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.
Nestled in the heart of Sacramento is a gem worth more than gold, Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The park is actually comprised of various buildings that were of significant value during the Gold Rush period. There are more than fifty buildings that overlook the park, and the entire state park is twenty-eight acres. There are always plenty of activities scheduled for the landmark historic sites and there are many theatrical reenactments that take place as well. Many of the festivals and reenactments at Old Sacramento are free of charge and open to the public.
Old Sacramento also features a number of different museums that provide plenty of entertainment as well as educational activities. In fact, more than five million visitors come to Old Sacramento Historic Park annually, and it has also been said to be the best place for a first date.
Things to do
Along with touring the number of historic buildings and landmarks, the park features a number of bike trails. There are also many exhibits as well as educational programs that focus on the historical aspects of the park. There are plenty of places to shop at as there are over one hundreds stores in the Old Sacramento district. You’ll also enjoy the choice of dining from one of the delicious restaurants located in the area. Situated adjacent to the Sacramento River, many of the restaurants provide beautiful scenic waterfront views.
Entertainment choices abound with mystery theaters, plays, and other forms of art. You’ll enjoy taking a carriage ride through the streets or relax at one of the nightclubs. From chartered boat cruises to live jazz concerts, entertainment choices abound at Old Sacramento.
Getting There
To reach Old Sacramento State Historic Park take Interstate 5 to the J Street exit in downtown Sacramento. The J Street exit is the entrance into the park.
