The best of Sacramento, via Instagram

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Every time I go home, I feel a little luckier that I grew up in Sacramento. As a kid, I thought that every “downtown” was built on a grid: I would show up in new cities and be confused that the streets weren’t numbered and lettered. I spent my Saturdays picking out books for the week at the Downtown Sacramento Public Library, and then riding my bike along the American River Parkway. It was a childhood of open spaces, fresh food and plenty of freedom.

When I was home last week, I had the opportunity to guest Instagram for Visit Sacramento. It was such a fun opportunity, especially since it challenged me to look at my hometown with fresh eyes. I headed back to all of my old haunts–my favorite ice cream shop, the local independent theater–and took long walks and drives along the river, went outside for sunset, woke up early for sunrise. It made me feel like a tourist in my own city–a refreshing change of pace from my regular visits home.

My mom is fluent in French (she taught me!), and we used to go see every French film that showed at the Tower. I’m so glad that this independent theatre has survived: not only do I love its films, but how gorgeous is that white tower against the blue skies and palm trees?

Every Saturday as a kid, I’d pick out books at the Downtown Sacramento Public Library and then ride my bike along the river–and it was THE BEST. Insanely grateful for a childhood that truly taught me the best things in life are free.

In high school, I spent plenty of Friday nights with a mint chocolate chip shake and a BLT in a booth at Vic’s with my best friends. Whenever I’m home, I still insist on grabbing a scoop–although it’s not quite the same when I don’t know every kid working behind the counter.

Street art is my favorite thing to photograph when I travel: there’s no guarantee it will be there tomorrow, let alone the next time you visit. But this mural of “the people climbing out of the painting” has been a forever favorite on J Street, long before I understood the importance of public art.