Old Sacramento: A Pokemon Go Paradise
Have you been to Old Sacramento lately? If not, you’re missing out. Business is booming in the beloved historic district, due in large part to it being a hotspot for players of Google’s highly successful freeware “Pokemon Go”.
For those who don’t know, Old Sacramento is comprised of eight historic blocks in downtown Sacramento, containing 53 historic buildings and countless landmarks. Amongst these structures is the oldest building in Sacramento: The Lady Adams Building, built in 1852 — now home to the ever-popular Evangeline’s. According to the district’s website, Old Sac has a higher concentration of historic buildings and landmarks in its 28 acres than any other similar location on the West coast! If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Sacramento’s Gold Rush days, look no further than this charming shopping district.
The area itself is registered as a National and California Historic Park, and is home to over 70 locally-owned and operated businesses. Tourists and Sacramento area natives alike love Old Sacramento for its unique shops, museums, fun atmosphere, and family-friendly events.
The Pokemon craze is drawing enormous crowds!
Where does Pokemon Go fit in? The free game, produced by Niantic and Google, utilizes Google Maps to place “Pokestops” and Pokemon in locations that are home to special landmarks — and we all know that Old Sac has a higher concentration of special landmarks than any other area! Pokemon Go app producers also spawn different types of Pokemon for players to catch based on the type of location they are in. For example, coveted water Pokemon can often be found on the Sacramento River Trail, which connects to Old Sacramento. Rare Pokemon are abundant in Old Sacramento, drawing gamers from all over the area looking to catch ’em all. The result? Business is booming and Old Sacramento is experiencing an extreme resurgence in popularity.
Pokestops abound in Old Sacramento, and Pokemon spring up at every turn!
Businesses in Old Sac are eager to draw in Pokemon Go players, with many advertising their status as a premium Pokestop. It is interesting to see the way in which this “augmented reality” game is truly augmenting our local economy and social landscape in real-time!
The local businesses have embraced the Pokemon culture, as evidenced by later hours and references like the one on Graciano’s entrance!
Small, family-run businesses that once closed their doors at 5 are now staying open later and hiring more employees to accommodate the crowds. Vendors can be seen on the streets selling glow sticks and other fun light-up toys on weeknights to take advantage of the new, late-night activity taking place. When you visit, you won’t miss the large groups of Pokemon Go players walking down every street, stopping to catch Pokemon and pick up Pokeballs and other items for their games. The consistent flow of players in Old Sac’s concentrated area is transforming this historic district into a Pokemon player’s paradise — almost akin to a Disneyland for Pokemon Go lovers.
Crowds of Pokemon-ers enjoying their Wednesday evening in Old Sacramento.
While opinions about the Pokemon Go phenomenon range from love to hate, there is no doubt that its impact on our local economy — at least in this beloved Historic District — is an immensely positive one! This speaks to the power of augmented reality technology to revitalize and reenergize our communities on social and economic levels. If you haven’t been to Old Sacramento in a while, now is the time to go! Below, find a comprehensive list of all the great local businesses you can visit while you’re there.
A gorgeous view of the sun setting on the Sacramento River. Access this spot by walking down the trail from Old Sac’s dock to the riverbank.
APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES
A Million Sunglasses • 127 J St. • (916) 446-6008 • www.amillionsunglasses.com
Ana Apple Boutique & Creative Studio • 114 K St. • (916) 737-5272 www.anaapple.com
Cali Tees • 1010 Front St • (916)448-8088
Cali Way • 1017A Front St. • (916) 303-0611
California Gifts & Shirts • 910 2nd St. • (916) 448-8088
Fashion To Be Boutique • 1102 2nd St. • (916) 756-3369
Jewels Unique • 1022 2nd St. #A • (916) 443-0556
Karel’s Giftland • 1115 Front St., #4 • (916) 223-2224
LiBush International Connection • 112 K Street • (916) 662-0806
Mea Vita • 125 K St. • (916) 273-7748
Moxy Threads • 1029 Front St. • (916) 441-7099
Old Sac Leather Works • 1014 2nd St. • (916) 448-5108
Old Sac Shirts & Gifts • 1104 2nd St. • (916) 441-1138
Old Town Train Stop • 1031 Front St. • (916) 329-7249
Peruvian Crafts • 1105 Front St. • (916) 329-7249
She West • 1115 Front Street, #5B • (916) 320-6341
Sock City • 123 K St. • (916) 440-1559 • www.funsockcity.com
The Clothing Hang-Up Boutique • 1015 2nd St. • (916)970-5943 • www.theclothinghang-upboutique.net
ART, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
American Legacy • 1025B Front St. • (916) 447-5700
Artists’ Collaborative Gallery • 129 K St. • (916) 444-7125 • www.artcollab.com
Brook’s Novelty Antiques & Records • 1107 Firehouse Alley • (916) 443-0783
Lux Quaubas Modern Art Gallery • 106 K St #34
Old Sacramento Trading Post • 1115 Front St. #3 • (916) 498-0766
The Penny Farthing • 110 L Street • (916) 200-6265
Saya Fine Art Gallery • 1115 Front St. #12
Stage Nine Entertainment Store • 102 K St. • (916) 447-3623 • www.stagenine.com
The Vault at Stage Nine • 102 K St. • (916) 447-3623
FOOD AND HOME
Chef’s Mercantile, A William Glen Boutique • 118 K St. • (916) 737-5636
The Chefs’ Olive Mix • 131 J St. • (916) 706-3105 • www.chefsolivemix.com
Old Town Smokehouse • 1100 Front St., #140 • (916) 492-9089
The Underground Tasting Room • 900 2nd St. • (916) 444-2349 • www.theundergroundtastingroom.com
GIFTS
CJ Pacific Goods • 115 Front St #5
Evangeline’s • 113 K St. • (916) 443-2181 • www.evangelines.com
Garden of Enchantment • 126 K St. • (916) 446-7950
Off the Wall Novelties • 1106 2nd St • (916) 443-0033
Qismat • 1021 Front St • (916) 440-0288
Visions of Eden • 126 J St. • (916) 448-1499 • www.visions-of-eden.com
JEWELRY
Skalet Family Jewelers • 935 Front St. • (916) 441-1976 • www.skaletjewelers.com
Super Silver Sacramento • 1102 2nd St. • (916) 443-2801
SPECIALTY RETAIL
Ana Apple • 114 K St. • (916) 737-5272 • www.anaapple.com
Boss Vapor Company • 1115 Front St
Christmas & Company, A William Glen Boutique • 116 K St. • (916) 737-5616
Evangeline’s Costume Mansion• 113 K St. • (916) 443-2181 • www.evangelines.com
El Maya • 900 2nd Street. • (916) 612-0219 • www.facebook.com/elmaya.oldsac
Huntington & Hopkins Hardware • 113 I St. • (916) 323-7234
McGee’s Old Time Photos • 103 K St. • (916) 442-7234
O’Grady’s Old Time Photos • 1026 2nd St • (916) 446-4242
Old Sacramento General Store • 1019 2nd St. • (916) 443-6761
Ology • 130 K St. • (916) 444-8700 • www.ology-oldsac.com
Practical Cycle • 114 J St. • (916) 706-0077 • www.practicalcycle.com
Railroad Museum Store • 111 I St. • (916) 324-4950
Sacramento Sports & Souvenirs • 1035 2nd St. • (916) 443-0556
TOYS & GAMES
G. Willikers Toy Emporium • 1113 Front St. • (916) 447-1091
Old City Kites • 1017 Front St. #B • (916) 446-7575 • www.kitesatoldcity.com
SWEETS
Boxcar Eats • 1023 Front Street • www.boxcar8.com
Candy Barrel • 1006 2nd St. • (916) 446-5196 • www.thecandybarrel.com
Candy Heaven • 1201 Front St. • (916) 447-3404
Candy Land • 122 I St. • (916) 492-9295
Frozen in Time Treats • 110 K St. • (916) 446-2122
Munchies • 122 J St. • (916) 442-8256
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory • 1039 2nd St. • (916) 448-8801 • www.rmcf.com/ca/sacramento50028
Sacramento Sweets Co. • 1035 Front St. • (916) 446-0590 • www.sacsweets.com
Turtles • 1017 2nd St. • (916) 442-5203 • www.facebook.com/pages/Turtles-of-Old-Sacramento/123390717705041
COSMETIC/HEALTH
Aces & Eights Tattoo • 1115 Front St. #18 • (808) 212-4169 • www.oldsacramentotattooparlor.com
Capital Ink Tattoos • 1021 2nd St • (916) 446-6824 • www.capitalinktattoo.com
Chinese-West Medical Center • 1028 2nd St • (916) 930-0808 • www.chinesewestmed.com
Lace Salon • 116 I Street • (916) 205-0206 www.lacesalon.com
Old Sacramento Tattoo • 1012 2nd St • (916) 441-3387
River City Tattoo • 1028 2nd St • (916) 448-1212 • www.rivercitytattoo.net
Sacramento Barbering Company • 116 I St #A • (916) 595-5749
