Espinoza's Concrete

Come by and check out Sacramento's Capitol Garage. With beer on tap and plenty of mixed drinks, it's especially popular with local musicians and has open jazz jams during the week. You can also order grub from a menu as varied as its local talent. It's a great destination for the laid-back nightlife you're looking for.

Hidden in the heart of downtown Sacramento, The Inn and Spa at Parkside is a chic and elegant mansion and spa. Your urban oasis is complete with gourmet breakfasts, Italian arias, and candlelit evenings. While visiting Parkside, you're just a stone's throw from the California State Capital and an hour away from Lake Tahoe.

Pay homage to the first American transcontinental railroad at Sacramento's California State Railroad Museum. Discover vintage railroad locomotives, cars and other equipment. Peek over the counter at the Station Master's ticket office and stand in the waiting area where you'll think you're boarding the next steam horse.

Waltz on over to the Strauss Festival of Elk Grove. Sit on the grassy knoll near the river's edge and enjoy the beautifully costumed waltz and polka dancers perform to symphonic sounds of the 32-piece Johann Strauss Jr. and family orchestra. The annual event draws an audience of 30,000, so call ahead and reserve your spot on the lawn.