Hello Northern California!


Yesterday we finally got some exciting news that we have been anticipating and I am happy to share. My husband is being transfered for his job and we are moving to the Sacramento area! It is happening really fast, and we are thrilled and looking forward to a new adventure, new city and surrounding areas to explore. You nice readers always have the best tips and suggestions, tell me what you know and love about Sacramento and surrounding areas (he most likely will work north of the city). Thank you!

I'm going to sign off for the weekend because we are flying out to check out areas. Have a great weekend!

*On a side note, my posts have been lighter than normal the last few weeks because I'm still trying to hammer out some computer issues. I guess sometimes you get in trouble for being an early adopter, Lion and those Geniuses are not necessarily on my good list right now.

(Photo from old Tommy Hilfiger campaign photographed by Craig McDean)


42 comments:

Kimberly June said...

I'm a Sacramento native. Born and raised here and currently living in Elk Grove (just south of Sacramento.) What you'll learn about my home town is it's spread out but there is treasure to find. Mid town has great places to eat and shop. I'll be glad to help you find whatever you're looking for! Welcome!

Joanna said...

I don't have any specific suggestions or tips for living in Sacramento, but I welcome you and your family to California! Northern California especially is so lovely. Not to mention, the proximity to wine country is pretty fabulous. You're going to love it here in the golden state. Enjoy it!

e. said...

Oh there is a lot to love in Sacramento! I live in Reno (just two hours away)!

Here are some favorites:

Best for lunch: selland's market-cafe (and there is a great crepe place across the street)
gunther's ice cream
best coffee: old soul co

And to do -- rafting the american river, day trips to gold country, reno, san francisco, the roseville flea market (HUGE!), touring the capital, the california state fair, a concert at harlow's (great, small venue)

Autumn W said...

Welcome to NorCal!

I'm just a short drive away in the San Jose area. There's always tons to do and try in Northern California. Have fun exploring!

DENISE. said...

Congrats on the move! What an exciting time! I grew up in the area and think it's great for families. And everyone always touts that it's right in the middle of everything (Tahoe, SF). My favorite neighborhoods are Land Park, East Sac, Sierra Oaks & McKinley park. This is where you'll find the established charming neighborhoods with great architecture. The best restaurants are here, too. The outskirts of town will give you all the new suburban sprawls with plenty of space. Keep us posted and let me know if you need help getting settled -- I have a great network of friends there who can be helpful to you.

Brittney said...

I moved to the Sacramento area in 2006 with a lot of apprehension. I have lived in Sacramento, Roseville, and Rocklin (two very close suburbs) and can say and I absolutely love living here. I am a California convert! I've been here for 5 years and am still finding great little shops and amazing places to eat, there is always something to see or try...not to mention all the other places near Sacramento. If you are looking in the Roseville/Rocklin/Granite Bay area, I would love to help out. Good luck in your search and I hope you fall in love like I did.

allison said...

I lived in Sacramento up until recently and did enjoy it there (although the hot summers killed me!) Midtown is a fun area to walk around in, and you must eat at "the bread store" (at 17th and J) delicious sandwiches! And do try a macaroon or some type of deliciousness from Ginger Elizabeths (http://gingerelizabeth.com/) McKinley park is a great park to walk around in on a cool day. And Sacramento has an amazing bike path worth checking out that goes all around the city, google "American River Bike Trail" If you ever want more tips, do let me know, I got to know Sacramento well. Have fun exploring!

Manding. said...

i absolutely LOVE this old Tommy Hilfiger photo. that's exactly how I want to look when i'm traveling. also, congrats to you and your husband ! good luck with the move.

ps, http://amandamantes.blogspot.com !

Courtney said...

My beloved hometown! Make sure you check out the under the freeway flea market, first Sunday of the month (plenty others around ie Scottish Rite Temple). Also great produce/flower market every weekend too! (Both in midtown/Land Park area) Tower is great for movies & lunch. Vic's is perfection. Walk a lot.Bike to Rivercats games. Enjoy the parks. Bike around midtown. Feed the ducks in Land Park. Get fancy at Ella's. Get local at Jamie's. Broadway if you want ethnic yuminess. And Taylor's if you want to be spendy grocery patron. Its an awesome, welcoming, close knit city. Enjoy it !!

rikshaw design said...

welcome to nor-cal!
must check out Ikeda's on the way up to tahoe!!! home-made pies and yummy dips and sauces and organic produce!
good luck with the move.

Amy said...

I live just outside and Sacramento and love it here! There is so much to do here. Great hikes, biking, kayaking, and then there's shopping, restaurants and a bazillion other things too!

Haley said...

While you are there you should check out Davis. It is super close and such a great town. It is a college town mixed with a lot of young couples, families and fun! Everyone rides bikes there and there is such a community feel. The schools are good and there are lots of fun shops and activities (especially Picnic Day and Whole Earth day at UC Davis). Go check it out!!

Ashley said...

I second the rec for Davis! Commute may not be that bad--great small town with university; public schools are tops. Not long to wine region, Tahoe, bay area...

Sabina said...

Welcome to NorCal!! I live in Sonoma County but am very familiar with the Sacramento area -- you will love it!! Happy moving!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome. I'm a native who lives just outside the city limits. Also, as a staffer, I highly reccomend a tour of the Captiol.

Also check out a couple of local blogs for awesome stuff!!!

http://bestsummereverblog.blogspot.com/

http://heckasac.blogspot.com/

Roasted Almonds said...

HOW COOL!!!!
http://roastedalmondsceschi.blogspot.com/

Shirley Morris said...

I love the lush green hills of Northern California in the spring! Be sure to visit the Jelly Belly factory just down I-80 in Fairfield.

thebluemuse, phd said...

Ooo, welcome to Sactown! It's a big "small town," lots of shopping and things to do, easy to get in and out. A couple hours and you're in Tahoe or at the beach or in San Francisco. Living-wise, Carmichael and Fair Oaks are nice older areas. Like the others, I enjoy midtown and east Sac, too. Lots of favorite restaurants- Ella, Grange, Zocalo, and Chicago Fire and Lucca downtown... Roxy and Bandera near Sac State... Crush 29 and Paul Martin's in Roseville. Welcome!

Anonymous said...

winter and summer vacations at Lake Tahoe/Truckee area...day trips even to the area from Sacramento. Hiking, water and snow skiing etc etc.

Stacey H said...

Not too far from the beach, not too far from the mountains. I loved living there! Just remember that there are a LOT of bears if you go camping. Be prepared so you don't end up afraid of camping like me...

DEY said...

congrats!! enjoy Cali!!! you are in the middle of it all. so much to explore!


DEY @ http://sidewalksandsunshine.blogspot.com/

Rebekah @ wild ink press said...

North of Sacramento? Are you possibly moving to Chico? I have lived in sac and Chico both and would love to meet up when you come!

Micaila Wow! said...

Welcome to Sacramento! I live in the Arden-Arcade area of Sac. You'll soon learn all the areas! I hope you and your family have a smooth transition. I can't wait to hear about all your local adventures and insights! Eep!

M.R. said...

yeah- you're coming into my neck of the woods!

the shopping is so good!

and if you're a cake / cupcake person you must try ricks dessert diner on K street and icing on the cupcake . they are the best!

mindofmr.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I called Sacramento/Roseville home for 24 years. It is a wonderful "little" city. You'll love it.

Recommendations:

Best shopping, hands down: Cuffs Boutique (Midtown)
There are some other good boutique stores and thrift stores in the neighborhood, take some time and walk around

There's also all the usual stores (H&M, J.Crew, etc) at the shopping mecca of the area, the Roseville Galleria, or it's neighboring shopping centers (the fountains - aka home to anthropologie)

For ambiance shopping go to Sutter St. in Old Folsom.

Coffee: Old Soul at 40 acres (South Sacramento), Temple (downtown locations), Tupelo (Near Sacramento State), and Bloom (Roseville)

Food: Jack's Urban Eats (Sacramento Region), Hot Italian - go for the food stay for the gelato (Downtown Sacramento), Bravo (Roseville), Mikuni (Sacramento Region), La Flor (Sacramento), Shoki's Ramen House (Sacramento), Cha Cha's (Rocklin), Carmita (Orangevale)... and a lot more. Food is really subjective, but to Sacramento's credit there has been a recent "foodie" trend and there is great diversity in cuisine available.

Music: There is a tremendous music scene in Sacramento. The Jazz Jubilee is an event not to be missed. I also know Sacramento and Roseville have free concerts in the summer. Look for local shows in the SN&R (Sacramento News & Review)

Shows: A lovely little production company called the Music Circus is fantastic for broadway shows. There is also the Sacramento Ballet and Orchestra which are equally incredible

Architecture: Take some time to walk around in the fab 40's, a neighborhood in Sacramento with absolutely incredible houses.

Advice for housing: The commute can be awful, try to live in the city where you (or your husband) will be working. Also everyone drives... the public transportation is minimal at best. And if you are into exercising outdoors look for a place that has a trail or park near by

Signora G said...

I just gasped out loud as though your moving to Sacramento might mean we would become instant BFFs or something! I'm a dork like that ...

In all seriousness, I work for the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and have tons of information about our great city I would be happy to share - too much to put in comments, so feel free to contact me at sgraciano at city of Sacramento dot org if you're interested. From housing and neighborhoods to events, attractions and hidden gems -

For events and activities, you definitely want to check out sacramento365.com

Welcome!
Sheri

Anonymous said...

How exciting! We're hoping to visit northern California when we visit the US next year - it seems so beautiful - Congratulations!

Ali said...

Congrats! We just moved from there last year, we lived in Rocklin and it was a great family friendly area with some really nice people. I loved it there, plus you are close to so many other great places. Good luck.

L.A. in the bay said...

oh my gosh how exciting! i'm from northern ca :)
let's be friends!

xo
lauren

molly lubs tompkins said...

congratulations rachel! sending warm thoughts to your family as you start your new adventure!

east.west said...

Sacramento is the best! Spend lots of time downtown/midtown; it's really walkable and there is an always-growing arts and music scene that usually has something happening. There are a lot of great theaters (film and live) to check out - the Tower and the Crest are great for independent movies and the Crest will have bands play or host other fun events. Some good summer events just finished up, but for the Fall, maybe check out the Placerville area and do Apple Hill, just to pick some apples, try some apple pie and say you've been there and tried it out.

Ganesh said...

The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and
inspiration, both of which we all need!b Keep 'em coming... you all do
such a great job at such Concepts... can't tell you how much I, for
one appreciate all you do!

Silver Jewelry

Richie Designs said...

born and raised in sacramento [now in So Cal]...I prefer downtown [or mid town as it's also called / zoo area for homes] but if you're north of the city then you'll probably be in Rocklin/Roseville or Granite Bay.

Granite Bay is the hot place to live right now.

Fall and winter can be lovely - summer is HOT but everyone has central air so it's not as painful as it is here in So Cal when we get a heat wave.

Brandi said...

Welcome to Sacramento! I'm an area native who lives just off the grid and works in Midtown. A shameless self promotion as I am one of the sellers there, but make sure to stop by Scout Living. They are a newcomer to Midtown and sell Mid-Century/ vintage furniture and accessories. I hope you have a good time exploring our city and I look forward to reading about your adventures and finds!

Mrs. P Vega said...

I went to Chico State, which is about an hour and a half north of Sac. When you're settled into your new home you should take a weekend trip up to Chico. The food is delicious and the town is adorable!

So many watering holes, so many hiking trails, so much beauty! I miss it so much!

Sweet Freak said...

BIG news & very exciting! Can't wait to share your new adventure - amuse-toi!

theappletea said...

just try to discover everything what you can and be happy about the change :) My fingers are crossed :)

Happy day yupi!

Leslie said...

How exciting! I just did a post on Big Sur.

www.thankyouforthedays.blogspot.com

You should spend as much time there as possible!

ivyjeanne said...

I grew up in Folsom, just outside of Sacramento and would love to return to the area someday. I think you will love it -- you'll miss the mountain ranges (although Tahoe isn't far) but enjoy the greenery -- Sacramento has more trees per capita than any other big city (so I hear). ;)

Fun eats that you can't get in Utah that I crave: La Bou (fresh baguettes/salads), Lemon Grass Restaurant (AMAZING Thai food), and Round Table Pizza (the Italian Garlic Supreme or Gourmet Veggie are our favs, with thick crust).

Fun kid outings off the top of my head: Fairy Tale Town (classic!), RailRoad Museum, Folsom Lake.

Enjoy!

tien said...

Drive to Davis if you get a chance. Though many might see it as a college town, but lots of green there. It's always good for a leisure weekend stroll in downtown area, not to forget the farmer's market in the square. A great getaway. (^^)

Anonymous said...

Take advantage of all the Bay Area has to offer! Go to the beach. I used to live in the Bay Area, and I miss it tremendously. I plan to move back soon. Enjoy the great weather!

Dee said...

I've been to that area and it was beautiful!

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