Your Perfect Summer Day: 99+ Ways to Soak Up the Sun
Apr 25, 2017 02:12PM ● By Style
Concerts in the Square
BY SHARON PENNY
Swimming in a crystal-clear lake, exploring local art, sipping foothill wines on a shady patio…have we described your perfect summer day yet? Keep reading, because we’ve compiled a veritable cornucopia of perfect summer day activities for foodies, art lovers, water babies and kids (or kids at heart)—an entire season’s worth of perfect summer days, in fact. Whether you’re looking to hike, paddle, explore, sip, munch or get away, we’ve got you covered (sunscreen not included).
IF YOU’RE A FOODIE: Eat your way through the region
Four Sisters Café
9050 Fairway Drive, Suite 165, Roseville
916-797-0770, foursisterscafe.com
Indulge in the ultimate summertime breakfast with Mango Stuffed French Toast: a flaky croissant filled with sweet mango cream cheese, dipped in spiced custard, then grilled and topped with fresh bananas, toasted coconut and hot maple syrup.
COFFEE BREAK
Whistle Stop Café and Bakery
605 Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 120
916-409-2777, Lincoln
All the charm of old town Lincoln and a great cup of coffee to boot. Go ahead and sneak a cinnamon roll or order a blended McBean (made with vanilla ice cream)—we won’t judge.
BRUNCH
BarnBurner
4800 Granite Drive, Rocklin, 916-259-1751
Don’t pass up the Breakfast Tater-Tada: a tater tot and egg tortilla layered with lime and cilantro-spiked black bean spread, homemade salsa verde, lettuce, cheese, guacamole, fresh-seeded jalapeños and sour cream. (Post-brunch nap optional.)
SNACK
Little Bliss Cakery
8789 Auburn-Folsom Road, Suite D
Granite Bay
916-791-2253, littleblisscakery.com
Obviously, no one would blame you for grabbing one (or six…or 12) delicious cupcakes, but definitely make room for a heavenly macaron or two (or six…or 12).
LUNCH
High Hand Café
3750 Taylor Road, Loomis
916-652-2064, highhandnursery.com
Enjoy the perfect summer’s lunch—full of farm-fresh, local ingredients—at High Hand Café, tucked away in their beautiful plant nursery. Dine inside in the conservatory or outside in the colorful splendor of their gardens. Favorites include the grilled shrimp salad, wood-fired pizzas and decadent desserts.
DINNER
Umi Sushi
107 South Harding Boulevard, Suite A Roseville
916-788-8333
You can’t beat their $1.25 fresh or fried oyster Happy Hour special from 5 p.m. to close—the limit is four oysters per person, but that shouldn’t be a problem with a sushi menu as good as Umi’s (we love their 49er Roll!).
DESSERT
Fancy FunnelCakes
4800 Granite Drive, Suite B-11, Rocklin
916-259-2482, fancyfunnelcakes.com
Who doesn’t love fair food? Add some to-die-for toppings like caramel, bacon, apples, even homemade peach cobbler, and thank us later. Tip: Indulge in the deep-fried brownie bites, because why would you ever say no?
BEER
The Monk’s Cellar
240 Vernon Street, Roseville
916-786-6665, monkscellar.com
Belgium via Roseville is what you get with 10 house-brewed beers on tap and another six taps of rare European beers. Also: The best pub cheese you’ll put in your mouth. (The pub cheese is not on tap…yet.)
COCKTAILS
Hawks
5530 Douglas Boulevard, Suite 110, Granite Bay
916-791-6200, hawksrestaurant.com
Relax with a Hibiscus 76: platinum vodka, hibiscus-infused syrup and sparkling wine; or try a fresh take on an old classic with the Beet-iful Mint Fizz: Broker’s gin, beet and mint syrup, fresh lemon juice and egg white.
WINE
Citizen Vine
825 Twelve Bridges Drive, Suite 65, Lincoln
916-409-2361, citizenvine.com
Basic math: wine + tapas = summer. At Citizen Vine, enjoy a great selection of local and top-quality wines, knowledgeable, friendly staff and truly top-notch tapas (what’s up, Ahi Crisps).
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Grab armloads of local tomatoes now while they’re exploding with sweetness and try some food from the local vendors while you’re at it. Downtown Roseville Farmers’ Market at the Town Square (311 Vernon Street) is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; there’s also a farmers’ market every weekend, rain or shine, at Denio’s Roseville on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 7 a.m.; Rocklin Farmers’ Market at RC Willey at Blue Oaks Center (6636 Lonetree Boulevard) starts this month every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Granite Bay Farmers’ Market at Quarry Ponds Town Center (5550 Douglas Boulevard) starts this month every Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Auburn Farmers’ Market at the Old Town Courthouse Parking Lot on Auburn-Folsom Road and Lincoln Way is year-round every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
COOL PATIO
Farmhaus
8230 Auburn-Folsom Road, Granite Bay
916-772-3276, farmhausfresh.com
This is “the” summer patio. Big picnic tables, umbrellas, beautiful lights and a vibe so chill you’ll forget that this isn’t your own backyard. Farmhaus has kombucha on tap if that’s your thing, and a pastrami bake, which should be everyone’s thing.
COOKING CLASS
The Green Boheme
1611 Lead Hill Boulevard Suite 160, Roseville
916-474-5609, thegreenboheme.com
Sign up for a Monday Night Dine and Demo—dinner, dessert, a drink and award-winning Chef Brookes’ demonstration on how to make healthy renditions of several different dishes. Visit the café and try some of Sacramento’s best raw vegan cuisine!
5 PURVEYORS OF FROZEN GOODNESS
The Parlor Ice Cream Puffs in Roseville, warm and gooey donuts stuffed with ice cream and toppings aplenty, theparloricecream.com
Sparkles Ice Cream and Yogurt in Granite Bay, handcrafted gourmet ice cream made to order using liquid nitrogen, sparklesicecream.com
Sugar + Cream at the Roseville Galleria, homemade ice cream cones, macaron ice cream sandwiches and unique flavors like taro and horchata, 916-771-0263
SnoCream Shaved Snow and Desserts in Rocklin, artful dessert creations like Dulce De Leche (vanilla “snow” with bananas, caramel sauce, flan and whipped cream) plus ice cream macarons, 916-899-6959
Tango Frozen Yogurt in Auburn, tasty fro-yo in a rainbow of flavors (including a vegan sorbet) that regularly rotate, with a nice outdoor sitting area to boot, 530-888-0455
IF YOU’RE AN ARTS, CRAFTS + CULTURE LOVER: Let your creative juices flow
Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center is turning up the volume on the good times this summer. Bring the right stuff to the “Total Package Tour” on June 3 when NKOTB, Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men take the stage; get ready for that Bruno Mars “24K Magic” on July 18; Lionel Richie and special guest Mariah Carey give you all the hits on July 22; put a kiss on your list for Daryl Hall and John Oates with Tears for Fears on July 23; bow down to the king and queen of country music when royal highnesses Tim McGraw and Faith Hill hit town July 28; Ed Sheeran will be thinking out loud on August 1 with James Blunt; stock up on crunchy granola for a hot August night with Neil Diamond on August 2; and all of Sacramento’s little monsters will come out to play for Lady Gaga on August 15. golden1center.com
Don’t miss the seventh annual Sacramento Promenade of Mermaids on May 20 at Riverfront Park in Old Sacramento from noon to 4 p.m. Mermaids, mermen, pirates and sea creatures of all shapes and sizes are welcome to join, and no pre-registration is required—just show up by noon to be in the running for a costume prize (adult and child categories). Proceeds benefit the River City Food Bank, and it’s all part of Sacramento Mermaid Weekend. sacramentopromenadeofmermaids.com
Summer is shaping up to be colorful and exciting at the Crocker Art Museum. Don’t miss Turn
the Page: The First 10 Years of Hi-Fructose from June 11 through September 17. For 10 years, the quarterly art magazine Hi-Fructose has celebrated distinguished emerging and new contemporary artists; this exhibition puts 51 of these remarkable artists together in one space for an unforgettable experience. And from June 25 through October 8, Full Spectrum: Paintings by Raimonds Staprans offers a vibrant exhibition of more than 55 paintings by Staprans, a Latvian-born painter of landscapes, architectural elements, and still lifes with ties to California’s Bay Area figurative movement and pop art. Explore the power of black and white film this summer with the return of Crocker’s Summer Film Series. Things kick off with a bang (or a boom) with a screening of the 1964 classic Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Bomb on May 4. The series continues with The Third Man (1949) starring Orson Welles on June 1, The Misfits (1961) starring Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe on July 6, and the ‘90s French classic La Haine (1995) starring Vincent Cassel on August 3. crockerartmuseum.org
Treat the family to a movie under the stars with Rocklin’s Free Movie Fridays every month at 7 p.m. May 12 is Moana at Quarry Park; June 16 is The Secret Life of Pets at Kathy Lund Park; July 7 is Finding Dory at Johnson-Springview Park and August 4 is Lego Batman at Twin Oaks Park. rocklin.ca.us
Enjoy a movie under the stars with some great food in your belly as Food Truck Cinema rolls the projectors for 2017 at Woodcreek Golf Club in Roseville. May 20 is Mission: Impossible, June 17 Happy Gilmore, July 3 The Secret Life of Pets, July 22 Pretty Woman, August 19 Toy Story, and September 23 Raiders of the Lost Ark. foodtruckcinemas.com
If brews and crafty gardening are two things you enjoy, a Plant Nite event might be for you. On June 3 at 1 p.m., The Monk’s Cellar is hosting the “Fairy Garden by the Pond” workshop; June 20 is “Colorful Glass Globe Garden.” plantnite.com
Tuesdays just got a lot livelier with the return of Downtown Tuesday Nights in Roseville! Beginning May 2 at 5 p.m. and continuing every week until July 25, enjoy live music on multiple stages, gourmet food with wine or ale pairings, an upscale VIP lounge, artist and cooking demos, a kids’ zone, classic car show and more—making Vernon Street “the street” to party on this summer! downtownrosevilleevents.com
Concerts on the Square kicks off May 20 at Vernon Street Town Square with Thunder Cover. Enjoy a rockin’ evening in Downtown Roseville—complete with food trucks and a beer garden—every third Saturday through September 16. roseville.ca.us
Put some glam in your summer! Check out Rocklin Chamber of Commerce’s G3: Glitz, Glamour and Girlfriends on June 1 from 6-9 p.m. at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s pool. This charitable event features a boutique-style marketplace, a fashion show presented by Maurices, as well as local wines and great food. Proceeds support the Placer SPCA and Rocklin Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $35; rain or shine, ages 21+. rocklinchamber.com
Stand Out Talent is gearing up for another fun season of theater this summer. Their Professional series continues in May with Bonnie and Clyde; June’s Junior Series is Seussical Jr. and August brings Willy Wonka Jr. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., and you can’t beat $1 concessions for an affordable night out. (They also have a full liquor license.) June also marks the beginning of their Musical Theater Bootcamp, a fantastic four-week program for kids: arrive on Monday and by Saturday perform in a full show with costumes, lights and music; participating in all four weeks means performing in four shows! standouttalent.org
Enjoy Rocklin Community Theatre’s summer of family-friendly entertainment at the historic Finnish Temperance Hall. Featuring performers ages 10-18, School of Rock continues through May 14; Legally Blonde runs July 14-30 with performers ages 13-19; and Lion King Jr. roars to life September 29 through October 15 with performers ages 8 through ninth grade. rocklintheatre.org
Re-watch your favorite movies this summer at Silver Screen Classic Movies presented by the Auburn Library. Show times are at noon, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. June 3 is the Spencer Tracy courtroom drama Inherit The Wind; July 1 is the sweeping Greer Garson romance Random Harvest; August 5 is the Edward G. Robinson comedy The Whole Town is Talking, and September 2 is Errol Flynn’s rollicking The Adventures of Robin Hood. Don’t miss the post-movie discussion each Monday following the screening from 6-7:30 p.m. auburnsilverscreen.com
The City of Rocklin is ready to entertain you this summer. Quarry Park hosts Rocklin Unified School District’s Jazz Festival on May 17, Shakespeare in the Park runs June 8-10, and a Stairway to Stardom concert hits the stage on July 31. Don’t miss Woofstock at Johnson-Springview Park on August 27, and make sure you cruise over to Pacific Street for Hot Chili and Cool Cars on September 16. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting performer announcements at the monthly Platinum Living Amphitheatre Concert Series that will continue through September at Quarry Park. rocklin.ca.us/events
Hold your next birthday party at reCREATE in Roseville, where you can have endless fun creating anything you put your mind to with incredible supplies reinvented from diverted clean business waste. Keep an eye out for summer workshops and camps, or just stop by to stock up on supplies! recreate.org
Art lovers: Mark your calendars for the Placer Artists League (PAL) Annual Fine Art Competition from May 26-June 13 at the General Gomez Arts and Event Center in Auburn. Featuring artwork in a variety of mediums—including watercolor, oil, pastel, acrylic, mixed media, photography and 3D sculpture—this open juried show features artists from Nevada, Placer and Sacramento Counties. Admission is free and all artwork is for sale. The Artists’ Reception is on June 2 from 6-9 p.m., coinciding with the Auburn Art Walk on the same night. generalgomez.com
Roseville Theatre Arts Academy raises the curtain on some great entertainment this summer. The Main Stage production will be Noises Off running September 15 through October 7; their Youth and Little Ones Productions—featuring performers ages 4-15—will present Come Follow the Band on May 11, 12, 18 and 19 and Sweet Hannah Sue on August 3-4; Treehouse Players Productions presents Snow White and the Star Troopers from May 6-20; and there will be blood in the “not-your-grandmother’s” performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth—complete with a mosh pit, nu-metal and marionettes, running June 24-25. And keep an eye out for Miss Hannigan’s Summer Camps for Kids running June through July; check website for details and dates. rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com
The party’s at Thunder Valley Casino Resort this summer. Takin it to the “Danger Zone”? Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald hit the stage together on June 10; put on your best boa constrictor for Alice Cooper and Skid Row on June 16; say hip-hop hooraaaaay, ho, heeeeey, ho at V101’s “I Love the ‘90s” extravaganza with Salt-N-Pepa, Naughty By Nature, Coolio, Sisqo, Tone-Loc and more on June 17; modern-Day cowboys Tesla bring the rock on July 22; don’t miss a night of legendary blues with Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang on July 29; you can buy a ticket for a seat but you won’t sit down at “Soul Fest ‘17” featuring The O’Jays, Morris Day and The Time, S.O.S. Band and GQ on August 2; pop that collar and roll up your sleeves for Huey Lewis and The News with Greg Kihn on August 11; and Chicago will give meaning to your life on September 1. thundervalleyresort.com
5 GALLERIES TO VISIT
1 // High-Hand Art Gallery, Loomis, highhandartgallery.com
2 // Blue Line Arts, Roseville, bluelinearts.org
3 // Gallery iQ, Rocklin, galleryiq.net
4 // Auburn Old Town Gallery, Auburn, auburnoldtowngallery.com
5 // Newcastle Packing Shed Art Studios and Gallery, Newcastle, facebook.com/npsagallery
IF YOU’RE A NIGHT OWL: Evening activities that are a hoot
LATE-NIGHT EATS FOR INSATIABLE INSOMNIACS
Need tacos at 2 a.m.? A 5 a.m. burrito? Carne asada fries at 10 p.m.? No sweat. Carolina’s Mexican Restaurant (carolinasfastfood.com) in Roseville is open 24 hours, like a food genie granting your late-night Mexican food wishes; Hop House (hophousersvl.com) in Roseville serves food until 10 p.m. every night so you can dig into their Exception Burger (burger + egg + bacon = yes); Loree’s Little Shack in Rocklin is the perfect dive bar for late-night food (two tacos and Firebox beans for $5, holla) they’re open until 1 a.m., seven days a week, and they serve food until late; Auburn’s Little Belgium Deli and Beer Bar (littlebelgiumdeli.com) is open until midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and until 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday—come for the stuffed avocado, stay for the great selection of beers; The Glass Turtle (facebook.com/the-glass-turtle) in Roseville is open until 2 a.m. seven days a week and makes awesome wings and potachos (potatoes + nachos); The Boxing Donkey (theboxingdonkey.com) in Roseville makes their own corned beef, and since the kitchen’s open until 10 p.m. on Friday and 1 a.m. on Saturday, you have no choice but to come here for all of your late-night Reuben and/or beer needs.
LATE-NIGHT MUSIC AND COOL HANGS
Opera House Saloon (operahousesaloon.com) in Roseville has great live music every weekend in a historic turn-of-the-century building, and line dancing every Wednesday on their huge dance floor; Bar 101 Eats and Drinks (bar101roseville.com) hosts nightly events, including Trivia and Pint Night on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Whiskey and Wing Wednesdays, Open Mic Wednesdays, Comedy Night Thursdays, and live music every Friday and Saturday; The Almond Tree Grill and Lounge (almondtreelounge.com) has karaoke every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday beginning at 8 p.m., and Sunday night karaoke at 5 p.m., plus live music every Friday night; Country Club Saloon (countryclubsaloon.com) in Loomis has live music every Friday and Saturday, and cornhole every Thursday at 6 p.m.; Sully’s Bar and Grill (sullysbarngrill.com) in Rocklin has weekly karaoke from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is open until 2 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday; for a classy late-night hang try House of Oliver (houseofoliver.com) with live jazz every Friday and Saturday from 7-11 p.m.
LATE-NIGHT SHENANIGANS THAT DON’T INCLUDE FOOD
Escape rooms are the new black: Solve the puzzles and see if you can beat the clock! Check out Beat the Room (beattheroom.com) in Rocklin, which is open until 10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; or Quandary Escape Rooms (quandaryescaperooms.com) in Roseville, which is open until 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; feather your hair and take your satin jumpsuit out of storage, Roller King Skating and Blading (rollerkingroseville.com) has your late nights covered with “Retro Night” every Saturday from 8-11 p.m. (couple’s skate to Nazareth’s “Love Hurts” not guaranteed). Are you a golf insomniac? No problem. Topgolf Roseville (topgolf.com) is open until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and features an awe-inspiring driving range with over 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, a rooftop terrace, plus plenty of eats and drinks.
IF YOU’RE A WATER BABY: Catch a wave and make a splash
Feel like seeing a little more of Sacramento’s riverways? There’s some great local boat tours to be had and summer is the perfect time to climb aboard. Hornblower Cruises in Old Sacramento offers one-hour historic river cruises, as well as a two-hour “Alive After Five” happy hour cruise; Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Memorial Day weekend cruises; Fourth of July cruises; and Gold Rush Days cruises over Labor Day weekend. facebook.com/hornblowersacramento
Combine a hike with a swim and explore the American River Canyon near Auburn. It’s always a good idea to head out early in case of summer crowds, but there are plenty of trails to choose from to suit your abilities. Try the Western States Trail-Railroad Bed Section, a wide, level, relatively easy and family-friendly hike that’s roughly one hour each way. For the most part you’ll stay in sight of the river, and there are opportunities along the way to stop and take a dip. To reach the trailhead: Take Highway 49 south from Auburn toward Placerville, cross the American River and park to the right just off the highway. You can then walk to the trailhead through gate 150.
Swimming’s cute and all, but everyone knows all the cool kids hang out at Roseville Golfland-Sunsplash. Ridin’ slides is the name of the game, and you’ll find them all here: the 65-foot Riptide, the high-speed, six-lane Six Chuter, the seven-story near-vertical freefall drop Double Dare, the Thunder Falls family raft ride, the five-story halfpipe The Stealth and more; you can also hang 10 in the wave pool, or just chill out for a while on an inner tube in the gentle current of the Bermuda Triangle. No matter your age, you’ll find your watery thrill here this summer! Keep an eye out for their summer hours and special events like “Nite Slides.” golfland.com/roseville
Wakeboarders will want to spend every “waking” moment at Wake Island Waterpark this summer—the West Coast’s largest waterpark resort and the primo spot for cable (boat-less) wakeboarding. Wake’s the name and wakeboarding’s the game, but there’s also plenty of other fun to be had here: a floating obstacle course, beach volleyball, pedal boats and paddleboarding. Or just chill on the beach with a Beach Hut Deli sandwich. There are 80 acres of waterpark—you’re bound to find something that floats your boat! Oh, and did we mention entry’s free? See you there! wakeislandwaterpark.com
Sea Otter Swim Lessons in Loomis specialize in swim lessons for all ages—from parent tot (four months to 2.5 years), adaptive lessons for special needs children and adults (four months and older), and adult lessons (ages 16+), as well as a range of private and semi-private lessons for a variety of age groups. No matter your skill or confidence level, you’re bound to find a lesson type that will suit your needs. seaotterswim.com
Take advantage of Roseville Aquatics Complex Family Nights running June 12 through August 4 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30-9 p.m. Children under two are free with an adult admission. Recreational swim hours from May 27 through September 4 on Saturday and Sunday are from 1-5 p.m.; and weekdays (Monday-Friday) from June 12 through August 4 from 1-4:30 p.m. roseville.ca.us
Normally it’s all you can do to keep your kids out of the fountains, but the Fountains at Roseville says let it all hang out at their Kids Interactive Fountain. Feel free to relax here when you’re done shopping, and watch the kids splash up a storm. The fountain operates May through September (weather permitting) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. fountainsatroseville.com/play
When your little ones get too overheated this summer, take them to a local spray park for a much-needed cooldown. Check out the Vernon Street Town Square Spray Ground or splash up a storm at Lone Tree Park in Rocklin.
IF YOU’RE A KID (OR KID AT HEART): Make it a summer to remember
Visit the Sacramento Zoo on June 17 for their 90th Birthday Party from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, crafts, activities and bounce houses, plus free party hats, snow cones, birthday-themed animal enrichments, face painting and more! There’s also an Ice Cream Safari on August 19, Overnight Safaris in June, July and August, and don’t miss out on their upcoming summer camps. It’s all happening! saczoo.org
Live happily ever after at Fairytale Town this summer with loads of fun events for kids and families—like their Family Campouts in June, July and August; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Crystal Ice Cream Fantasy on June 24; puppet shows on the first weekend of each month, June through August; Grandparents’ Day on September 10, and much more! fairytaletown.org
All aboard for awesome train rides this summer at the California State Railroad Museum. Take an Excursion Train Ride along the river in closed coach cars and a first-class observation car pulled by either a Granite Rock No. 10 steam locomotive or vintage diesel locomotives from the museum’s collection. californiarailroad.museum
For the equestrian-loving child in your life, check out the horse camps at Granite Bay’s Boarding on the Lake. Camps are held June 12-16, 19-23 and 26-30, and July 10-14, 17-21 and 24-28, and are designed as an introduction to horse life, including life on the ranch, caring for horses, riding lessons, arts, crafts and games, and even participation in a horse show. boardingonthelake.com
Send your little Bruce Lees and Michelle Yeohs to Roseville’s THE STUDIO Martial Arts Camp this summer. THE STUDIO offers several weeklong sessions—feel free to sign up for one or more. Kids will learn self-defense, basic safety, martial arts games, weapons training, board breaking, and much more. trainatthestudio.com
Send your kids (ages 6-12) to Camp Cool this summer at Skatetown Ice Arena from June through August. No experience necessary—kids will enjoy daily group skating lessons, trike rides, snow play, go-kart rides, hockey and broomball, lots of skating, plus a free “Camp Cool” T-shirt for week enrolments. Check out their hockey and figure skating camps, too! skatetown.biz
Promote curiosity, adventure and STEAM learning at Rocklin’s Camp EDMO Summer Camp at Sierra College from June 12-August 4. Open to grades K-8, campers will have access to mind-blowing science, maker and tech programs, as well as special collections of the Sierra College Biology Department; thanks to the nature-friendly location, opportunities for wilderness activities like hikes and outdoor skills will also be featured. campedmo.org
Once upon a summer time…Roseville Library has great programs for kids including Storytime (ages 0-5), as well as interactive story time with Mother Goose on the Loose featuring puppets and more. roseville.ca.us
Bring the kids to a night of Native American storytelling at the Maidu Museum’s Campfires, every third Friday through October from 7-8:30 p.m. There’ll be marshmallows to toast and crafts to make. roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum
Granite Bay’s Creative Arts and Music Center has a host of creative programs for kids this summer. From June through August there’s summer art classes aplenty, including fine arts, nature art, cartooning and drawing; plus classes in creative writing and fashion design. creativeartsandmusiccenter.org
IF YOU WANT TO GET AWAY WITHOUT GOING FAR AWAY: 5 summertime staycations
LOOMISImagine getting away to a peaceful country farm with magnificent gardens and little chickens wandering about, and no TV…now stop imagining, because you really can do all of that at the Flower Farm Inn in Loomis. The farm itself dates back to 1905, and the Inn boasts a working citrus orchard, mature gardens and rolling lawns, plus a bed and breakfast, café, plant nursery, Casque Winery tasting room, silky chickens wandering the grounds, and all of the fresh air you can possibly breathe into your lungs. We 100-percent guarantee this isn’t a dream. The Casque tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., so that’s your getaway taken care of. But if for some reason you’re looking to do more than taste glorious wine and bask in your country-living retreat (why, we’re not sure, but okay), you’re only a short drive away from Auburn’s Foresthill Bridge, which offers both breathtaking views and excellent hiking; Clark’s Hole is also close by, a popular local swimming hole and worth the trek if you’re looking to cool off. All that hiking and swimming builds an appetite; for an unforgettable dining experience, make the quick trip to Source Global Tapas Restaurant in Granite Bay for truly delicious and unique cuisine sourced from local farms. When you return to the inn, make sure to set aside a little time for stargazing—yes, it’s so perfect here you can even see the stars.
Flower Farm Inn, 4150 Auburn-Folsom Road, Loomis, 916-652-4200, flowerfarminn.com
FOLSOM
Escape to a little piece of luxury at the Penthouse on Sutter overlooking Historic Folsom. The spacious modern loft boasts two master bedrooms with king beds, a full kitchen and front deck, as well as a rooftop patio with an outdoor fireplace and panoramic views, Wi-Fi, free parking and more. It’s perfect for entertaining a group or enjoying a quiet getaway with all the creature comforts. Located in the heart of Historic Folsom right across the street from Marly and Moo, where you can enjoy a casual brunch, lunch or dinner; whatever you do, be sure to hit them up during Happy Hour and sample their handcrafted cocktails, wine and extensive tap list. Spend the day kayaking nearby Lake Natoma (kayak rentals available at Sacramento State Aquatic Center); or ride and hike around Lake Natoma along the American River Bike Trail and see the jewel in Folsom’s crown up close. After you’ve built up an appetite and head back to Sutter Street, fine dining is less than a stone’s throw away from the Penthouse at the Sutter Street Steakhouse where the steaks will leave you saying “Ruth’s who?”
Penthouse on Sutter, 607 Sutter Street, Folsom, penthouseonsutter.com
PLYMOUTH
When you’re looking for a wine-based getaway, there’s only one place to stay, and that’s on a vineyard. Not the kind of stay where you sleep in your car until they quietly ask you leave, but a proper planned stay in a room like a grown-up. For your magical winery getaway, look no further than the new Grand Reserve Inn, situated on 40 acres of the Wilderotter Vineyard in picturesque Plymouth, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley wine country. You will luxuriate at this unique Tuscany-inspired bed and breakfast in a spacious room with a private veranda where you can sip champagne and enjoy a gourmet breakfast while gazing out over the beautiful vineyards. While you’re gazing, warm up that sipping arm because the wineries are waiting. With over 20 wineries to enjoy and savor throughout the region, you’ll have your work cut out for you; so pace yourself and be sure to bring a designated driver along for the ride. Winery-wise: Make sure you start with Wilderotter Vineyard (I mean, it’s right there, how could you not?). Wilderotter is a hidden gem with a great array of high-quality wines (and delectable cheese pairings). For fine dining, look no further than Taste in Plymouth for the ultimate in Amador wine country dining…and be sure to go across the street to Amador Vintage Market and buy a bag (or five) of homemade truffle potato chips. You can thank us later. (They double as excellent currency for your designated driver).
Grand Reserve Inn, 19890 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth, 209-245-5466, grandreserveinn.com