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The California State Legislature is comprised of the Assembly and Senate, similar to our national government. The elected officials, along with the Governor, serve their constituents at the state’s capitol in Sacramento. Located in the northern part of the state, Sacramento also houses the California State Capitol Building, where each of these elected officials has an office. If you are in town and looking to check out this piece of our state’s history, this post outlines 8 reasons you must tour the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento.
1. The History
Even though the west coast does not have as rich a history as the east coast, California’s politics date back to its start. According to the State Assembly, the California State Capitol Building we see today was completed in 1874. Though it has gone through remodels since then, its appearance has remained the same.
California has seen changes throughout the years. Most notably, the migration of dreamers in the midst of the dust bowl. Our state has fresh fruit growing year-round and is filled with potential. The dust bowl was preceded by the gold rush in 1849 (hence the San Francisco 49ers). These two events have established our state of dreaming of a bigger and better life.
Though there have been multiple renovations and additions to the building, the state’s history is honored by recreated rooms. For example, there is a recreation of the 1902 Secretary of State’s main office. The Secretary of State’s role has changed since 1902 and this office demonstrates that.
2. The Current Events
Sacramento now sees the daily lives of our politicians fighting to get a bill on the ballot. When touring the California State Capitol Building, you are reminded how rich our state’s history is while also seeing the day-to-day activities. Walking the halls, you are able to see the closed doors to our elected officials’ offices. Oh, the conversations that must go on behind those doors….
As I write this post, Roe v. Wade has been overturned for less than a week. Politicians are hard at work. The government is working to get a version of Roe v. Wade on the ballot in November. I can only imagine how busy the legislatures are right now.
3. The Exterior Architecture
The California State Capitol Building reminds me of the Capitol Building in Washington DC. Though this building is not on a hill, it does sit at the top of a park and paints the same picturesque backdrop. Just like in Washington DC, this vast white building is most recognizable by its dome and pillars. This must have been a popular style back in the day!
Whether you visit during the day or see it at night, the building is a spectacular sight. I wonder if our assemblymen or senators are still in awe of their workplace day after day. On your tour, you are walking through the same doors as the legends Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
4. The Interior Architecture
The Capitol Rotunda is the inside of the dome. According to the Capitol Museum’s official website, this area is considered the “heart of the California State Capitol”. It is grand in appearance and has so many exquisite details you could spend hours studying it all.
5. The Dome
You recognize the dome exterior of the building, but what about when you get inside? As you stand in the middle of the first-floor rotunda, look up! Complete with intrinsic details, The inside of the dome is just as beautiful on the interior.
6. The Legislative Chambers
The Senate Chambers
These chambers see senators file in and debate over a proposed bill or law. Politicians elected to serve in the senate serve four-year terms.
The Assembly Chambers
This red room is home to those elected into the assembly. These politicians serve two-year terms. Hopefully they like the color red!
7. The California State Capitol Park
Tucked behind the California State Capitol Building is a park by the same name. According to its official website, the park covers over 40 acres of land and is home to several memorial sites. The park gives a grand welcome to visitors as I was in awe of the tree lined path.
Click here to see all of the historic sights on the park’s Visitor Information Guide.
8. The Pictures
Whether you visit during the day or swing by at night, you are guaranteed a view of the California State Capitol Building. At night, the structure is illuminated so you can still see the dome piercing the sky. During the day, snap a picture in front of the dome with your friends and family.
Plan Your Visit Now
When I visited, it seemed I had full access to the California State Capitol Building. I wandered around at my own pace and snapped pictures and read the different history plaques. I am not sure how I stumbled into that… hopefully I was not trespassing!
Fortunately, tours are readily available. Click here for hours, directions, and more!
Looking for more? Check out the complete guide to 24 hours in Sacramento.
Whether you are planning a trip to Sacramento or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited the California State Capitol Building and tell me how you liked it.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Sacramento, please share them below!
Cheers!
The post 8 Reasons You Must Tour The California State Capitol appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
]]>The post The Complete Guide to 24 Hours in Sacramento appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
]]>Sacramento is best known for being the capitol of California. There is more to the city than a big white building. You definitely need to tour the State Capitol Building, but you should also check out Old Sacramento along the river. If you are spending the day or weekend in town, this is a guide for what to do and where to eat for 24 hours in Sacramento.
What To Do:
Go Downtown
Downtown Sacramento has a variety of happenings from farmers markets to concerts. When I arrived on a Friday afternoon, there was a concert starting up at Cesar Chavez Plaza.
Click here to see what events are currently happening in Downtown Sacramento.
Tour The California State Capitol
Finished in the 1800’s, the California State Capitol Building is the beautiful white building at the end of Capitol Mall. Its dome and white pillars give it the political poise we have come to associate with government buildings. You can visit during the day or night and take pictures in front of the building.
If you have the time, free tours are available. It costs you no money to walk around and see a piece of our state’s history. Many bills and laws have come to fruition from inside these walls. Not to mention, the history in the making. See your current legislatures offices along with recreated rooms.
Interested in more? Here are 8 reasons you must tour the California State Capitol.
Visit The California State Capitol Park
Located beside the California State Capitol Building, the park is a green haven. There are a handful of memorials to see along the park that honor state and national history. In addition, you can walk through the park getting to or from the capitol building. The walk from my hotel to the State Capitol Building was tree-lined and was a nice setting for a morning walk.
Visit Old Town Sacramento
The Old Sacramento Waterfront is located along the Sacramento River and has plenty to do and see. Starting with the waterfront, you have a selection of boat tours and yacht cruises. If you would rather stay on land, there are patios along thee riverfront to enjoy a mimosa. See Rio City Cafe below.
There are different shops along the waterfront including toy stores, ice cream parlors, and souvenir shops. Whether you are going with a group of friends or with little kids, there is something for everyone.
Click here for a complete list of attractions and events in Old Sacramento.
Where To Eat:
Grace Coffee Roasters
Grace Coffee Roasters is conveniently located a block away from the California State Capitol Park. You can grab a coffee and walk through the park to begin your morning. The coffee shop is also across the street from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. If you are in town for a convention, stop in for a mocha like I did!
See Grace Coffee Roasters on YELP or click here to view their website.
Rio City Cafe
Located along the Sacramento River, Rio City Cafe greets tourists and locals alike. Rio City Cafe has the same appearance as Old Sacramento with its rich history of a time long ago. We got a seat on the patio and were able to watch steamboats pass by. Though I was sipping mimosas and taking pictures with my phone, it did feel like we traveled into the past.
See over 1,300 reviews of Rio City Cafe on YELP.
We arrived at lunchtime on a Saturday afternoon so there was a little wait. We did not mind because we were able to peek around Old Sacramento. To avoid a long wait, make a reservation!
Make your reservation now through Open Table.
I have a hard and fast rule that anytime I see a Loco Moco on a menu, I have to get it. The dish is an American treasure and one that I intend on enjoying any time I get. It did not disappoint, in fact, it was the decadent dish that set my day in motion.
Click here to view their website for hours, directions, and more.
Il Fornaio
According to their website, Il Fornaio has 18 locations of premiere Italian eating across the West Coast. We had a reservation and only waited minutes before being seated in our own private room.
Make your reservations at Il Fornaio on their website now.
Have you ever been to a restaurant and wanted to order every single item on the menu? I face this problem mostly at Italian restaurants. When the menu has so many good pasta and ravioli options, I find myself unable to choose. One on had, I wanted to order everything at Il Fornaio. Every item on the menu was calling my name. On the other hand, the minute I saw the Cappellacci Di Zucca contained butternut squash, I closed the menu and was set on my decision.
The Cappellacci Di Zucca was centered around pasta filled with butternut squash served with a brown butter sauce. I wanted to lick my plate when I was done. In addition to the meal, we also splurged on a bottle of red wine to go with the bread.
See over 700 reviews of Il Fornaio on YELP.
Where To Stay:
The Citizen Hotel
Staying at The Citizen Hotel made our quick Sacramento trip much more memorable. With political cartoons and innuendos decorating the rooms and walls, I had a blast looking over the different details.
The Citizen Hotel is located across the street from Cesar Chavez Plaza. During your stay, you will be just over half a mile from the State Capitol Building and Park. The hotel is also one mile away from the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and one mile away from Old Sacramento.
The Citizen Hotel is also home to Grange Restaurant and Bar. Located on the first floor, we sat outside on the patio one night and enjoyed a glass of wine.
Make your reservation at Grange Restaurant and Bar now!
Great news! The Citizen Hotel is in the Marriott family! Book your stay now.
Whether you are planning 24 hours in Sacramento or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited Sacramento and tell me how you liked it.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots, please share them below!
Cheers!
The post The Complete Guide to 24 Hours in Sacramento appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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