Discovering What Sacramento Has To Offer

This morning we started out with a tour of the Governor's Mansion. The current California govern does not reside here, the last was Ronald Regan who only stayed there for three months. The mansion was build in the mid 1800's as a private residence. Thirteen governors lived in the mansion as they governed California. The mansion was a large Victorian house with fourteen foot high ceilings and six floors.

We then walked to the capital building and grabbed lunch a few blocks away. Then we walked to the Stanford Mansion. Mr. Stanford, who was responsible for the inception of Stanford University, had purchased a residence on this site. As his wealth grew with the continental rail line, so did the house. The mansion went through many expansions and additions including being raised twelve feet off the ground to add a basement for flood protection. The end result was astounding and the beauty of the residence was breathtaking.

Following the Standford Mansion, we walked down to Old Sacramento which was a recreated 19th century Sacramento. In the 1950's the state was going to allow the construction of I-5 right through the middle of this section as it was a skid row. Through the efforts of preservationist, the area was declared historical and therefore the highway was curved around it. It was then that it was restored into a replica of its 19th century state. However, the highway segregates the area from the rest of the city and is a very visible barrier. While here, we went to a huge candy store (with free samples!!!!!) the Sacramento History Museum, and the Railroad Museum. We then had dinner at Ten 22, a restaurant in Old Sacramento. It was warm out and we were able to eat outside, it was so nice!

It was a TON of walking today and we are very sore. Tomorrow we are getting up early so we have time to drive to and explore Yosemite. Going to bed early tonight because we have a long day tomorrow so good night!