Sometimes mom and dad just need a night away, an extended date night... to play and unwind... A quick and refreshing getaway to Sacramento is easier and more affordable than most.

The perfect place to lay your head is the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Elk Grove. We were surprised at what an excellent property this is for a moderately priced inn. Spacious rooms with much appreciated peace and quiet and comfortable pillow topped beds, make this a wonderful option for a good night’s sleep. Lots of little extras, not usually found at chain hotels, make it a cut above. The indoor heated saltwater pool was clean and perfectly maintained as was the spa.

We loved the friendly and helpful front desk staff, complimentary fresh-baked cookies, and healthy options for breakfast like scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, and juices. It was a nice change from common sugar-laden pastries so many moderately priced hotels offer. Complimentary wireless Internet, a laundry facility, and proximity to shopping and dining make this a perfect overnight-er hub.

A lovely Elk Grove park is Del Meyer Park which uniquely offers strolling or cycling couples an uncommon glimpse at beautiful herons, egrets, turtles, and water fowl along a greenbelt and waterway, hidden amongst neighborhoods. It’s the perfect place for wildlife and outdoor lovers to escape the city.

Gunther’s Ice Cream is a must stop for a date out at a real old-fashioned piece of Sacramento creamery history where folks have enjoyed the best homemade ice cream since 1940.

If you want a taste of downtown city life in Sacramento and some great entertainment, take a walk, hand in hand, along K Street Mall near the capitol building and plan to catch a flick at the Esquire Imax Theater where you can have all your senses saturated with a big screen, stereo sound, and amazing 3D effects. Upstairs catch a behind the scenes glimpse of the enormous films and workings of this phenomenal theater. You’ll be captivated.

Just off of I-5 and Laguna Blvd. stop into Strikes Family Entertainment Center to enjoy some bowling at a truly state-of-the-art alley. Comfortable seating, a sparkling clean property, arcade, billiards, shuffleboard, and a bar & grill are all reasons to enjoy an afternoon or evening of good clean fun at this great stop.
Looking for some upscale shopping and dining? Then check out the Fountains at Roseville. Over a half dozen excellent restaurants offer something every couple can sink their teeth into. Tres Agaves and Mc Cormick & Schmicks are two excellent choices.

A romantic stroll through Land Park or the Mc Kinley Park Rose Gardens could provide the setting for a perfect ending to an overnight getaway in Sacramento.

Carmel L. Mooney is a travel columnist, author and radio talk show host. Learn more about her at her website, www.moneythewriteway.com.