A visit to Sacramento, via Instagram
To be honest, I mostly flew home to see my dog. Annie is the closest thing to a little sister that I have, and she’s got so much personality: I miss her like crazy in New York City and there’s no chance of flying her out to see me. I originally scheduled this trip around a big alumni event at my high school, but had to postpone because of Fashion Week and moving to Brooklyn; even though it was a pain, I’m SO glad I didn’t cancel. This trip was more restorative than all of my vacations this year combined.
With red-eye flights bookending four days in my hometown, I squeezed in as much sunshine, favorite foods and family time as possible. I remembered how much I love driving on empty streets with the windows down, sun roof open, music up. I rode bikes and did yoga and walked the dog. I caught up with the best friends over sushi and coffee and the best milkshakes in the world. I spent a lot of money at the dentist and eye doctor to be reminded that I’m healthy and young (and that is something to be grateful for!). I’m writing this at the Sacramento Airport (as I wait to board my midnight flight back to New York City, just in time to go straight to work at 9 a.m.) and I’m having a hard time fighting back the tears as well as the smiles: Sacramento will always be home, and a weekend is never enough.
The very first order of business: a morning walk with Annie!
One of my favorite meals: dad’s grilled cheese (on sourdough!) and mom’s iced tea.
Met up with my best girlfriends from high school for dinner at my absolute favorite sushi place. Te amo!
Kicked off Saturday morning with a beautiful practice at Yoga in the Park. Katelyn and I took yoga together in high school, and she got an A while I got a B. I still blame it on her ability to do a perfect headstand!
Katelyn introduced me to Weatherstone, and it’s totally my new favorite cafe in Sacramento. Good coffee and a delightful shady courtyard.
Next, Katelyn and I rode bikes to William Land Park. It was the perfect day to ride bikes: sunny and warm with a nice breeze. In high school, all I wanted was for my parents to move to Land Park: it’s a gorgeous neighborhood with lovely older homes (my mom’s reply: you don’t know the value of double-paned windows and central heating). We went to a few open houses, and I was brutally reminded of how my current rent payment could be a solid mortgage on a nice house with a yard in Sacramento.
I spent many a Friday night at Vic’s Ice Cream in high school, and ALWAYS ordered a mint chocolate chip shake with a BLT and chips. When I was younger, we always knew someone behind the counter or recognized friends in the other booths.
This is the view from my parents’ backyard. I always forget how remarkable it is to have all of that open sky. We went in the hot tub after dinner on Saturday night, and it was the first time I’d seen the stars in months.
My dad makes the best pancakes in the world, and they’re even better with homemade jam (thanks to my friend Rex’s mom, who makes the best jam in the state).
My parents only drink decaf coffee, so Annie and I met up with Rex back at Weatherstone (once I find a place I like, I’m committed!).
Then Rex suggested we take Annie on a walk to Sutter’s Landing, and it was just the best. I know it’s not the beach, but I grew up on the river and I still think it’s one of the most beautiful places in fall. Annie actually dashed right into the water, which surprised me–I never thought she was much of a water dog! Wonderful place for a stroll along the water.
This is how Annie and I spent the afternoons. I read my mom’s back issues of Vanity Fair while Annie napped, and we both got plenty of sun. Nothing better than heading back from a weekend in California with a tan!
The cherry tomatoes straight off the vine have always been my go-to for an afternoon snack when I’m tanning by the pool, and this trip was no exception. We’re right at the end of tomato season, but I still snagged a few.
Seriously, every afternoon (once business shut down at 5 p.m. EST/2 p.m. PST) I headed out here and Annie came with me. Shadow dog!
My glorious last meal in Sacramento: MEXICAN FOOD!
What’s your favorite photo of Sacramento? Follow my adventures in real time at @cestchristine.
