Did you know that streets, sidewalks and buildings in Old Sacramento were raised in the mid 1800s? Why? The area was prone to severe flooding. (And you thought we worried these days about flooding.) One of the coolest ways to learn a little bit about this unique part of Sacramento history is opening to the public this weekend with the much-anticipated commencement of Old Sacramento Underground tours. Media got a sneak peek last week of the hour-long tour, which takes you through the streets of Old Sac and underground into historic buildings, including the Adams Express and B.F. Hastings buildings. Hard hats and keepsake flashlights are provided, and sturdy shoes are recommended to navigate some uneven surfaces. Though there are some low ceilings and small spaces, claustrophobics shouldn’t have a problem (so I hope my brother is reading this!); tour groups are capped at 20. One warning: Don’t touch the old buildings, like I did. You’ll be chastised, because the oils on your hand are not good for the buildings. I guess although the walls have lasted some 150 years, my Bath & Body Works-lotioned paw could bring it to a tumble. Who knew? The tours run Thursdays–Saturdays through Halloween. Check-in is at the Sacramento History Museum. Purchase tickets—$15 for adults; $10 for children ages 6–17—by logging on to historicoldsac.org.
