Northern California - Horsing Around In LA

Taking a Stroll Through the Capitol State Park

By Erin

A few weeks ago I went up to Sacramento for a total steak lovers media trip. More to come on that soon! 😉 On my last morning there, I had a couple of hours to kill before a fancy car was being sent to take us all back to the airport to start our journeys back home. The State Capitol of California was only a short block or two away from the hotel I was staying at, so I decided to explore the grounds surrounding the beautiful Capitol at the Capitol Park, the 40-acre grounds of the Sacramento Capitol, that includes trees and shrubs from around the world. There are approximately 1140 trees in the park, representing over 200 types of trees. Also featured on the grounds is approximately 155 memorials to significant events and people involving California and other points-of-interest.

I always enjoy my time up in Northern California, it’s so beautiful and different than it is down here in Southern California. Take a look for yourself. Isn’t it gorgeous? I could totally go for a morning walk here any day!

The path leading up to the capitol, and my first view of it.

There are all kinds of interesting statues and monuments to be found around the park. Here is a statue honoring those who served in the Spanish-American War and a reproduction of the Liberty Bell.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose?

By Erin

*Disclosure: I participated in a media tour to San Jose; all thoughts and opinions are my own*

Last month I ventured up to San Jose for a very fun and exciting FAM trip. Normally you might just pass on through San Jose not giving it a second thought as you move on to other destinations such as San Francisco or Napa Valley, but there is so much you are missing out on! I will be doing a series of posts this month all about some of the things to see, do, stay at and eat out at in this wonderful city. There is still so much for me to explore myself in San Jose, I hope to be able to return again soon! San Jose truly is a city for any foodies out there. The food alone makes me want to go back, NOW! 😉

Here is some information about San Jose and what I look forward to sharing more with you about shortly as we make our way through San Jose.

Why would you want to come to San Jose? San Jose is rich in history, culture, the arts, and more.

*San Jose is the oldest civilian settlement in California, founded in 1777.

*The site of the first state capital.

*Silicon Valley is very pet friendly—San Jose has approximately 20 dog parks or dog friendly parks.

*It is Northern California’s Largest city with a population of 945,942 (2010 census).

*The third largest city in California and the tenth largest city in the nation.

*The sun shines an average of 300 days a year in San Jose.

*Average daily temperatures range from January’s 50’s to July’s 70’s

Here is a little bit of what I experienced and will share about in my San Jose series.

Dining

It was one decadent meal after another. You could wine and dine in San Jose for days and keep finding new places that you love. I found so many places that I’d love to go back to and saw others I’d love to try. The San Pedro Market below has enough options alone that I’m sure you could have something different every day of the year.