YOUR Winter GUIDE TO THE SACRAMENTO AREA
January 2017
While this region is lucky enough to enjoy pleasant and mild weather all year long, you might still be experiencing some winter blues. Now that the holidays are over, putting on your jacket to go outside may not have the same charm and magic you experienced in December.
But alas, there is so much to do in the Sacramento area during the winter! From annual events and festivals to cozy wintery activities, these ideas will ensure a pleasant remainder of the season for you and your family.
EVENTS IN JANUARY
Dine Downtown // January 12–22
Photo of Ten22 Restaurant Courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership
We are smack dab in the middle of Dine Downtown, a 10-day dining extravaganza that allows foodies and families to enjoy delicious three-course prix fixe meals from participating downtown restaurants. Check out our guide to Dine Downtown 2017 — including an interactive map and description of each restaurant — and join in on all of the fun if you haven’t already!
Sacramento Bacon Fest // January 23–29
If you missed out on Dine Downtown, don’t worry — you can get your fill of delicious local food at Sacramento Bacon Fest, a week-long celebration of all things bacon. This festival focuses on pork from pigs who lived healthy and happy lives at farms that value ethical and sustainable food production. The bacon and pork dishes at these events are handmade by Sacramento chefs who care about quality foods. Attend the Opening Party on the 23rd, or the final event on the 29th — the 6th Annual Sacramento Bacon Fest Chefs Challenge!
EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
Davis Winter Concert // February 3 + 4
The whole family will enjoy this lively concert presented by Citizens Who Care. Their 25th annual benefit concert will cover the fun and groovy sounds of “The Golden Oldies”, including rock and roll’s greatest hits and the music that created them — like the blues, R&B, country and gospel. Get your tickets for this fun show at the Davis Musical Theatre Company, knowing that 100 percent of your ticket purchase will support elderly and caregiver programs and services.
Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend // February 11 + 12
The 20th annual Lodi Wine & Chocolate Weekend is the perfect way to prepare for Valentine’s Day. Dress up, sip handcrafted Lodi wines, and sample delicious chocolate treats as you travel between 50 local “speakeasies”, also known as wineries. You can win big if you discover the “Golden Ticket” in your complimentary chocolate treat, or by winning the costume contest. Get your tickets in advance for this fun event!
Davis Stampede // February 12
The 34th Annual Davis Stampede includes a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Head to Playfields Park in South Davis on Saturday, February 12 for this exciting race that will help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions!
Sacramento Fashion Week // February 19–25
Celebrate local talent at Sacramento Fashion Week, which provides a platforms for designers, models and artists to showcase their work. This event also encourages the economic development of the region by promoting local businesses related to fashion, beauty and the arts. The week kicks off with a launch and boutique showcase on Sunday, February 19 at the Sacramento Masonic Temple. Get your tickets for the fashion shows on Friday, February 24 or Saturday, February 25.
Getty Owl Run/Walk // February 26
Participate in the Getty Owl Run/Walk and make a difference in the lives of local families. All proceeds from this charity event benefit Getty Owl Foundation to raise awareness, assist families, and raise funds for research for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the number-one genetic cause of death for young children. Get moving at Crocker Park at 8:05 a.m. for the ¼-mile kids’ run, or at 8:30 a.m. for the 5K and 10K — rain or shine!
EVENTS IN MARCH
Sacramento Beer Week // March 2–12
Sacramento Beer Week is an annual celebration of local craft beer, bringing together the best brewers and craft beer lovers in the area. Be a part of the excitement at the Sacramento Brewers Showcase on March 2, then close out the festivities with the Capitol Beer Fest on March 12! This year, they are expecting nearly every Sacramento-area brewery to be there — and then some. With over 125 breweries, serving over 300 varieties of craft beer, this is the ultimate place to get a taste of the best local libations.
Sacramento Spring Home and Garden Show // March 3–5
As lovers of interior design and home improvement, we are very much looking forward to the 36th Annual Sacramento Home and Garden Show! This enormous home and garden show will take over Cal Expo for three full days of exciting exhibitors, products, beautiful displays, and more.
Tahoe Snow Festival // March 3–12
Tahoe Snow Festival is an annual tradition returning to North Lake Tahoe for 10 days of events and activities for all ages. Enjoy on-snow events at resorts, and participate in special events, parades, races, parties, concerts, and more. And what’s a festival without wonderful food? Taste the fine food and wine of the region at the many eateries and bars in North Lake Tahoe. This festival is well worth a trip up to the mountains!
GO SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING IN THE SIERRAS
Although we can’t quite expect snow to hit us here in the city, you can still head to the nearby slopes in the Sierra Mountains this winter to go skiing or snowboarding! Visit one of these four ski resorts within 100 miles of Sacramento:
Distance: Just Over 2 Hours
This is the closest ski resort to Sacramento, and you can enjoy a number of snow activities here — including tubing! You may even rent your ski and snowboard gear at the resort, or sign up for lessons if you need a refresher course.
Distance: 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Just around the corner from Soda Springs lies the Sugar Bowl Resort, a beautiful collection of 102 ski trails ranging in difficulty and length. Rent your ski or snowboard gear at one of their three equipment rental facilities, or sign up for lessons at one of their clinics!
Distance: Just Over 2 Hours
Boreal is another nearby mountain resort with a myriad of options for every level of skier or snowboarder. With well-maintained runs and wonderful rental facilities, this is an ideal destination for skiing this winter!
Distance: 2 Hours
Sierra-at-Tahoe is another popular resort for Northern Californians, due to its beautiful setting and plethora of trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
ALL SEASON LONG
Keep Up Your Golf Game
Photo courtesy of Topgolf Roseville
Don’t let your golf swing get rusty during the winter! Instead, practice your game — and have a blast in the meantime — at Topgolf Roseville. Play a fun or competitive golf game for all ages in their climate-controlled playing “bays” much like a bowling lane. Order from their impressive food and drink menu while you watch the big game on one of their large high-definition TVs.
Visit a Local Museum
Visiting a local museum is one of the best activities on a gloomy winter day. Our city is packed with museums and cultural centers, but a few of our favorites include…
The Crocker Art Museum — This historic museum was the first public art museum founded in the Western United States, and is now one of the leading art museums in California. You’ll find a variety of exhibitions and exciting art pieces in this recently expanded building that is itself a work of art.
The California Museum — Explore California’s rich history through interactive and innovative experiences at The California Museum. It also hosts the California Hall of Fame, offering a glimpse into the lives of legendary people who embody California’s innovative spirit and have made their mark on history.
And for the Little Ones…
The Sacramento Children’s Museum — This interactive and fun-filled museum in Rancho Cordova is the perfect place for your kids to release their pent-up energy and express their creativity. Through various educational exhibits, children are encouraged to think for themselves, expand their problem-solving abilities, and exercise both their bodies and minds.
Photos courtesy of The Sacramento Children’s Museum
Escape to a Romantic Wine Bar
Carpe Vino provides a cozy and romantic wintertime escape in the charming setting of Old Town Auburn. Perhaps the most enchanting element of Carpe Vino is their rustic and inviting space within a historic building where you’ll find original brick walls and Douglas Fir wooden beams overhead. However, the wine and cuisine found within these walls is what brings people back time and time again. Carpe Vino serves eclectic plates made from locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, paired with any of the 500+ impeccable wines you’re surrounded by as you dine.
Visit a Cozy Brewery
The Monk’s Cellar — the name itself emits a sense of coziness! This brewery-meets-restaurant brings a taste of Belgium to the West Coast, serving up fine artisanal beer and creative seasonal dishes. The Monk’s Cellar is a wonderful place to cozy up with friends and family over a delicious meal and a hearty beer made in-house.
Sip on a Warm Cup of Coffee
Winter is the perfect time of year to camp out at a local coffee shop with your favorite novel and a latte by your side. Choose one from our list of top caffeinated destinations in the Sacramento area!
VISIT A YEAR-ROUND FARMERS’ MARKET
You might assume that farmers’ market visits should be reserved for the spring and summer, but there are several year-round farmers’ markets in and around Sacramento! Head to one of the following markets to get seasonal produce any time of the year — even during the winter.
Location | Auburn
Year-Round | Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Folsom Farmers’ Market
Location | Folsom
Year-Round | Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Laguna Gateway Center Farmers’ Market
Location | Elk Grove
Year-Round | Saturdays 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location | Roseville
Year-Round | Fridays 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturdays 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. + Sundays 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location | Davis
Year-Round | Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
HAVE A WONDERFUL WINTER, SACRAMENTO!
What activities do you like to do in and around the city during the winter?
Courtesy of Lyon Real Estate 2017
Courtesy of Lyon Real Estate 2017
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