TRAVEL
Sacramento: The Urban Oasis
Our family adventure started in Sacramento, a city with affordable-ish housing (by California standards), a burgeoning food scene, and close proximity to Lake Tahoe. My best friend always raved about living here and having a condo in North Star, and now I completely understand the appeal.
At the heart of Sacramento’s Downtown Commons (DOCO) is the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, where we stayed. This urban retreat strikes a perfect balance between modern luxury and laid-back comfort. While the area around it felt a bit empty, once inside the energy was good. Our teens were immediately drawn to the rooftop pool, which felt like a trendy Miami beach club with chic cabanas and sleek design. But do note—the pool closes early for anyone under 21, a small letdown for our teens-a bigger one for me, because I was super excited to kick off the weekend.
Upon arrival, our rooms weren't ready for a whopping two hours, but the awesome staff, generous happy hour snacks in the lobby and the wine that kept pouring made up for it. The staff went out of their way to make sure we were well taken care of, snacks and a few meals were comped with part of the room. However, the friendly service and inventive mocktails—Cucumber Cooler (a refreshing mix of cucumber, lime, and mint) and Sunset Spritz (a burst of orange, rosemary, and sparkling water)—made up for the early pool hours.
The hotel’s central location allowed us to explore the city’s vibrant scene. Sacramento has an unexpectedly rich food culture, which we discovered as locals kept pointing us in the direction of the best places to eat. Although we missed out on The Kitchen, the city’s Michelin-starred culinary icon run by the talented Randall Selland, it remains high on our list for the next visit. Everyone we encountered, from the hotel staff to other guests, raved about it. Selland, along with other chefs who have migrated from San Francisco, has helped transform Sacramento into a foodie destination.
Instead, we followed another popular recommendation and headed to Mikuni Sushi. Their signature rolls, like the "James Roll" (spicy tuna, panko shrimp, and avocado) and the "BMW Roll" (crab mix, eel, seared tuna, and tobiko), were absolutely fantastic. Every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully crafted, making it a memorable dining experience. For dessert, we couldn’t resist Pushkin’s Bakery, where gluten-free treats abound. Their cupcakes and pastries were so delicious that even our teens, who typically aren't fans of gluten-free, were impressed.
North Star: A Mountain Retreat
After a few days in Sacramento, we ventured to North Star for a complete change of pace. Our condo, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, was surrounded by towering pines and crisp mountain air. It was a serene escape, offering a welcome contrast to the urban energy of Sacramento. The North Star property boasted pools, hot tubs, and a gym, allowing us to relax or stay active as we pleased.
The highlight of our North Star stay was Kings Beach at Lake Tahoe, where we spent an exhilarating day paddleboarding and jet skiing. While the teens raced ahead on jet skis, I held on white-knuckled and screaming, half-thrilled and half-terrified, as the water rushed by. Meanwhile, paddleboarding gave us a moment of peaceful reflection, surrounded by the clear blue of the lake and the towering mountain peaks.
In the evenings, we would unwind at Northstar California Resort, where we indulged in artisanal ice cream by the fire pit. Sharing stories and roasting marshmallows became the perfect end to action-packed days. We also enjoyed bocce ball, adding a bit of friendly competition to our laid-back nights.
Discoveries En Route Home
As our trip came to a close, we took a detour into some local thrift shops on the drive home. What began as a spontaneous stop turned into a delightful treasure hunt, with each of us finding unique keepsakes. From vintage jewelry to quirky collectibles, these unexpected finds added an extra layer of charm to our journey, leaving us with more than just memories but also tangible mementos of our time together.
Sacramento’s Appeal
The more time we spent in Sacramento, the more I understood why so many find this city irresistible. From the easy access to world-class food and culture to its proximity to Lake Tahoe’s stunning natural beauty, Sacramento offers a lifestyle that blends urban sophistication with the great outdoors. It's a city that surprises you at every turn, from its Michelin-starred restaurants like The Kitchen to its casual yet inventive eateries like Mikuni Sushi and delightful bakeries like Pushkin’s.
What makes Sacramento even more special is its affordability compared to other California cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. It’s a place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds—city life and mountain escapes, all while living in a community rich with culture and history.
The vibrant food scene, thriving arts culture, and stunning natural surroundings make Sacramento an ideal destination not just for a weekend visit, but also as a place to live. After spending time here, I now completely understand why my best friend always raved about calling this city home while enjoying weekends at her condo in North Star. It’s the perfect blend of urban convenience, culinary adventures, and outdoor thrills.