Best stops along I-80: Driving to Tahoe

March 4, 10:12 AMSF Lake Tahoe Travel ExaminerElizabeth Sedway

If you're traveling through Sacramento during the day, and the kids could use a break from the car.  There are more than a few entertaining spots to visit and have fun.  For the littlest kids, Fairytale Town (Directions) For kids of all ages, there is the truly grand California State Railroad Museum (916) 323-9280.  The price, only $8 for adults and $5 for children (under 5 are free), is deceiving.  The huge, beautifully restored old trains, the you can see inside and out, and the miniature model trains are captivating.  You can dine at the various restaurants and small cafes in Old Sacramento, which is just adjacent to the museum.

As you enter Auburn, it's all about exit 121("Forest Hills Auburn Ravine Road"). This is a great stop, anytime of year! When you're heading east on hwy 80 (to Tahoe), it is one of the last stops with lots of amenities, before you get onto the windy mountain portion of the drive. Heading west, it is one of the first stops as you are "coming off the mountain". In the winter, the snow is generally gone by this point in the drive.

For truly amazing comfort-food meals and uniquely California snack foods, visit Ikedas's California Country Market (530) 885-4243.  For decades, I learned today, I've been misprouncing this name. While I had always pronounced the name "eye key da's" , it is prounced "ee keda's".  My source, Dustin Ikeda, ought to know.  Dustin is the nephew of the original owners, that opened Ikeda's, in 1970, as a fruitstand.  Now a restaurant and grocery store, Ikeda's even offers on-line gourmet gift basket orders.  By the way, Dustin's favorite item from the restaurant at Ikeda's is a big burger from the "Famous Burger Bar".  From the grocery section, his favorite is the "Marionberry Cobler".

 Also at the Forest Hills/Auburn Ravine Exit (Exit 121), you'll find these establishments on the south side of the freeway:Starbucks, Baker's Square, McDonald's, Raley's (Grocery Store),
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Carl's Jr., Ikeda's (see above), Arco Gas Station, Chevron, and a 76 Station.

On the north side of the freeway, you'll find: Verlero Gas Station (often the least expensive), Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Pop Eyes.

If you have a hankerin' for barbecue, and you're in Colfax, you're in luck.  The Drooling Dog Bar B Q (530) 346-8893 is right there.  Take exit 135 Colfax/Grass Valley.  They boast being "above the fog and below the snow".  Barbecue lovers can either stop in an enjoy a meal there, or call ahead for food to go.  The Drooling Dog folks will have it ready for you to pick up (or fetch).  From 7a to 11a you can even have breakfest burritos, scrambled eggs or "The Elvis Wrap", eggs, sliced banana and peanut butter and jelly.  Ummm doggie!

Drive safely, if you're headed to the mountains.  Consider winterizing your car.  For easy road conditions, even from your iphone or blackerry, visit TahoeKidsGuide.com's road conditions page.