Great, you got the date, now where to take them? Hope Roberts shares her favorite places around Sacramento

Hope Roberts
February 17, 2013

There is no shortage of incredible places to experience in a city as diverse as Sacramento. With so many awesome places to go to, deciding where to take your special someone on a date can be difficult. Here are three of my favorite places to help narrow your list.

McKinley Park

 
McKinley Park vibrates with energy in East Sacramento, attracting families and  couples. Secluded benches tucked away in the garden are perfect for couples seeking to enjoy one another’s company.
Couple Jorelle Abutin and Anna Lee said McKinley Park is a wonderful place to go to because of the garden.

“I found the rose gardens after doing research on great places to go in Sacramento,” Abutin said. “I’ve only been here a couple times, but the last time I came, it was really nice. The scenery is pretty beautiful and it’s a really big park. It’s just a great environment to see and relax. I would come here to exercise and jog, too.”

 

Abutin and Lee aren’t the only couple that enjoys bonding together in the park. Couple Malcolm Harvey and Lyndsy Carpenter agreed the park’s convenient location in proximity to their homes brought them there.

Past the rose garden is the pond, next to the playground. Among the ducks and playing children, was Amanda Hall, a mother visiting the park with her husband and daughter.

“Its a fun place for the kids,” Hall said.

“I like all the people and random things happening, usually there’s a drum circle and (people with hula hoops) that come here.” she said.

“And I know the Buddhist temple I used to go to does walking meditations here. There’s just a lot of diversity here that makes it a fun place to hang out.” Hall said

Rick’s Dessert Diner

Retro tables, classic tunes and lavish cakes encourage anyone who passes by Rick’s Dessert Diner in Midtown to come in, sit down and grab a slice of golden brown apple pie or fresh lemon cake.

While waiting to order, customers can play an old song on a jukebox. Paintings of Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean decorate the walls, contributing to the classic Hollywood vibe the diner generates.

Rick’s Dessert Diner has a wide assortment of desserts to try. From tall chocolate cakes decorated with layers of icing, to smaller dishes of creme brulee.

The menu features raspberry, blueberry and lemon meringue cakes, which are well worth a try. All three are able to satisfy the ever-yearning taste for baked delicacies.

The diner has large, classically made milkshakes, perfect to split with that special someone. Don’t worry if they fill you up, because one can always grab a slice of pie to take home for later.

Tower Theatre

Tower Theatre provides a unique cinematic experience, it’s fountain and dim lights contribute to the romantic atmosphere. Walking under the marquee to purchase a ticket is like transporting to a luxurious vintage cinema.

“I think it just takes you back, the whole atmosphere” said movie goer, Anna Buig, who was accompanied this particular day by Gina Banuelos.

Banuelos said the authentic experience made Tower Theatre special.
 
“They haven’t made it like the new cinemas, this is all still old fashioned,” she said.

Sacramento is a melting pot of varying types of people and activities, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States.

Next time you find yourself stuck in traffic or dreading the rain, try not to forget the city’s good qualities. There’s a lot more to see in Sacramento than the Capitol. With a little looking, you might be surprised at what you find.