Destination: Sacramento

Destination: Sacramento Californias capital city is much more than a seat of government. It is a vibrant city where much of the states history occurred and is now recorded and reenacted at the various museums and historic sites. It is also a hub for the arts and entertainment, offers diverse dining and nightlife choices, has numerous interesting and scenic spots, and is lively with a selection of recreation options. This city also supports several professional and collegiate sports teams including the Sacramento Kings of the NBA and the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA. It all started here! The discovery of gold at Sutter Mill was the magnet that drew thousands of hopeful pioneers to Mexican California and the banks of the Sacramento River. Californias gold rush history is based at two Sacramento historic sites, the river settlement town known as Old Sacramento and at Sutter Fort, a former supply center and trading post. Old Sacramento is a 28-acre town with historic buildings constructed in the early 1800s. Because the Sacramento River frequently flooded, the town was built 12 feet above river level and today visitors can walk its wooden sidewalks that front stores, restaurants and saloons. Visitors can take a ride on a steam engine train, see a one-roomed schoolhouse, and dress in period costumes for an old-fashioned photo. The California State Railroad Museum and the Discovery Museum History Center are located here, displaying historical insights to early life in Sacramento. Gold Rush Days is celebrated over the Labor Day Weekend, which recounts the spirit of the "49ers" with street dramas, miners' encampments, gold panning and the Wells Fargo Ethnic Village. Sutter Fort was Sacramento earliest settlement, with its adobe trading post built in 1839. It was owned and operated by Johann Augustus Sutter, who acquired a 48,000-acre land grant from the Mexican government, which included much of what is known as the Gold Rush Region. The fort first served as a trade center with local Indians, but when gold was found at Sutter Mill, the trading post became the main supply line for the thousands of miners who sought riches in the nearby foothills. Now a State Historic Park, Sutter's Fort offers visitors a glimpse into its past at the exhibit rooms and at the historic copper and blacksmiths shops, bakery, prison, dining room and living quarters. The California State Capitol and Capitol Park are available to visitors and offer an interesting and pleasant group tour stop. Guided tours are available and the museum has films and displays. The park tour includes the Veterans and Vietnam memorials, the California Indian Grinding Rock site and several gardens and groves including the recently dedicated World Peace Rose Garden. Contact: (groups) 916-324-0312,.www.statecapitolmuseum.com The Golden State Museum explores Californias history from its earliest days to its present heritage, culture and commerce. Interactive displays and innovative presentations engage visitors. Contact: 916-653-7524,.www.goldenstatemuseum.org The Wells Fargo History Museum has documents, photographs, gold scales, a telegraph and other items that explain the historic banking, mail and express options used during the gold rush period. Contact: 916-440-4161. Sacramento Historic City Cemetery, established in 1849, is the last resting place for more than 20,000 early residents, including many who were the founders and barons of early California like John Sutter, Edwin Crocker and Mark Hopkins. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Contact (tours) 916-448 0811,.www.oldcitycemetery.com This article is sponsored by: www.grouptravelblog.com