Best of the Burbs: Best old-school charm

Maybe it’s not fair but when we think “suburbs” we often think big box store and everything cookie cutter.

The stretch of streets and businesses that make up Old Town Elk Grove handily smash such preconceptions with vintage charm and old-fashioned appeal.

We headed out on a recent Saturday, zipping down Highway 99 until we reached the Elk Grove Boulevard exit. A left over the freeway, a mile or two down and suddenly we were transported to a place that evoked one of our favorite fictional places on earth: Stars Hollow (of Gilmore Girls fame, of course).

While we (sadly) didn’t cross paths with that town’s wandering troubadours, we did find several perfect ways to spend a lovely, lazy afternoon.

Elk Grove officially became a city in 2000 but its history dates back to the mid 19th-century. The Elk Grove Stage Stop was constructed in 1850 and the Western Division of the Central Pacific Railroad was built through the town in 1868.

Today the area retains much of its historical beauty and a community feel—it’s the kind of place that hosts an annual springtime chili festival and a winter Dickens’ Street Fair.

There are also antique shops galore. Because nothing says history like well-preserved tchochkes.

Not being sarcastic about this. At. All. Browsing ages-old stuff is good for the soul so in that spirit, be sure to take care of yours by checking out Red Door Vintage (9056 Elk Grove Boulevard, (916) 714-0619). In addition to a ton of old and repurposed furniture, this shop also has an impressive collection of glassware and barware—perfect for that retro-themed summer party. Other resale shops in the area include Secondhand Rose (9052 Elk Grove Boulevard, (916) 896-5670) and From the Homestead (9082 Elk Grove Boulevard, (916) 686-7434).

Music fans should drop by the area’s Dimple Records branch (9692 Elk Grove Florin Road, (916) 686-8300) and, after, head across the street to the Old Town Pizza & Tap House (9677 Elk Grove Florin Road, (916) 686-6655).

The place boasts a throwback vibe—big comfy booths and more wood paneling than your grandmother’s family room—and serves up tasty thin-crust pizzas with names such as “The Angry Swine” (it sports a spicy garlic sauce, pepperoni, bacon and jalapeños) and the “Chuck Norris” (with ham, pepperoni, bacon, sausage, linguica and meatballs). Or, go for a custom option. More importantly, there’s a lot of beer on tap from both national and regional breweries.

Order a few and relax, small-town style—that troubadour may wander by yet. Find out more at www.oldtownelkgrovefoundation.org.