@walkinghome If you think you might go to the fair, let me know and I can give you some of the highlights. It’s too big to cover the whole thing in one day.
I’m not an expert in that part of the world, but I second the recommendation about visiting Grass Valley and Nevada City, where I have attended a couple of weddings. (One is a little more charming than the other, but I can’t remember which. I think maybe Nevada City.) There are lovely hikes around there, too. You can also visit the infamous Donner Pass between there and Tahoe.
Rafting on the Truckee is mostly a float (until the end, but still not scary). They give you the raft, but no guide or anything. We usually have one or two paddling and the rest are relaxing.
@teriwtt The heat isn’t too bad in Tahoe although I know it’s all relative. Sacramento and the valley will be near or in triple digits in July.
^^ Maybe yes, maybe no. Often in the summer, it’s in the low 90s with a breeze coming off the Delta, which makes it bearable.
We will be there late June - I’ll take as many July-free days I can when it comes to heat.
June won’t necessarily help. : ( We’re having a heat wave right now; forecast today is 104. Triple digits are a possibilty from May to September inclusive.
But again, they’re the exception. Typical Sacramento summer weather is low to mid 90s, which is reasonably comfortable. The problem it’s hard to plan very far in advance.
Nevada City is more quaint than Grass Valley, Nevada City has a sweet little old main street to walk up, at the top right you will find Nevada City Truffles, yum. Grass Valley is a nice walk around, too. Empire Mine is nice, Malakoff Diggins is out of town, but cool to see. Of course a stop at Donner Pass and some Donner Party discussions can spice things up.
We used to know people who took the kids up toward Tahoe and floated the Truckee River, so can be pretty mellow.
I booked a hotel with a nice room in Sacramento in the historic section. I like the idea of walking out the door and being able to just walk around if we want to. Thanks for the suggestions on this thread and also from some PM’s!