Hinkle Creek Loop Trail, Folsom, CA - A Magical, Family Friendly Hike in Pure Nature

7000 Baldwin Dam Rd, Folsom, CA 95630

Directions

Park Hours: 7am to one hour after sunset

916-461-6601

If fairies were real, this is exactly where you’d find them.

Lush green grass, a winding dirt trail weaving through towering, whimsical trees, moss-covered rocks, a creek with an inviting stone pathway leading to who-knows-where - everything about this place feels straight out of a storybook. There’s just something magical about it, and I know I’ll keep coming back.

One weekend, my family and I visited BOA Vista Orchards (which is open year-round), but we ran into a little hiccup - we forgot our 2-year-old’s shoes… at home… an hour and a half away. The nearest store with his size was in Folsom, so off we went. After finally getting shoes, we searched for a nearby family-friendly hike, and Google led us to Hinkle Trail.

Finding this place by accident made it feel even more special - because let’s be honest, you don’t just stumble upon places like this every day.

Hinkle Creek Trail is a 1-mile loop sitting on 36 acres of beautiful open space. Half of the trail winds through grass and trees, while the other half follows a paved path back to the parking lot. It’s both equestrian- and dog-friendly, and if you’re visiting during wet months, keep in mind that the dirt trail gets muddy.

Near the trailhead, you’ll find a nature center where you can learn about local wildlife, plants, and educational programs in the area. There’s also seating at the start of the trail and by the nature center, making it a great spot for a picnic. One of my favorite little surprises? A makeshift fairy garden near the beginning of the trail - one more thing that makes this place feel straight out of a storybook.

A few things to know before you go:
*If you’re traveling in winter, check the road conditions. If taking I-80, check weather reports for Donner Pass - it’s one of the highest points on the way from Reno to Folsom. If taking Highway 50, check conditions at Adventure Mountain, another high-elevation spot.
*Coyotes tend to be out early in the morning.
*If you want to make a full day of it, the Folsom Zoo and Folsom Railway are nearby.

And one last tip: Folsom is practically neighbors with the Bay Area, and you know what that means -amazing boba. I always take advantage when I’m visiting. We found a great spot called T4, and they even offer online ordering. Highly recommend.

If you’re coming from Reno, you have two scenic route options. Taking Highway 50 lets you pass through South Lake Tahoe and stop at BOA Vista Orchards along the way. If you take I-80 instead, you’ll shave off about seven miles and can stop in Truckee for some great food and winter sports. Either way, it’s a beautiful drive leading to an even more magical hike.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes" and "Day Trips From Reno"

Photos

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Discover Damonte Ranch Park

1950 Steamboat Pkwy
Reno, NV 89521

When I first moved to Reno, I was on the hunt for the coolest playgrounds for my kids, and Damonte Ranch Park consistently topped Google’s recommendations. After visiting for the first time, it quickly became a family favorite over the past six years.  

Whether you’re a wildlife watcher, a wetland lover, a casual walker, biker, or skater, an eager jogger, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this park has something for everyone.

Notes
-Trail:3.1-mile loop trail with no elevation gain, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking.
-8-acre park with plenty of open space.
-The park is completely exposed, making early morning or sunset visits ideal during summer. Don’t forget sunscreen, as the higher elevation in Reno means stronger sun exposure. 
-There are no water fountains, so be sure to bring your own water.
-Play Structures: Two play areas—one for smaller kids and one for bigger kids.
-Popularity: This park can get busy on weekends, after school, and during holidays. However, you might find it more peaceful during colder, windier days.
-Picnic Area: 1 picnic shelter with 4 tables and a BBQ, conveniently located near year-round restrooms.
-Basketball Court: Features two half-courts 
-Hills: A couple of cute hills are perfect for running or rolling down. In winter, they’re great for sledding.
-Open Grass Areas: Ideal for flying kites or playing fetch with dogs, though it can get muddy when wet.
-Photography: The park offers stunning views of sunsets, snow-covered mountains, and local wildlife
-Parking: The parking lot can fill up during peak hours; street parking is available if needed.
- Biking: The wide trail is great for family biking or for those learning to ride.
-Neighborhood: The trail is lined with residential backyards
-Pet Waste Stations: Poop bags are available at a couple of locations for dog owners.
-Nearby Amenities: If you need to grab a bite or run errands, there’s a plaza down the street with McDonald's, Starbucks, Home Depot, Pizza, Subway, & Safeway

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots, Birthday/Event Venues

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

In-N-Out, The Only Burger You'll Need and Want in Life

8215 S Virginia St.

Reno, NV 89511

Directions

(800) 786-1000

Do you know how you can tell how awesome In-N-Out Burger is? I think the lines coming out the street to the stop light speaks for itself.  

I've been eating here since I was a child, and there's a lot of tastes associated with childhood, but all that aside, you will not find a fresher burger anywhere. Do you know how fast the turnover rate is for their ingredients? Weekdays, weekends... they are busy 24/7. They're like the DMV for hamburgers. Coming back to my point- their ingredients don't have time to spoil and they cook burgers so fast that they don't need to freeze their meat.

What's special about their burger is how it all comes together. You can have the freshest ingredients in the world, but putting them together in a balanced way is what makes a burger outstanding. In-N-Out does it with ease. No matter how you alter the burger to your taste- protein style without the bun, animal style with grilled onions and pickles, or 4x4-style with four patties, you cannot go wrong with taste.

The cherry on top is In-N-Out's fast and friendly service. You would think that there are thousands of minions working inside. They are just so fast and efficient that a line never scares me away when I'm craving burgers.

Did I mention how affordable their burgers are? You can go all-out for the whole family and it will likely not break the bank.

Notes:
-Why only four stars?  The low reviews are from people that are trying to shoo away others so they don't have to wait any longer in line. 

-If you want extra crispy fries, toss them in an air fryer for a few minutes. If you want them in stock at home, fresh fries freeze well. 
-Do you want an impossible In-N-Out burger?  Go across the street and order the impossible patty from Burger King and toss it into a vegetarian In-N-Out Cheeseburger. Yes, I've done it for my father and he loved it!
-We love animal style: mustard grilled into the patty, pickles, chopped grilled onion and an extra helping of their famous sauce
-I always get animal style with yellow chili peppers, raw onion, & extra tomato added. Beyond delicious!
-you can get a whole grilled or chopped grilled onions!
-You can ask for extra spread packets, whole chili peppers, ketchup, salt & pepper on the side.
-animal style fries- fresh cut potatoes fried in sunflower oil topped with their famous sauce, cheese and chopped grilled onions
-You can regulate the salt on your burger and fries.  You can also ask for your bun extra toasted if that's your thing.
-their milkshakes have always been too thick for my taste but you can remedy it by ordering a side of milk and adding it in to your shake to thin it out, leave room in the cup. Neapolitan is a combination of all three flavors- vanilla, chocolate & strawberry
-you can pay with Apple or Samsung pay for a contact free transaction
-There are plenty ways to customize your burger. 
-I always wear a mask when ordering and picking up from the window to keep everyone safe.  A Covid outbreak at In-N-Out would definitely not be good for everyone's sanity, soul and tummy. 
-There have been little to no changes to their menu throughout history.  The old-fashioned way is the best way.  
-The workers are always nice to my kids. Some have offered stickers to them
-They control all their ingredients. process their own meat, make their own buns, source the best produce from farms.

-tables available outside

-you can go in and order take out

-always open late night

Categorized under "Good Eats"---> "Burgers"

Witness A Millionaire's Creation During the Comstock Load Mining Boom and Enjoy Beautiful Grounds at Bowers Mansion Regional Park

4005 Bowers Mansion Rd

New Washoe City, NV 89704

775-849-0201

Website

Pavilion Reservations

Pool Info.

Facebook

Upcoming Event: Bowers Bluegrass Festival (August 24-27, 2023)

Purchase Tickets

Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Bowers Mansion Regional Park, only 15 minutes away from South Reno on the way to Carson City. For 100+ years, people have been visiting this park for its scenic views, swimming pool, mansion, beautiful grounds, history, events, outdoor recreational activities, and more. *Experience a pleasant picnic under towering shade trees *Swim in a secluded pool in the middle of nature *Rent out one of the pavilions for life's special occasions *Take in a piece of history through educational plaques and tours in the most elegant building of its time *Let the children run wild and free while exploring, swinging, sliding, and climbing at the playground I'm so thankful to have such a special and beautiful park nearby—a place that has served and continues to be the perfect spot to learn, have fun, grow, live life to the fullest, and create precious moments.

2020 hours of operation.  Opening + closing dates are around the same time every year.

Bower's Mansion Tours

Take a trip back in history and walk in the shoes of past millionaires Eilley & Sandy Bowers with a guided tour offered seasonally, usually from Memorial Day through Nevada Day. 

I have yet to take it, but from what I've researched, it's popular and led by people who tell the story of the mansion in an entertaining manner (such as the person in the walk-through video tour below).

The park usually hosts special events like Programs on the Porch (free live music), a Civil War event, & more.

Notes

-49-acre park  

-No pets allowed due to historical significance, except for service animals  

-Plenty of day-use picnic tables with BBQ grills available on a first-come, first-served basis

-Two pavilions, Comstock Picnic Pavilion and Washoe Picnic Pavilion, are located at each end of the park, ideal for special events like weddings. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are next to each pavilion

-Two partially shaded play structures are situated at each end of the park

-Plenty of grassy areas available 

-A trail behind the mansion leads to stunning views of Washoe Lake and the Bower family cemetery, accessible via a short dirt trail with stairs (less than 5 minutes)  

-The swimming pool keeps a lane open for lap swimmers, and there’s a new gated splash pad for toddlers with easy entry ladders and a hydraulic lift 

-The park features many trees that change color in the fall, making it an amazing spot for photos  

-Great shade during summer

-Davis Creek Regional Park is just a couple of minutes away, offering family-friendly trails (ranging from easy to difficult), camping grounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots when water levels permit 

-I love taking my kids to the Chocolate Nugget Factory for ice cream sundaes and treats after a fun-filled day, only about 5 minutes down the street

-The park is surrounded by farmlands, making it easy to drive around Washoe Lake and spot various farm animals

-Flushable toilets available 

-Huge parking lots are located on each side of the park

My kids learned how to bike here.

Photography 

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots & Birthday/Event Venues"