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Five Reasons To Visit Sacramento For Spring Break

Unless your idea of a fabulous spring break is working on your couch potato status, there's a lot to consider for this wonderful break. The first thing on the list is where to go, and the second is why go there. Sacramento and the surrounding areas should be first on your list of where to go. As to why, that's pretty easy. The area is rich in multiple opportunities to enjoy your time away from school. Feed your head, your heart and your need to play on spring break, all from right here in the River City.
Sierra-at-Tahoe
Snowboarding at Sierra-at-Tahoe (credit: Kyle McCoy)

Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort
1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Road
Twin Bridges, CA 95735
(530) 659-7453
www.sierraatahoe.comA really great way to spend some of your time here is to head east on Highway 50 and turn in at Sierra-at-Tahoe. It's the closest ski resort, and it's located at Echo Summit, which garners some of the best and deepest snow in the Sierra. Ski, board and play all day on the slopes. Enjoy lunch at the newly renovated cafes. Go out of bounds, sort of, through the Huckelberry Gates. If you're new to snow sports, lessons here are very good. Telemark, alpine, snowboard – take your pick.

Art Foundry
artfoundrygallery.blogspot.com/

Art Foundry
1021 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 444-2787
www.artfoundrygallery.comMaybe you are an art major or perhaps someone who is enthralled with all kinds of art. You've hit the jackpot in Sacramento. The Art Foundry at 1021 R Street is part of a very vibrant and bustling art scene, and is a jumping-off point for downtown and midtown art galleries. The galleries are spread throughout the city, and include just about any kind of art works and artists making art. You could spend your entire spring break joyfully visiting the studios and galleries around here. It is good to map it out before you start trekking about. Your art plate will be very full after you've headed back to school.

Old Sacramento
(credit: oldsacramento.com)

Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento Business Association
980 9th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 442-8575
www.oldsacramento.comSacramento is a history hotbed. Take a day and treat yourself to a stroll through what the place used to look like. Spend some time along the mighty Sacramento River and discover the reason that the buildings in Old Sacramento actually have the second story as the first story now. Interested? Take a tour underground and see for yourself. Trains? The train museum here will leave you in awe.
Related: Best Specialty Book Stores In Sacramento

American_River_Bike_Trail_-_Jillalyn
Credit: Jillallyn/Flickr

American River Bike Trail
Bicylces Plus
705 Gold Lake Drive, Suite 320
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 355-8901
www.onlinecycling.com

Cycling anyone? First, rent a top-of-the-line bike—road, mountain, hybrid—at Bicycles Plus, then pedal out to a little slice of cycling heaven. You have more than 30 miles of spectacular riding to do on the American River Bike Trail. Out and back and you've racked up a bit over 66 miles. The trail runs from Sacramento to Folsom. This fine trail meanders along the shores of Lake Natoma, Folsom Lake and the beautiful American River. Ride it all at once, or do it over a few days. Venture off the trail in Folsom and wind your way through another exciting and gorgeous set of trails. Stop along the way for snacks or lunch. This urban wild land interface is a favorite of cyclists, runners and those who just like to walk along the river.

California Capitol
(credit: CBS)

California State Capitol
1315 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-0333
www.capitolmuseum.ca.org 

As long as you're here, a visit to the State Capitol should be part of your break. The museum is an eye opener and the building and grounds are simply wonderful. Wander about. It'll take a full day to see it all, inside and out. The other reason for the visit is this: next time the Capitol is the topic of conversation, in or out of class, your tour of the place will put you in a pretty good spot to comment on it. Political Science majors will love it, even on spring break. You never know who you'll run into in the halls.Related: Best Day Trips For Under $100 In The Sacramento Area

Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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