Sacramento Executive: Happy Holiday Hints

Out of town guests? Consider these venues:
1. The Downtown Ice Rink Show off your spins and spinouts!
Insider Tip: they only take cash
2. Imax Theater viewing of Polar Express 3D - yes, you get those way cool glasses. Roger Ebert loves it. Rink and Movie discount combo ticket available.

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3. Old Town Sacramento. With more than 53 historic buildings in its 28 acres, it's a treat year round, but at this time of year there are also living history strolling carolers and a gingerbread house contest held at the Old Schoolhouse (through 12/23). Consider a ride on the Santa Train for the youngsters along with a visit to the Railroad Museum, a world class museum for young and old alike.
4. Leland Stanford Mansion. New this year, and beautifully decorated with Victorian inspired ornaments. This mansion serves as the official reception center for the State of California. Tour guides tell the fascinating history which includes an orphanage and a home for girls.
5. The Governor's Mansion - which actually hasn't been the mansion for any Governor since Nancy Reagan declared it a firetrap and moved her family to better quarters in East Sacramento. If you want to hear about the mansion and its fascinating history, listen to a very interesting video narrated by Maria Shriver. Scroll downto #29 and chose your bandwidth.
6. Another treat since last year - the opening of the magnificently renovated Cathedral of the Blessed Sacramento. You can even watch a slide show prior to your visit to ensure you don't miss anything.
7. Insider Tip. If you are picking up a visitor from the downtown Amtrak Station, remember that construction of the extension of the light rail to Amtrak has gobbled most of the too few parking spaces. Leave plenty of time to avoid the hassle.
8. And speaking of saving time and hassle, consider avoiding it by riding the Light Rail downtown from either South Sacramento or the new line from Folsom.
9 and 10. And the personal favorites in our house, and many others The Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Zoo during December and receive a free child's admission. Fairytale Town will hold its Winter Wonderland on December 17th with an opportunity to get your picture taken with Santa. And both locations will offer free admission on Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day. Check both websites for times.