California Grape & Gourmet on Thursday should draw maybe 5,000 people to Sacramento's downtown, and that got festival organizers thinking.

Hey, they sort of said – this is not, technically, a direct quote – if you're coming from out of the area, or even from just out of the central city, why not make a weekend of it?

May I say, "huzzah," and that is a quote if "huzzah" is indeed a shout of support. If not, then let me say, by all means, spend a weekend in the area.

It's a mark of how much Sacramento has evolved in the past decade or so that it's become a legit destination town with cool places to eat, drink, visit, play and, of course, taste wine. Grape & Gourmet is, after all, about the food and the wine tasting.

To help out, we've got some suggestions from Bee writers and critics for places to go, things to do, spots to eat, drink and play that, more or less, paint a picture of what's here. There are too many choices to be doing "best of" lists, so what we're giving you is a bunch of ideas that represent the area's style.

We've included a healthy dose of central city suggestions, for folks coming to the festival from maybe the foothills or even Elk Grove who want an urbane weekend. For visitors from out of the region, we included spots within an hour's drive of the Sacramento Convention Center, where Grape & Gourmet is being held.

A reminder, too, that beyond our lists, this is Sacramento Wine & Dine Week, running until July 12, with more than 40 restaurants offering specially priced three- and four- course meals with regional cuisine, and each course is paired with medal-winning wines.

Lots of the restaurants are in the central city, but there are also eateries throughout the region. For the full list, with menus, wines and prices, go to www.sacramentowineanddine.com or call the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau at (916) 808-7777.

And now, if you're going to stay and play, here's a little help. Click on each icon for more info about each point of interest.

BREAKFAST IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL

33rd Street Bistro

Breakfast served 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., 3301 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento; (916) 455-2233. www.33rdstreetbistro.com.

What's in it for you: You get some upscale shine, some midtown funk (though, technically, it's in east Sac), a room that's just sleek enough without losing a comfy feel, and a patio for a warm summer morning. Plus the food's good, and there's a bar, you know, just in case.

Crepeville

Breakfast served 7 a.m. to as late as they're open. 1730 L St., Sacramento; (916) 444-1100.

What's in it for you: Breakfast all day and not just crepes. This airy, urban corner feels both sophisticated and comfortably Sacramento. Loads of food choices, loads of people to watch.

Bella Bru

Breakfast served 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., 5038 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael; (916) 485-2883, www.bellabrucafe.com.

What's in it for you: It's close to one of the busiest access points on the American River Parkway, so it's a hugely popular spot for cyclists, runners and dog walkers re-caffeinating and putting back a few grams of glycogen and protein. (That means you don't really need to change after a ride or a run, though it's never a bad idea to towel off.) Lots of good food choices, the muffins are big and the mochas are oh, so chocolatey.

Fox & Goose

Breakfast served 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1001 R St., Sacramento; (916) 443-8825, www.foxandgoose.com.

What's in it for you: If there's one place that screams Sacramento breakfast, this cheery British pub is it. Weekdays it's power breakfasts, weekends it's just hanging out. Me, I'm addicted to the smoked salmon, onion and cream cheese omelet (the salmon is warm but not overcooked, so you still get the smoked).

Lake Forest Cafe

Breakfast served 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), 14409 Folsom Blvd., Folsom; (916) 985-6780, www.lakeforestcafe.com.

What's in it for you: A charming Victorian that feels like it's miles out in the country – which it was when it became a regional classic 25 years ago. Major league choices on the menu, oodles of homeyness and some really good potatoes.