EXPLORE SACRAMENTO'S ECLECTIC, HISTORIC MIDTOWN
Most of us likely think of Sacramento as a destination for lawmakers, but the city is having a moment, thanks to its vibrant food scene and eclectic energy, set within the gridlines of a historic city. Whether you're day tripping, weekending or en route to the snow, California's state capital offers a quick getaway for Bay Area residents eager to escape the day-to-day. Here's how to spend a fun weekend hitting up the charms of the city's Midtown neighborhood.
Friday >>
Settle in for happy hour
Unless they're planning to lobby lawmakers, most Sacramento visitors head for the historic Old Sacramento Waterfront or the downtown hustle, bustle and basketball of the Golden 1 Center. We have a better idea: Head a dozen or so blocks east to explore Midtown, a hip neighborhood crammed with craft breweries, trendy dining spots, art galleries and notable historic sites.
If you're spending the night, one good hotel option is the Hyatt House Midtown, which opened last year directly across from Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in the historic, Romanesque Revival-style Eastern Star Hall, built in 1928. Check out the killer Star Lounge which serves up cocktails and small bites on the third floor. Then heat out on foot to explore the neighborhood along J, K and L streets, winding through the Alleys — Kayak, Improv and Jazz — and pausing to take in the impressive street art presence, as well as vintage shops, record stores and tattoo parlors.
You'll spot colorful murals throughout the neighborhood, from John S. Huerta's “Frida” mural, which marks Midtown Central at the corner of 24th and K streets, to Maren Conrad's “Prosperity Through Perseverance” on the Marrs building at 1050 20th St., inspired by a Chinese dragon origin story about koi on the Yangtze River.
Feeling peckish? Hit up happy hour at Ro Sham Beaux wine bar for a snack and a glass of natural wine or low ABV cocktails ($11-$14) made with vermouth, sake and amaros. The popular Cheese Whiz ($7) is no spray cheese; it's whipped Manchego and Parmesan on crostini. Or go big with the Raclette ($19), broiled and shaved tableside (or barside) onto roasted fingerling potatoes.
Or try the happy hour option — 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays — at the hotel's Star Lounge. Enjoy beautiful cocktails and tasty small bites as you lounge on deep blue velvet banquettes in the golden glow of vintage lighting. It may be tempting to stay put and make an evening of this, order the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin ($35) with cauliflower “risotto” for dinner, perhaps. But you need to pace yourself for the mind-blowing dinner to come.
The minute you decide to book your getaway to Sac, make reservations for Kru, chef Billy Ngo's contemporary Japanese restaurant, which is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Ngo, whose restaurants include Fish Face Poke Bar and Kodaiko Ramen, pays homage to traditional Japanese food but takes a fun, contemporary approach to his craft. We loved the Sashimi Tapas ($32), which offers five different fish, prepared five different ways, and the stunning Sunshine roll ($19), filled with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, green apple and lemon, and served with a creamy garlic sauce.
DETAILS >> Rooms at Sacramento's Hyatt House Midtown, 2719 K St., start at $219; www.hyatt. com. The hotel's Star Lounge opens at 3 p.m. daily; www.historicstarlounge.com.
Ro Sham Beaux opens at 2 p.m. weekdays and noon on weekends at 2413 J St.; www.roshambeauxbar.com. Reservations are essential for Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, which opens at 4 p.m. weekdays and 5 p.m. weekends at 3135 Folsom Blvd.; www.krurestaurant.com.