Veggie burgers, hiking and art classes: How to spend a great day in Auburn

The Abridged version:

• Dan Araujo found Auburn 10 years ago, and what began as a shot in the dark turned out to be where he would call home.
• There are many adventures to be had in Auburn. Biking, hiking and good food are plentiful in the Endurance Capital of the World.
• Wind down a long day of adventuring with a taste of this Gold Rush town’s robust arts scene.

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You can have a lovely day in any neighborhood or suburb across the Sacramento region, as we explore in this series. Want to tell us what a beautiful day in your neighborhood looks like? Email abridged@kvie.org with your recommendations.

I am often asked why I chose Auburn and the simple answer is, “it was love.”

Coming here as a transplant was lonely. I was in my mid-30s when I left the Bay Area and had temporarily relocated to Roseville for about a year. When my living situation changed again, I found myself searching for something slower, less metropolitan and in nature. 

Something about living out in the country had intrigued me since I was a kid. At heart, I am a lover of nature; of tall trees and forgotten paths that cut through enchanted forests and pristine blue rivers running wild under the yellow sun. And I have always loved the mountains. 

What made coming to Auburn truly special was meeting and falling in love with my partner and raising our beautiful children together here. It became more than just a place: It became my home. 

Like an old folk song, there was something new about this town I had never visited before I moved here, and something familiar and old about it as well. Something had called me; something that spoke to my heart in a language only it could understand. And I would find it’s a place where in a single day, one can have so many different adventures.

Morning

I am a morning person and I do consider myself a people person; however I am not a morning/people person (clear distinction), which makes the quietude of early mornings in Auburn as welcome as a steaming cup of coffee. 

I love a good cup of coffee and a good breakfast shake. And for my money, the best in town are at Flour Garden Bakery. Flour Garden has been an area fixture for decades, launching in Grass Valley in 1981 before expanding to Auburn. Its organic juice bar is pure quality with many savory concoctions (their Immune Booster is great when you’re feeling under the weather).

I get the Jumpstart Your Day, a tasty blend of pineapple, banana, coconut milk, protein powder and Greek yogurt. Apart from shakes, they have a variety of coffee, pastries and housemade soups. Flour Garden is also a great place to gather and has a wonderful staff. Day manager Amanda Shaw is always such a pleasant energy, and it’s what makes the cafe feel like home to a lot of locals. 

Walking a labyrinth is a meditative activity that can help get your day off to a clear start, and Auburn has one at the Armed Forces Pavillion and Community Garden. It’s a serene and quiet expanse for thoughtfulness and contemplation beneath sunlit trees and multicolored plots of flowers and veggies grown by locals. 

For a tasty full-on breakfast, I have a personal affection for Katrina’s Cafe. Their portion sizes are brimming with goodness — all the classic staples — and the price points have always been reasonable. I always go for their veggie omelet (without cheese). Alternatively, Edelweiss has two locations in Auburn — one of which is in Old Town — offering a hearty meal before kicking off your day. 

The best way to take in a morning of Auburn’s serene vistas is to get moving. And in a place known as the Endurance Capital of the World, there is no shortage of ways to get your body going. I like a morning trail walk, and my favorite is the American River Confluence near “No Hands” Bridge, a scenic jaunt people enjoy in a mixture of ways such as running, biking and even on horseback.

Nestled between ancient hills cut in twain by the cool blue waters of the river, this trail is flat and easy to walk with majestic views of intricate outcroppings and the textures of nature along with plenty of places to retreat by the shore.

Afternoon

After a morning of activity, Nectar Café on Lincoln Way is a great place to wind down and take in a bite before the midday push.

Started in 2013, this local vegetarian eatery is the perfect place for a casual, laid-back atmosphere and healthy, flavorful dishes when downtown.

With delightful dishes like their garden burger and combo taco plate — vegan chorizo, mushrooms and guacamole on corn tortillas served with beans and rice and drizzled in chipotle sauce — you cannot go wrong. 

My go-to is the American burger; the tangy Thousand Island sauce and pretzel bun hit just right. And since it’s on a Nectar patty (their original patty made from beans, seeds and quinoa), I’m able to enjoy it without compromising my diet. 

The wonderful thing about Auburn is its connectedness — an accurate description you could apply not only to Auburnites themselves but also to many activities in such close proximity. It is a quick walk to the School Park Preserve for a game of pickleball, or just to take in the park’s serene walking path surrounded by trees, a trickling creek and drifting cottonwood dancing in the air.

And after being inspired by such splendor, why not pop over to the Painted Poppy Watercolor Studio & Gallery or Auburn Clay Arts to create a little art? Both offer hands-on classes for creating wonderful lasting memories.

A wonderful place to also explore is Old Town, where you can check out boutiques and consignment stores like Ragged Glory Trading Co. or peruse Back Country Jewelry Rocks’ collection of rare materials and gemstones for gifts or a souvenir.

Not too far away is the storied Foresthill Bridge. At 730 feet tall, it has the distinction of being the tallest bridge in California. To look out from it is truly an exhilarating experience. The Clementine Trail Loop also runs beneath the bridge flanking the American River. Looking up at the bridge from this trail really gives you perspective and a keen sense of wonder as well as being a rewarding hike.

Evening

So now you’re at the tail end of the day and you’re wondering what to do next. Auburn has plenty of options for nighttime entertainment and the most obvious one would be The Club Car. The Club Car is a cozy bar/restaurant offering an eclectic variety of live music and open mic nights — I highly recommend it for a fun time and good food. 

It is also a great stop when you are on your way to catch a show at its nearby neighbor, the General Gomez Arts Center, a combination theater/concert venue and art gallery with enough stories and character to fill volumes. Auburn City Limits will present a live music series there this month, featuring a variety of musical styles across two shows that are sure to be an absolute blast.

Auburn is fluent in flavors and culinary arts, with many offerings from around the world. One of my family’s favorites is Royal Indian Cuisine. Their chicken tikka masala, vegetable samosas and aloo gobi in radiant amber sauces are absolutely delicious. 

Another fine place to visit downtown is The Hillmont. The atmosphere conjures images of being in a cantina in some European town complete with live music. It’s transporting and perfect for a nightcap. 

And should you crave Italian food, Tre Pazzi has you covered. This family-owned eatery began serving Auburn in 2010 and is the only choice whenever I need pasta. I love their ravioli — and their gnocchi fritti is an absolute dream. Housed in Auburn’s historic Kreuzberger Building, this brick-walled piece of history is a lovely way to wind down from your day adventuring. Imbibe a satisfying glass of pinot noir in their outdoor streetside seating and you can feel the heart of the city as it passes you.

Or finish off your day with a sweet treat: a cup of frozen yogurt from Tango while taking in the sunset will do you just right. 

In Auburn, there’s so much to do and never enough time to do it. However, the best adventures are the ones you’ll discover on your own. 

To wander well is a magic in and of itself. And believe me when I say: you’ve only seen a glimpse of what Auburn has to offer.