But the time for enjoying the atmosphere of the bookstore has come around again with the growing image and resurgence of Underground Books it is hard to not appreciate the valid significance of this spot as not only a quiet welcoming place to read and catch up on current events, community issues, and politics, but Underground Books must also be appreciated for the community beacon and intellectual ‘diamond in the rough’ that it is within the Oak Park community.

Underground Books does not simply cater to the quiet reader; there are often monthly book signings, by famous authors such as Dr. Rose Parker and famous people such as the infamous ex-wife of Mike Tyson Robin Givens. With all of its variety, Underground really caters to the needs and interests of everyone within the community.

Underground provides not only a comfortable reading atmosphere, but a place where the intellectual can grow, families can come together and communities can communicate, organize, and plan. This is not just a bookstore it is a meeting place and organizational hub within the community. One of the rare gems that is guaranteeing that Oak Park will one day shed its own negative stigma and return to its roots of creative intelligence and positive community.

Center Court is not your average sports restaurant, there is a classy element to the surroundings and that element is what allows it to be transformed into the pseudo neo-soul lounge that it becomes every Friday night. As you wait outside it is hard not to notice that these club-goers are dressed to the nines in their urban-cool chic: fedora hats, fitted jeans, classic polos and button-ups, and even the occasional blazer. This crowd is truly “Grown and Sexy”; a testament to the thriving young, professional population that boasts Sacramento into the leagues of top cities for the single 23-35 crowd.

Upon entrance, sounds of the live band, and the smell of good food, fresh cologne, with a twinge of sugared liquors welcome patrons as the sounds of old school favorites fill the air. From the first step in the door lounge goers are in for a treat that appeals to all senses. As I sip my well-made apple martini, enveloping myself in the good music, it is clear that my Friday nights now have a new spot: Center Court.

Look downtown for some of the most trendy place such as rave bars, modern music, brightly lit animated dance floors and an abundance of watering holes which attract the 20-30 year old crowd.

There are well over 50 nightclubs within a short 15 mile drive of the city's center. For more mature tastes, a night at the ballet or theatre is an excellent alternative. Karaoke bars are another favorite for young or old alike.

Sports bars are available for the armchair athletes who like company during the night games, as well as many fine restaurants, cozy cafes and lots of movie theatres. Plenty of singles spots and family entertainment are available with a little something for everyone.

One popular resource for singles are the dance halls where they can meet to dance and mingle. Group dating is also quite popular in the area, usually involving three or more couples who are often unknown to one another. It is not uncommon for them to meet for the first time and go out together.

Online services seem to be quite numerous for those looking to meet dates without even having to leave their homes. There are both free and professional dating services available here, including one internationally known service that does everything, from making the initial match to calling your secretary to get your schedule, and even making reservations for you.

Although Sacramento may not have the glamour of some of California’s better known cities, it has a wide variety of dating options and vibrant night life. There are several colleges in the area and it is the capital of the State. This leads to an ample supply of singles, and provides cultural and recreational opportunities for dating adventures.

Old Sacramento

Once the center of the city during the gold rush, it became a virtual slum when modernization came to the capital and the commercial district gradually moved east. Today, Old Sacramento features 28 acres of historic buildings and has become a national landmark, and a must see to over 5 million annual visitors.

Downtown Plaza

From Old Sacramento, one can walk from history to the modern era via a pedestrian tunnel. A cornucopia of shopping delights awaits one with an open air market, a modern mall complex, clothing stores, specialty shops, a megaplex cinema and ethnic restaurants.

Sutter's Fort State Park

The historical center of the area, Sutter’s Fort State Park features much of the memorabilia from John Sutter, his partners and descendants as well as artifacts from the pioneer period and the Gold Rush era. A reconstructed 1839 adobe structure houses the collection.

State Capital Building

Constructed between 1869 and 1874, the State Capital building is a prime example of an American Renaissance work. It features Roman Corinthian columns, a shining copper dome, and rooftop sculptures. Topped with a 30 inch glittering gold ball, it is a breathtaking sight. Surrounding the building itself is the 40 acre Capitol Park with fragrant rose gardens and over 400 trees and exotic plants from around the world.

For authentic Bologna style Italian cuisine, head on over to Biba on Capitol Ave. This restaurant is owned by Biba Caggiano, who has published a collection of nine cookbooks.

The Waterboy offers fine French dining down the street. It features naturally raised meats and local organic produce as well as a very fine selection of wines. Rick Mahan, the owner, also likes to feature traditional American favorites on the menu.

In the trendy mid-town section of the city, Paragary's Bar and Oven features two dining rooms and a wide selection of Mediterranean foods that are sure to delight the most discriminating of diners. The best seats in good weather are outdoors amid the fountains and fauna of the courtyard. There is even a classic British pub, The Fox & Goose Public House, for those who wish to sample some of the numerous beers imported from "across the pond", as well as cuisine with their inspiration taken straight out of the England countryside.

Once you get away from the bustle of the city center, many smaller restaurants abound, from great little coffee clutch cafes, to Mexican cantinas, to that good old American standby, a fast food burger. Whatever your taste, Sacramento has it for you.

Attracted by the lure of easy money, thousands flooded into the new American territory in one of the greatest gold rushes in history. Sacramento was established primarily as a city to handle the prospector influx in the mid-1880's, and was a rough and tumble old west mining town.

Today, old shade trees and stately homes, Victorian mansions, and well built bungalows line the peaceful streets of Sacramento. They serve to soften a modern mercantile haven, full of fine dining experiences, and home to the political hotbed that thrives below the tranquil surface in California's state capital.

One of the state's fastest growing areas, Sacramento has a population of around 1.8 million people. It is a robust shipping and processing center for most of the local fruit, vegetables, rice, wheat and dairy goods in the Central Valley. In recent years, the city is seeing more spillover from the high-tech Silicon Valley businesses, and an influx to its suburbs from Bay area residents seeking more affordable housing.

I happened upon New Life Braids while I was thumbing through the phonebook trying to find a place to fix my own damaged, dry, broken nightmare hair. This was the only place I found in the Sacramento area that was varied in its style offerings for both men and women and at a price that was beyond reasonable. Many times when the price is too good to be true, the service is less than satisfactory, but at New Life that is never the case.

The idea of the beauty salon is one that is divided racial as usually White and African Americans see the salon experience as one that cannot be shared due to the difference in hair types and beauty ideals; but at New Life Braids there is an appreciation and respect for all hair and beauty types which is evident in the diversity of the customer based that is evident from first entrance. Upon walking in patrons are met with the warm and friendly atmosphere of a beauty salon that offers a variety of hairstyles and the supplies needed to maintain them. The owner, Francisca adds a personal touch and care to every customer ensuring that each and every patron leaves with their desired style and a new sense of confidence.

New Life Braids is one of the few salons in the Sacramento area that caters to the style, needs, and pocketbook of its varied and diverse customer base. A place that is recommended for any customer looking to get a new look at a reasonable price in an atmosphere that is clean, professional, and above all friendly.

The Sacramento Zoo offers a variety of exhibits for the entire family to enjoy. The large number of rare and endangered species at the zoo will give you an opportunity to get up close and personal with animals you wouldn't normally encounter. The snow leopard exhibit is one of the most popular, as well as the red pandas. But there are also "traditional" animal exhibits to see as well such as the giraffes, swans, parrots, lemurs, turtles, and many more.

The best part of the Sacramento Zoo is the sprawling environment in which it is set. 100 year old oaks adorn the property and give you a shady place to sit and rest while taking in the sights. The unique gardens are a must if you're going to visit; they're filled with fragrant flowers and fauna.

Over the past year, the Sacramento Zoo has added many new animals to their ever changing exhibits. The black and white ruffed lemur was a thrill for the zoo to get. He was born to his 8 year old parents and has been the life of the zoo ever since – garnering visitors from all over California. Also, four penguins got themselves a temporary exhibit because unlike other penguins at the zoo, these were especially unique. They thrive in Sacramento's warm climate and swim in a lukewarm pool as opposed to the ice cold waters we're used to seeing them in. They are quite a sight to see, and very entertaining!

For the real zoo lovers in all of us, they offer starlight safaris through the zoo in the evening as well as a safari sleepover! Anyone over the age of four years old along with a parent can spend the night in one of the most natural settings in Sacramento. Groups of 50 to 175 people can enjoy camp style programs and an after-hours look at all of their favorite animals.

Whether you're coming for the day or staying over for an evening excursion, there is so much to learn, see, and do at the Sacramento Zoo.

Admission
Adults: $8.50
Seniors: $7.75
Children (3-12): $6
Children (0-2): Free

* $0.50 extra on weekends

Located in the popular area of Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum is an array of historic learning experiences, as well as a plethora of attractions that are unique to the California Railway system. Widely known as one of the best railroad museums in the country, it has so much to offer both for the young and old. You can see restored trains that are as lavish in decor as they are in size, and exhibits that are interactive and engaging to the eager minds wanting to learn about this famous subject.

Their seasonal events are what make many of the locals go back time and time again. They have Train Time with Santa, as well as more infrequent (but just as wonderful) rail fairs that last 10 days and incorporate some of the best train exhibits in the world. It isn’t just about how the trains are made either. They discuss some of the social issues when it comes to trains – such as women’s role in the train workplace, and they show the amazing art that people have painted or sculpted with their passion for trains.

On each weekend during April and September, the museum offers train rides that you can take around Old Sacramento. It’s a steam powered excursion train that departs on the hour and travels 6 miles roundtrip around the Sacramento River. It’s great for both children and adults that haven’t had the experience of traveling on the rails. Unobstructed views will help you better understand the beauty of Old Sacramento and some of the history behind this engaging town.

The California State Railroad Museum is amazing in every sense of the word. It gives you a real eye opening experience on how transportation has changed and how great it is both now and then. When you leave don’t forget to stop by the museum store to get one of your special keepsakes to take home. Even if you live in Sacramento you can still appreciate the history of trains that so many of us have taken for granted.

Visitor Information

Admission to the museum is extremely reasonable at only $8.00 per adult, and $3.00 per child, and they are open all year except major holidays. There are guided tours for the people who really want to experience what the California State Railroad Museum has to offer. They last between 30 and 40 minutes and give you a much more comprehensive look at the railway system and how it has affected California. Open daily from 10am to 5pm, you’ll have plenty of time to spend and gaze at the amazing trains and collections on display.