On a Tank of Gas
From October 2006
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Weekend in Folsom
By Steve La Rosa
This historic Gold Rush-era community was named after Floyd Flossem, an unsuccessful miner. Though he never hit the vein, he did assure his place in history while munching on hardtack and back bacon. With food wedged firmly in his gap-toothed smile, Flossem employed a length of buckskin to dislodge the offending matter, and in doing so, invented dental floss. Sadly, it was the first and last time he was able to holler “Eureka!”
OK, that was a load, but one can make a variety of quirky discoveries motoring up to Folsom for a weekend getaway. Sutter Street, heart and soul of Folsom, has to be the first stop on any visit. Along with the great historic attractions are numerous restaurants, shops, art galleries and top-notch antiquing. Those with a sweet tooth should drop into Snook’s Candies; this family operation has an outstanding selection of truffles and homemade peanut brittle.
Continue up Sutter Street to the Fire and Rain Gallery. This may be the most eclectic gallery in the area, stuffed to the rafters with one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted art pieces and furniture.
History buffs can tour the Folsom Powerhouse. Completed in 1895, it was the first electric-generating station pumping out high-voltage juice to Sacramento. It remains very much intact.
Folsom, which was a major rail hub back in the mid-1800s, has reproduced a period-authentic rail turntable. In a bit of irony, there’s a light-rail stop about 100 yards away. The city also has a handful of refurbished railcars located next to a blacksmith shop where docents actually pound out a heavy metal beat. For yet more history, check out the Wells Fargo assay office building on Sutter Street. It was the original Pony Express stop, and it’s situated next door to the Folsom History Museum.
Now, region residents who’ve never visited the Folsom Zoo should prepare to be impressed. The zoo is billed as a unique wildlife refuge for good reason. Since the early ’60s, this mini-menagerie has been sanctuary to the wild kingdom’s tired, poor and unwanted, and the critters’ stories are posted on their exhibits.
Great Shiv Collection
Speaking of accommodations for huddled masses yearning to be free, there are two ways to visit the world-famous Folsom Prison. One possible but not recommended way is to hold up a liquor store or some such. Better yet, drop in to the prison’s museum. Be sure to take in the charming collection of homemade shivs on the wall.
For something a bit more comforting, the Bradley House Bed & Breakfast, a couple of blocks up from Sutter Street, has welcomed travelers since 1996. This farmhouse-style Victorian, in a quiet neighborhood on Figueroa Street, has rooms in Susan and Jerry Mehring’s home, as well as a few more out back in the carriage house. Susan always has some chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, but the best thing about the place is that you can get up late and still have a first-rate country-style breakfast.
For business travelers or those desiring more up-to-date accommodations, try Larkspur Landing.
Just across Iron Point Road from the Folsom Premium Outlets, this hotel offers numerous amenities. Guests are treated to fully equipped kitchens, in-room DVD and CD players, an exercise room and spa, complimentary laundry facilities, 24-hour Starbucks coffee in the lobby, and breakfast in the morning. Business travelers enjoy the in-room, high-speed internet access and a modern business center.
Hungry? For those looking for something more than hardtack and back bacon, we suggest the Balcony Bistro on Sutter Street, with its interesting breakfast menu. Start off with their big Bloody Mary. They also offer stuffed French toast with chocolate chip bread and four kinds of eggs Benedict.
When staying at Larkspur Landing, you’ll find the Lake Forest Cafe is a bit closer. If you have trouble with life’s decisions, stay away; there are 41 omelet choices on the menu. But if you like good homemade food, this is your place. It’s a family affair. The Rubins offer a great selection of crepes and blintzes and their crowd-pleasing Mike’s potato dishes. Save room for one of Marie’s fresh-baked giant cinnamon rolls.
In the evening, one of the premier dining spots is the Bidwell Street Bistro. It’s fine French dining in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Recommended: the French onion soup, the award-winning Caesar salad and the house-specialty Muscovy duck confit.
Folsom’s a great weekend getaway and close enough for you to get home quickly should you suspect your teenager of trying to pull a fast one in your absence.
Quirky, Tasty
Getaway
By Steve La RosaThis historic Gold Rush-era community was named after Floyd Flossem, an unsuccessful miner. Though he never hit the vein, he did assure his place in history while munching on hardtack and back bacon. With food wedged firmly in his gap-toothed smile, Flossem employed a length of buckskin to dislodge the offending matter, and in doing so, invented dental floss. Sadly, it was the first and last time he was able to holler “Eureka!”
OK, that was a load, but one can make a variety of quirky discoveries motoring up to Folsom for a weekend getaway. Sutter Street, heart and soul of Folsom, has to be the first stop on any visit. Along with the great historic attractions are numerous restaurants, shops, art galleries and top-notch antiquing. Those with a sweet tooth should drop into Snook’s Candies; this family operation has an outstanding selection of truffles and homemade peanut brittle.
Continue up Sutter Street to the Fire and Rain Gallery. This may be the most eclectic gallery in the area, stuffed to the rafters with one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted art pieces and furniture.
History buffs can tour the Folsom Powerhouse. Completed in 1895, it was the first electric-generating station pumping out high-voltage juice to Sacramento. It remains very much intact.
Folsom, which was a major rail hub back in the mid-1800s, has reproduced a period-authentic rail turntable. In a bit of irony, there’s a light-rail stop about 100 yards away. The city also has a handful of refurbished railcars located next to a blacksmith shop where docents actually pound out a heavy metal beat. For yet more history, check out the Wells Fargo assay office building on Sutter Street. It was the original Pony Express stop, and it’s situated next door to the Folsom History Museum.
Now, region residents who’ve never visited the Folsom Zoo should prepare to be impressed. The zoo is billed as a unique wildlife refuge for good reason. Since the early ’60s, this mini-menagerie has been sanctuary to the wild kingdom’s tired, poor and unwanted, and the critters’ stories are posted on their exhibits.
Great Shiv Collection
Speaking of accommodations for huddled masses yearning to be free, there are two ways to visit the world-famous Folsom Prison. One possible but not recommended way is to hold up a liquor store or some such. Better yet, drop in to the prison’s museum. Be sure to take in the charming collection of homemade shivs on the wall.
For something a bit more comforting, the Bradley House Bed & Breakfast, a couple of blocks up from Sutter Street, has welcomed travelers since 1996. This farmhouse-style Victorian, in a quiet neighborhood on Figueroa Street, has rooms in Susan and Jerry Mehring’s home, as well as a few more out back in the carriage house. Susan always has some chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, but the best thing about the place is that you can get up late and still have a first-rate country-style breakfast.
For business travelers or those desiring more up-to-date accommodations, try Larkspur Landing.
Just across Iron Point Road from the Folsom Premium Outlets, this hotel offers numerous amenities. Guests are treated to fully equipped kitchens, in-room DVD and CD players, an exercise room and spa, complimentary laundry facilities, 24-hour Starbucks coffee in the lobby, and breakfast in the morning. Business travelers enjoy the in-room, high-speed internet access and a modern business center.
Hungry? For those looking for something more than hardtack and back bacon, we suggest the Balcony Bistro on Sutter Street, with its interesting breakfast menu. Start off with their big Bloody Mary. They also offer stuffed French toast with chocolate chip bread and four kinds of eggs Benedict.
When staying at Larkspur Landing, you’ll find the Lake Forest Cafe is a bit closer. If you have trouble with life’s decisions, stay away; there are 41 omelet choices on the menu. But if you like good homemade food, this is your place. It’s a family affair. The Rubins offer a great selection of crepes and blintzes and their crowd-pleasing Mike’s potato dishes. Save room for one of Marie’s fresh-baked giant cinnamon rolls.
In the evening, one of the premier dining spots is the Bidwell Street Bistro. It’s fine French dining in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. Recommended: the French onion soup, the award-winning Caesar salad and the house-specialty Muscovy duck confit.
Folsom’s a great weekend getaway and close enough for you to get home quickly should you suspect your teenager of trying to pull a fast one in your absence.
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