(Slide show has 7 images)

We've had a couple hot 100+ degree Greater Sacramento days.  And to quote a line from the Danny De Vito movie, "Throw Mamma From The Train", the evenings have been warm and sultry.  While sitting out on the back lawn last night, watching the moon get fuller, I remembered a tale I heard recently, about Historic Sutter Street, in Old Town Folsom. 

Earlier this month, I began hearing rumors about Legendary Folsom Tunnels, which were rediscovered and are to be preserved.  The tales surrounding the tunnels which are not simple cave structures, but are actual arched tunnels with rock and brick work, are plentiful - running the gamut from use for running alcohol during prohibition and prostitution.

The public may not ever be able to really tour these areas of Historic Old Folsom.  But, I decided to drive the 7 miles up highway 50 to see how the revitalization of Old Sutter Street was coming, and see if I could determine where those old tunnels may be.

I have blogged about Old Town Folsom, with pictures in the past. The middle of Sutter Street was populated with vintage trees and granite columns.  The trees are said to have only been about 40 years old, and weren't really thriving in their present environment due to the shallow bed they were planted in.  But, the granite columns had been there from early beginnings in Folsom's 1800s history, and can be easily seen in vintage photographs of the area.

About 4 years ago, Folsom began a goal to preserve the historic district's cherished character and ambiance, while improving access for people with disabilities.  They also wished to improve fire protection, while also repairing an aging water and sewer infrastructure.  They also hoped to attract new business through beautification.   A few months ago, they migrated from the planning stage into implementation and actual construction.
 
The photos in the slide show above, are the what's happenin' now on Sutter Street.  The project is a tad behind, and not expected to be completed, until sometime in November. 

I suspect business owners are anxious! 

Now here's the good news - Old Town Folsom has tons of free parking.  And it is convenient.  The sidewalks of Old Town are still accessible, and some of the best food in the area is on Sutter Street, with parking at the back door.

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in all of Sacramento County is Hacienda Del Rio.  They are open for Lunch and Dinner.  And there are wonderful views of Lake Natoma from their decks.

Also, Yager's Pub, has excellent food and is a great place to unwind, spend time with friends, and has 23 beers on tap.

Snook's Ice Cream and Candies is across the street from Yager's Pub, and down a block from the Hacienda Del Rio.

These are just a few of the cafes, restaurants, shops, and businesses along the 4 block stretch of Sutter Street, that makes up the heart of Old Folsom.

If you are interested in What Sutter Street looked like before the renovation began, you can access my older blog titled, "Folsom's Gold Rush Era Old Town to Have Face Lift."