What makes Sacramento special? These 21 stories highlight the area’s quirks and history

Sacramento’s historical development and vibrant community culture have generated notable landmarks and traditions. For instance, the enduring fascination with “Leap,” the big red rabbit at Sacramento International Airport’s Terminal B, exemplifies the city’s embrace of whimsical public art. Similarly, the city’s dedication to preserving its architectural heritage and fostering community coherence is evident in its mid-century modern homes.

Sacramento’s vibrant food scene is epitomized by beloved establishments like Club Pheasant, which etched a remarkable history before closing in 2022.

These elements reveal the capital city’s blend of heritage and contemporary life.

From our Bee Curious and Uniquely series, here are stories that highlight what makes the capital region special.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

No. 1: Step into this hidden Sacramento bakery where owner crafts 32,000 fortune cookies a day

Supplying customers and restaurants with crisp golden fortune cookies brings “happiness to everyone,” the owner said. | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hanh Truong

No. 2: These are Sacramento’s oldest restaurants and businesses still serving the capital city

One local lumber mill has been operating for more than 150 years. | Published February 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hanh Truong

No. 3: Changes are coming to Sacramento’s Pancake Circus. What to know about the beloved restaurant

The Sacramento diner has been delighting clown fans for more than 60 years. | Published February 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo

No. 4: Sacramento invented the bear claw pastry? The internet says so. Here’s what we know

Various online reports attribute the pastry’s origin to The German Bakery, once owned by John Ludwig Geibel at 915 K St. | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Benjy Egel

No. 5: Sacramento’s Old City Cemetery has graves dating back to the Gold Rush. Who’s buried there?

A reader asked Bee Curious: “Who are some of the notables in the Sacramento cemetery?” | Published April 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hanh Truong

No. 6: Hollywood Park? Poverty Ridge? Here’s how 6 Sacramento neighborhoods got their names

A reader asked The Bee about the origins of these well-known Sacramento spots. | Published April 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hanh Truong

No. 7: Sacramento opened its Land Park zoo during a truly roaring ’20s. What came next was wild

Here’s a look back in time at the Sacramento Zoo and its animals. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brianna Taylor

No. 8: Does Sacramento have a Little Italy? Where to find historic district — and how it started

“Italian roots run deep in the history of the city of Sacramento,” a City Council member said. | Published July 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo

No. 9: How old are houses in Sacramento? New report shows when most homes were built

Only about 10% of homes in the Sacramento area have been built since 2010, the study found. | Published January 16, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

No. 10: How did Tower Bridge in Sacramento get its name? Tower Theatre? Here’s a look back

Both capital city landmarks opened in the late 1930s. | Published June 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Camila Pedrosa

No. 11: Sacramento’s history is underfoot. Take note of these manhole covers that dot downtown

Made by Berry’s Foundry that operated in the mid-20th century, these ornate manhole covers are a point of pride and artistic inspiration. | Published July 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

No. 12: This is the most-missed restaurant in Sacramento, readers say. Here’s what made it great

“I loved all of their food,” one longtime customer said. | Published January 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jacqueline Pinedo

No. 13: Historic bathhouse in sleepy Sacramento Delta town for sale at $600K. Take a look inside

Eugene Phillips and Montserrat Wassam exquisitely restored the residence originally built in 1916. | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

No. 14: What’s the significance of mid-century modern architecture in Sacramento? We just found out

South Land Park Hills designated a historic district for its Eichler homes. | Published May 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

No. 15: Why is there a 10-story pyramid in West Sacramento? Here’s the story behind the Ziggurat

A Bee reader asked: “What is the pyramid-looking building in Sacramento near the golden Tower Bridge?” | Published July 19, 2024 | Read Full Story by Hanh Truong

No. 16: One of the oldest Chicano murals in the country resides in Sacramento. Here’s where

The mural’s significance stretches beyond Sacramento. | Published September 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mathew Miranda

No. 17: One of Sacramento’s most spectacular vintage theaters is for sale. Here’s how much

The property hosts a surprising number of other businesses, including restaurants | Published June 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Caraccio

No. 18: The Chinese Heritage Museum in Folsom took a new direction after the pandemic. Where is it now?

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress and compelled the society to pursue a new direction for the museum, Folsom History’s executive director said. | Published August 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Esther Sun

No. 19: This Sacramento home narrows to just 8 feet. How did the architectural oddity come to be?

A previous owner bought the house for what he calls the “bargain of the century.” Even with its tiny kitchen, he could still throw quite the party. | Published September 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jessica Ma

No. 20: This old Sacramento tiny house survived redevelopment. Was it luck or love?

“There’s a deep amount of love and care put into the house that I’d say is reflected deeply in who they are as people.” | Published August 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

No. 21: Why is there a big red rabbit at Sacramento airport? Here’s the story behind ‘Leap’

“It’s fun. It’s whimsical. It’s a little goofy,” one local art expert said. | Published May 4, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Linn

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.