How to Spend a Day in Woodland

Less than a half-hour from downtown Sacramento, Woodland is a quaint historic town surrounded by lush farmland and pastoral scenery. It’s agricultural heritage makes it a go-to spot for farm-to-table cuisine, locally produced wine and gourmet food items such as olive oil and honey.

Speaking of honey, Woodland has been named an official “Bee City” for its efforts to support pollinators by planting bee-friendly plants in urban areas. It’s also host to the California Honey Festival, an annual event celebrating the humble honey bee.

Locals have worked tirelessly to preserve Woodland’s historic heritage, and revitalization of the downtown area has made it a destination in its own right. Woodland’s Main Street is lined with charming buildings, many of which were built between 1860 and 1940. It is here where residents and visitors alike gather for community events, to grab a meal, or simply admire the charming architecture.

Whether you’re a visitor or a new resident to this charming town, following are a few ideas on how to spend a day in Woodland.

Step Back in Time

Photo courtesy the Woodland Opera House

Woodland is proud of its heritage, and you can learn about its past at several popular museums. The California Agriculture Museum features an entire collection of antique tractors and a blacksmith shop. The Woodland Opera House, a registered historic landmark and state park, was built in the 19^th century and still operates to this day, featuring Broadway-style musical productions and youth theater. The Gibson House, built in 1857, is a historic home with period furnishings and agricultural tools, not to mention lovely gardens. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown area, viewing notable buildings and Victorian homes along the way.

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Go Shopping

Photo courtesy Kulture

Woodland has no shortage of shops so you can engage in a bit of retail therapy! Historic Main Street has several charming boutiques, including The Nest, which sells antiques and locally-made handicrafts and Haven Boutique, known for its women’s clothing and accessories. Kulture is a vibrant shop specializing in handcrafted ceramics and gifts with a Latin flair. If you’re into thrifting, you’ll hit the jackpot in Woodland, as it has plenty of second-hand and consignment shops featuring everything from clothing to furniture to books.

Taste Wine (or Beer!)

Photo courtesy Matchbook Wine Company

Wine lovers rejoice! Woodland is the epicenter for wine growing in the region, and several great wineries are located just a few minutes from downtown. Some to try are Matchbook Wine Company, which has a large outdoor patio overlooking the vineyards and Grindstone Wines, which has a quaint tasting room and patio. If beer is more your thing, check out Blue Note Brewing Company, which serves everything from Kolsch to Stout in their downtown location. Also in Woodland is The Hive, an inviting spot to taste Mead, a fermented honey-based beverage. You can also taste different honey varietals and learn all about its production.

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Have a Bite to Eat

Photo courtesy Savory Cafe

Woodland has no shortage of great restaurants, many of which are situated along the town’s lively Main Street. Being that Woodland is surrounded by farmland, it’s no surprise many of these restaurants offer seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine. Following are some of our favorites:

1. Savory Café is a breakfast and lunch spot that serves hearty fare with a menu that rotates with the season. Breakfasts include classics like eggs Benedict and biscuits and gravy, while lunch offerings include salads, sandwiches and pasta.
2. House of Shah Afghan Urban Eats is a vibrant and modern eatery serving traditional Afghani dishes, such as halal kabobs, stews and various rice dishes. The menu features recipes passed down through generations.
3. Morgan’s on Main is a popular New American eatery that celebrates the bounty of Woodland’s rich agricultural history and culinary heritage. The menu features tri-tip, burgers, and prime rib.
4. Las Brasas Tacos & Salsas serves some of the best tacos in town, stuffed with steak, chicken, pork, fish and shrimp — just to name a few. They also have burritos, quesadillas, tortas, floutas and mulitas.
5. Maria’s Cantina is an excellent Mexican restaurant bringing regional Latin recipes that blend Old World traditions with new world flavors. Enjoy tacos, chips and guacamole, fajitas, burritos, tostadas and other specialties inside or outside on the shaded patio.
6. Father Paddy’s is housed in a historic bank building and offers an authentic Irish bar experience. Classic pub fare includes shepherd’s pie, Irish stew and bangers and mash as well as American staples like burgers.
7. Kitchen428 is a popular farm-to-fork restaurant tucked in a historic building just off Main Street. The seasonal, locally sourced menu offers dishes like steak, salmon, burgers, sandwiches and salads, plus fancy craft cocktails.

Make Yourself at Home

After spending a day in Woodland, you may be considering making it your permanent home. Luckily, Woodland has a variety of home types to suit any buyer, from single-family homes in friendly neighborhoods to larger estates with acreage. Search homes for sale in Woodland and find your perfect home today!