Highway 50 buzzes right through Rancho Cordova between Sacramento and Folsom, so unless you pull off to explore, you won’t know what you’re missing. Start, perhaps with an overnight stay at a dog-friendly hotel and get a complimentary Sierra Foothills Wine Tasting Passport good for two people at eight regional wineries that welcome dogs.
If beer and spirits are more to your taste, visit the newly christened Barrel District where you can sample craft beer, craft cocktails, mead (coming soon) and spirits produced on site. The district’s official grand opening isn’t until Oct. 6, when six craft breweries, two distilleries and a meadery will be recognized in an inaugural Barrel District Experience. Get a preview by visiting the Ol’ Republic, Claimstake, Thin Line and Fort Rock breweries with your leashed pup.
Should outdoor experiences be more your speed, head to Hagan Community Park, where 80 acres of recreational offerings include a fenced dog park. Or, go for a stroll with water views along a portion of the 32-mile American River Parkway. Park for free at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and follow the river downstream as far as your interest and Spot’s nose will take you. Or, follow the trail east under the Hazel Avenue bridge to Lake Natoma and proceed past the kiosk about a quarter mile to the end of the parking lot (no dogs allowed at or near the swimming beaches). There you’ll pick up a hiking trail that quickly takes you into the woods and accesses many splash spots.
Photo Credit: @_lucas.sacul_
