware Store Museum, Railroad Museum Library (upstairs) 113 I Street,Old Sacramento www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org
77. California Peace Officers' Memorial - This beautiful bronze and granite edifice memorializes the more than 1,300 courageous peace officers who have laid down their lives "in the line of duty," serving their fellow Californians, 10th Street and Capitol Mall, Sacramento www.camemorial.org
78. California State Archives - Open for research Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. except state holidays. Historic state documents from before statehood to the present. Visit the Golden State Museum in the Archives Building, 1020 O Street, Sac www.ss.ca.gov
79. Eagle Theatre - A reconstruction of California's first public theater, originally opened in October 1849. A unit of the California State Railroad Museum, free to school groups and visitors, featuring docent-led programs on Sacramento history. School groups welcome with reservation, 925 Front Street, Sac. www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org
80. Historic Chinatown -Sacramento Yeefow - Chinatown Mall - This area was largely populated with Chinese immigrants; now association halls and a Chinese language school help keep Chinese culture alive, between Third and fifth streets, J and I streets
81. La Raza Galeria Posada - LA RAZA GALERIA POSADA is a Nonprofit cultural center celebrating the art and life of Chicano/Latino and Native American peoples. Located in mid-town Sacramento, La Raza displays art and culture in the organization's store, gallery and through community education outreach, 1022-1024 22nd Street, Sac. www.larazagaleriaposada.org
82. Pony Express Monument - In April 1860, 80 riders completed the 1,966-mile run on horseback to St. Joseph, Mo., in 10 days or less. In October 1861, the completion of Western Union's transcontinental telegraph put the "Express" out of business, Second and I Streets, Sac
83. Theodore Judah Monument - The brilliant young engineer responsible for creating the plan for the Transcontinental Railroad is honored by the monument, Second and L streets,Sac
84. Victorian Houses - The streets of Sacramento comprise blocks of elaborate Victorian houses. Nestled along tree-lined streets, most can be found from Seventh to 16th streets, from E to I streets. Not to be missed are the Heilbron home at 740 O St. and the Stanford home at 800 N St.
85. Napa Valley - Napa County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood.Napa County, once the producer of many different crops, is known today for its wine industry, rising in the 1960s to the first rank of wine regions with France and Italy. Take a day trip to the beautiful Napa Valley, an easy drive from Sac. www.napavalley.org
86. The Delta King - Back in May 1920, two identical ships were christened and launched to run service between Sacramento and San Francisco, step aboard and take a picture! www.deltaking.com
87. The River Road - The River Roads are best navigated by car in the daylight on dry pavement. Under those conditions they are a scenic and wonderful drive. There are a number of fantastic little towns you will drive through or past on the way through the Delta.
88. Museum Day - Usually in February, check local papers for exact date. For one day every museum in town has their doors open to the public for free! For 2008 it's February 2nd!
89. Visit Historic Old Auburn - A short drive from Sac, one of California's oldest historic districts how it appeared during the Gold Rush. Muddy streets have given way to pavement, but many of the original structures and much of the texture and charm of this enclave live on vibrantly. Old Town Auburn is the location for special events all year 'round, starting with an every- Saturday-morning Foothill Farmer's Market featuring Placer Grown fruits and vegetables. Spring and fall antique street fairs, a summertime blues festival, a fall wine festival and two weekends of country Christmas highlight the calendar. www.oldtownauburnca.com
90. Placerville, California (Old Hangtown) - Another great day trip! Placerville is a charming California "gold rush" town named after the placer gold deposits found in its’ river beds and hills in the late 1840’s. In 1849, the town earned its most common historical name, "hangtown" , due to the numerous hangings that had taken place there. see the Hangtown Gold Bug Park & Mine! www.goldbugpark.org or www.visit-eldorado.com
91. Cosumnes River Preserve - Located just off of I-5 at the Twin Cities Road exit between Stockton and Sacramento, this wetland habitat is a haven for tens of thousands of rare and endangered animal and plant species. The Cosumnes River Preserve River Walk & Wetlands Walk Trails are open dawn to dusk everyday. www.cosumnes.org
92. Go Gold Panning - There are many places you can still Gold Pan for free. Gold panning is legal throughout portions of national forests, BLM lands, and many state parks. S ome public lands have prior mining claims on them, though, so check with these Forest Service offices before you pan: Tahoe National Forest, (916) 265-4531; Eldorado National Forest, (916) 644-6048; Stanislaus National Forest, (209) 532-3671; and Sierra National Forest, (209) 297-0706. www.goldfeverprospecting.com
93. Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - Historic Catholic Church built in 1889, J & 11th in Sac www.cathedralsacramento.org
94. Reno - The Biggest Little City in the World is also a great day trip! Head East on I-80 and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Reno is home to "Hot August Nights", a classic car lover's dream each summer and look for great sledding hills on the wayto Reno each winter! Reno is America's Adventure Place! The Truckee Meadows and surrounding area provide unlimited indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Spectacular Lake Tahoe and the largest concentration of ski areas and ski facilities in the world are all within a fifty-mile radius www.cityofreno.com
95. Public Pools - Beat the summer heat at area pools! Colonial Park, Land Park, Roberston Park, Mama Marks Park and Bertha Henschel Play Pools are free. www.cityofsacramento.org
96. State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Gardens - Capitol Park in Sacramento. This Vicorian designed rose garden sits on .42 acre and features 650 roses in over 140 varieties of colors and fragrances. 44 winning inspirational messages of peace by our youth have been engraved on individual plaques and placed throughout the garden to serve as points of inspiration.
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