Usually when we need books…on to the mall we run, harassing the shelves of Barnes and Noble and Borders looking for the next literary treat to expand ourselves beyond our worlds. Often in the shuffle of heading to one of the more mainstream book distributors we forget to truly enjoy the quiet atmosphere and quiet charm that sitting in the bookstore used to offer, most often than not too busy being trendy than intellectual.
But the time for enjoying the atmosphere of the bookstore has come around again with the growing image and resurgence of Underground Books it is hard to not appreciate the valid significance of this spot as not only a quiet welcoming place to read and catch up on current events, community issues, and politics, but Underground Books must also be appreciated for the community beacon and intellectual ‘diamond in the rough’ that it is within the Oak Park community.
Underground Books does not simply cater to the quiet reader; there are often monthly book signings, by famous authors such as Dr. Rose Parker and famous people such as the infamous ex-wife of Mike Tyson Robin Givens. With all of its variety, Underground really caters to the needs and interests of everyone within the community.
Underground provides not only a comfortable reading atmosphere, but a place where the intellectual can grow, families can come together and communities can communicate, organize, and plan. This is not just a bookstore it is a meeting place and organizational hub within the community. One of the rare gems that is guaranteeing that Oak Park will one day shed its own negative stigma and return to its roots of creative intelligence and positive community.
I like to party like the next girl; hitting the club in search of the best drinks and music. Indulging in all that the nightlife has to offer has been a pastime of mine since I turned 21. Since that grand event I have been ready and willing to brandish that clubbing badge of honor to any and every bouncer, doorman, and ticket girl that asked. But even the party girl needs a place to simply chill out, kick her stiletto clad pedicured toes up and chill while looking fabulous. For a long time Sacramento was without such a posh place to be, but the time has finally arrived thanks to the Friday night soul offered by Chris Weber’s Center Court restaurant.
Center Court is the brainchild of former Sacramento King’s star Chris Weber and offers all that the normal sports orientated restaurant entails: the basketballs, the pictures of famous plays, even the waitresses dressed in the infamous #4 jerseys. The menu is laden with the classics (which are extremely tasty): chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, ribs, steaks, pizza, burgers, and fries. The sports enthusiasts in all of us can appreciate the atmosphere a dinner at Center Court offers at prices that are as affordable than other restaurant competitors in the Sacramento area. With drink specials, good food at an even better price, good service, and a comfortable atmosphere Center Court picks up major points.
Center Court is not your average sports restaurant, there is a classy element to the surroundings and that element is what allows it to be transformed into the pseudo neo-soul lounge that it becomes every Friday night. As you wait outside it is hard not to notice that these club-goers are dressed to the nines in their urban-cool chic: fedora hats, fitted jeans, classic polos and button-ups, and even the occasional blazer. This crowd is truly “Grown and Sexy”; a testament to the thriving young, professional population that boasts Sacramento into the leagues of top cities for the single 23-35 crowd.
Upon entrance, sounds of the live band, and the smell of good food, fresh cologne, with a twinge of sugared liquors welcome patrons as the sounds of old school favorites fill the air. From the first step in the door lounge goers are in for a treat that appeals to all senses. As I sip my well-made apple martini, enveloping myself in the good music, it is clear that my Friday nights now have a new spot: Center Court.
Nestled in the middle of Sacramento's bustling metropolis are some of the hottest party spots in the country. Rated as one of America's top 40 cities by Forbes, you can bet that no matter what type of nightlife entertainment you're looking for, you'll find it in Sacramento.
Look downtown for some of the most trendy place such as rave bars, modern music, brightly lit animated dance floors and an abundance of watering holes which attract the 20-30 year old crowd.
There are well over 50 nightclubs within a short 15 mile drive of the city's center. For more mature tastes, a night at the ballet or theatre is an excellent alternative. Karaoke bars are another favorite for young or old alike.
Sports bars are available for the armchair athletes who like company during the night games, as well as many fine restaurants, cozy cafes and lots of movie theatres. Plenty of singles spots and family entertainment are available with a little something for everyone.
In a recent survey, the city of Sacramento was ranked number 13 out of 40 major metropolis areas as a good place for singles. Although the city presents a rather tranquil appearance, there is a very active singles scene just beneath the surface.
One popular resource for singles are the dance halls where they can meet to dance and mingle. Group dating is also quite popular in the area, usually involving three or more couples who are often unknown to one another. It is not uncommon for them to meet for the first time and go out together.
Online services seem to be quite numerous for those looking to meet dates without even having to leave their homes. There are both free and professional dating services available here, including one internationally known service that does everything, from making the initial match to calling your secretary to get your schedule, and even making reservations for you.
Although Sacramento may not have the glamour of some of California’s better known cities, it has a wide variety of dating options and vibrant night life. There are several colleges in the area and it is the capital of the State. This leads to an ample supply of singles, and provides cultural and recreational opportunities for dating adventures.
There are plenty of places to see and things to do in Sacramento. Head out into the city and enjoy the modern amenities like shopping, nightlife, and a fantastic dining experience.
Old Sacramento
Once the center of the city during the gold rush, it became a virtual slum when modernization came to the capital and the commercial district gradually moved east. Today, Old Sacramento features 28 acres of historic buildings and has become a national landmark, and a must see to over 5 million annual visitors.
Downtown Plaza
From Old Sacramento, one can walk from history to the modern era via a pedestrian tunnel. A cornucopia of shopping delights awaits one with an open air market, a modern mall complex, clothing stores, specialty shops, a megaplex cinema and ethnic restaurants.
Sutter's Fort State Park
The historical center of the area, Sutter’s Fort State Park features much of the memorabilia from John Sutter, his partners and descendants as well as artifacts from the pioneer period and the Gold Rush era. A reconstructed 1839 adobe structure houses the collection.
State Capital Building
Constructed between 1869 and 1874, the State Capital building is a prime example of an American Renaissance work. It features Roman Corinthian columns, a shining copper dome, and rooftop sculptures. Topped with a 30 inch glittering gold ball, it is a breathtaking sight. Surrounding the building itself is the 40 acre Capitol Park with fragrant rose gardens and over 400 trees and exotic plants from around the world.
California's capital city, Sacramento, features a true melting pot of dining experiences typical of American cuisine.
For authentic Bologna style Italian cuisine, head on over to Biba on Capitol Ave. This restaurant is owned by Biba Caggiano, who has published a collection of nine cookbooks.
The Waterboy offers fine French dining down the street. It features naturally raised meats and local organic produce as well as a very fine selection of wines. Rick Mahan, the owner, also likes to feature traditional American favorites on the menu.
In the trendy mid-town section of the city, Paragary's Bar and Oven features two dining rooms and a wide selection of Mediterranean foods that are sure to delight the most discriminating of diners. The best seats in good weather are outdoors amid the fountains and fauna of the courtyard. There is even a classic British pub, The Fox & Goose Public House, for those who wish to sample some of the numerous beers imported from "across the pond", as well as cuisine with their inspiration taken straight out of the England countryside.
Once you get away from the bustle of the city center, many smaller restaurants abound, from great little coffee clutch cafes, to Mexican cantinas, to that good old American standby, a fast food burger. Whatever your taste, Sacramento has it for you.
The city of Sacramento started with a nugget of gold in 1839. John Marshall uttered the famous words, "Boys, I believe I found a gold mine" at the confluence of two rivers, the Sacramento and the American.
Attracted by the lure of easy money, thousands flooded into the new American territory in one of the greatest gold rushes in history. Sacramento was established primarily as a city to handle the prospector influx in the mid-1880's, and was a rough and tumble old west mining town.
Today, old shade trees and stately homes, Victorian mansions, and well built bungalows line the peaceful streets of Sacramento. They serve to soften a modern mercantile haven, full of fine dining experiences, and home to the political hotbed that thrives below the tranquil surface in California's state capital.
One of the state's fastest growing areas, Sacramento has a population of around 1.8 million people. It is a robust shipping and processing center for most of the local fruit, vegetables, rice, wheat and dairy goods in the Central Valley. In recent years, the city is seeing more spillover from the high-tech Silicon Valley businesses, and an influx to its suburbs from Bay area residents seeking more affordable housing.
Every woman wants a place where she can walk in looking like a mess and in a couple of hours, leave looking like a movie star; a place to go when there is a special event she must look special for or to get that monthly touch-up. Likewise, every guy needs a place where he can get a fresh cut for that special night out. New Life Braids is the all out salon for men and women to achieve that special look.
I happened upon New Life Braids while I was thumbing through the phonebook trying to find a place to fix my own damaged, dry, broken nightmare hair. This was the only place I found in the Sacramento area that was varied in its style offerings for both men and women and at a price that was beyond reasonable. Many times when the price is too good to be true, the service is less than satisfactory, but at New Life that is never the case.
The idea of the beauty salon is one that is divided racial as usually White and African Americans see the salon experience as one that cannot be shared due to the difference in hair types and beauty ideals; but at New Life Braids there is an appreciation and respect for all hair and beauty types which is evident in the diversity of the customer based that is evident from first entrance. Upon walking in patrons are met with the warm and friendly atmosphere of a beauty salon that offers a variety of hairstyles and the supplies needed to maintain them. The owner, Francisca adds a personal touch and care to every customer ensuring that each and every patron leaves with their desired style and a new sense of confidence.
New Life Braids is one of the few salons in the Sacramento area that caters to the style, needs, and pocketbook of its varied and diverse customer base. A place that is recommended for any customer looking to get a new look at a reasonable price in an atmosphere that is clean, professional, and above all friendly.
I like to party like the next girl; hitting the club in search of the best drinks and music. Indulging in all that the nightlife has to offer has been a pastime of mine since I turned 21. Since that grand event I have been ready and willing to brandish that clubbing badge of honor to any and every bouncer, doorman, and ticket girl that asked. But even the party girl needs a place to simply chill out, kick her stiletto clad pedicured toes up and chill while looking fabulous. For a long time Sacramento was without such a posh place to be, but the time has finally arrived thanks to the Friday night soul offered by Chris Weber’s Center Court restaurant. 
Nestled in the middle of Sacramento's bustling metropolis are some of the hottest party spots in the country. Rated as one of America's top 40 cities by Forbes, you can bet that no matter what type of nightlife entertainment you're looking for, you'll find it in Sacramento.
In a recent survey, the city of Sacramento was ranked number 13 out of 40 major metropolis areas as a good place for singles. Although the city presents a rather tranquil appearance, there is a very active singles scene just beneath the surface.
There are plenty of places to see and things to do in Sacramento. Head out into the city and enjoy the modern amenities like shopping, nightlife, and a fantastic dining experience.
California's capital city, Sacramento, features a true melting pot of dining experiences typical of American cuisine.
The city of Sacramento started with a nugget of gold in 1839. John Marshall uttered the famous words, "Boys, I believe I found a gold mine" at the confluence of two rivers, the Sacramento and the American.