Pictured is the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, open to the public and operated by California State Parks. The house was built in 1877 and once served as the official home for a variety of California governors. Open to the public through tours offered daily (except holidays,) admission is around $5. Location: 1526 H Street, Sacramento, CA. (916) 323-3047. (parks.ca.gov)

When visiting a friend in Sacramento recently, my eyes were opened to a world of unusual people, places and things to see. If you’ve never visited Sacramento, it’s a city filled with heart & soul. On the business side, there’s always an influx of politicians and constituents, lobbyists, and the visitors who come to study and observe politics in action. People trek to the State Capitol to see their appointed officials, and school kids and students take trips there as learning experiences. The Capitol reminds me of a busy bus station or airport where people are always moving and on the go. You can tour the Capitol for free and enjoy rotating exhibits, the grounds where camellias and trees blossom in the spring, and see dozens of memorials scattered throughout the city blocks surrounding the regal Capitol.

Old Sacramento museums offer glimpses into the city’s past, and a variety of events pay homage to historical moments, but also celebrate contemporary influences with parades, jazz festivals, concerts and even ballet.

You may not be so lucky as to have a friend show you around and share the oddball attractions such as Winko the musician, mom & pop diners, weekly art walks, and actual homes where people live. But even during visits when my friend isn’t around and I stay at the Hyatt Regency near the Capitol, I see acquaintances from my home town some 500 miles away! You never feel far from home in Sacramento and you seldom are. The bustling city with great airports and transportation makes visiting easy, and once you arrive, there’s something comforting about the destination that makes you feel like you’ve come home.