Archives for April 2025

Spring is the perfect time to hit the road and explore the beauty of Northern California. Whether you’re looking for coastal breezes, rolling vineyards, or charming countryside escapes, here are three fantastic day trips or weekend getaways to soak up the season:

Bodega Bay – Coastal Views & Fresh Seafood

Just over two hours west of Sacramento, Bodega Bay offers breathtaking ocean views, fresh seafood, and scenic hikes. Take a walk along Doran Beach, explore the stunning cliffs at Bodega Head, or enjoy a bowl of clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Co. If you’re a Hitchcock fan, don’t miss The Birds Café—named after the classic film that was shot in the area!

Amador Wine Country – Rolling Vineyards & Hidden Gems

Less than an hour’s drive from Sacramento, Amador Wine Country is home to some of California’s best Zinfandels and charming, family-owned wineries. Spend the day wine tasting in Plymouth, grab lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant, and take in the peaceful countryside. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit, with lush green hills and blooming wildflowers surrounding the vineyards.

Apple Hill in Spring – A Peaceful Countryside Escape

Apple Hill isn’t just for fall! In the spring, this beloved region is less crowded but just as charming. Stroll through scenic orchards, grab a freshly baked pie from High Hill Ranch, and sip local wines or ciders at Boeger Winery or Jack Russell Brewery. The warmer weather also makes it a great time for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the local farms and bakeries.

Bonus Idea: Wildflower Viewing in the Sierra Foothills

If you’re up for a little adventure, take a drive toward Bear Valley, Folsom Lake, or Table Mountain near Oroville to catch California’s wildflower super blooms. Bring your camera—the rolling hills bursting with color are a must-see!

Which spring getaway is calling your name? Drop your favorite springtime road trip destinations in the comments!

Spring is a season of fresh starts, making it the perfect time to sell your home. With warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days, buyers are actively looking for their next home. To make sure your home stands out, a little spring cleaning and preparation can go a long way. Whether you’re listing soon or simply refreshing your space, these key steps will help get your home market-ready.

Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. A well-maintained yard and entryway can instantly boost appeal.

• Refresh garden beds with new mulch and seasonal flowers like tulips or daffodils.
• Trim hedges and trees to create a clean, polished look.
• Power wash the driveway, walkway, and siding for a fresh appearance.
• Repaint the front door or add a stylish new welcome mat to make the entrance more inviting.

Declutter and Deep Clean

Buyers want to envision themselves in a home, and that’s much easier when the space feels clean and open. A thorough deep clean and decluttering session can make a significant impact.

• Remove unnecessary items from countertops, shelves, and storage spaces to create a sense of openness.
• Organize closets, pantries, and garages—buyers will look inside.
• Clean windows, baseboards, and high-touch surfaces to ensure every space looks fresh and well-maintained.
• Consider a professional carpet cleaning to remove lingering winter dust and odors.

Maximize Natural Light

Bright, airy homes tend to feel more inviting, which can make a lasting impression on buyers.

• Replace heavy winter drapes with light, sheer curtains to let in more sunlight.
• Clean windows inside and out to remove dust and streaks.
• Use mirrors strategically to reflect natural light and make rooms feel larger.
• Swap dark, heavy decor for neutral or pastel tones to create a fresh, seasonal look.

Tackle Small Repairs

Minor fixes may not seem like a big deal, but buyers notice the details. Addressing small repairs before listing can help prevent red flags during showings.

• Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and loose cabinet handles.
• Touch up chipped paint and scuff marks on walls and baseboards.
• Ensure all lights, fans, and appliances are in working order.
• Consider updating outdated hardware in kitchens and bathrooms for a modern touch.

Thinking About Selling?

Spring is one of the best times to list a home, and with the right preparation, your property can shine in the market. If you’re considering selling this season, I’d love to help you navigate the process and get top dollar for your home.

Let’s talk about your home’s value and the best strategies to sell this spring.

Easter Events & Activities:
Select Days: River Fox Train Easter Egg Express
Select Days: Sacramento Easter River Cruise
April 6: Easter Egg Hunt at Wolfe Heights
April 6: Spring Festival at Southgate Plaza
April 12: Eggs Galore & More + Bunny Breakfast
April 12: Arden Manor’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 12: Hoppin’ & Huntin’ at Hagan
April 12: E2 Easter Egg Hunt in Elk Grove
April 12: Spring Soiree Craft Market in Roseville
April 12: Easter Egg Hunt in Rocklin
April 13: Spring Arts & Crafts Fair in Old Folsom
April 19: Underwater Egg Hunt
April 19: Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Fair Oaks Park
April 19: El Dorado Hills Easter Egg Hunt
April 19: Arden Park Easter Eggstravaganza
April 19: Old Sugar Mill Easter Egg Hunt
April 19: Easter Blast at Swanston Community Center
April 19: Easter in the Park – Downtown Sacramento
April 19: Always Hope Easter Run 5k/10k/13.1
April 19: Spring Hop & Egg Hunt by Fountains at Roseville
April 19-20: Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Fairytale Town
April 20: Hack the Farm 2025 Steam Infused Easter Egg Hunt

Spring Sports Schedule:
A’s Schedule
River Cats Schedule
Sac Republic Schedule

 

Other April Happenings:

Spring Fling Cocktails:

• Lemon & Lavender Spritz: A refreshing, floral-infused cocktail that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
• Peach Bellini: Sweet, fizzy, and perfect for toasting to spring!
• Cottontail Martini: Made with vanilla vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and a dash of heavy cream, it’s a creamy, indulgent treat that’ll make your brunch extra decadent.
• Easter Egg Fizz:  This effervescent cocktail combines gin, simple syrup, one fresh egg yolk, and lemon juice, topped with a splash of club soda. Garnish with pastel-colored edible flowers.
• Carrot Cake Martini: This indulgent cocktail features carrot juice, vanilla vodka, butterscotch schnapps, and a splash of cream liquor. Rim the glass with crushed nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Easter Sunrise Margarita: Bring the colors of a sunrise to your party! Layer tequila, grapefruit and tangerine juice, triple sec, and orange blossom water for a visually striking cocktail.
• Easter Brunch Punch (Mocktail): This vibrant, non-alcoholic punch is a perfect addition to your brunch. Packed with citrus and berry flavors, it’s light, refreshing, and delicious!

Mouthwatering Mains & Sides:

• Spring Vegetable Frittata: Packed with fresh greens and herbs, this dish is light yet satisfying.
• Smoked Salmon Crostini: A simple yet sophisticated bite for brunching in style.
• Deviled Egg Chicks: Classic deviled eggs with a fun Easter twist!
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon & Parmesan: Because no spring spread is complete without asparagus!
• Skillet Roasted Carrots: These skillet-roasted carrots are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Spring Salad with Berries & Bacon: This bright salad is perfect to offer as a lighter option alongside your heavier side dishes. The bite of the red wine vinegar and feta cheese cuts through all the richness.
• Hash Brown Nests: With crispy hashbrowns, cheesy eggs, and crumbled bacon, what’s not to love?
• Lemon Orzo Pasta: This Lemon Orzo Salad is made with fresh tomatoes, zucchini and basil, and the lemons make it light and refreshing.
• Easter Charcuterie Board: A festive and fun way to serve up a variety of Easter goodies, from cheeses to fresh fruits, and even some sweet treats.

Sweet Treats to Impress:

• Carrot Cake Cupcakes: Mini but mighty, these spiced cakes with cream cheese frosting are always a hit.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf: Bright, citrusy, and the perfect companion to your morning coffee.
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes: A bite-sized indulgence that feels light and springy.
• Peanut Butter Easter Eggs: A sweet, creamy treat with a peanut butter filling covered in chocolate.
• Bunny Bark: A fun and colorful dessert made with chocolate, sprinkles, and candy for a playful Easter snack.
• Birds Nest Cookies: Adorable and delicious, these treats are filled with chocolate and topped with candy eggs to resemble little nests.
• Cinnamon Roll Bunnies: Soft, sweet cinnamon rolls shaped like bunnies.
• Easter Egg Sugar Cookies: Festively decorated sugar cookies in the shape of colorful Easter eggs.
• Bunny Oreo Balls: A fun and easy-to-make treat that combines Oreos and cream cheese, shaped like bunnies for an adorable addition to your Easter dessert table.
• Easter Rice Krispie Treats: Classic Rice Krispie treats with a spring twist, made festive with pastel-colored marshmallows and candy.

Carrot Floral Centerpiece:
This gorgeous carrot centerpiece is a fun and fresh way to bring a pop of color and charm to your Easter table. Perfect for showcasing the season’s vibrant hues!

Mix & Match Pastels:
Soft pinks, blues, and yellows add a fresh and cheerful vibe. Pair pastel plates with neutral linens for a balanced look. Anthropologie offers a gorgeous selection of pastel-hued dinnerware, perfect for the season. Hobby Lobby also has a range of affordable spring dinnerware sets.

Egg-stra Special Touches:
Scatter gold foiled or speckled eggs across the table, use bunny-shaped place card holders, or tuck a mini chocolate egg into each bunny-shaped napkin fold.

Warm Glow:
Place a few taper candles or tea light candles in delicate holders to add a soft, inviting ambiance. For a unique touch, these velvet mushrooms can serve as whimsical candle companions.

Easter Brunch-Ready:
Don’t forget to set out a mimosa station or a DIY hot cross bun platter to keep the celebration going! Serve them on cabbageware-inspired plates to embrace the latest tablescaping trend.

Best Easter Brunch Spots:
Looking for the perfect place to brunch? These local favorites serve up delicious Easter Brunch Menus. Just be sure to make reservations in advance, as these venues tend to fill up quickly during the Easter season!

• Paragary’s Easter Brunch: Celebrate Easter at Paragary’s in Midtown Sacramento with a prix-fixe menu featuring dishes like smoked salmon, Dungeness crab cakes, and beet ravioli, all set in a lush garden patio. Available from 9 am to 3 pm. View their Easter Brunch Menu here.
• Grand Island Mansion:
Just 30 minutes outside Sacramento, enjoy a Champagne Brunch on April 20th from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at this historic mansion. The buffet includes gourmet dishes like Shiitake Mushroom Crepes and Italian Toast with Toasted Almonds. Preview their full Easter Menu here.
• Capitol Garage: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Capitol Garage offers an Easter brunch from 9 am to 3 pm with a variety of dishes from its weekend brunch menu along with $18 bottomless mimosas with the purchase of an entrée.
• The Firehouse Restaurant:
Nestled in Old Sacramento, The Firehouse offers a three-course Easter brunch from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on April 20th, with dishes like Classic Eggs Benedict and Pistachio-Raspberry Cheesecake. Explore their Easter Menu here.

Farmers’ Market Finds:
Whether you’re preparing for your Easter brunch or looking to brighten up your table with seasonal blooms, Sacramento’s farmers’ markets offer a variety of local delights. Check out these local markets for everything you need for your Easter prep: Sacramento Farmers’ Markets.

Easter Treats & Gifts:
Need a beautifully curated Easter basket? These local shops offer the best chocolates, baked goods, and festive goodies:

• Ginger Elizabeth Chocolates: Handcrafted chocolates, including decorated bunnies and truffles, perfect for Easter gifts or indulging yourself.
• Capital Confections: Gourmet chocolates, including hand-dipped eggs and seasonal treats, perfect for Easter baskets.
• Estelle’s Patisserie: Elegant Easter macarons, cakes, and pastries that add a special touch to your celebration.