Seniors Flock North To California’s Capitol

Senior visitors are invited to California’s capital, Sacramento, population 480,000, about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco. Sacramento sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in the northern tip of California’s expansive Central Valley.

Even though the capital is in the northern portion of the state, it is said that “California Begins Here.” Today it features trendy downtown nightclubs and nine shopping malls, historic attractions, over 30 galleries, museums and theaters, that help make it interesting and keep its storied past alive.

Others call Sacramento America’s Farm to Fork Capital. No other major city in America is more centrally located amid such a diverse range of high-quality farms, ranches and vineyards. Award-winning chefs and restaurants provide the perfect complement.

Senior Visitors Enjoy Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento is a 28-acre historic riverfront district with more than 125 boutique shops, restaurants and attractions. The State Capitol building is beautiful and the accompanying Capitol Park is alive with California’s colorful political past and historic achievements.

Built in 1869, the Capitol  with its white domed top, features an interior filled with mosaic floors, stained glass windows, mural-covered walls and a 100-foot rotunda within a double-domed ceiling. I have seen many state capitol buildings, but this one stands above the rest.

Sacramento was founded in 1850 by gold rushers. Sutter’s Fort is the last remaining structure from the days before the Gold Rush. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is the original site where gold was discovered and can still be found. The Fort was built by John Sutter, the famed Swiss immigrant who jumpstarted California’s Gold Rush.

Senior Oenophiles, Take Note…

And for senior oenophiles, the region all around Sacramento is home to one of California’s oldest wine-producing areas. There are over 200 wineries in the region with most offering free tastings and access to the wine-making process and the winemakers.

Senior travelers can make a day of sampling and visiting some scenic vineyards. Bring along your hiking boots and a bike as you will discover the American River Parkway to be a biking/walking trail surrounded by natural, protected habitats, scenic bridges, acres of parks, fishing spots, kayaking and tubing areas.

The city offers 18 different tours: underground Sacramento, river tours, food tours, sailing tours, wine tours and more. Senior visitors quickly discover that Sacramento means History, Character and Lifestyle.

Folks with an interest in trains might enjoy the Railroad Museum’s huge collection of antique locomotives. The Crocker Art Museum, Fairytale Park, the Governor’s Mansion, the Zoo and Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament are additional must see attractions.

Put this exciting city on your travel bucket list and spend time in northern California and Sacramento. You will find a joyful bunch of amenities for folks of all ages. -jeb