Explore evolving attractions & businesses of Sacramento, CA

Several articles showcase how the city transforms its unique attractions and businesses.

Old theater remnants like the Sequoia Theater have morphed into affordable housing. Their disappearance helped ignite a preservation movement. In contrast, Enchambered, an escape room, receives high praise as one of the nation's best, blending fun with innovative problem-solving. Chef Billy Ngo's Chu Mai restaurant honors familial ties and cultural heritage with its high-end Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in downtown Sacramento. Additionally, a historic bank undergoes a transformation into the city's first 5-star hotel, preserving vintage elements while embracing modern luxury.

Escape room game banner, old gold vintage key with pocket watch By Wavetop

NO. 1: SACRAMENTO ESCAPE ROOM IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION, USA TODAY SAYS. WHAT’S IN STORE?

The escape room opened its doors in 2016. | Published October 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Marcus D. Smith

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Developer Roger Hume stands in the vault of the Capital National Bank Building, which he is converting into a five-star hotel, on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 2: HISTORIC BANK IS UNDERGOING A TRANSFORMATION INTO SACRAMENTO’S 1ST 5-STAR HOTEL

“You look at these buildings and there’s so many of them you just couldn’t recreate today,” the developer said. | Published June 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

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Martin Anaya talks a selfie with Anastasia Kryukova outside a special screening of the film ”Sacramento” at the Tower Theatre on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, days before it officially opened. Writer-director-star Michael Angarano attended a post-screening Q&A with co-writer Chris Smith. By PAUL KITAGAKI JR.

NO. 3: WHICH LANDMARKS IN NEW FILM ‘SACRAMENTO’ WERE — AND WERE NOT — FILMED IN TOWN?

See which of the landmarks depicted in new comedy film “Sacramento” were actually filmed in Sacramento. | Published April 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Marcus D. Smith

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Save the Alhambra boosters with a “battle flag” that says “Don’t tread on me” wave from atop the old theater building in January 1973, before the East Sacramento structure’s demolition. By OWEN BREWER

NO. 4: DOZENS OF 20TH CENTURY MOVIE THEATERS DISAPPEARED FROM SACRAMENTO. WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM?

In 1973, a decades-old cinema was demolished in favor of a Safeway grocery store. | Published November 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Graham Womack

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Rows of grapefruit, orange and clementine trees stand at Blue Heron Farm in Capay Valley on Friday, March 7, 2025. The farm was purchased by the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op two years ago. By HECTOR AMEZCUA

NO. 5: SACRAMENTO’S CO-OP BOUGHT FRUIT FROM THIS FARM FOR DECADES. THEN IT BOUGHT THE FARM

Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op now has the rare ability to control exactly when its fruit is harvested and delivered. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Benjy Egel

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Chef Billy Ngo stands in his newest restaurant Chu Mai on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. The restaurant features Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine served in a contemporary space. By LEZLIE STERLING

NO. 6: BILLY NGO’S NEW SACRAMENTO RESTAURANT IS A LOVE LETTER TO HIS MOTHER. SEE ITS ELEVATED PLATES

Billy Ngo’s new restaurant honors his mother while pushing Chinese and Vietnamese food forward. | Published February 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Benjy Egel

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.