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Fair Oaks is a community of about 32,000 people in Sacramento County, California, perched on bluffs above the American River about 15 miles northeast of downtown Sacramento. It was founded in 1895 as a colony promoted to settlers from Chicago, who planted citrus, olives and almonds on its rolling oak-studded land.
The historic Fair Oaks Village is the community's heart, with a small cluster of restaurants, pubs and shops around the leafy Plaza Park and Village Park. The village is famous for its free-roaming chickens, which wander the streets and have become a local mascot. In summer the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre in Village Park hosts outdoor musicals by the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival.
The American River defines the landscape. The 1909 Fair Oaks Bridge, now open only to walkers and cyclists, crosses the river to the American River Parkway trail, and Sailor Bar is a popular spot for fishing and riverside walks. In spring the Phoenix Park vernal pools bloom with wildflowers. Folsom, Old Sacramento and the Sierra foothills are all within easy reach.
The small historic center of Fair Oaks, with restaurants, a brewpub, coffee shops, boutiques and antique stores in old buildings along Fair Oaks Boulevard and Bridge Street. Roaming chickens and roosters are part of the charm, so drive slowly. It is a pleasant place for lunch after a river walk.
A steel truss bridge built in 1909 across the American River, now closed to cars and used by walkers, runners and cyclists. It links Fair Oaks Village to the American River Parkway trail on the south bank and offers lovely river views, especially at sunset. Park in the village and walk down.
A shaded little park in the middle of Fair Oaks Village where the community's famous free-roaming chickens often gather under the trees. It has benches, lawns and shade trees, and is the easiest place to see the birds. Children love it; please do not feed or chase the chickens.
A green park beside the village with oak trees, lawns, a playground, picnic areas and the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre, which hosts summer theater, concerts and community events. It is run by the local recreation and park district and is a nice spot for a picnic before a show.
A long-running community theater company that stages outdoor musicals under the stars each summer at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre in Fair Oaks Village Park. Bring a cushion or blanket and a picnic dinner, arrive early for good seats, and dress in layers as the evenings cool.
A popular access area of the American River Parkway in Fair Oaks, with gravel bars, river trails and equestrian paths. It is well known among anglers for salmon and steelhead runs and is a peaceful place to watch the river. A county day-use parking fee applies; watch for strong, cold currents.
A protected area of vernal pools, seasonal wetlands that fill with winter rain and bloom with rings of wildflowers in spring. A short loop trail lets visitors see the pools and their special plants and insects. Visit from February to April for the best displays, and stay on the paths.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: J.smith, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DevinEleven, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0