SHARE® Sacramento 2018 is a great opportunity to learn and network, but it’s also a chance to explore the city. Ray Mullins, SHARE Project Manager - AADI/LE and Programming Languages (AADI/Lang), native Californian, and Sacramento resident, is thrilled for fellow members to experience his hometown.
“We have a Midwestern vibe with a thriving art district downtown, and call ourselves America’s ‘Farm to Fork’ capital,” Ray explained. “A lot of what you’ll eat here is grown locally in the Central Valley.”
Here are a few “must-do’s” when visiting from out of town.
Eat, Drink, Do
Delicious dining is only steps away. There are a number of fantastic dining options within walking distance of the Sacramento convention center. Ray recommends a variety of nearby restaurants, including:
Enjoy “farm to fork” dining. Sacramento prides itself on farm-fresh dining. Ray recommends Grange, hailed by the Sacramento Bee as “one of the region’s very best restaurants,” or Cafeteria 15L for comfort food with an eclectic vibe. For other fresh, local favorites, Ray recommends Sandra Dee’s BBQ & Seafood or Broderick Midtown.
Go “off the beaten path.” Located east of downtown, Midtown is full of quirky shops and excellent dining options to explore, like de Vere’s Irish Pub. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, try Blue Diamond Growers Nut & Gift Shop or Rick’s Dessert Diner, which boasts 285 varieties of European and American desserts made fresh daily.
Enjoy local wines. Calling all wine-lovers: Sacramento is nestled between two wine valleys, with incredible, lesser-known labels. Find your happy hour spot among the city’s many wine bars, including 58 Degrees & Holding, Downtown & Vine, The Rind or Block Butcher Bar.
If you’re a fan of craft beer, try taprooms like Fieldwork Brewing Company, Big Stump Brewing Company, Firestone Public House, Ruhstaller or Capital Hop Shop.
Go back in time in Old Sacramento. Established in 1850, Sacramento maintains its pioneer spirit. Stroll through the Old Sacramento Historic District to enjoy its Gold Rush aesthetic, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old Western movie. Visit the California State Railroad Museum to experience the Golden State’s engineering feats, grab a burger at Ten22, or take in scenic river views at Rio City Café near the iconic Tower Bridge.
Get cultured. Sacramento is full of cultural and historic attractions, including Sutter’s Fort State Park, famous for its association with the California Gold Rush. Got downtime between sessions? The State Capitol Building is a block from the convention center with beautiful grounds and a museum, as well.
Transportation
Getting there. If you are traveling from Southern California, Ray recommends driving on Highway 99 instead of Interstate 5, as the latter also carries traffic to the Bay Area.
If you’re visiting from farther distances, consider flying into any of the following airports:
Getting around. Most downtown restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance of the convention center, and rideshare options such as Uber and Lyft are also available. Sacramento’s public transit system includes buses and a light rail train that runs through parts of downtown. Airport service is provided by Yolobus and service transportation through SuperShuttle, Uber and Lyft are also available.
Beyond Sacramento
Looking to extend your trip? Sacramento is near some of the best parts of California, according to Ray. Explore local wineries in the Sierra Foothills, located in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada Counties. (The Sacramento Regional Wine Guide is a great starting point to plan a day trip.) For history buffs, hop on historic Highway 49 and drive through “Gold Rush country.” This area in the Shenandoah Valley is full of small towns that still have buildings from the 1800s.
“I personally think Sacramento is overlooked when it comes to California,” Ray said. But with so much to offer, the city presents plenty of opportunities to change that perception. We hope these suggestions help you make the most of your experience at SHARE Sacramento 2018. And while you’re in town, be sure to say hi to Ray – he’s glad to have you there.