Notes on going home with someone new
Since I moved to New York City, I haven’t gone home for Thanksgiving or Christmas or my birthday: the flights are expensive, the airports are crowded, the weather can be harsh. Instead, I’ve made the journey west in late spring or early fall: California is sunny and mild, with tomatoes on the vine or flowers blooming in the garden.
Last week, I flew home for my biannual visit to walk the dog, catch up with friends over IPAs and coffee, read magazines by the pool while sipping pink lemonade. Even better, my boyfriend decided to join me for a personalized tour of my hometown and college town.
I didn’t always love growing up in Elk Grove: the suburbs can be isolated and boring, especially as a teenager without a license. There’s not that instant everyone-knows-me connection like in a small town, or the neighborhood community like in a big city. But looking back, I’m grateful to have grown up on quiet streets near green parks with a dog and a backyard.
And even though there are so many things that I adore about Sacramento, I haven’t lived in the city–by choice–since I was 17. At first I never thought I’d leave Northern California, and now it’s hard to imagine ever going back–especially to live on the grid after getting used to the grind of the boroughs. I’ve started to thrive on the chaos and the hustle, and I honestly don’t ever want to give up the convenience of the subway.
So the prospect of showing my city to my Manhattan-born-and-raised boyfriend was daunting. Would it be cool enough? Would I, by connection, be cool enough? Would my college town live up to the hyperbole that we alumni toss around over beers and BBQ?
Despite enjoying his time, I don’t think my boyfriend is clamoring to move to Sacramento after this weekend. And that’s fair: neither am I. But I was able to show him my tried-and-true favorites: he loved the burgers and beers and kitschy college decor at Madison Bear Garden, and laughed with my friends over IPAs and fish tacos at the Golden Bear, and admitted he wished his college town had a swimming hole as picturesque as One Mile. And we were able to experience things I had never done before: an easy hike up Monkey Face for a stunning view of Butte County, a cruise down the Sacramento River on the most gorgeous day imaginable, a petting zoo set up right outside the Capitol building.
It made me enjoy Sacramento and Chico in a whole new way: not only did I truly get to play tourist in my own hometown, but I was able to experience the magic of introducing a place that you love to someone you love.
In case you’re interested: my favorite photos from my last visit to Sacramento and my favorite words about home x
