Are You That Woman

California Fall Foliage Continues

It's December but the Fall Colors in Sacramento Continue Their Display by Barbara L. Steinberg

Ginkgo biloba were putting on a golden display on this corner in downtown Sacramento. The day before, the entire corner glowing in the sunlight. But even on this overcast day, Ginkgos are dazzling. Amazingly, it's December 11th! Though there have been several unseasonably wet days and chilling temperatures, the fall foliage continues to blaze. Already rewarded by an incredibly long, cool summer, Sacramento's fall season has lingered.

The Sierra Nevada is already heavy with snow. If the rain and cold continues, it promises to be an equally spectacular wildflower season in 2011. I am already looking ahead and dreaming of equally splendid photos.

The Rest of the Gold Images

Sacramento California Holiday Cheer

Sacramento California A Most Wonderful Time  by Barbara L. Steinberg© 

So much to see and do this time of year. Down in Old Sacramento, the holiday tree is really stunning against the backdrop of historic buildings. Over in Midtown, there are other colorful lighting sights of the season in store fronts and throughout the neighborhoods. 

Though a permanent fixture on the Westfield Downtown Plaza, the Venetian Carousel seems particularly festive this time of year. Fun for kids and grown-ups, the Italian-made carousel sits outside Macy's near River City Brewing and operates daily. Bundle up and go for a spin.

Sacramento's annual Santa Parade will roll through town at 10:00am on December 11th. Celebrate the holiday season with a special visit from Santa Claus. The parade begins at Sacramento City Hall and travels down I Street and turns on 13th street past the convention center and the IMAX Theatre. It turns again on L Street and continues past the State Capitol and Hyatt Regency Sacramento. The parade makes its final turn on 7th Street and ends at the Westfield Downtown Plaza Mall and Ice Rink at 7th and K streets. When all is said and done, swing by Sacramento's stunning Citizen Hotel -- a shining star in the Joie de Vivre Hotel constellation.

Make this a full day of fun and exploration. Two-hour parking garage validations are provided with $5 purchase in Old Sacramento and Downtown Plaza. So how about a little Santa, some skating, and shopping to round-out your Saturday...that's a lot of 'Ss!" Check out shops in Old Sacramento that carry California-made gifts at Taylor's Art & Soul or Visions of Eden. Don't miss Sacramento Sweets...there's nothing quite so wonderful as warm taffy! And a little holiday cheer might include wine tasting at Discover Calfiornia Wine Bar & Tasting Room.

This Holiday season Midtown visitors can enjoy free off-street parking will d last through Christmas day, Dec. 25th. The Midtown free parking zone extends from I to L streets and from Front Street to 29th Street. Free parking will start at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday & Sunday. Please be advised that only metered, on-street parking spaces apply. Additionally, free parking is always available for your first 90 minutes at Midtown's East End garage located at 17th Street between L Street & Capitol Avenue.