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Even Californians forget to look east when contemplating new adventures in their home state. Sometimes it’s fun to turn back the hands of time and travel to the spots that once made California famous on the east coast. Gold Country—where the California gold rush originated—is filled with history and set in a glorious panoply of hills and valleys. With the state population expanding, the towns of eastern California are more vibrant than ever. Roseville is a case in point.
Inveterate mall rat or a finicky wine taster, you’ll find what you like in Roseville. With a prime location close to Lake Tahoe, driving distance to San Francisco, and the Sacramento delta practically in your back pocket, Roseville can be the beginning of a terrific California tour. But don’t leave too soon! There’s great shopping in this town, and if you’re looking for a fine spa experience, you’ll find that, too. Check out the golf courses, the aquatics park and the bike trails of this lovely city. Take your kids boating at Fulsome Lake or just enjoy the natural areas surrounding the reservoir. Hike the trails with a book that shows you the native plants surrounding you, and sit by a quiet creek with your favorite someone. Visit the antique stores and fine restaurants, and take two days out to tour a dozen surrounding wineries and taste the fine local Syrahs, Zinfandels and Cabernets. Stand in the vines and watch the valley stretching away from you as you revel in the late summer air.
Roseville is one of those perfect California places where warm spring weather and a year-round environment make you want to be a part of the great outdoors. And there’s something for everyone. Drop off your testy teen at the Galleria mall and head over to the weekend farmers’ market and swap meet to buy fresh produce, artisanal breads and other lovely things you never even knew you needed. On Tuesday nights between May and July, visit downtown Roseville for the Street Fair, held from 5-9pm. The Street Fair includes classic car cruising, live band music starting at 6, a farmers market and more than 100 vendors. There’s a beer garden for adults and the Fun Zone for kids. It’s the perfect summer evening, and you don’t even need to cook dinner—there’s plenty to eat once you get there!
Also running from April through September is the local NASCAR speedway, known as one of the best in the country. If your family likes cars, this is the place to be for racing and automotive shows, including classic cars. If your family loves music and community, make sure to take in the annual One Root festival, whose mission is to promote cultural diversity and the sharing of food and music.
Roseville is bike-friendly, and the bike paths are also good for walkers, skaters and anyone who likes to move. The Parks and Recreation Department sponsors free and low cost activities for all family members—children, teens, adults and seniors, and the range of possible activities is enormous. There are established “hangouts” for junior-high school age kids that include ping-pong and games, snack bars and homework assistance, so young people don’t have the chance to get bored. The Department also puts on dances and other family-friendly activities. Boost the health of your family and yourself by participating in sports, swimming, or educational activities with Parks and Rec, or enjoy the playgrounds, dog park and cool walks on the many miles of trails in Roseville.
History is alive in Roseville, still home to members of the ancient Maidu tribe. Visit the Maidu Interpretive Center and Historic site, where you can wander among oak trees and enjoy the petroglyphs (stone carvings). Stone mortars also mark the places where Maidu women once ground acorns into meal, and the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site makes you forget the hubbub of town life. Roseville has several museums, and the Magic Circle Theater presents live theater, dinner theater and holds youth and children’s programs all year ‘round.
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