Best of the Burbs: Eat, eat some more, drink and be merry

It’s not just strip malls, fast-food chains and auto dealers on the major thoroughfares connecting these Sacramento suburbs. There’s also easy access to the American River, cute shops and hidden culinary gems. Wear good shoes—you won’t just be driving around all day.

9 a.m. Jewish nirvana

Bagel with lox, omelet with pastrami or sweet cheese blintzes? Decisions are rough at Bubbie’s Love Deli & Catering (7800 Sunrise Boulevard, Suite 11; (916) 722-7800), which serves quite possibly the best breakfast in Citrus Heights. The sassy owner Stacie Shoob-Allen—her recipes are passed down from her Jewish grandma, Bubbie—will probably be taking care of you. That’s a good thing. Grab a loaf of chocolate babka for the road—they’re shipped from Greens Bakery in New York, and if you’ve never had babka, you haven’t lived.

10:30 a.m. Deer spotting

Make the drive to Carmichael and take advantage of one of its finest resources: Ancil Hoffman Park (6341 Tarshes Drive). The sweeping, 396-acre patch of green boasts lots of trails as well as the Effie Yeaw Nature Center, where you can get your fill of environmental education. Hang out with some cool birds, stroll along the American River and wonder why you don’t drive out to Carmichael more often.

12:30 p.m. Feast

For lunch, check out Taj Bar & Grill (6400 Fair Oaks Boulevard in Carmichael, (916) 971-0115). It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step in and find a modern and spacious dining room with high ceilings and wooden beams. The family-owned restaurant has been open for just over one year, and its lunch buffet is one of the best in town. For $8.99 plus tax, try all the curries and naan your belly can handle—and vegetarians are guaranteed multiple entree options.

1:45 p.m. Orange sweets

It’s probably hot, and you’re sweaty. Cool off with Carmichael’s favorite brightly-colored frozen dessert at the Original Hagen’s Orange Freeze (2520 Walnut Avenue, (916) 489-7842). You can squeeze three flavors into a medium cup, and no, you don’t have to order orange.

2:30 p.m. Be charmed

Drive to Fair Oaks and park somewhere near Village Park (4238 Main Street). Note all the chickens hanging out and resist the urge to chase them. Relax under a shady tree, then explore the quirky shops in Old Fair Oaks Village, where “Shop Local” signs are posted everywhere. Don’t miss the Feathered Nest (10207 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 534-7019), which is chock-full of unique antiques and art; and Village Treasures (10144 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 436-4462), which boasts lovely jewelry, soaps, lotions, vinegars, nuts, mustards and other perfectly giftable items. Stop into the historic Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli (10223 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 966-2130) for an old-school Java City brew.

6:00 p.m. Hippie dinner

No trip to Fair Oaks would be complete without a stop at Sunflower Drive In (10344 Fair Oaks Boulevard, (916) 967-4331). And why wouldn’t you want a famous nutburger at this sunny, all-vegetarian institution? The best people-watching around, since 1978.

7:30 p.m. Bottoms up

You’ve had a long day. Walk over to Fair Oaks Brew Pub (7988 California Avenue, (916) 241-3108) for some housemade beer or a glass of local wine. Once you see the flower-studded patio, you’ll want to stay put all night.