Your California

Locals Talk

Barbara Steinberg

Age: 52+
Sacramento


When I took the Hotel Matchmaker test these are the words I selected:
Charming, Epicurious, Creative/Eclectic, Young-at-heart/Whimsical, Welcoming/Friendly
My favorite activities include:
Culinary exploration, hiking, travel, gardening and hearing people's stories.
I was born and raised in:
Washington, DC
I currently live:
Midtown, Sacramento 
What do I do to make a buck?:
Freelance travel writer and PR consultant
5 things I love about the Sacramento area:
Springtime, the California Delta, the pedestrian-friendly downtown, close proximity to lots of great outdoor recreation and the history.
My favorite local hidden treasure you shouldn't miss:
The California Delta - so few locals every really explore this incredible natural resource. Not only does it contain amazing wildlife, open spaces, and natural beauty, but all the small delta towns, backwater dives, and great wineries - it really has something for everyone.
My perfect day spent in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Living in Midtown is the best possible place to be in Sacramento - a perfect day would be spent showing off my neighborhood and city life. The best restaurants - upscale and funky, the hippest boutiques, great places to stay - B&Bs, historic youth hostel, and the latest ultra-chic Citizen Hotel. You can walk everywhere, through neighborhoods dating back more than 100 years and state parks including the wonderful Capitol Park in the heart of downtown. The park includes a fantastic rose garden plus an amazing collection of monuments and trees from around the world.

Down on the waterfront, Old Sacramento is often misunderstood and forgotten even by locals. It has so many attractions especially on a warm spring or summer evening. Have drinks or dine at one of the riverfront restaurants. Or during baseball season, enjoy a free light show with fireworks at the conclusion of each River Cats home game. The California State Railroad Museum is a must see. Even for those who think they aren't interested in railroad history, trust me...you'll love it! And on a hot summer evening, the Robert T. Matsui Waterfront Park is a hidden gem. The ground-level fountain shoots streams - a perfect way for kids of all ages to cool off. It's an easy walk, drive, or bike ride from Old Sacramento.

Back in Midtown, the streets and back alleys hide a myriad of local art - mural projects from years ago and the latest influx of what I call "urban tattoos" being created by professional graffiti artists. Dilapidated landscapes have been brought back to life by this colorful mélange. Most weekends you can enjoy the musical stylings and quirky humor of the "One Man Band". For more years than I can count, Winko (his stage name) has been a fixture at 23rd & J streets. Even the most reluctant patrons have left his "piano bar" smiling. You'll have to see if for yourself.


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